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DooWop Denny plays his last summer show tonight

Erica Marciniec
special to the daily

Q: So you are a one man show, playing with a “virtual” band? You program the rest of the songs in advance?

A: Yes, I’m a one-man-show, and I accompany the MIDI computer background music with my guitar and vocals to create the “virtual band” sound. I have created background Midi tracks in my Florida studio, and I play and sing along with whatever song I select, based on the audience and the mood.

Q: You play locally at the Blue Spruce?



A: For the past 12 summers, I have performed on Sunday afternoons at the Blue Spruce from 4-7 p.m. We can count on an enthusiastic crowd of “retired teenagers” every week with a packed dance floor and folks having a whole lot of fun. My final date at Blue Spruce this year was Sept. 11.

Q: I understand you have a good following. How do you cultivate it?



My fan-base is approximately 1,000, and I keep in touch via email and my website: http://www.DooWopDenny.com.

Q: Your shows sometimes feature acts, like seniors getting onstage doing YMCA by the Village People. Is it planned in advance?

Yes, I do occasionally plan novelty “floor shows” at Blue Spruce, the amphitheater and Silverthorne Pavilion. We often do the “hand jive,” a goofy ’50’s fad that folks like. Elaine Fogle and Jack Cowger have developed a cute Itsy-Bitsy Teenie-Weenie Bikini skit, which is hysterical. And The Summit Village People (Nancy Kauffman, Pat Dahly, Carol Clarke, Sara Schnabel, Joe Fassel, all in full costume) are well known for their rendition of YMCA. These acts have performed with me in the Caribbean on our annual DooWop Denny Cruises and plan to be aboard again in January 2012.

Q: You play songs ranging from the 50s to the 70s?

Primarily ’50s and ’60s, but some ’70s, including Jimmy Buffet, John Denver, Three Dog Night, Eagles, Neil Diamond, Paul Simon and Bob Seger. And, a few ’80s including Frank Sinatra, George Strait, Beach Boys and the Blues Brothers.

Q: Anything else you want to add?

I’m basically a “retired teenager” myself, still havin’ fun rockin’ the oldies, and it’s a great joy to share my music and see the smiles on folks faces as they listen and dance to their old favorites.

Denny splits his time between Summit County and Sarasota, Fla., so if you’re down that way this winter, stop by Saltwater Cafe in Nokomis, Fla. He’s there 7-10 p.m. most Saturdays.


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