‘Humorless ushers’ vs revived 50s twisters: ‘Cool, daddio!’

by John Hubbard, Bennington Banner, June 27, 1972

At Saratoga Festival

For three glorious hours Sunday night the audience at the Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., was transported back to the days spent soaking ginger snaps in milk while Dick Clark’s American Bandstand blared forth from the tube, to those nights of making out in somebody’s cellar (“we’re only listening to records mom!”), and to the endless hours of jukebox music at the malt shop. All those old times from that simpler era came back at the 50s festival of rock and roll.

The crowd was a mix between those who heard the first edition originals, and the younger kids who knew the songs second hand. But it didn’t matter as members of both age groups jumped up to dance every so often, despite the efforts of the humorless ushers at the center who tried to quell any show of enthusiasm. A silly attempt, because as one of the songs of that period said, “you can’t sit down.”

Joey Dee and the Starlighters started the night jumping with “Peppermint Twist” and “Shout.” Dee, who had only two hits, then sang a medley of other people’s hits. This was something nearly every act was forced to do. The 50s produced endless groups, each of which made a name on one or two records.

The Crystals were disappointing. Something went wrong with the sound system, the guitar was too loud and the lead singer was impossible to hear.

The Capris sang their hit “There’s a Moon Out Tonight” and then offered up another medley.

To see Chubby Checker actually doing the twist has to be a highlight of any 50s revival. Checker’s performance epitomized the problem stars from the 50s face. He wanted to sing his new songs, the audience wanted only the oldies, ah yes, but goodies. Bo Diddley was plagued with the same problem. Still, his funky guitar set the crowd in motion—and the ushers rushing all over trying to hush it.

Tony Williams and the Platters was the featured group and they ended the festival with their smooth ballads that became their trademark.

But the show was stopped and stolen by the Five Satins. They developed a bond with the audience that grew stronger with every song they sang. Their medley of hits was the best of the night. It was a good selection of songs that was well presented; “In the Still of the Night” left a few of the older crowd reaching for a handkerchief. The record has stood the test of time, selling 10 million copies in its 20-year history.

For the most part, people came to relive their past, or to find out what all this excitement over the 50s was all about. Elther way they did. It was a very hip evening.

Cool, daddio!