Hall of Fame Performer Set for Mr. Mature America Pageant in Ocean City

Ocean City, NJ -- Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Ocean City native Dick Richards will return as a special guest at this year’s Mr. Mature America Pageant, Ocean City Public Relations Director Mark Soifer said this week.

Richards, 92, was the original drummer of Bill Haley’s Comets, and he still travels the world performing concerts with the remaining members of the legendary band. He also has organized his own group, the Ready Rockers, who will perform with him at the Music Pier.

He played a selection of favorites at last year’s pageant, including a drum solo to “Shake, Rattle and Roll” as the finale.

He was an outstanding lineman on West Chester University’s football team. After graduation, he went on to become a great musician and also perform as an actor in movies, Broadway shows and soap operas. Richards recorded “Rock Around the Clock” with Haley. He was the drummer featured in the sound track for the movie “Blackboard Jungle”, which featured the hit song.

Special senior performers include the St. James AME Gospel Choir, Blues Legend Bubba Mac and Ms. New Jersey Senior America, Sherri McGhie. Sherri has appeared in productions of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast and Thoroughly Modern Millie. She has entertained throughout the State with the New Jersey Cameo Showcase.

The opening number will feature contestants dancing to “Smooth,” the music of Carlos Santana, choreographed by Jessica Albertson. Her dance routines have proved to set an entertaining tone for the Pageant’s show.

Michael Hartman, founder of the Greater Ocean City Theatre Company, will emcee.

The Flanders Hotel and Dietz and Watson return as major sponsors.

Longtime boardwalk businessman Hank Glaser and veteran journalist Dick Sheeran will receive “Lifetime Appreciation Awards” during the event, will be broadcast on GMA Pinoy, the largest TV network in the Philippines with stations throughout the United States and around the world.

The pageant takes place on Saturday, March 12, 7 p.m. at the Music Pier.

Tickets are $10.

To enter the pageant for men 55 and up, or to purchase tickets, call 609-399-6111 or email msoifer@hotmail.com. There is no entry fee for contestants.

Tickets can also be purchased at the City Hall Welcome Center, 9th Street entrance.