Take a trip back to the 50s with 'Reminisce'

Aug. 5 concert features West Milford’s own Echoes of Time West Milford — Remember the 1950s? They were indeed simpler times - no cell phones or personal computers; commuting to work meant you might travel to the next town. We can’t bring that back, even if we wanted to, but on Friday, Aug. 5, let the music bring you back to that simple time when the band Reminisce comes to West Milford at the Journey Church of the Highlands for a good time, feel good show. Reminisce has been bringing folks back to the good old days for 12 years now, and they don’t disappoint. “We have a really great time and our audiences love it,” said Joe Gilligan, one of the singers for Reminisce. “The music of the 50s was very simple and nice.” The band has just released its fourth CD, “Remembering the Good Times.” It’s 18 great oldies along with God Bless America, the song Reminisce ends all of its shows with. And don’t kid yourself. This music isn’t just for the over-60 crowd. “About two years ago we did a show for the Princeton University student body,” said Gilligan. “It was supposed to run from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. At 10, there was nobody in the place. By 11, they packed the place. There wasn’t room for another student. They bought all of our CDs. It was great.” Gilligan said this music is passed down from generation to generation. “People love this music.” Reminisce performs the music of the Platters, the Flamingoes, the Sherells, Dion and the Belmonts, Patsy Cline, even Elvis and Connie Francis make appearances in the show. And all are encouraged to dance and sing along with the band. You know you want to. The band performs about 50 shows each year, opening for acts like Bobby Rydell in addition to their own shows. At the West Milford show, Larry Chance of the Earls fame will appear in person as a special guest and do a few tunes with the band. And to make it even more hometown special, West Milford’s own Echoes of Time is opening the show. The show is taking place at Journey Church of the Highlands on Marshall Hill Road. Gilligan said it is a great facility, “one of the nicest stages I’ve ever seen.” Tickets are $20 per person. All are welcome to bring their own food but a snack bar with hamburgers and hot dogs and soft drinks will be open as well. To reserve your seats call 973-853-4531 or 973-728-9682. See you back in the 50s! To hear some of Reminisce’s songs and see more photos of the band, go to www.oldiesbyreminisce.com.

If you go
Oldies Doo Wop Show
Friday, Aug. 5
7:30 to 11:30 p.m.
$20 Bring Your Own Food
Hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and drinks also available for purchase
Journey Church of the Highlands
184 Marshall Hill Rd.
West Milford
For tickets call 973-853-4531 or 973-728-9682