Reminisants End Summer Concert Series

The final concert of the 2011 Needham Arts in the Park series on Thursday, Aug. 11 featured the popular oldies group, the Reminisants. The band played many favorite tunes by Elivs Presley, the Del Vikings, the Beach Boys, Johnny Rivers and Roy Orbison, just to name a few.

Founded in 1973 by vocalist/guitarist Dom "Rocky" Viscione and lead singer Mike Joyal, the group has grown to six members peforming all over New England as well as on cruises, at weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, retirement parties and any other event you can imagine.

The music and vocals of the Reminisants had many members of the audience clapping, tapping your feet, singing along and inevitably dancing to the tunes. Their Doo Wop songs are a favorite but new member, Mark Poulin, has such a pure voice and guitar skills, if you closed your eyes you would think Roy Orbison himself was on stage. The night concluded with the band and audience joining together in singing "God Bless America" and a strong round of applause for Joyal and Viscione who served in Vietnam from 1968 to 1970. Stated Viscione, "the United States is not perfect but it is still the best country in the world" which set off a standing ovation.

The Reminisants performed for the first time this year in Needham's Fourth of July parade as well as for the fourth time at the fireworks at on July 3. They have already been booked to perform at the same venues next year because of their overwhelming popularity.