By Skip Sheffield
DELRAY BEACH — It was one of the most rollicking experiences one could have in church. Nearly 400 people spontaneously started humming along to old time rock hits and dancing up and down the aisles like they were teens— and some were teens! And it’s about to happen again in what has become an annual tradition in the open-to-public Old Time Rock ’n Roll Concert at Unity of Delray Beach.
Twelve local professional classic rock artists will sing dozens of hits from the 50s through 80s at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 15 at Unity of Delray Beach, 101 NW 22nd St. at Swinton Ave. There is no admission charge and reservations are not needed. A free will love offering will be collected.
“There’s nothing like putting today’s obligations, chores and stresses aside for a while to bring back old memories and songs that have touched the heart and soul. I know no place to experience this better than with this group of performers who are driven solely by pure love of music,” says concert organizer and emcee Brenda Robinson of Boynton Beach.
“When they perform hits from such electrifying artists as the Beatles, Billy Joel, Janis Joplin, or the Supremes, it’s like instant happiness – the audience wonderfully relives cherished memories, the people they adore, the things they love, the times they felt so joyful, inspiring them to dance and sing all over again. The energy is totally contagious.”
She says she’s “gathered the finest South Florida oldies rock talent that we could find. Last year’s concert literally rocked the church. So did the 2010 show. The word is out now, and we anticipate an even better and bigger show this year. It’s not just a rock ’n roll concert. It’s a summer blast that’s unforgettable.”
The performers, many of whom are new this year, are:
• Like Honey, the duo of Joan Sliwin Glasser and Alexandra Sliwin Collins of Delray Beach. Famous for intricate harmonies, they performed with Bob Seger, Glenn Frey of the Eagles and Bob Hope (in Vietnam). Joan sang with Loretta Lynn for several years. They have performed locally at a number of establishments, including The Living Room and Gizzi’s.
• One Plus One, the duo of Marion and George Frega of Lake Worth. They entertained Prince Rainier and Prince Albert and shared stages with Barry Manilow, Jack Jones and the Platters. They have extensively performed on cruise lines, including Carnival, Princess and Crystal.
• DYMiN of Boynton Beach and formerly of Belize. She appears regularly at Crane’s Beach House tiki bar in Delray Beach. She delights audiences around the world with rock, pop, reggae and soca tunes. DYMiN has released several popular CDs, featuring songs she wrote.
• The Bill Band includes brothers John (drums) of Boynton Beach and Skip (bass) Sheffield of Boca Raton, namesake Bill Curtis (guitar) of Boca Raton and Deneen Wellings (piano) of Boca Raton. John formed the group on a lark as a tribute to childhood friend Bill, who has played guitar since his early teens but never was in a working band. John, Skip and Deneen, who made her piano debut at age 4, perform with the Praise Team at the First Methodist Church of Boca Raton. John and Skip also perform in the Sheffield Brothers band with brother Richard and Mark Winans.
• Adding great appeal and talent as newcomers to the cast this year are the smooth sounds of gifted pianist and singer Rick Kupfer of Delray Beach, the engaging voice of Boca Raton resident Marilyn Durant (niece of famed comedian Jack Durant), the versatile chops of Robert Quinn of Deerfield Beach, sensational blues and rock singer Lisa Engleberg of Boynton Beach, and the incredible mellow sound and presence of Steven Gershon of Boca Raton.
• Jammin’ Jimmy Carillo, a retired New York night club DJ and sound expert who runs the largest and fastest growing karaoke meetup group in South Florida, will provide the professional audio for the concert.
Brenda Robinson, concert producer/founder and Unity of Delray Beach’s public relations director will again serve as hostess/emcee.
Unity of Delray Beach is located on the northwest corner of 101 NW 22nd St. at Swinton Ave., 22 blocks north of Atlantic Avenue. For more information, call the church office Monday through Thursday, 9 to 5, at 561-276-5796.