Crossings brings The Whitesidewalls to Zumbrota's State Theatre on Saturday, January 24, at 7:30 pm for Love Potion #10. Tickets are $24 in advance, $27 at the door, and can be purchased online or by calling 507-732-7616. Doors open at 6:30 pm.
Love Potion #10 tells the story of six days in 1964 at a small-town high school, through the eyes and ears of the popular local AM radio disc jockey. The story lends itself to the doo-wop, rockabilly and rock and roll gold of the 50s and 60s, while offering plenty of comedy, intrigue and romance to boot. Performed by The Whitesidewalls and Michael Patrick "Records" Ryan as himself.
Both Ryan and The Whitesidewalls Rock n Roll Revue are fixtures in the Twin Cities music scene.
While Ryan pursues the girl of his dreams during a 40-year class reunion of the Northeast Southwestern High School, The Whitesidewalls Rock n Roll Revue touch all the bases on a run through the great music of 1954-1964. Audiences will hear Rock Around the Clock, popularized by Bill Haley and His Comets, Great Balls of Fire, made a hit by Jerry Lee Lewis and Chantilly Lace, co-written and sung by The Big Bopper. There's plenty more where those came from!
The Whitesidewalls first formed in 1971 and played for many years – they played a series of full summer shows at Valleyfair amusement park in Shakopee for 10 years, and in 1985 were named the Minnesota Ballroom Operator's Association's Act of the Year. Then they disbanded for 20 years. One of the early members, Dave "Swannee" Swanson, brought the group back together in 2007. Founder of the group, Pat Brown (Hound Dog), continues to play guitar, drums, and bass as well as sing, and is the band's musical director.
Other performers are band members Rocky Beaumont on drums, bass, guitar and vocals, Gino Gambucci on bass, keyboards, guitar and vocals, and Bobby Maestro on keyboards, bass, and vocals. Sharron Nelson plays dream girl Lenora.
The State Theatre is located at 96 East 4th Street in Zumbrota. For more information call 507-732-5210.