Martha Reeves and Herman’s Hermits
CAPE MAY – They’ve topped the charts, won Grammy awards and recorded songs credited with shaping rock and roll, and this summer, eight legendary entertainers will perform in the City of Cape May’s Summer Concert Series. The series, which begins on Wednesday, July 5, consists of weekly shows featuring well-known performers such as Aaron Neville, Arlo Guthrie and Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals. All shows will be held at Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Ave. in Cape May, beginning at 8 p.m.
“The summer concert series is always quite popular with our residents and visitors, and we’re excited about this year’s dynamic lineup,” said Clarence F. Lear, III, Mayor of the City of Cape May. “For residents who purchase season tickets, vacationers who want to see an enjoyable show during their stay or fans who visit Cape May specifically to see one of their favorite performers, the concert series offers eight weeks of outstanding entertainment.”
On Wednesday, July 5, Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone kick off the concert series. A Cape May crowd favorite, Noone and his band are known for hits such as “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter,” “I’m Henry VIII, I Am” and “I’m Into Something Good.” Part of the musical “British Invasion,” the group sold more than 60 million recordings, earning 14 gold records and seven gold albums.
On Wednesday, July 12, Tommy James and The Shondells take the stage. Hailing from Michigan, the group hit number one on United States charts with “Hanky Panky” in 1966 and “Crimson and Clover” in 1969. Their popular hits “I Think We’re Alone Now,” “Mirage,” “Mony Mony,” “Sweet Cherry Wine” and “Crystal Blue Persuasion” also landed spots in the Hot 100’s Top 10.
On Wednesday, July 19, the City welcomes Arlo Guthrie with Special Guest Sarah Lee Guthrie. Guthrie is best known for “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree,” an anthem of 1960s counterculture combining spoken word and a catchy chorus. He also starred in the Hollywood film inspired by the song. One of the performers at the historic Woodstock Festival, Guthrie is also known for “Coming into Los Angeles” and his rendition of Steve Goodman’s “City of New Orleans.” His daughter, Special Guest Sarah Lee Guthrie, has followed in the footsteps of her father and her grandfather, Woody Guthrie. Her signature combination of pop, folk and rock impresses music critics and concertgoers alike.
On Wednesday, July 26, Jay & The Americans bring their classic sound to Convention Hall. Between 1962 and 1971, the group scored twelve top 10 hits with songs such as “Come A Little Bit Closer,” “Cara Mia,” “She Cried” and their version of the Drifters’ song “This Magic Moment.” In 2002, the band was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
On Monday, July 31, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas bring the energy of Motown to the Jersey Shore. Reeves and The Vandellas recorded hits such as “(Love Is Like a) Heat Wave,” “Nowhere to Run,” “Jimmy Mack” and the ever-popular “Dancing in the Street.” In 1995, the group was the second all-female group to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. “Dancing in the Street” joined the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, and along with “(Love Is Like a) Heat Wave,” the song was named to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s list of “500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll.”
On Wednesday, August 9, the smooth vocals of Aaron Neville will fill the Cape May Convention Hall. Neville followed his 1966 hit single “Tell It Like It Is” with “Everybody Plays the Fool,” which reached number one on the Adult Contemporary Chart and number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1967. More than two decades later, his duets with Linda Ronstadt, “Don’t Know Much” and “All My Life,” also held the number one spot on the Adult Contemporary Chart. In addition to his successful 57-year solo career, Neville has also performed along with his three siblings as The Neville Brothers.
On Wednesday, August 16, Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals perform their timeless hits. Led by “The King of Blue Eyed Soul,” the band recorded a series of Top 20 songs, including “A Beautiful Morning,” “How Can I Be Sure?” and the Number 1 hits “Good Lovin,’” “Groovin’” and “People Got to Be Free.” In 1997, the group was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. An induction into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame followed in 2005, and four years later, Felix Cavaliere and band member Eddie Brigati were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
On Wednesday, August 23, Mary Wilson of The Supremes concludes the Summer Concert Series. With The Supremes, Wilson recorded 12 Number 1 hit singles, including “Where Did Our Love Go?,” “Baby Love,” “Come See About Me,” “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” “Stop! In the Name of Love,” “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “Back in My Arms Again.” In 1988, The Supremes became the first all-female group to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. After the group disbanded, Wilson continued performing as a solo artist and wrote two best-selling autobiographies.
Tickets for each concert are $42 for reserved seats and can be purchased in person at Cape May Convention Hall, 714 Beach Ave. or online at DiscoverCapeMayNJ.com. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/capemaycity and follow us on Twitter at @capemaycity. For more information, call (609) 884-9563 or (609) 884-9565.