Another fabulous night at Roxy & Dukes on June 11, 2017, as we welcomed back Frankie & the Fashions and, for the first time, Cherished Memories. Attendance at the Dunellen, NJ, club was jumping as the Philadelphia based Frankie & the Fashions brought out the Philly crowd and people wanted to catch Cherished Memories rare appearance in central New Jersey. Cherished Memories came down from upstate New York. This was our 24th acappella show at Roxy & Dukes in 24 months and we couldn’t have hoped for a better way to wrap up our second year. Both groups gave stellar performances.
As expected, Frankie & the Fashions led off the night with an outstanding set. No wonder this group is one of the most popular vocal groups around. Frank Lafaro led most of the songs in his patented smooth vocal style, while the group backed him with flawless harmony. We were treated to great renditions of “When You Dance,” “At My Front Door (Crazy Little Mama),” “Remember Then,” “So In Love” and “Don’t Ask Me To Be Lonely.” Matty Raimo rocked the place with “Good Old Acappella” and Tony Russo led a strong rendition of “I’m So Young”. Of course, no Frankie & the Fashions set would be complete without the group’s signature song, “What Di I Have To Do” (one of many songs written by Frank). After a powerful rendition of “Gloria,” we called the group back on stage for an encore of “Blue Moon”. Many thanks to Frank Lafaro, Tony Russo, Jerry Tempeste, Matty Raimo and Chuck Holloway..
After a short intermission, Cherished Memories took the stage. Some of the members of Cherished Memories had a two and a half hour drive to get to Dunellen, NJ, and we were sure glad they came. This was the first time we’d seen the group sing live. And as impressed as we were with their videos, Cherished Memories is even better in person. They opened with the up tempo “Rainy Day Bells”. In answer to the Fashions’ “Blue Moon,” Cherished Memories countered with the flip side of the record, “Goodbye To Love”. Jeff Semancik powerful voice was well suited to the group’s ballads like “Heaven On Earth,” “I Believe” and “Sometimes”. Jay Gumaer did a great job leading up tempo songs like “Here An I (Brokenhearted)” and “Morse Code Of Love”. Charlie Imperato and Joe Cardella masterly handled “Come Go With Me” and “A Thousand Stars”/”Glory Of Love” medley, respectfully
An added highlight to the night was when Joel Katz, “Jersey’s Voice of Doo Wop” came out of the audience to lead Cherished memories in a rendition of “When We Get Married” that brought the house down! Not to be outdone, Jeff closed the night with a strong encore of the Platters’ “My Prayer”. Many thanks to Jeff Semancik, Jay Gumaer, Charlie Imperato, Joe Cardella and John Torzilli.
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Up next, our second anniversary and 25th acappella show at Roxy & Dukes in two years – July 30 with the Cameos!
