Come and enjoy tunes of the 50s and 60s on the beautiful Mississippi River with the “Alley Cats” in concert at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Vidalia Conference and Convention Center.

The “Alley Cats” will perform the doo-wop genre showcased in the years of 1953 to 1963 in a fun a cappella style. Concordia Parish Library and the Vidalia Conference and Convention Center team up for the first time to bring you this event that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

The “Alley Cats” began at Fullerton College in California and landed their first professional gig at Disneyland’s “Blast to the Past.” They won the Southern California Harmony Sweepstakes, which led to appearances on The Home and Family Show, Good Morning Arizona and the Arsenio Hall Show.

Members include Mando Fonseca, John O’Campo, Grant Hendrickson and Royce Reynolds. Fonseca is one of the founding members and a singer, songwriter, actor, dancer, choreographer, pianist and guitarist.

One of his highlights was singing at the White House for President Clinton. O’Campo began performing with the “Alley Cats” in 1990 but started his professional singing career at Disneyland in 1988.

Hendrickson received a bachelor’s of music from the University of Wisconsin and has an active teacher certification in general and choral music education. He has spent the last eight years as a professional musician, touring the world.

He has appeared on America’s Got Talent, The Next Great American Band and the Oprah Winfrey’s Trip of a Lifetime. Reynolds is also a founding member of the “Alley Cats,” his performing highlights include guest appearances on General Hospital and the TV movie of Cagney and Lacy.

The “Alley Cats” performances are accompanied by sounds of laughter and voices joining in to sing the melodies we all know and love.

Their engaging wit and humor have won over audiences nationally as they relate directly to the crowd with funny stories. Their tight harmonies, universal humor and unbelievable a cappella energy have made the “Alley Cats” America’s premier Doo-Wop group.

Their music will take you back to drive-in movies, sock hops and soda fountain cafés.

The Vidalia Conference and Convention Center was developed to provide area residents a place to visit and enjoy many different events. The convention center will provide the perfect ambience for an evening of Doo-Wop with the Great “Alley Cats.”

The conference center will offer van/trolley service to add convenience to your parking.

This program was made possible because of a “block booking” through the Louisiana Partnership for the Arts’ Presenter Network and supported with a grant funded by the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism.

The efforts worked in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council as administered by the Arts Council of Central Louisiana, the Comfort Suites Riverfront, Riverfront Royale Salon and Spa, Vidalia Conference and Convention Center and Concordia Parish Library.

Come and listen to the tunes of the 50s and 60s music on the Mississippi River at 7 p.m. Thursday in Vidalia. Don’t miss this unique concert with the greatest harmony and songs that will bring back wonderful memories.

 

H.L. Irvin is director of the Vidalia Riverfront, Vidalia Conference and Convention Center.