TOO BAD, YOU MISSED IT!
On Friday November thirteenth, it was a cool night in most of Gulfport, but out on The Point in back of the Rec Center, a really hot band was warming things up for a singing, dancing crowd that was too small for such a terrific event. The Party Time Band was belting out a 2 hour set of great 60’s rock at the November City/Chamber sponsored event, Concert on the Point.
This band of four musicians doesn’t just play 60’s rock, (and country), but are a big part of the exciting 60’s scene having formed in this area in 1960, (they must have been teen-agers). Not only did they play all the area clubs of the time, they either backed or toured with some of the big names of the genre. Names like Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis. The Beach Boys, Bill Haley and the Comets, Little Richard and Conway Twitty all shared the stage with this local band according to Jay Lee Angello, lead singer and guitarist.
According to Angello, the band fronted for the late great Roy Orbison right here in Gulfport at the Casino on several occasions and toured with Orbison all across the country. Angello’s rendition of Orbison’s “Oh Pretty Woman” was the most authentic cover of that wonderful song I’ve heard in years. Nobody really “does” Roy Ortbison, but Angello captured the soul of both the song and the singer.
The folks that attended this almost historic concert danced, swayed and participated in classics like Johnny B. Goode, Whole Lotta Shakin, Chantilly Lace, It’s Only Make Believe, Friends in Low Places and Ittsy Bitsy Polka Dot Bikini. They mixed in a few of their own hit singles like I’m Gonna Make You Cry, Tears In My Heart and Lost Love.
The band, made up of Bobby Barnes, Eddie Lee St. Clair and Jamie Trimarco in addition to Angello are not a bunch of old-time musicians on a nostalgia trip but are instead a highly energized, youthful combination of accomplished musicians who really believe in the music and who know how to sell it. Unlike most current musicians, they know they are also entertainers and really know how to put on a show. Their ability to connect with their audience and create a party atmosphere is unique and leads to spontaneous participation that leaves everyone begging for more at the end of their more than two hour show.
If you weren’t there, that’s too bad, but here’s the good news, Chamber President, Lori Rosso says, they can be invited back in the next season if folks ask for their return. Everybody that was there and those of you who wish you were should contact Lori and ask here to re-invite this fine band. Lori can be reached at rsvp@seabreezemanor.com.
Just a word about the Concerts in general. The variety and quality of the musicians seems to be improving with each concert. The Point behind the Rec center may be the most beautiful venue in the area. There’s plenty of parking all around, (many of you can walk). There’s food, beer and wine at very reasonable prices on the premises and there’s plenty of restaurants and bars next door for after concert eating and partying. Oh, did I mention the concerts are FREE.
Hi Big Dog,
Jay Lee Angello of the Impacs/Party Time Band here. I wasn’t aware that you’re review had been posted. Someone told me to check it out.
Thank you for your kind review. Makes and old man feel like the last 50 years have all been worth it. 2010 is the 50th anniversary of the formation of our original group, “the Impacs.”
Like our CD says, we’re old, but still going strong. I’m constantly amazed at how the youth even respond to our era music. As I often point out on stage, unlike todays “Rap-Crap”, our music had lyrics, story, melody and a quality that helps you remember it.
I’d like to buy a few copies of this edition of the Gulfport Watchdog. This is something nice to leave to our grandchildren. We all really loved performing at Gulfport and hope to have the opportunity to repeat when the weather gets better. Here’s hoping we run across each other again from time to time.
Your Friend
Jay Angello
I’m working on a various artists compilation of Cameo/Parkway vocal groups that will include the first official CD release of “Tears In My Heart” by the Impacs.
I’d like to speak with Jay Angello, however, when I clicked on his name link, an “under construction” error message appeared. Can you please have him contact me?
Thanks so much.
Ed Osborne