Wednesday, September 16 – 7:00pm:

Malt shop Memories Live is the gold standard for Rock & Roll fans everywhere.

Step back in time for a night of unforgettable music and legendary voices! The Garden State Arts Foundation presents Malt Shop Memories Live III, a spectacular celebration of doo-wop, pop, and rock ‘n’ roll. Featuring an all-star lineup including The Duprees, Clyde McPhatters Drifters featuring Ronn David McPhatter, Ron Dante, Eddie Holman, Brian Hyland, The Dixie Cups, Bobby Wilson, Vito Picone and The Elegants, The Chiclettes, beloved WABC Radio Personality Vinnie Medugno, Rainere Martin, Sounds of The Street, and Music by The Coda Band.

This concert promises wall-to-wall hits and heartwarming nostalgia, and it’s a night you won’t want to miss!

The Duprees

The Duprees have entertained audiences who love their unique and romantic sound for more than six decades. From their doo-wop and rock and roll groups start in Jersey City New Jersey, they grew quickly to become a sensation all across the country and around the world.

Although members have changed throughout the years, the singing group stayed in touch with their east coast roots and dedication to bringing favorite classics in an updated style. The singing group still thrills audiences with their smooth harmonies and romantic sound as they revitalize their top hits for new generations. Their dedication to preserving the sound, sharing it with more people, and spreading appreciation for music everywhere continues with Tommy Petillo, Jimmy Spinelli and Shawn Stevens who are todays Duprees for more than 43 consecutive years of stage performances.

Clyde McPhatters Drifters featuring Ronn David McPhatter

There is only one true founder of The Drifters, two time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Clyde McPhatter. Quoting Billboard Magazine, “It was Atlantic Records founder, Ahmet Ertegun who gave McPhatter the impetus, as part of his contract, to start a group of his own which came to be called the Drifters.” And start a group Clyde did, starting a legacy that generations of music lovers admire to this day.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame says, “The Drifters served to link fifties Rhythm & Blues with sixties Soul music that epitomized the vocal group sound of New York City.” Theirs was the sweet but streetwise sound of R&B suffused with gospel influences.

The legend of The Drifters continues today with the founder’s son, Ronn David McPhatter, following in his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame father’s footsteps. Along with group members, Larry Hines, Samuel White and A.J. Davis, Clyde McPhatter’s Drifters featuring Ronn David McPhatter continue to thrill audiences all across the country performing all of the legendary Drifter hits.

​Ron Dante of The Archies & The Cufflinks

Pop music fans know Ron Dante as the man who performed the #1 single “Sugar, Sugar” which topped the Top 40 charts for 4 weeks and was voted “Song Of The Year’” in 1969 … an era dominated by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and hard rock.  “Sugar, Sugar” sold over 7 million copies worldwide and has had over 300 million views on You Tube. Dante also was the lead singer of The Cuff Links whose hit song “Tracy” sold over a million copies the same year.

Lots of music lovers hum Ron Dante’s singing voice. Mr. Dante was the distinctive singing voice in hundreds of radio and TV commercials.

It’s Mr. Dante’s voice you hear singing “You Deserve A Break Today” for McDonald’s. His voice was heard in TV commercials for Coca Cola, American Airlines, Budweiser, Pepsi, Dr Pepper and hundreds of other well-known products.

His work as a record producer for Barry Manilow, Cher, Dionne Warwick, Pat Benatar, Irene Cara, Ray Charles, John Denver, and other major recording artists has generated over 500 million in sales.

Mr. Dante was the driving force behind Barry Manilow’s greatest successes. Their collaboration spawned one hit after another. Dante produced songs that have become landmarks on the pop music scene including “Mandy,” “I Write the Songs,” the Grammy winning “Copacabana,” “Could It Be Magic” and others.

Ron Dante. Has won 20 platinum albums and 3 Grammy nominations including producing the Grammy Award winning “Copacabana” by Barry Manilow.

Eddie Holman

Vocalist extraordinaire Eddie Holman is among the most listened-to artists in the fields of popular and classic R&B music. His unforgettable falsetto voice and the tune that he popularized is perhaps the most recognizable urban love-song in much of the English-speaking world.

“Hey There Lonely Girl” is the beautiful tune that seems to touch every ones soul as it emanates from airwaves or churns from the turntables of fans. It is the composition that distinctly defines how it feels when the young gent helplessly yearns for his lady, the object of his affection, who has been spurned by her ex!  The song concludes: “Don’t you know this lonely boy loves you!”. No other classic love-song in modern recorded history has had as much an impact on the lovelorn, or said it better than this 1970 mega-hit.

Brian Hyland

Brian Hyland’s journey through music is nothing short of legendary. Born in the vibrant streets of Woodhaven, Queens, on November 12th, 1943, Brian’s destiny was entwined with melodies that would soon capture the hearts of millions.

At the tender age of 16, Brian skyrocketed to stardom with his infectious hit, “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini,” claiming the coveted #1 spot across the nation and earning him a prestigious Gold Record. This was just the beginning of a remarkable musical odyssey.

Transitioning from Kapp Records to ABC Paramount, Brian embarked on a whirlwind of chart-topping success alongside the dynamic duo of Gary Geld and Peter Udell. Hits like “Let Me Belong to You,” “Ginny Come Lately,” “Sealed with a Kiss,” and “Warmed-over Kisses” solidified his status as a household name.

The Dixie Cups

The Dixie Cups are one of the most beloved female vocal groups of the 1960s, best known for their chart-topping smash “Chapel of Love.” Released in 1964, the million-selling hit soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming one of the defining songs of the girl-group era.

Hailing from New Orleans, the trio captivated audiences with their signature harmonies and infectious energy. Their string of memorable hits includes “People Say,” “You Should Have Seen the Way He Looked at Me,” “Little Bell,” and the New Orleans classic “Iko Iko,” which remains a favorite with audiences around the world.

With their timeless sound and unmistakable charm, The Dixie Cups have delighted generations of fans and earned their place in music history. Today, founding member Barbara Ann Hawkins continues to keep the group’s legacy alive, performing the songs that helped define an era.

Relive the magic of the 1960s as The Dixie Cups bring their unforgettable harmonies and classic hits to the Garden State Arts Foundation’s Malt Shop Memories Live!

Bobby Wilson

Bobby Wilson lights up the stage with a fresh, high-energy mix of Motown, soul, and crowd-pleasing R&B classics that ultimately get every audience on their feet. A three-time Grammy-balloted artist, he’s earned the nickname “Mr. Entertainment” for his explosive charisma and the way he turns every performance into a full-on celebration.

His show also features a vibrant tribute to his father, the legendary Jackie Wilson — a presence Bobby says audiences can “hear and see” every night. And when he takes the crowd “Higher and Higher,” it’s more than a nod to his father’s iconic hit; it’s the moment where Bobby’s own talent, heart, and unstoppable energy lift the entire room.

With his dynamic voice, magnetic stage presence, and deep connection to the music, Bobby Wilson delivers a powerful, feel-good experience that leaves every audience energized and inspired.

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.

The Chiclettes

Gracie, Mikayla & Jennie bring unstoppable energy to the stage with Pop Divas Through the Decades, a vibrant celebration of the women who shaped pop, soul, Motown, and today’s biggest hits. With tight harmonies, powerhouse vocals, and a flair that captures each era, they deliver crowd-pleasing favorites from icons like The Supremes, Chaka Khan, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer, En Vogue, Mariah Carey, Carrie Underwood, and more. Every performance blends nostalgia, sparkle, and modern polish, creating a feel-good experience that keeps audiences smiling from the first note to the finale.

As The Chiclettes, the trio has appeared alongside legendary artists including The Commodores, The Drifters, Little Anthony and The Imperials, KC & The Sunshine Band, and The Trammps, with national features on NBC TV, CBS FM’s Doo Wop Shop, and the Doo Wop 52 special. Backed by The Coda Band, they’ve become audience favorites in theaters, concert halls, casinos, and cruises throughout the tri-state area and beyond. Wherever they perform, their talent, chemistry, and timeless music light up the room and leave audiences on their feet wanting more!

Vinnie Medugno

WABC Radio Personality, Vinnie Medugno is enthusiastic in every sense of the word! A jack of all trades as he is known to be, he entertains, teaches at Port Richmond High School (where he graduated from), does charity work, and can also be seen alongside some of the biggest names in reality television, as well as the radio and music industries.

This charismatic young up-and-coming star is on the rise. Whether it is hosting or performing, this incredible young, good-looking personality takes the stage and commands it.

Rainere Martin

Tribute to Tammi Terrell

Rainere Martin, best known for her tribute shows to Donna Summer, will be appearing as a special guest with Bobby Wilson onboard, performing the music of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.

Sounds of the Street

Welcome to the Sounds Of The Street. The band was formed in early 2004 and was originally an acappella group. Because of venues wanting music, we added professional studio tracks to our group.

Our repertoire consists of hits and flipsides from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and Motown. Individually the members are as follows: Frank DiRobella, founder/owner, leads/baritone/falsetto. Tony Aquino, leads/1st/2nd tenor. Buddy Brewer, leads/bass/2nd tenor. Joe Noto, leads/1st/2nd tenor. Lou Orrichio, leads/2nd tenor/bass/baritone.

Our popularity has grown, and we have expanded our venues to include outdoor concerts, casinos, and arenas in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Delaware. Yearly we perform on the Malt Shop Memories Cruise. Highlights include performing on Don K Reeds Great DJ weekend on 107.1. We also won the a cappella contest at the meadowlands for Richard Nader in 2007. We opened that concert for greats such as Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge, Kenny Vance, The Duprees , and Larry Chance. We have also recorded two CDs. All members have vast experience musically with other groups.

Collectively, we are Sounds Of The Street! We are enjoying entering our 22nd year of performing and loving every minute.

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. 

Jackie DiMaggio

Stunning. Magical. Storytelling. 
These are just a a few of the words used to describe the one-of-a-kind voice of Jackie DiMaggio - affectionately known as “America’s Sweetheart.” Her voice bridges generations, evoking the timeless charm of the golden age while breathing life into the future of music. From Connie Francis to Broadway, jazz to contemporary crossover, Jackie’s heartfelt delivery, vocal versatility, and graceful stage presence make her a standout in today’s musical landscape.