By Tim Kelly
Doo Wop, early Rock ‘n’ Roll, Motown.
“These are the foundation of popular music in America,” said Michael Hartman, director of Special Events for Ocean City.
Under the Streetlamp, one of the most popular groups to present these musical genres and more, will perform with the Ocean City Pops Orchestra at the Music Pier this Saturday and Sunday, with both shows starting at 7:30 p.m.
Hartman said the group’s repertoire includes favorite songs from the Drifters, Beach Boys, Beatles, Motown and a medley of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons hits, just to name a sampling.
Tickets range from $30 to $45. For tickets, call 609-399-6111, email boxoffice@ocnj.us or visit www.oceancityvacation.com/boxoffice.
“(This show) is a perfect pairing with our other big event of the weekend,” Hartman said. “We are stepping back in time with the Classic Car and Street Rod Show. It’s a time warp.”
The car show begins on the grounds of the Ocean City Tabernacle from 8 a.m. to noon and proceeds to the Boardwalk where the cars are on display from 6th to 14th streets until 4 p.m.
Under the Streetlamp is a group that evolved from the Broadway hit “Jersey Boys.” Some of the original cast members founded the group and began performing at the conclusion of “Jersey Boys” Broadway run.
“We’re honored they are coming to Ocean City,” Hartman said. “It’s a tribute to the versatility of the Pops, of our entertainment offerings and the versatility of the Music Pier as a venue.”
The group, consisting of Eric Gutman, David Larsen, Brandon Wardell and Shonn Wiley, combines tight harmonies with slickly choreographed dance moves.
“(Under the Streetlamp) performs timeless music which is a soundtrack to so many things. The audience will know this music and relate to it,” Hartman said. “These are very talented guys. Their show pays tribute to the music, but it also has great choreography and a Broadway feel to it.”
That’s understandable, since Under the Streetlamp has performed on Broadway in such blockbuster shows as “42nd Street,” “Book of Mormon” and “Good Vibrations: a Beach Boys Musical” among others.
In addition to their live shows, the group has starred in musical specials on public television. Their most recent, “Rockin’ Around the Clock” was a ratings hit. Combined, their three specials on PBS have been broadcast in approximately 160 television markets nationwide, translating to 93 percent of the country, according to the group’s website.
Hartman said the quartet’s harmonies and dance moves are a perfect blend to perform with the Pops.
“These songs were meant to be heard with orchestration,” he said.
The show also kicks off Ocean City’s events schedule for the fall or “shoulder season,” that post-Labor Day time when the crowds thin out and the weather is some of the best of the year.
“Visitors are still coming to Ocean City and many of our local residents are getting out more now,” Hartman explained.
The beaches, Boardwalk, restaurants and shopping on Asbury Avenue remain the staple attractions in town, but people “still want (other) things to do,” he said.
Starting this weekend, that will certainly be the case in Ocean City.
