New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

Little Anthony and the Imperials LIVE! at the PNC Bank Arts Center


By Spotlight Central, Photos by Love Imagery

originally published: 06/11/2019

The large audience assembled this Wednesday, May 29, 2019 afternoon at Holmdel, NJ’s PNC Bank Arts Center patiently awaits the start of an afternoon concert presented by Jerome Anthony Gourdine, Ernest Wright, Robert DeBlanc, and Johnny Britt, also known as Little Anthony and the Imperials. The show is part of the Garden State Arts Foundation’s 2019 “Senior Concert Series,” a selection of concerts free for NJ residents aged 55 and older.

Since 1984, The Garden State Arts Foundation has provided free programs for senior citizens, families, and children at the PNC Bank Arts Center and other locations throughout New Jersey. According to Ronald Gravino, Vice President of GSAF’s Board of Trustees, “no federal, state, local, or Garden State Parkway toll money” is used to fund any GSAF presentations. Rather, the programs are presented by donations from such GSAF partners as PNC Bank, Live Nation Entertainment, and Sirius XM ’60s on 6 radio, in addition to contributions from the general public.

Following a warm welcome from GSAF Executive Director Carolyn Santiago and an overture played by a skilled back-up band, Gourdine — aka Little Anthony — hits the stage solo with a poignant and soulful version of Eric Carmen’s “All By Myself.”

In the middle of the performance, the rest of the Imperials — Wright, DeBlanc, and Britt — come dancing out, where they join Anthony on stage and expertly accompany him as his signature voice soars.

Next, the group turns to R&B with a potent performance of Marvin Gaye’s Motown classic, “Heard it Through the Grapevine.” Here, they soulfully rock the house filled with an estimated audience of 6000 music lovers.




Please support the advertisers at New Jersey Stage!
Want info on how to advertise? Click here



Taking a moment to greet the Jersey crowd, Anthony welcomes everyone to “beautiful downtown Holmdel,” after which his stage mate, Ernest Wright, jokes, “I don’t see a subway!”

Highlights of this midday performance include Anthony and the Imperials’ performance of their very first Top 10 hit, 1958’s “Tears on My Pillow.”

Additional highlights of the program include the boys performing a song which Anthony says, “sold two million copies in 1960, but I still don’t understand it”— his 1960’s hit, “Shimmy Shimmy Koko Bop.”

Little Anthony takes a moment to introduce his fellow singers and tell the crowd a little bit about them. Here, the audience learns that Ernest Wright is an original member of The Imperials, Johnny Britt worked as the musical director for The Temptations, and Robert DeBlanc toured for years with Marvin Gaye.

At this point, the group performs Little Anthony’s dramatic 1964 ballad, “I’m on the Outside (Looking In).”

The quartet’s rendition — which features smooth backup vocals and Anthony singing with style and flair — ends with great audience applause.

They follow up with performances of Frankie Lymon’s uptempo “Goody Goody” and The Imperials’ own “Take Me Back.”




Please support the advertisers at New Jersey Stage!
Want info on how to advertise? Click here



Bass singer Robert DeBlanc is featured on a bluesy rendition of the classic “You Are My Sunshine.” Funky and loose, DeBlanc works the stage as Little Anthony joins his colleagues singing back-up. Heads bop and audience members cheer for this delightful number.

Anthony and the boys perform a spirited version of Little Richard’s classic rocker, “Lucille.” Upbeat, rocking, and rollicking, the number features a honking baritone saxophone solo.

Then, the singers do the swim, singing with their hearts and souls as they have fun on this classic ’50s tune.

Little Anthony’s one-of-a-kind voice is featured on a number which he reveals is his “favorite song” — his 1965 classic, “Hurt So Bad.”

Johnny Britt opens the song playing a muted trumpet solo, and the backup singers perform choreographed dancing as they accompany Anthony who sings with feeling, his voice rich with emotion.

Next up is a knock-your-socks-off version of the Holland-Dozier-Holland penned “How Sweet it Is,” featuring Johnny Britt. Starting slowly and soulfully, the audience cheers as Johnny holds out a note long and proud before inviting the audience to clap along while the group segues into an upbeat tempo.

Following huge applause, Anthony exclaims, “I want to sing the blues!” Here, he performs a funky and soulful rendition of Bonnie Raitt’s “That’s Just Love Sneaking Up on You.” Upbeat, bluesy, and energetic, this dynamic performance features Anthony and the Imperials dancing as they sing to the funky beat.

The group follows up with a number which, as Anthony reveals, is the song that “singlehandedly put us in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” — a song that was written specifically for him that went on to sell four million copies — his 1964 smash, “Goin’ Out of My Head.” On this highlight performance of the afternoon, Anthony is right on the money as he sings all of the high parts with ease, bringing cheers from audience members who stand for his classic interpretation.

Following a well-earned standing ovation, Little Anthony and the Imperials burst into their grand finale for this afternoon’s performance — a blistering version of The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” — leaving the Jersey crowd with a kaleidoscope of magnificent musical memories.

As audience members make their way out of the amphitheater, we chat with several in the crowd who share their reactions to this afternoon’s performance.




Please support the advertisers at New Jersey Stage!
Want info on how to advertise? Click here



Comments Pat from Monroe Twp, “Little Anthony and the Imperials were just wonderful — they’re terrific! All the musicians in the orchestra were fabulous, too,” before noting, “And this is a wonderful venue to see them in. They really do a marvelous job putting on great concerts here at the PNC Bank Arts Center.”

Remarks Wendy From Manalapan, “Little Anthony and the Imperials’ performance was very enjoyable,” revealing, “We come to all the shows here.”

Ira from Manalapan exclaims, “I wish I had their energy. It’s hard to believe, but Little Anthony is 78 years old — and he’s still got it!”

Continuing, “I liked how he started the show with ‘All By Myself,’” Ira adds, “In the beginning, I actually thought he was going to perform the whole concert by himself, but then all the Imperials came dancing out, and I thought that was so unique.”

Bonnie from Holmdel declares, “Little Anthony and the Imperials were excellent! I think it is important to see these shows — there are so many iconic names who perform here.”

Whereas Gail from East Windsor contends, “Little Anthony and the Imperials were so entertaining,” her friend, Ellen from East Windsor, explains, “Little Anthony was so powerful. He can still hit those high notes and hold them out. And Robert DeBlanc was so animated — he did all of his steps with enthusiasm,” before concluding, “And Johnny Britt sang effortlessly and relaxed — he looked so happy, as if he was truly enjoying being on stage.”

At this point, we slip backstage to chat with Johnny Britt who tell us, “I love the New York/New Jersey area. I could live here. I just love the energy in Jersey!”

Continuing, “Working with Little Anthony and the Imperials is the best gig I’ve ever had,” Britt reveals, “I feel like one of the stars with these guys. To have Anthony ask me to perform with the group was an honor, and to have Anthony on one side of me and Ernest on the other side of me is, like, “oh my goodness” — Anthony is a true legend.”

We also get to chat with Little Anthony himself who says, “I love Jersey — I’m always in Jersey,” recalling, “I can remember playing just down the road a bit at Six Flags Great Adventure many years ago, and this is the third time we’ve played here at the PNC Bank Arts Center — it’s always great playing here.”

Adding, “I’ll also be in Atlantic City next month,” Anthony maintains, “I’m never going to retire.”

“Why?” we inquire.

Exclaims Anthony with a smile, “Because I like to sing!”

To learn more about Little Anthony and the Imperials, please go to littleanthonyandtheimperials.org. For information on future Garden State Arts Foundation concerts for NJ residents 55 and older including Bobby Rydell and Ron Dante on Sept. 4 — or for info on the upcoming concert for audiences of all ages starring Cousin Brucie, Darlene Love, Kenny Vance and the Planotones, and The Ventures on June 14 — please go to gsafoundation.org.

Photos by Love Imagery

Spotlight Central. Your source for Jersey entertainment news and reviews

Love Imagery Fine Art Photography. all you need. peace/love/flower/power



FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

To narrow results by date range, categories,
or region of New Jersey
click here for our advanced search.


Blues

Blues People with Special Guest: Jeff Levine

Saturday, July 05, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ 08087
category: music

Click here for full event listing

 

Straight

Straight No Chaser - Summer: The 90’s Part 2

Tuesday, July 08, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC)
30 North Van Brunt Street, Englewood, NJ 07631
category: music

Click here for full event listing

 

Frisson

Frisson Winds

Thursday, July 10, 2025 @ 7:30pm
The Morris Museum Back Deck
6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 07960
category: music

Click here for full event listing

 

Three

Three American Troubadours: A Tribute to James Taylor, Carly Simon, and Carole King

Thursday, July 10, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Axelrod Performing Arts Center
100 Grant Avenue, Deal Park, NJ 07723
category: music

Click here for full event listing

 

Candlelight

Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles

Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre
400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch, NJ 07764
category: music

Click here for full event listing

 

More events

Event Listings are available for $10 and included with our banner ad packages




 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Jazz

Jazz Concert at Trenton City Museum will Feature the Joe Baione Vibraphone Experience

(TRENTON, NJ) -- Trenton City Museum will present a free jazz concert Friday, July 18, 2025 at the museum's Ellarslie Mansion in Cadwalader Park. Featuring world-renowned vibraphonist Joe Baione, the Joe Baione Vibraphone Experience is the first group to perform in a series of jazz events leading up to the museum's 2026 TRENTON MAKES JAZZ exhibition, in collaboration with the City of Trenton.



The

The Newton Theatre presents Tonight's the Night - a tribute to Rod Stewart

(NEWTON, NJ) -- Tonight's the Night - a tribute band that celebrates the music of Rod Stewart - will perform at The Newton Theatre on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 8:00pm.



Hoboken's

Hoboken's Sinatra Park to Host Concert by Freedy Johnson and Karyn Kuhl and the Gang

(HOBOKEN, NJ) -- Local events organizer, Geri Fallo, who retired last year, is inviting you to celebrate with her, as she embraces new and exciting endeavors. Come enjoy a free evening of music in Hoboken's Sinatra Park (525 Sinatra Drive) on Thursday, July 17, 2025. The evening is presented by Mayor Ravi Bhalla, The Hoboken Division of Cultural Affairs, and Geri Fallo. The event is free, and music starts at 6:30pm. Come early for the best seating.



An

An Interview with Dan Kurtz of The New Deal

Formed in 1999, Toronto, Canada based trio The New Deal, is a pioneer in jam-based electronic music. The group was founded by remaining members Dan Kurtz (bass) and Jamie Shields (keys), along with Darren Shearer (drums) who left tND in 2011. Since its inception, tND has remained committed to its improvisational roots and has served as a model for other jamtronica bands bridging the gap between multiple music genres as well as the border between Canada and the United States.



Two

Two NJ Jazz Musicians Will Play with The Jazz Ambassadors in Morristown

Pianist Anthony Pocetti grew up in Hamilton, NJ, studying piano, "doing sort of traditional piano lessons. I have an uncle who was always encouraging me to get into the jazz thing. He gave me the (Miles Davis) Kind of Blue CD, and he knew that the jazz pianist Jim Ridl was living in Hamilton."