THIS MAGIC MOMENT
They’ll be bopping in the aisles at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza as retro fans get ready for the annual blast to the past called the “Best of Doo Wop.” Listen in and bust a move as legends from days gone by perform their favorite golden oldies.
The all-star line up includes the Buck Ram Platters. They’ll perform crowd-pleasing classics like “Only You,” “The Great Pretender” and “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.” Nostalgia buffs can also rock out to Bobby Hendricks Drifters whose hits are all over the place including “Under the Boardwalk,” “Up on the Roof” and “On Broadway.” They’ll “Hully Gully” with The Olympics, get “Stranded in the Jungle” with The Jacks and “Talk Back” with Johnny Tillotson. So get your groove on Feb. 18 and save the last dance for me.
The legends of Doo Wop won’t be the only stroll down memory lane this season. “You Can Go Your Own Way” and check out the Ultimate Tribute Band to Fleetwood Mac. They’ll be performing the iconic band’s top hits like “Don’t Stop,” “Say You Love Me” and “Over My Head.” In March, it’s a “Ticket to Ride.” The Beatles tribute band brings back the glory days of the Fab Four and dresses the part, too. They’ll take fans on a musical journey from the days of the British invasion to the Sgt. Pepper era and beyond. In May, they’ll be honoring Ol’ Blue Eyes with a “Tribute to Frank Sinatra.” Expect more than witchcraft as fans swing along with the Chairman of the Board.
There are lots of other musical memories to round out the season with Broadway staples like “Fiddler on the Roof,” Monty Python’s “Spamalot,” “The Producers” and the family favorite “The Sound of Music.” Classical music lovers can celebrate Chopin’s 200th anniversary with the New West Symphony. Dance fans will waltz in for a performance by the famed Joffrey Ballet as well as the Pacific Festival Ballet Company’s production of “Sleeping Beauty.”
There are some well-known names headlining the “Distinguished Speakers” series. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair will impart his worldly insight. Popular Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez will share stories of the Southland and jet-setting journalist Peter Greenberg will offer the best tips on travel. So whether it’s song, dance or the spoken word, the Civic Arts Plaza might be just the ticket.