 CAB Concerts completed its 2005 concert series on November 5 with a non-stop, highly energized, finger snapping, rump shaking, and head bobbing evening that included the extraordinary talent of local bands, The Floorshakers with Vocal-Ease & The Boogey Men.
First up were the gifted groups, Vocal-Ease & The Boogey Men. Their energy was undeniable and contagious as they performed many genres which included the hit song “My Guy,” and another hit tune “Love Potion #9. The three women of the group, Julie Enea, Betsy Kohler, and Carol Zbacnik complimented each other with their strong harmonies that reverberated through out the theater, causing audience members to get up and go to a specially designed section just for dancing.
Although the women sing primarily 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s music they certainly were not stuck in a time warp, which was evident by their attire, agility, and their sassy moves-they could really “shake a tail feather!” Their band, The Boogey Men, must be a play on words, because they won’t scare you away, but keep you coming back for more.
Sal ‘Tudi’ Bruno, played keyboard and saxophone as well as wowed the audience with his vocal finesse. Guitarist, Jim Matejcek, Bassist, Ned Canepa and Drummer, Nick Woodson helped to keep the joint jumping with superior performances and keen showmanship
“I want to support the cause and I’ve attended all the shows except one. I was thinking about giving tickets to everyone who buys a car, said Rose Winters, sponsor, and owner of Winter Chevrolet/Honda who attended the show with her sister, Eloise Quintana.”
The second half of the show started out with a bang! Smoke filled the stage and the theater filled with excitement as the audience anticipated the arrival of “The Floorshakers.” Louie Esposito led the group in a highly energized rendition of KC and The Sunshine Band’s, “Get Down Tonight.” Esposito danced across the stage exuding insurmountable energy and stamina while getting the audience revved up for a performance they may never forget. Dressed liken to “The Men In Black,” wearing sunglasses, a colorful bandana and gold beads strung around his neck, Esposito and the remaining Floorshakers; lead Guitarist, Douglas Mascardo; Trombonist-Keyboardist, Dave Arms; Saxophonist, Gino Archimede; Trumpet man, Rudy Vera; Bassist, Dave Lopez ( who also performed two solo bits); and Drummer Mike Di Francesco, opened the show for lead singer, Gerald Glasper. Glasper made his presence known with the group’s version of “Back in Love Again, by the singing group, LTD.
Talk about style and fashion sense, Glasper burst the scene wearing a white dress coat, white vest, black turtleneck top, and black slacks. He ascended the stage as cool as can be and with a “look out here I come” attitude. His performance was astounding as he took control of the mic, belting out hit after hit and working that stage like nobody’s business! The audience members screamed, yelled, and stomped their feet as the group continued singing. And, it wasn’t over! Archimede, Tenor, Soprano, and Alto sax player, brought the house down with his long winded, no jive, how you like me now solo bit on the song, “Shot Gun.” Drummer Di Francesco did his thing as well, delivering a solo bit that made you skip and dip to the beat. Audience members, Patty and Dave Cadena could attest to that. They danced most of the evening doing the Latin connection and the electric slide.
The night was a fruitful one and ended with all the bands performing together and audience members ascending the dance floor until the final song.
All the groups out did themselves, and if you don’t know, “you better ask somebody!”
You can check out the Floorshakers on November 18 at Humphreys in Antioch.
Don’t forget to catch the CAB series for 2006!
Linda Jai, Journalist
Coverage by pittsburgca.net
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