10 Golden Oldies Acts Perform at Patchogue Theatre

Co-hosted by the Prince of Rock and Roll, Mickey B., and the Duke of Doo Wop, Harry G., 10 groups will perform in honor of legendary songwriter Billy Dawn Smith, who turns 85 on September 28. Smith wrote over 700 legendary songs such as “The Angels Listened In” and “I Thank The Moon.” The lineup at Patchogue Theatre will include The Marcels performing “Blue Moon,” Barbara Harris and The Toys singing their hit song, “Lovers Concerto,” Vito Balsamo and The Salutations with “Unchained Melody,” Jimmy Gallagher with hits from The Passions, The Manhattan Skyline featuring the vocals of Jimmy Russo and Cathy Santaniello, The Acchords, Twin Gold, The Tribunes and Somewhere in Time.

All of the groups will perform some of Smith’s greatest songs written for The Crests and The Passions.

Manhattan Skyline member and founder, and former member of The Capris, Tony Danno, spoke with us about his passion for Golden Oldies music and his upcoming show with all these other great performers at Patchogue Theatre.

How do you define the term “Golden Oldies” and your style of music?
We’ll never hear or see it the same again. It’s never going to come back unless the music is shared with others. [The Manhattan Skyline] is a group that came from all different groups. I’m from The Capris. Lenny Cocco is from The Chimes, and another guy is from Vito and The Salutations. We also have Cathy Santaniello in the group. She had her own group, Cathy and The Revivals when she was only 17, and this was a big Long Island band then.

What’s one of the most memorable moments of your career with The Capris?
I was lucky enough to have a mini-hit on [The Capris first] album with the song “Morse Code of Love.” Writing this song and it becoming a hit was definitely one of the most memorable moments in my career. What continues to surprise me is the material that we keep coming out with, and each group sounds the same as when we were younger. The lead singers still have their voices.

Where do you find the inspiration for your songs?
Back then all the songs were about girls—about when you meet somebody, then write about your experiences. Right now we’re working on a CD that we’re trying to get out to [have at] Patchogue Theatre.

You’ll be at the Patchogue Theatre on September 24—what are you most looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to seeing guys I haven’t seen in a long time, and I’m looking forward to having fun like we did back when.

The Return of the Golden Oldies performed at Patchogue Theatre, 71 East Main Street, Patchogue on Saturday, September 24 at 7 p.m. For more info and to purchase tickets visit patchoguetheatre.org or call 631-207-1313.