Thompson Arts Series Bringing Doo-Wop To Doylestown's Central Park

DOYLESTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — After weather forced the cancellation of the opening concert on June 5, the Thompson Performing Arts Series returns this week with a doo-wop tribute to the Del Vikings.

The free concert begins at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12 at the C&N Amphitheater at Central Park when “Come Go With Me Tribute 2 The Del Vikings” takes the stage.

“Dom, dom, dom, dom, dom-b-doobie-dom ..." is one the most familiar phrases in all of doo-wop and maybe music from the 1950s.

The song - "Come Go With Me" - was created by the legendary Del Vikings in 1956 and written by C.E Quick with Norman Wright on lead vocals.The original members of the band included Clarence E. Quick, Kripp Johnson, Norman Wright, Dave Lerchy, Gus Backus/William Blakely and Joe Lopes.

"Come Go with Me Tribute 2 the Del Vikings” features the sons of Norman Wright - brothers Norman Jr. and Tony Wright - along with Mike Machado, Maverick Gaithers, and Blue Salim.

“The Del Vikings were the first group we saw in our living room growing up in Bushwick - Brooklyn, N.Y.,” said the brothers. “We grew up not knowing how famous our dad and The Del Vikings was until we both had a show and tell project at our school P.S 299 where we both brought
in The Del Vikings albums and our teachers lost their minds.This made us question our dad when we got home from school,and he told us the story.”

The series continues on June 19 with Tommy Cono - Voice of Tribute - and on June 26 with Cherry Lane with high energy, horns, rock and R&B.

In July and August concerts are scheduled for:

• July 10, Legacy Band (party and dance music)
• July 17, Studio Two (Beatles music)
• July 24, Discoteks (Motown, R&B, Disco)
• July 31, Little Red Rooster (Blues (award winning Local favorite)
• August 7, Lights Out (Frankie Valli
• August 14River of Dreams (Billy Joel Tribute)
• August 21 Bell Bottom Blues (Eric Clapton Tribute)
• August 28 Class Act (Dance Band - local teachers

Throughout the series, a Beer Garden featuring Warwick Farm Brewing will be available beginning at 6 p.m. Patrons must be 21 years of age to purchase beer and any purchases must be consumed in the amphitheater.

Food trucks will also be on location including Jack & Jill, Kona Ice, Kono Pizza, Rooster & The Chick and Salty Vets.

Parking at Central Park

Parking has been significantly reduced this year due to the park improvement construction project. When coming into Central Park at the main Wells Road entrance (one-way road) parking is available in the lots adjacent to the amphitheater and near the exit of the park. Additional parking is available at the New Britain Road entrance to Central Park with trail connections throughout the park and to park amenities.

Parking will be limited and likely to fill quickly. An early arrival and carpooling is recommended when possible. Township staff will be on hand to assist as best as possible until parking is full. Parking at Kutz Elementary School will not be available until the June 19 concert.

Doylestown DART

The Doylestown DART Bus will be offering transportation to and from Central Park.

Bus Route 1

• Starts at ACME market (Doylestown Shopping Center) at approximately 6 p.m.
• Center Square Towers (555 N Broad Street) at approx. 6:05 p.m.
• Broad and Union (Bucks County Parking Garage DART stop) at approx. 6:10 p.m.
• State and Main St. approximately 6:15 p.m.
• The Metropolitan at approximately at approximately 6:20 p.m.
• Child Lane and Old Butler Pike (Colonial Heritage) approx. 6:25 p.m.
• Central Park (destination 6:30 to 6:45 p.m.)

At the conclusion of the concert the bus will return riders to their pick up locations

Bus Route 2

• Pick up at Grundy Hall (Almshouse Road and 611) at approx. 6 p.m.
• Central Park (destination).

At the conclusion of the concert the bus will return riders to their pick up locations