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originally published: 10/01/2023 

(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Take a step back in time and relive fond memories, as Time Barrier Express rocks you back to the '50s, '60s & '70s. On Friday, October 20, 2023, the show comes to Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) with performances by legends Little Anthony and Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, legacies paying tribute to their fathers, Bobby Wilson to his dad Jackie and Carla Cooke to her dad Sam, and The Chiclettes echoing the sounds of "girl groups" through the decades. The Coda Orchestra will provide the musical backbone for this groundbreaking concert, while Oldies 'N' More Radio personality Jeff Taylor will host the festivities.

Little Anthony - The story of Little Anthony is a story of the early days of rock and roll, when our music was new and breathtaking. It not only reached our ears but our heart. Let’s begin in 1957, when Jerome Anthony Gourdine was lead singer with a group called the Duponts, and then joined the Chesters. While rehearsing one day, the Chesters were heard by singer and record company executive Richard Barrett, who loved what he heard, and immediately brought them to the attention of George Goldner, who owned some of the biggest record labels of the day- Gone, End, Gee, and Rama.

Renamed the Imperials, into the studio Goldner took them, to record a song he liked called “Tears on My Pillow.” As Anthony said, after the second take of “Tears,” Goldner stopped the session, took Anthony aside, and said, “Don’t sing the lyric; talk the lyric.” The result was the unforgettable opening of the song: “You don’t remember me —but I remember you.” This was the birth of LITTLE ANTHONY as we know him.

After a string of hits from the late ‘50s to the early ‘60s, including “Two People in the World,” “Shimmy, Shimmy Ko-Ko Bop,” and “I’m Alright,” Little Anthony and the group enjoyed new success in the mid-‘60s. Teaming up with songwriter Teddy Randazzo and producer Don Costa, they recorded several history-making, iconic hits including “Going Out of My Head,” “Hurt So Bad,” and “I’m On the Outside Looking In.”

Gone is the street corner but what is left standing is Little Anthony Gourdine, aged like fine wine, mature in his thinking, his creativity and his vocal prowess-- a true American Music Icon.

 

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Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes - one of the most dynamic groups that came out of the Gamble-Huff music factory that produced groups like the Spinners and Stylistics. Previously known as Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, among their credits include the memorable love songs “If You Don’t Know Me by Now” (nominated for a Grammy), “The Love I Lost,” “Bad Luck,” “Wake Up Everybody” and many more hits. There are no adjectives to describe their performances, except to state they have been performing to standing room only audiences for decades.

Bobby Wilson - son of Legendary R&B/Soul Singer, Jackie Wilson, shares the same amazing traits and talents as his father.  Many say Jackie Wilson’s legacy lives on through Bobby. His adoring fans have dubbed him “Mr. Entertainment” for his natural ability to entertain and bring every crowd to their feet. In addition to a tribute to his dad, Bobby also recreates the sound and excitement of other greats of the era, including a variety of Motown artists.

Carla Cooke - daughter of the Legendary Sam Cooke, pays tribute to her father.  Though Carla was just four months old when Sam passed away under tragic circumstances, she connects with her roots through the great music of her father. In addition, Carla has developed her own unique style, with a strong vocal range, warm personality and a stage presence that commands the environment wherever she performs. You’ll be astounded by Carla’s tribute to her dad, but also be ready for a couple of wonderful surprises.

The Chiclettes - a band who will get you moving with their high energy tribute to female artists through the decades. In addition to their own fabulous performances, they have shared the stage with many superstars, using their harmony talents to back up artists like Little Anthony, Bobby Rydell, Eddie Holman, Darlene Love, Frankie Avalon, Bobby Wilson & more. They have performed on network and local television and radio, and brought the house down in venues across the country.

Tickets are available for purchase online. Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) is located at 30 North Van Brunt Street in Englewood, New Jersey.

Founded in 2003, the 1,367-seat Bergen Performing Arts Center, or bergenPAC, is the area's cultural mecca. The theater’s legacy started in 1926 when it opened as the Englewood Plaza movie theater. United Artists purchased the building in 1967 and kept the doors open until 1973. Through the efforts of a group of local citizens under the leadership of John Harms, the John Harms Center came to life in 1976. In 2003, a small group of dedicated individuals led by Frank Huttle III helped preserve this special theater and rechristened it the Bergen Performing Arts Center. The historic Art Deco-style theater boasts one of the finest acoustic halls in the United States, attracting a stellar roster of world-class entertainment. The jewel in our crown is The Performing Arts School at bergenPAC – the innovative, educational performing arts initiative that, through programs, classes, outreach, school shows, and main theater presented shows, reaches more than 30,000 students and community youth annually. The Performing Arts School provides community youth, age 2 months to 21 years, with unique, "hands-on" training in music, dance, and theater by industry professionals. Through the ongoing generosity of sponsors, donors, members, and patrons, the not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) corporation bergenPAC and The Performing Arts School can thrive and enrich our community.

Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) is a theater of and for the community it serves throughout northern New Jersey by leading the way with a creative focus, educational resource, and engine of economic vitality. A nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization, bergenPAC's mission is to make live performing arts and arts education accessible to its diverse community by building an innovative home for artists and teachers of excellence and relevance who entertain, enlighten, inspire, and inform their audiences and students. bergenPAC's Performing Arts School is the areas' leading cultural and arts educational institution in Northern New Jersey, which shall guide and liberate the imagination of our youth and expand the lives of our adults.