Overall, worth the trip
by Anonymous on 10/11/10F. M. Kirby Center - Wilkes-BarreJoe Nardone has a knack for bringing together a variety of vocal harmony groups and presenting them in the best possible venues, with the best possible sound. We live in Washington DC but drove up for the show. Shirley Alston Reeves - formerly of The Shirelles - Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Famer - with that distinctive voice (still, at the age of 69). Terry Johnson's Falmingos - his voice is smoother and silkier than ever. Incredibly lush harmonies, and a definite show-stopper with their version of The Impressions' classic "For Your Precious Love." And a nice patient man, too - I saw him swamped with picture-takers during intermission, crowding him and jostling him, but he never lost his smile. We had seen then before, at The Fox in Atlanta about two years ago. They are a premier vocal harmony group. Kenny Vance and the Planotones - killer. Johnny Gale is the musical director, at which he excels. "Frenchy" Yahjian and Jimmy Bense are major vocal talents in their own right but Kenny just astounds. We've seen him a few times - always a great show. Herb Reed's Platters - very talented but no Herb Reed. (It was announced he had the flu.) It happens, but felt a bit like a let down, especially since Herb has spent years going after groups calling themselves "The Platters" but with no original members, and has worked for legislative protection for the old groups against others using the name without at least one original. In retrospect, Kenny and The Planotones should have closed the show. But: The Platters closed with "God Bless The USA" which had the audience on their feet by the end of the first verse. A good way to close. So, we've been to a few Joe Nardone shows, and they are always - always - a good time. And we are always - always - the youngest people there. Bonus.