In the Still of the Tuesday Night July 15, Reminisce to play Wickford Music Series

Do you remember a time when "The Twist" referred to a dance and not a soft serve ice cream combo of chocolate and vanilla?  When you hear "The King" do automatically say Elvis Presley and not LeBron James?  Do you get nostalgic when Ford introduces a new and improved Mustang, because you were alive when the first Mustang rolled off the assembly line in the 1960's?

There is a word for what you are experiencing in Webster's Dictionary.  And there is a group you must see on Tuesday, July 15th as part of the Tuesday Night Music Series in Wickford.  That band and that word are REMINISCE.  Webster's defines reminisce as "indulge in enjoyable recollection of past events."  The band, Reminisce, is New England's Premier Oldies, Doo-wop, Group Harmony Band.  They featured a beautiful marriage of 5 exquisite vocalists (4 men and 1 lady), drummer, keyboard player, and one jack of all trades (guitar, saxophone).   I recently caught up with a few members of the group at a recent event at The Towers in Narragansett. 

As a side note, I was absolutely floored by the effect this twisting, swinging, cha-cha music had on the crowd gathered.  The event was held on the third floor event room of the Towers.  On a mostly humid night, three flights of stairs can be a challenge to even the fittest of us.  I was perched at the front end of the event room so I could see patrons arriving.  As soon as the patrons (mostly in their 60's and 70's) heard the music, it was like a surge of adrenaline and they quickened their step to get onto the dance floor.  It was like the music itself was giving them the physical strength and confidence to move and dance and feel 40 years younger! Truly an amazing sight.

I caught up with Jack, Frank, Jo-Ann, Ron, and Barry prior to the show.

"Is this lineup with Jack, Frank, Jo-Ann, Ron, Barry, Dave, Ron, and Phil your typical lineup?"

Yes, we've had this lineup together for about 10 years now.

"How would you describe your show to someone who has never seen "Reminisce"?

We posted this on our website and we believe it with all of our hearts.  We have thrilled audiences by "combining the unique quality and love of acappella singing with the perfect match of instrumentation resulting in the showmanship and charisma of a live oldies band, one versatile package pleasing a wide variety of audiences."

"Who are your influences?"

Oh wow, how much time do we have? The great harmony groups is where I would start - "The Platters", "The Skyliners", so many to name.  The R & B influences are there obviously.  All those great doo-wop bands are actually still kicking around believe it or not.  I hear TV commercials now with songs from that era.  That tells a lot about the sustainability of doo-wop.

"What can you tell me about music of the 1950's and 1960's?  What is so different about it versus say pop music of today?"

To be honest, I can't relate to the music or the dances of today.  In our era, our style of music, the music said something.  A songwriter would write a love song to his sweetheart and you could feel the passion in his words.  The dances were intimate, couples close together, talking, kissing each other on the cheek.  The swing dance is a sight to see - couples moving around the dance floor, holding hands, waving their arms, laughing, smiling, loving every second of it.  I see dancing now and it's just jumping around, etc.  Not my cup of tea.  I love the personal connection our music brings to our audience.

"What connection do you have to Wickford and what does it mean to be playing in Wickford for the Tuesday Night Music Series?"

We have a connection with the owner of Borelli's Bakery.  We played in one of his clubs years ago.  I know he will be serving Ice Cream for our show and I can't wait to see him again.  And the crowd in Wickford is so enthusiastic.  We love how they come out and support the bands.  We are really looking forward to Tuesday night. 

Centreville Bank, The North Kingstown Arts Council, and the I.C.E. Agency present Reminisce, live July 15th in Wickford.  Come out to Wickford and Remember, Retrospect, and most of all REMINISCE.

For more information on REMINISCE, go to www.reminisceontheweb.com.  For more information on the 2014 Tuesday Night Music Series, go to the official website of the event - www.wickfordmusicseries.com. 

The I.C.E. Agency - Inspiring Creative Energy