Legends concert to benefit injured firefighters

Proceeds from a concert featuring singing stars from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s on Thursday, November 29, will benefit firefighters injured during the recent firestorm, according to event organizers Dave Richards and Rev. Tim Zemanek.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Bob Burton Center for the Performing Arts at Fallbrook High School.

“This is an opportunity for people to enjoy legendary entertainers and support the brave men who suffered severe injuries while saving our county,” claims Richards.

Heading up the list of legendary singers will be megastar Trini Lopez. Frank Sinatra discovered the young singer and immediately signed him to Reprise Records, a label owned by Sinatra.

Lopez’ first single, “If I Had a Hammer,” was a multi-million seller. He followed up with a succession of hits such as “Michael,” “Lemon Tree,” America,” “Kansas City,” “I’m Coming Home, Cindy,” “La Bamba,” Greenback Dollar” and “Are You Sincere?”

Co-headlining is Al Wilson, whose song “Show and Tell” was Cashbox Magazine’s 1974 Single of the Year.

Joining Wilson and Lopez is Rock-a-Billy Hall of Famer Jody Reynolds, whose 1958 hit “Endless Sleep” began a fad of “suicide” songs in the late ’50s and early ’60s.

Additionally, Dodie Stevens will perform “Pink Shoelaces,” which hit the top of the charts when she was 14 and found her as a favorite on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand,” on Bob Hope’s weekly television show and costar with Fabian in the teen movie “Hound Dog Man.”

As a teenager, Jewel Aikens enjoyed success singing with the popular Four Dots but left the group to try a solo act in 1964. His first release brought him instant stardom with “The Birds and the Bees” and a string of other top hits.

Bobby “The Great Imposter” Craig will offer his impersonations of Fats Domino, Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis and other famous personalities, while local music store owner Robert Resto will direct a “back-up” orchestra composed of top “studio musicians.”

Reserved seats for $20 are available in advance at Major Market. The organizers strongly suggest advanced purchases, though the box office will offer tickets beginning at 6 p.m. the night of the event.

“The artists will sing many more songs, including an array of holiday music,” remarked Zemanek, pastor of Fallbrook’s Living Waters Fellowship. “This event will be a memory-maker in more ways than can be imagined.”