Report

Even my son was heavily-entertained.

Entering the Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater/Grill/"'57 Heaven" museum there is a clear section of flooring that lets you see a couple of '57s on display in the museum on the floor below. I allow as how $18 is a mite expensive to look at old rides. After walking the gift shop, we head to our seats. I guess there are average 25 seats/row and 25-30 rows. So 600-700 in the crowd. We're ninth row, close to center, easy for my old eyes. Large video screens flanking the stage are showing clips and stills from AB broadcasts over the years interspersed with the same for the Righteous Bros and Paul Revere and the Raiders on AB.

Show starts on time - bonus points! Paul Revere is 70 honkin' years old and uses that as a basis for a lot of his schtick. Two of his band members have been with him for 35 years, one for 24, and the newest "baby Raider" (at 4 years with the band) is Bill Medley's son, Darren. The kid's got a set of pipes on him. Lots of PRATR old tunes and fast patter. Mein son was cracked up by the monkey with cymbals having his hat blown off by a starter's gun by PR. Overall, good time rock-n-roll.

After a 15 minute intermission with RB clips and stills prominent on the video screens, Mr Medley made his appearance. At 68, he used AARP and his grandchildren as the centerpieces of his schtick. All of the RB hits followed, with his daughter McKenna doing the duet "The Time of My Life" with him. The Raiders changed clothes and added a harmonica player before backing Bill. He did a couple tunes with his son including some new stuff. His voice hasn't the industrial strength richness that it had 20 years ago when I last saw him, but 50% of Bill is as strong as 100% of most anybody else. Before "Unchained Melody" he asked the vets in the audience to stand and I was bloody well surprised to see a good 35-40% of the audience stand. Branson loves its veterans.

The show lasted 2 1/2 hours. Afterwards, there were the usual sales of cds and dvds, with all of the performers more than willing to sign anything. Still photos were encouraged even during the performance, and afterwards they were good for posed photos. With a list price of $45, and our tickets @$20 due to a willingness to sit through a 3 hour vacation presentation, I'd rate the show at a B+. If you have the chance at Lake Tahoe, Vegas, or Branson - grab the opportunity. Usual disclaimers - I have no pecuniary interest, received no recompense, and no old farts were harmed during this show. More later...