Greetings and salutations. What can I tell you about our 21st show at the Kimmel Center? Again, a complete sellout. But more important, everyone raved about the combination of Darlene Love on stage with Freda Payne. The salute to the Platters was unbelievable, with a 22-piece orchestra backing them up on all of their classic hits, and of course the Duprees, Kenny Vance & the Planotones, and the Soul Survivors — all proven stars time and time again. And you won’t want to miss the next one. It’s a special “Gift of Music on Mother’s Day.” Stay tuned for the lineup. But get your tickets in advance, because this will surely be another sellout. Call 215-893-1999 or go online at kimmelcenter.org. Now let’s ask the Geator.
First, a trivia question for Oscar season: Who was the first host of Academy Awards? Answer below.
I used to come to Wagner’s and Chez Vous. Whatever happened to the Nixon brothers? Thanks for the memories — Nancy
When we began doing hops in the early ’60s, Bobby and Eddie Nixon were among the earliest kids who followed the Geator everywhere — not only to the Chez Vous, Wagner’s and Atlantic City, but also when we did our dances in Wildwood and Ocean City. When I stopped appearing on the Steel Pier show with Ed Hurst because of my own TV show, Eddie was one of the kids who danced in my place. Unfortunately I learned of his passing a while back. Last I heard of Bobby was when he was doing promotions for corporate parties, but that also was a while ago.
I give you credit for turning me on to Don Covay with “Better to Have and Don’t Need,” which I have heard you play many times over the years. Today I’m listening to your show from Chickie’s & Pete’s — are you playing a different version of it? — Thanks, Lisa C.
Yes, that was Huey Lewis and the News, who did a great cover version. When I mix them together, other than the heavier beat on Huey’s version, you almost can’t tell the difference.
I was at Sugar House Casino on Wednesday for your opening and I loved it there. The lounge is perfect and the view is amazing. Everybody hopes you stay there. — Toni Iatarola
Yes, I’m really happy about that, because now I have an opportunity to entertain not only the folks up in Bucks County and Bensalem on Thursdays at the Buck, and in the Northeast on Fridays at Chickie’s & Pete’s, but now in my own backyard. The location of Sugar House makes it easy for locals from all over Philly, Springfield, and Delaware counties to join us after work when we go “Live at Five” on Wednesdays.
Answer to trivia: Douglas Fairbanks Jr. hosted the first Oscars in 1929. He handed out a dozen awards, which had been announced months earlier, and the ceremony lasted 15 minutes.
Once again, greetings and salutations to all who had a ball with the Geator at the Kimmel. Fabulous show, so nice that we’re going to do it twice. Mark the date: Saturday, April 7, and this will be a doo wop reunion, bringing back some of the classic stars who’ve been with me over the last 10 years — folks like Little Anthony, the Duprees, the Harptones, the Skyliners, the Classics, the Dubs, and more of your favorites. Stay tuned and we’ll announce the complete lineup shortly. And don’t forget, the Geator and the South Jersey/Philly crowd heading down south to the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, Florida, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, March 1-3. That’s got to be a blast, along with Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons’ appearance there, so make your reservations now. And yes, we...
An eclectic mix of performers is scheduled to appear at Golden Nugget’s newly remodeled showroom in March and April.
ONCE AGAIN, greetings and salutations. Hard to believe — tomorrow is April 1 and the opening of baseball season. The Geator’s prediction? The Phillies are going all the way. Also going all the way are the tickets for our Kimmel Center show May 8, Mother’s Day. I guess because everybody wants to give the gift of love to their moms, they’re giving that along with the gift of music. Hope to see you there. Now let’s ask the Geator. I read here in the Weekly that Kenny Vance and Jay Black are on the bill at your next show at the Kimmel Center. Will you have them perform together like they did when they were with Jay & the Americans? — Gil D. Absolutely....
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Different Crickets
1. jeff said... on Feb 23, 2011 at 11:16AM
“Jerry. You're too old.”
2. RICH BLINN said... on Mar 21, 2011 at 10:40AM
“Jerry, After your show on Saturday night at Colonial Hall, I was the Maitre'd for the show, I have to agree with all my friends that you are The Man. So stay young and let's keep on dancing.”