AETN Foundation to host Doo Wop celebration
Tickets to the "AETN Foundation Doo Wop Celebration" Sunday, May 11, 2008, at the Robinson Center Music Hall in Little Rock are now available exclusively through the Arkansas Educational Television Network Foundation.
This musical extravaganza will feature:
*Charlie Thomas' Drifters, with such classics as "This Magic Moment," "Save The Last Dance For Me," "Under The Boardwalk" and "On Broadway."
*Gene Chandler, known for "Duke of Earl" and "Groovy Situation."
*Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs, with favorites including "Stay" and "Little Darlin’."
*Shirley Alston Reeves, original lead voice of The Shirelles, performing greats like "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow," "Soldier Boy" and "Baby It's You."
*Larry Chance of The Earls, with "Remember Then," "I Believe" and "Life Is But A Dream."
The AETN Foundation is the only outlet for these tickets. Patrons may choose to attend an afternoon matinee or an evening performance. VIP seating is available for $100; orchestra for $70; and mezzanine for $55. Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit www.aetn.org, or call 1-800-662-2386.
All proceeds will help support public television programming in Arkansas.
Those interested in attending the performance may tune in for a preview of some of the acts in "My Music: Doo Wop Love Songs," airing on AETN Sunday, March 9, at 6 p.m.; Wednesday, March 12, at 9:05 p.m.; Saturday, March 15, at 4 p.m.; and Sunday, March 16, at 8 a.m.This program is a salute to heartfelt harmonies and spotlights legendary acts from the 1950s and 1960s, many of whom haven’t performed together in decades. Headlining the romantic rhythms are Little Anthony & the Imperials with their tunes "Tears on My Pillow" and "Two People in the World."
Among the doo wop pioneers who reunite in this historic special are the Tokens with their pair of 1961 smashes "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" and "Tonight I Fell in Love." Cleveland Still & the Dubs reprise their 1957 hit "Could This Be Magic," and the Classics reminisce with "Til Then."
The Original Drifters, with founding singer Bill Pinkney, gather for the first time on public television to present the holiday favorite "White Christmas." This was among Pinkney’s final performances; he passed away on July 4, 2007. Later group members, billed as Charlie Thomas’ Drifters, appear along with one of the group’s most famous singers, Ben E. King, for "Stand By Me."
Frankie Lymon’s Teenagers revive their most famous recording, "Why Do Fools Fall in Love," along with "I Want You to Be My Girl." The Students team with 13-year-old sensation Kid Kyle on "I’m So Young," proving that doo wop isn’t just for baby boomers.
The Arkansas Educational Television Network (www.aetn.org) provides lifelong learning opportunities, improves and enhances Arkansans’ lives and celebrates the unique culture of Arkansas through its programming and services. AETN’s digital and analog transmitters and numerous cable system connections give it statewide reach.