by Evelyn J. Mocbeichel
It was practically standing room only for this year’s Oldies Spectacular Concert presented by the Lion’s Club of Southampton. It was another outstanding line up of talent this year as the performing groups included The Coasters (Yakety-Yak, Charlie Brown, Poison Ivy), Shirley Alston Reeves, former lead singer of the Shirelles, Herb Reed’s The Platters (Only You, Great Pretender, My Prayer), and The Happenings (For your Love, See you in September, I Got Rhythm). Another attraction that night, making it act number five, was Real Diamond, a Tribute Band to the music of the great Neil Diamond! Master of Ceremonies was Cool Bobby B, host of WLNG’s, “The DooWop Stop” oldies show.
Another reason for the sold out show was a unique idea of one of the concert’s regular yearly attendees. “Big Al” as he was introduced from the stage by Lion’s Club member, Bob Grisnik, decided to celebrate his 80th birthday by purchasing tickets for his friends and family coming to celebrate his birthday that weekend. It is good thing the Southampton’s High School’s impressive auditorium is so large to accommodate the approximately 200 guests he brought with him. A huge fan of Neil Diamond, “Big Al” was invited on stage during the Real Diamond set by the lead singer to join in singing “Sweet Caroline”. He did a fantastic job belting out the song with the professionals and had a good voice, too!
The evening is a perfect venue to get together with friends for a night of amazing entertainment. Each year the Lion’s Club sponsors this wonderful show as another fund raiser for their programs. Ticket sales support the fine work the Lion’s Organization does for the visually impaired, provides scholarships for local students and a host of other charitable activities. Don’t miss next year’s concert when it’s featured in the Montauk Sun. It will be one of the best night outs you will have all summer! Visit these websites: www.hamptons.com/doowop/ or www.larentr.com to see about other doo wop shows year round and theme cruises offered by Lars Entertainment that features this fabulous music.
