An Afternoon of Music & Memories
Bob Miranda & The Happenings
Vito Picone & The Elegants
John Scupelliti & The Reactions
Music by the Coda Band
Host & Singer Rhett J
Monday, September 29 – 1:30pm:
Spend a soulful afternoon with the sounds of yesteryear! The Garden State Arts Foundation welcomes a stellar lineup of beloved performers: John Scupelliti & The Reactions, Vito Picone & The Elegants, and Bob Miranda & The Happenings.
Backed by the talented Coda Band, and with host and singer Rhett J, this show promises smooth harmonies, timeless hits, and a joyful celebration of classic music. It’s the perfect way to relive the golden age of pop with friends and fellow fans!
Kindly Note: If you requested tickets for the original date, those are still valid. No further action is required.
Bobby Miranda & The Happenings
The Happening svirtually exploded onto the national charts in May of 1966 with their first single release, “See You In September”. The song quickly spiraled up the charts to become an international #1 record throughout the entire summer.
Today, the group consists of the original lead singer Bob Miranda, Ed Gaudio and Peter Calo. The group is a powerhouse of nostalgia and contemporary material that truly captures the classic signature sound that has made The Happenings a worldwide favorite for 50 years!
Vito Picone & The Elegants
The Elegants, still based on Staten Island, New York, were formed in 1956 by their lead singer, Vito Picone, who also co-wrote their # l hit single “Little Star.” They have appeared 5 times at Radio City Music Hall, were among the initial Doo-Wop artists to be presented at Carnegie Hall and the first Doo-Wop group ever to perform at Lincoln Center.
Vito Picone (lead vocalist), Jimmy Moschello (baritone), Frank Jeckell (1st tenor), Bruce “Sonny” Copp (2nd tenor and rhythm guitarist) and Gary Catalano (3rd tenor) have been acclaimed as one of the most entertaining acts representing the wonderful era of the 50’s and 60’s.
John Scupelliti & The Reactions
John Scupelliti, like so many others, sang on the street corners of Brooklyn along with many other groups. In 1962 he formed a group called The Trends. The group consisted of John Scupelliti on lead, Richard Scalici second tenor, and Richard Candido first tenor.
A short time later they recorded several demo records at Beltone Studios. As they shopped the demos around they met Frank Cariola (Frank Cari). Frank, the owner of Sultan Enterprises, quickly signed them to a contract with the Mutual Record Label and changed their name to The Reactions. Their first records, Our Wonderful Love and That Girl were released in 1964 on The Mutual Record Label. Although neither record hit the charts,they are still aired throughout the metropolitan NY area, as well as in Philadelphia.
Today John Scupelliti remains the lead singer. The others have been replaced by Phil Block, baritone out of the Bronx, John Foster, second tenor out of Brooklyn, and Elmo Maisonet, first tenor out of Queens.
The Coda Band
Enjoy the oldies/Rock & Roll sounds of The Coda Band, made up of a network of professional hand-picked musicians with extensive experience in the entertainment industry.
Host & Singer Rhett J
We’re also excited to welcome host and singer Rhett J!
