March '10 Entertainment—Little Anthony's This and That Column

Don’t Tell Me You Have Not Heard About
The Moondog Coronation Ball?

T

o start with, here is a little history behind legendary The Moondog Coronation Ball. First off, it pays homage to Alan Freed—the Cleveland deejay who did more for rock music (as we know it) than any other person I can think of. Part of his persona on WJW Radio, (back in the ’50s) was “The Moondog” and Alan Freed used his character to play rhythm & blues records. His airplay gave early black rock ’n’ roll music and R&B, a direct connection into the mainstream young ears of America. It was musically revolutionary, really when you think of it.

Freed kept pushing the envelope and you know, what evidentially happens when you do that, don’t you? Back in the early ’50s, there were no backlashes or payola incidents that I was aware of and Freed’s “Moondog” ruled Cleveland radio. Next, Freed and some local promoters presented what is deemed today, the first rock concert—“The Moondog Coronation Ball.” I think it was held in the old Cleveland arena building.

The date was late March 1952 and the show was a rave. Over 20,000 people showed up to attend—remember this is 1952—and the fans rioted causing the show to be shut down by the police and fire departments. The “rock fan riot” became national news and Alan Freed was “in his 15 minutes—coast-to-coast.” The exhibit in the Rock HOF (near Little Anthony & The Imperials’ exhibit) chronicles the history of Alan Freed and features “The Moondog Coronation Ball.” History was made that day—rock history that is.

Freed was the king of rock ’n’ roll radio and he later moved to New York radio, where he promoted concerts in Brooklyn. The culture of America was never the same. Cleveland might well be the birthplace of rock ’n’ roll, but it grew into an industry in New York. Freed rocked both cities and we carry on his name and the rock and roll he promoted.

As it stands, The Imperials and I have a foot in Cleveland and another in New York. If we could grow a third foot, it would be Las Vegas. The Lakers boast about their “triangle defense” and The Imperials and I boast about our “triangle cities”—three fan cities we love dearly: Cleveland, New York and Vegas—our homes.

Flash to 2010: “The Moondog Coronation Ball”—and its history—is somewhat lost to fans outside of Cleveland. Cleveland carries on the tradition luckily and relives its history. We did the MCB years ago, but this one is special for us. We love Cleveland and going back on March 27th—Saturday, Little Anthony & The Imperials will grace the stage with such classic rock acts as: Grand Funk Railroad, The Turtles and Paul Revere and The Raiders. The concert will take place at the Quicken Loans arena, which means accommodating 20,000 is not a problem. We cherish the time at the HOF last year and now, to participate in “The Moondog Coronation Ball” and honor a rock legend and visionary, Alan Freed—the lives of LA&TIs just keeps getting better.

There are new call letters affiliated with The MCB—Magic 105.7—tickets are on sale now—call the Quicken Loans Arena at 800-332-2287—tickets are reasonably priced at $65, $50, $35—Saturday March 27th. Great station—great event.

If you missed our Agora concert last year or the Rock HOF induction, this is the next best bet. Cleveland for LA&TIs is like going home and this year to be a part of the Moondog again—to help convey the history of this thing we call “Rock And Roll”—count us in.

Men On A Mission

I want to thank all the guys at my church who have supported me through the difficult times (like the good and the bad in 2009). The guys collectively are known as “Men On A Mission.” I am a proud member of this Las Vegas group and their encouragement, bond and heartfelt advice have been there for me.

Pastor David Shearin

One of the purposes of our group is to learn how to be responsible men—in our community—in our homes—in our jobs and to our country. You can think everyone owes you something and think who you are. That thinking goes nowhere fast and “Men” as a group are trying to break down all the negatives and accent the positives.

In a media age where “if it bleeds, it leads” good news is hard to come by. Now, we all know good things happen every day, but our media—TV, print, radio—give it minimum coverage. So, I wanted to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation and say what is in my heart. “Men On A Mission” is a role model and their good work goes unnoticed all too often. I thought I would acknowledge them.

“Men On A Mission” have helped me make a difference in my life and Pastor David Shearin deserves a bit of thanks for assembling our group. His vision and belief made “Men” become the functioning and inspiring group it is today. “Men On A Mission” I salute all of you individually and as a group. Thanks for being there for me.

Something’s Happening—Mr. Gallo Is Back

If you read some of my columns back in the summer, you would know the infamous name of Peter Gallo. The Imperials and I met Peter (a promoter in NC-SC-GA) at the Rock HOF induction last year. We were going to do a number of concerts with him, but in the 11th hour, realized he was a scam artist. Remember that name Peter Gallo.
Miss Regina Belle

I don’t want to give Mr. Gallo any more notoriety—I can assure you. Our experience with him cost us countless dates and a loss that we are now, starting to recover from. If I didn’t speak up though, I would be remiss. I want all my performing friends/buddies like The Friends Of Distinction, The Manhattans, The Contours and Miss Regina Belle that this promoter should be someone to be cautious around—double check everything.

If I were them I would check my deposits and make sure they are not returned due to lack of insufficient funds. Before they fly to one of his gigs, I would suggest they make sure their money is in the bank. Need I say more?

To all the audiences in South Carolina who are planning to attend these planned concerts, I hope the shows happen at all. I have my doubts and you know what they say about “once burned—twice shy.” Our experience with Mr. Gallo was not a good one and I believe he never intended to pay us. We befriended him and trusted him and in the end we disappointed audiences in three states, lost other gigs, income and discovered first hand, how Mr. Gallo has a “concerted way of doing business.”

I’ll leave it at that and I don’t usually carry a grudge toward anyone, but if Mr. Gallo takes advantage of my friends, I just might change my mind in his case. Let the buyers (and the artists) beware, as they say.

Next Concert—the Prestigious Eisenhower Hall Theatre at West Point

We’re heading to West Point to perform at the prestigious Eisenhower Hall Theatre on March 26th. Named after Dwight Eisenhower of course—he was America’s first 5-star General and then, later President. Eisenhower planned the D-Day Invasion with Churchill. The US troops stormed the beaches, but it was touch-and-go and the deaths mounting. Eisenhower had two letters written—one if the failure was impending or the second, if they win-the-day.

Eisenhower and Churchill

Eisenhower is also credited for his slogan, “I Like Ike” which broke new ground in the world of political campaigns. That I Like Ike Button

campaign button is considered a benchmark in regard to modern-day political promotion.

I love the idea of singing at West Point. I am hoping I have time to visit the museum. I’m a history buff, and if you are like me, the museum at West Point is a must-see.

We are doing back-to-back concerts on that weekend. The West Point concert is an 8 p.m. and then we’ll do a meet-and-greet, which is always fun to do. You may be tired, but to meet friends, family (sometimes) and fans after the show, puts a smile on my face. People tell you the absolute outrageous and memorable things, man. I just love doing meet and greets, but I wasn’t always this way. Ask Clarence—he’ll tell you.

Then early that morning, we drive to the airport on the 27th and fly to Cleveland for the Moondog concert. Whew, I tired thinking about it, but we are “road dogs”—once we’re on the road, we roll.

I would also like to see my friend Terry Stewart at the Rock HOF. We’ll see how I hold up—to be continued.

Wanna Take You On A Carnival Cruise

Someone reminded me about the “Malt Shop Cruise.” The cruise is from May 13–17th featuring: LA&TIs, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Lesley Gore, Lou Christie, The Platters and The Original Drifters and hosted by none other than, “The Geator With The Heater” Jerry Blavat. This is a floating ’50s–’60s hit talent show and we fit right in.

The cruise will be leisurely heading to Cozumel, Mexico—leaving Tampa May 13th and returning 4 days later. The ship is the Carnival Inspiration—a floating resort equipped with two pools, hot tubs, a state-of-the-art fitness center, mini-golf course, beautiful dining rooms, bars, casino and 24-hour room service.

This is going to be fun and I love the idea of getting my sea legs back. I haven’t been on a cruise in so long and this time, there are performances involved. I get to work and play all in the same couple of days. This has special written all over it.

Visit: MaltShopCruise.com or call 1-877-223-7030 for more info.