Lesley Gore to Sing At Queens College

Golden oldies are back! Or maybe they never left? Today’s graying baby boomers, their kids and grandkids have one thing in common in these troubled times. It’s the search for something dependable with a hint of rebellion. Enter Lesley Gore!
Ms. Gore reigned as the teen-aged voice of independent but forgiving females in the 1960’s with mega hits such as, &#8220You Don’t Own Me!” &#8220She’s a Fool,” and of course, &#8220It’s My Party.” Her steady resurgence is a very welcome trend.
It was my very great pleasure to speak with Lesley Gore earlier this week. Nursing a slight cold, she still spoke with clarity and wit. A native New Yorker, when asked to compare 1960’s Queens with today, she quipped, &#8220It still looks the same to me. And that’s good.” After all, our borough has maintained its beautiful parks and multicultural flavor.
Ms. Gore’s teen angst was encouraged by musical magicians such as Quincy Jones. &#8220Most of the records were for A.M. radio. They needed as high a vocal as possible without going where only dogs could hear it. The higher the sound, the more youthful Changing from a minor to a major key gave a sense of lifting.” This created a powerful rebellious effect. Look at her song, &#8220You Don't Own Me.” Her voice crescendos as she fires, &#8220Don't tell me what to do! Don't tell me what to say!”
Four decades later, her independent woman's journey is more worldly-wise, with a different type of angst that crosses generations. Her recent album, &#8220Ever Since,” which includes &#8220still hoping ‘Better Angels' come to me” beckons the listener to join her search.
This Saturday, Ms. Gore's Queens College performance will include some &#8220oldies” and new material, supported by vocal and instrumental back up which she calls &#8220organic”. Any surprises? &#8220I've grown about two feet!”
Produced by Friend Entertainment Ltd. their twenty years providing reasonably priced concerts for the Metropolitan area continues to gain momentum. Along with Lesley Gore they present Freddie Cannon (&#8220Palisades Park”), The Skyliners (&#8220Since I Don't Have You”), Eugene Pitt and the Jive Five, and Earl Lewis and the Channels. Recently, Friend Entertainment brought Little Anthony and the Imperials, and Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge back to Queens. These huge successes have inspired a strategy involving eight to twelve concerts annually. That means the world's greatest Beatles tribute band; The Fab Faux will perform in the months ahead. Expect Ben E. King, Shirley Alston Reeves, more Johnny Maestro and other shows with broader appeal.
It's a real renaissance for Queens! Call (718) 423-8394 for info.
As always, save me a seat on the aisle!