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UGHA kicked off it's 25th Anniversary weekend with a great selection of crowd pleasing groups for the initial concert. The show took place in the Casino at Schuetzen Park, NJ and was well attended. All of the groups gave a great and memorable performance and really set the stage for a great weekend celebration. President Ronnie I kicked off the show talking about some of the great past events that have taken place at UGHA. Certainly an incredible accomplishment due to his vision and drive. "Thanks for the Memories" Ron. A wonderful video created by Frank Bartholomew was shown prior to the opening that highlighted the Top Ten "moments" at UGHA over the past 25 years. Below is a brief synopsis on the groups who performed Friday night:
GRAND CENTRAL ECHOES
Baritone & Lead: ELLIOT MATLIN, Second Tenor and lead: WARREN TESORO, First Tenor: HOWIE RAFFELOFF, False Tenor & Lead:KARL ITZKOWITZ, Bass: RICK SCHMITZ.
One of the better acapella groups that was reunited for the anniversary weekend. These guys haven't lost a note together and did a great job. The group formed in the early 1980's after some of the guys met at Downstair's Records in NYC. The group is from the Pelham area of the Bronx. They recorded for Ronnie I's Clifton Records: "Jeannie" b/w "Fine Fine Frame" Acappella
The group performed and became a regular at Grand Central Station in the 80's,always looking for that elusive echo, hence the name. Were featured on ABC News with Mcgee Hickey...Performed at UGHA numerous times and a special concert in the Bronx with Ronnie I that featured "Maithe Marshall & The Ravens"
Not surprisingly, Warren Tesoro (who currently sings with Lar-Kings and other groups) was a member. Warren has been in so many acapella groups over the years I've dubbed him the "Forrest Gump of Doo Wop". He's a real talent and a great guy.
KENNY VANCE & PLANOTONES
Kenny Vance & the Planotones are probably one of the most popular acts on the "oldies" music scene today. Kenny has a long history in the business and was an original member of Jay & the Americans. He went on to become a record producer, writer and movie actor. Kenny achieved a lot of notoriety when he appeared in the movie "American Hot Wax" and "introduced" the Planotones. The group has performed live ever since that movie.
Kenny recently picked up two new 'vocalists" and band member. UGHA knew them as Little Leopold, Frenchy Concepcion and Johnny Gale when they performed with Little Isidore. Actually, Kurt and Angel are top notch singers in their own right and bring a lot of talent to Kenny's act. Johnny Gale is a consumate musician, arranger and writer.
The Planotones add a unique style to some classic R&B songs but nothing gets the crowd going until Kenny launches into his signature song, "Looking For An Echo". Friday night was no exception.
EMOTIONS
Joe Favalli and the Emotions made their yearly visit to UGHA and as usual did a great job. Joe was also looking for an echo when he recreated the Emotions hit "Echo" from 1962. The group also sang their other hit, "Glory of Love" and others.
DEMENSIONS
Although there are no originals in this line-up, they do a great job in re-creating that Demension's "sound". The group was given "permission to use the name by original Demension lead, Lenny Dell. Lenny occasionally performs in with the group. They are true to the Demension recordings and sang, "A Tear fell", "My Foolish Heart", "One More Chance" and the classic, "Over the Rainbow", as well as other songs.
ETERNALS
They came roaring in Friday night ready to "Rock in the Jungle" and they looked the part with their snazzy new Leopard skin jackets. One of the finest vocal groups around today, they treated the audience to their classics, "Rockin' In The Jungle", "Babalu's Wedding Day", "My Girl", "Today" and others. They also just released a incredible new CD entitled The Eternals "Today" produced by Ronnie "I". One of the best products to hit the market ............a must buy. They are one of the premier acts in the business today. A class group of talented and professional gentlemen.
QUOTATIONS
Another great group from Brooklyn, known for their 'tongue twisting" songs, "Imagination" and "Ala Men Sy", the Quotations rocked the house and did a wonderful job closing a great concert. Their encore number, "Valerie", originally recorded by Jackie & the Starlites", brought the house down. The grandfather of all 'cryingr" songs had people in the audience crying along with the lead.
Photo Gallery
(Click on thumbnail to view full size)
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Founder and UGHA President, Ronnie "I" kicks off Friday night concert. He reminisced about the origins of the organization and reviewed the Top Ten "Moments" in UGHA history. |
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Ronnie "I" and his trusty companion and stage manager, Joe Loud. |
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Grand Central Echoes. |
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Grand Central Echoes presenting Ronnie "I" a cake congratulating him on keeping UGHA alive for 25 years |
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Kenny Vance is still looking for that "echo" and put on a great performance Friday night. |
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Kenny Vance & Planotones. |
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Kenny Vance & Planotones "Looking for an Echo". |
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Kenny Vance, |
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Kurt, Kenny and Angel. |
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Kenny Vance. |
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The Emotions. |
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The Emotions. |
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The Demensions. |
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The Demensions. |
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The Eternals. |
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Mr. George "Tito" Santiago of the Eternals. |
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Mr. Fred Clavel of the Eternals. |
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Mr. Herman Velez of the Eternals. |
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Mr. George Villanueva of the Eternals. Original lead on Eternals last recording "Today" released on Warwick records in 1961. |
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Mr. Ernie Sierra. Original member and co-founder of the Eternals. |
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The Quotations. |
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The Quotations. |
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The Quotations. |
