*Who else could headline a musical celebration of the YMCA’s 150th anniversary but disco icons THE VILLAGE PEOPLE.

Waterbury’s Palace Theater will welcome The Village People on Friday, October 3.

The band is celebrating its own anniversary this year: 30 years of energetic choreography, singing, and of course those costumes. Three of the group’s original members are still involved with the People, in fact. Filipe Rose, who plays the Native American, Alex Briley, the soldier, and David Hodo, the construction worker, have all been with Village People since its 1977 start.

The other three have also been around for quite a good stretch as well. Ray Simpson (Police Officer) joined the group in 1978, Jeff Olson (Cowboy) came onboard in 1980, and even Eric Anzalone (Biker), the “newest” member, already has ten years under his belt.

Tickets for the Waterbury show, which is being sponsored by the Greater Waterbury YMCA, are $30 to $50, with $75 VIP tickets also available. The lower priced tickets can be ordered through the box office (call 203-755-4700 or visit the theater at 100 East Main Street) or online through the theater’s website, PalaceTheaterCT.org. The VIP tickets are only available by calling the box office, however.

*A final reminder this week that Sandy Hook musician DOUG WAHLBERG will be among those providing music during a fundraiser for Kevin’s Community Center, the free medical clinic here in town, this weekend.

The event, called “Mozart, Merlot and Mums,” will run on Saturday, September 20, from 4 to 7 pm, and will feature classic music by the Concert Society Chamber Orchestra, arranged by Richard Serbagi (also of Newtown),  jazz selections from RICK BAUMER and his jazz quartet and acoustic music from MARC HUBERMAN, along with the aforementioned music coming from Doug Wahlberg.

The event will be hosted by Shane and George Miller at their historic home at 50 Main Street (a/k/a The Budd House). There will be wine tastings, several local restaurants will offer a variety of ethnic cuisines. There will be a silent auction showcasing the best of Newtown’s benefactors, and George Miller’s gardens will be open for tours. A glass of champagne will be offered to everyone upon arrival.

A rain date has been scheduled for Sunday but the weather forecasts look very good for this weekend. I don’t think organizers are going to have to worry about bumping this party to Sunday.

Tickets are $30. Call Kevin’s Community Center at 426-0496 or visit KevinsCommunityCenter.org for further details.

Until next week I’ll be seeing you... on the road.

Questions and comments should be sent to Shannon Hicks c/o The Newtown Bee, 5 Church Hill Road, Newtown CT 06470, or shannon@thebee.com, or call the office at 426-3141. Shows listed at clubs are for ages 21 and over unless specified.

 

UPCOMING SHOWS

SEPTEMBER 19 — Martina McBride with Jack Ingram and Jason Michael Carroll at Dodge Music Center, Wallingford; Sugarland at MGM Grand at Foxwoods, Ledyard; Kaypin at Mocha Coffee House, Sandy Hook;

September 20 — Midnight Rodeo at Redding Roadhouse, West Redding; Nichola Maria O’Donnell at Mocha Coffee House;

September 24 — Willie Nelson and Family at Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, with special guest Jakob Dylan;

September 26 — Indigo Girls at Mohegan Sun’s Cabaret Theatre (also September 27-28); Brad Paisley at Mohegan Sun Arena, Jewel, Chuck Wicks and Julianne Hough opening; Roxy Perry at Georgetown Saloon (CD release party); Porter at Mocha Coffee House;

September 27 — Indigo Girls at Mohegan Sun’s Cabaret Theatre (also September 28);

September 28 — Indigo Girls at Mohegan Sun’s Cabaret Theatre;

September 30 — New Kids On The Block at Mohegan Sun Arena.