“Things are really shaping up for an absolutely fantastic Saturday evening on April 16,” according to Chuck Banas, chairman of the Tyrone-Snyder Township Public Library’s annual “fun” raiser.
This big fundraiser is the annual concert the library has in order to help offset the state budget cuts to libraries across Pennsylvania. All of the monies raised from this annual event are used to pay the mortgage on the new library building located in downtown Tyrone.
“This is our biggest and most successful event,” added Banas. “Without this single event, the library would be in real trouble.”
This year, the library is bringing a tremendous evening of entertainment to the Tyrone Area High School stage. Vocalists include Greta Shepardson and Kelsey Wilson. Joining Greta and Kelsey will be The Foxtrot Dancers. Also appearing on stage will be stand-up comic and impersonator Barry St. Ives from Nottingham, England. The feature act for this year’s concert will be the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famers, The Platters.
The group was formed in the early 1950s and in 1955 signed a recording contract with Mercury Records where they recorded their big hit “Only You”. The Platters have had four number one hit songs and 16 gold records, most of which can still be heard today on any easy listening or oldies stations throughout the country. The Platters record sales to date have exceeded over 80 million and most of their recordings have been transferred to CD.
The Platters have now toured in some 75 countries across the world and still spend much time abroad. The Platters have played venues such as Madison Square Garden in New York City.
“This group is still delighting audiences wherever they appear,” said Banas.
On four different occasions they have played for the Governor’s Convention and most recently played for a private gathering of heads of state in Washington, D.C.
The Platters have also appeared in over 20 movies. Among these appearances are “Rock Around The Clock Tonight” and “The Girl Can’t Help It”. In 1990, The Platters were inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.
“We feel that The Platters will bring a whole new show to us here in Tyrone,” added Banas. “They have a tremendous following which will not only help the library but other businesses in our community. We have already received ticket orders from Binghamton, New York, Syracuse, New York and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and of course all over Central Pennsylvania.
“I know that this concert has resulted in dinner reservations at Tyrone businesses of over 30 individuals, and hotel room reservations for people who are staying over in Altoona and State College after the concert. I know I am happy that this annual ‘fun’ raising event is now starting to benefit not just the library but the entire community as well.”
Banas told The Herald that ticket sales have been and continue to be outstanding, with orders still coming in each day.
“We have already surpassed our record of ticket sales that was set last year and really do have a chance to sell out the seating in the high school auditorium,” he added.
The Platters will be singing their hits: “Only You”, “The Magic Touch”, “My Prayer”, “The Great Pretender”, “With This Ring”, “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” and many, many more hits.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the show starting promptly at 7 p.m.
Tickets are available at the following ticket sale outlets: Healthy Alternatives, Bressler’s Food Mart and Sports, Kopp Drugs, Joybeans and The Tyrone-Snyder Public Library. In the Altoona area, tickets may be purchased at the Altoona Public Library. Tickets may also be obtained via telephone by calling 684-7929 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Tickets will be available that evening at the Tyrone Area High School auditorium ticket window until show time.
