What do John Stamos, Jay Black, and Jerry Seinfeld have in common? They all shared the stage in my shows, as I had the pleasure of hiring each of them to appear in my productions.
During my late teens, I ventured into the world of live concerts as a successful entrepreneur. I took on the roles of executive producer and promoter, all thanks to an exclusive lease agreement with the owners of the 1000-seat Valley Stream Theatre in Valley Stream, Long Island, New York. My mission was clear: to bring live music concerts showcasing top-name talent to our vibrant community.
As a teenager, my deep passion for the music of the 1950s and 1960s inspired me to embark on a mission to bring back the Solid Gold recording artists from that era. For my inaugural concert, I enlisted the legendary Bobby Lewis, who not only graced the stage with his presence but also assumed the role of the show's master of ceremonies. Bobby was renowned for his #1 hit song in 1961, "Tossin' and Turnin'."
To finance this ambitious endeavor, I relied on the earnings I had accumulated from my previous careers as a professional magician and mobile DJ in the preceding years. The lineup for the event was nothing short of spectacular, featuring not only Bobby Lewis but also the original Shirelles, Danny and The Juniors, and Randy and The Rainbows.
As a memorable backstage moment with Bobby Lewis unfolded, he shared some valuable advice that would ultimately shape the course of our concert series. He suggested that I host the show in a manner reminiscent of Richard Nader's Rock and Roll Spectacular concerts, known for their dynamic and engaging presentations. Drawing from my own experiences as an entertainer, I recognized the merit in his suggestion, and on the spur of the moment, I embraced the role of host and MC.
Over the years, our paths would cross, and we became good friends. Richard Nader, a prominent producer of revival shows in the United States, was a true trailblazer in the industry. His influence and our connection would continue to guide me as I navigated the world of live concerts, ensuring that the legacy of unforgettable music experiences endured in Valley Stream.
Continuing our journey into the world of classic music, we followed up with a spectacular performance by the renowned Irish group, The Clancy Brothers, during their most celebrated holiday. The anticipation surrounding this event was palpable, and it did not disappoint. The concert was a resounding success, with every seat in the house filled, making it a sell-out performance that left a lasting impression on our community. The Clancy Brothers' traditional Irish tunes and their vibrant stage presence enchanted the audience, solidifying our commitment to bringing world-class entertainment to Valley Stream.
The Soaps Alive Show was another pivotal moment in the history of the Valley Stream Theatre. I had the privilege of flying in the famous actor John Stamos and his mother from California to take part in this spectacular event. At that time, John was a heartthrob on the popular TV soap opera, General Hospital, and it marked his first journey to New York City.
The buzz and excitement surrounding this show were unparalleled. The media coverage was extensive, with every Soap Opera magazine and digest featuring the event, solidifying the Valley Stream Theatre's reputation on the entertainment map. In addition to John Stamos, the show boasted an impressive lineup of other well-known actors from various soap opera TV shows, creating a star-studded evening that left the audience spellbound.
Once again, it was a sell-out performance, a testament to the enduring allure of live entertainment and the magic it brings to our community. The Soaps Alive Show not only showcased the talent of these remarkable actors but also showcased the Valley Stream Theatre as a premier destination for captivating live performances.
The following night, we secured the rental of The Bushnell Performing Arts Center in Hartford, Connecticut—a venue with an impressive seating capacity of over 3000—where we hosted consecutive shows of Soaps Alive! To ensure the word got out, we undertook an extensive advertising campaign, including the production of TV commercials promoting the show. The response was incredible, and the excitement in the air was palpable. It was truly an amazing time, both for us as producers and for the audiences who experienced the magic of the Soaps Alive Show on that memorable night in Hartford, Connecticut.
Our journey through the world of live concerts at the Valley Stream Theatre continued to captivate audiences. In another unforgettable rock and roll show, we featured iconic acts that left the crowd yearning for more. The lineup included The Drifters, The Coasters, The Chantels, Little Anthony, and The Platters, all of whom brought their timeless hits to the stage, creating an atmosphere filled with nostalgia and musical brilliance.
As we aimed for excellence, we didn't stop there. The next spectacular addition to our series was none other than Jay Black and The Americans, known for their major hit songs like "This Magic Moment," "Cara Mia," and "Only in America." Their performance was met with thunderous applause and resonated with the audience in a profound way.
After our lease agreement at the Valley Stream Theatre had expired, we were determined to continue bringing world-class entertainment to our community. Following the triumph of Jay Black and The Americans, we set our sights on a new venue for Jay to appear, the Hofstra University theatre. To make this event even more extraordinary, we arranged for the renowned comedian Jerry Seinfeld to be the opening act. Jerry flew in from California, adding a touch of comedy brilliance to the evening.
The show was nothing short of a huge success, drawing an enthusiastic crowd and leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. This event demonstrated our unwavering commitment to providing top-notch entertainment experiences to the community, even as we expanded our horizons beyond the Valley Stream Theatre. My extensive business experience was shaped by these endeavors. As you can see on my contact page, I've maintained the same business phone number throughout the decades of my career in this field.
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