70 The Queens Courier • buzz • OCTOBER 17, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com “Beyond the Beehive” at Lefrak Concert Hall Rock and Roll’s dynamo is back! With a voice as strong and proud as ever, Ronnie Spector of the original Ronettes is playing to standing ovations. Her latest conquest is at the Lefrak Concert Hall at Kupferberg Center. She sits center stage and narrates the dozens of slides and movies unfolding on the huge screen behind her. She shares secrets with the audience and describes her battles against a littany of personal crises. To her credit, her list of superstar friendships from the 60’s and 70’s is more impressive. Two singers, two guitars with drums and keyboard provide A VIEW FROM THE CLIFF live back-up. Her musical story begins in the early 1960s as she remembers amateur night at the Apollo Theatre in New York. The next benchmark is the fast paced Peppermint Lounge. Ronnie explains “the girl groups were never taken seriously in those days. They saw us as employees not artists. I see myself as an artist.” Ronnie sings “Time is on my Side” as she reminds us that her group had toured with the Rolling Stones. She also offers some great stories about her friendship with the Beatles. In fact she recorded a song called “Try Some, Buy Some” for their label, Apple Records. Her wealth of nostalgia includes singing with Jimi Hendrix and a decades old sound studio meeting with Sonny and Cher. There are still more revelations. Ronnie sings “Don’t Worry Baby,” written by the Beach Boy’s Brian Wilson but originally meant for her girl group. She sings “Say Good Bye to Hollywood,” confirming Billy Joel’s lecture tour explanations that he had written it with the Ronettes in mind. For almost two hours, Ronnie Spector sings her life to us. Her beehive hairdo may have been replaced by a slightly modified version but the essence of the Ronettes still endures. BY CLIFF KASDEN The beat of the 60s spun to a girl group’s swagger still permeates her incredible voice and her entire stage presence. After forty years, Ronnie Spector can still mesmerize an audience. Producer Gary Fuchs and his JES Entertainment (with his wife Sherry’s able assistance) continue to revitalize the “oldies” circuit right here in Queens. Next up is the legendary Bobby Vinton at Colden Center. For information call (718) 423-8394. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. Michele Lee & B’way Boys at QPAC Her TV, movie and Broadway careers have spanned five successful decades. But beautiful Michele Lee has no intention of slowing down. Her latest project, along with the Broadway Boys has brought her to Queensborough Performing Arts Center. At Sunday’s show, six mellow voiced guys create their own unique harmonies for some of Broadway’s most beloved tunes. Between songs they share stories with the audience. After the old standards, they glide to the biggest hits from “Rent,” “Wicked,” and ‘Pippin” then finish with their version of “Ease on Down the Road.” For Michele Lee, a very talented all girl band plays back up. Her voice is as strong as ever as she sings her opening songs. Ms. Lee changes her costume slightly to change the mood. She dons sunglasses for “Sunset Blvd.” and an apron for “I’m a Woman, W-O-M-A-N!” Ms. Lee sings Fantine’s solo from “Les Miserables” and pays tribute to composer Cy Coleman with a powerful solo from “Seesaw”. QPAC’s professional series continues with well known celebrity performers until the end of the spring season. Call (718) 631-6311 or surf to www.visitQPAC.org. As always, save me a seat on the aisle. VISIT queenscourier.com FOR MORE STORIES 2012 Serving Gourmet Italian & American Cuisine JOIN US FOR RESTAURANT MONTH PRIX-FIXE DINNER $28 3RD PICTURE COPY PICTURE FROM DONV-083279 – ONLY THE COCTAIL 3RD PICTURE COPY PICTURE FROM DONV-083279 – ONLY THE COCTAIL 110-80 Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills 718.520.1123 Sun. thru Thurs. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. • Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to 12 midnight LUNCH SERVED: Mon. thru Sat. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. of the THE QUEENS QueensCourier.com APPETIZERS Stuffed Mushroom • Fried Zucchini • Fried Calamari Mixed Garden Salad MAIN COURSE Breast of Chicken (Francese or Marsala) Filet of Sole (Broiled or Francese) Pasta Primavera (Linguine, Spaghetti, Penne) DESSERTS Choice of Ice Cream, Cassata or Rum Cake & Coffee/Tea of the 2012 THANKSGIVING DINNER IT’S Serving Gourmet Italian & American Cuisine Complete Turkey Dinner (regular menu available) RESTAURANT WEEK EVERY WEEK 4 Course Complete Dinner $25 Per Person $31.95 BOOK HOLIDAY PARTIES EARLY 4 Course Dinner including Wine & Soda $31.00 Per Person (plus tax & tip) 110-80 Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills 718.520.1123 Sun. thru Thurs. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. • Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to 12 midnight LUNCH SERVED: Mon. thru Sat. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. THE QUEENS QueensCourier.com ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS NOW! THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS EVE CHRISTMAS DAY & NEW YEAR’S EVE
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