The Echoes' East Coast Swing Was A Gas!

On January 4th The Echoes headed back east for a few live dates and radio appearances. The first gig on the 5th was a private bash for Jack Polak’s 95th birthday party, proving you are never too old to Doo Wop.

The next day the guys headed for New Rochelle, NY to appear on "Remember Then" with Dennis Nardone at WVOX.  After the show Dennis suggested The Echoes check out Patsy’s Pizza on 116th and 1st Ave. This is the legendary place from which Old Blue Eyes had pizzas flown to him in Vegas. The food was great but Harv almost got wacked when he looked just a little too long at one of the wise guys eating there. 

After lunch the boys were off to Teaneck, NJ to see their old friend, The Princess of Doo Wop, Christine Vitale on her show "The Group Harmony Alley" at WFDU. Christine is always a blast and surprised John Lathan with details from his sordid game show-winning past. 

The next day The Mightys were doing a show at The Living Room in Manhattan, notably where Norah Jones got her start. It was an early show and up against the BCS Bowl so the fellows were a little worried about turn out. No need for concern as the place was full and rockin’!

On Tuesday the group headed for Park Slope in Brooklyn to play for one of the toughest crowds you will ever see,
Miss Mirna’s kindergarten class at PS 321. As soon as the concert started another class, accompanied by several wayward teachers, rushed the door and crashed the show. The group wasn’t sure what to expect...but this was an audience that really appreciated the sophistication of an Echoes performance. The crowd went so wild when John Lathan danced with one of the unsuspecting educators, that they almost had to call security. However, everything calmed down and the show was a great success. Thanks to Tate Richardson's dad Steve for getting The Echoes this great gig.

On Tuesday the group headed for New Haven, CT to appear with Richard Phillips on "The Rockin’ Richard Show" at WNHU.  Richard has been doing his Doo Wop show for 34 consecutive years and is a total pro.   The Echoes sang several tunes and Richard spun a few as well. 

The next gig was something very special.  Each year Randy Bergen, an a cappella and Doo Wop fanatic, throws a big a cappella show at Malloy College’s Hays Theater. This year, besides The Mighty Echoes, it featured four other great groups:  Heart’s Desire, The Wrenditions, The Tribunes and Shades of Soul.  All of the groups were incredibly welcoming and gracious to The Echoes. The audience was enthralled with every minute of the 3 hour show.  But it was what went on afterwards that made this event extra special. After things wrapped up, all the groups and many of the attendees headed for The Golden Reef Diner in Rockville Centre.  For 2 hours there was an explosion of spontaneous a cappella Doo Wop.  From every corner of the room different groups took turns singing songs, and then everybody started jamming. The Echoes have never experienced anything like this.  Singing a cappella with east coast groups in the birthplace of Doo Wop can only be described as priceless. 

Thanks to all the east coast fans for making our trip so memorable. A special thanks to Christine, Dennis and Richard for their support. To the other groups, we salute you all. And finally, thanks to Randy Bergen for a once in a lifetime experience. We can’t wait to come back!

Catch the re-runs of The Echoes recent appearances on The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody and It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia on Disney and FX.