Doo Wop Volume II

Joe Nardone has a knack for bringing together a variety of vocal harmony groups and presenting them in the best possible venues, with the best possible sound. We live in Washington DC but drove up for the show. Shirley Alston Reeves - formerly of The Shirelles - Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer - with that distinctive voice (still, at the age of 69). Terry Johnson's Falmingos - his voice is smoother and silkier than ever. Incredibly lush harmonies, and a definite show-stopper with their version of The Impressions' classic "For Your Precious Love." And a nice patient man, too - I saw him swamped with picture-takers during intermission, crowding him and jostling him, but he never lost his smile. We had seen then before, at The Fox in Atlanta about two years ago. They are a premier vocal harmony group. Kenny Vance and the Planotones - killer. Johnny Gale is the musical director, at which he excels. "Frenchy" Yahjian and Jimmy Bense are major vocal talents in their own right but Kenny just astounds. We've seen him a few times - always a great show. Herb Reed's Platters - very talented but no Herb Reed. (It was announced he had the flu.) It happens, but felt a bit like a let down, especially since Herb has spent years going after groups calling themselves "The Platters" but with no original members, and has worked for legislative protection for the old groups against others using the name without at least one original. In retrospect, Kenny and The Planotones should have closed the show. But: The Platters closed with "God Bless The USA" which had the audience on their feet by the end of the first verse. A good way to close. So, we've been to a few Joe Nardone shows, and they are always - always - a good time. And we are always - always - the youngest people there. Bonus.

I loved the show, the four acts were very good. I wanted to see the Platters for many years and was surprised they were still around. I was sad, my heart fell when they announce the founder of the group had the flu. I thought there was at least one original going to be there. Shirley of the Shirelles, looked great and I loved her music. The flamingo's I did not remember as much, still enjoyed them The Planatone's did not know at all, would love to see more of them.

Great evening of fantastic entertainment. Awesome venue....would go again in a heartbeat! You should bring Kenny Vance and the Planotones back for their own show!

shirelles were great,the flamingos were average,the platters stunk-with all their ballads they sang too many uptempo songs by other groups when the could have sang more of their own songs. kenny and the boys were great(as usual) and you should sign them to do a solo show.

My husband and I attended the Doo Wop event at the Kirby center on Friday evening. Loved all of the oldies. They seemed to have a lot of trouble with the microphones which was disappointing. I heard a few people saying it was like watching a "low budget movie". It seems like it could of been more organized. Other than that we had a great time.