SHIPPENSBURG, PA (May 18, 2010) - The H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center at Shippensburg University presents the legendary LITTLE ANTHONY & THE IMPERIALS, Saturday, June 5, 2010 at 8 p.m.

Available tickets are $40, $35 & $30 and can be purchased by calling the Luhrs Center Box Office at 717.477.SHOW (7469) or online at www.luhrscenter.com.

LITTLE ANTHONY & THE IMPERIALS is one of the few vocal groups rooted in the 1950s that survived the changes of the following decade and continued to produce chart-topping hits. They still tour and record with their original lineup during a career that spans four decades. True living legends, LITTLE ANTHONY & THE IMPERIALS perform out 100 nights a year.

The group, whose lineup features Anthony Gourdine (lead), Clarence Collins (baritone), Ernest Wright (2nd tenor), and Sammy Strain (tenor), signed a contract in the summer of ‘64 for DCP Records (Don Costa Productions). Their first record was a double-sided ballad smash. The "A" side, "Tears on My Pillow", instantly launched their career into musical history. This would be one of their biggest-selling hits, with over one million copies sold, and has been one of the most enduring love ballads of the ‘50s. The flip side hit, "Two People In The World" made this one of the most popular double-sided ballad records in vocal group history.

They enjoyed a great resurgence with more ballads under the guidance of producer and composer, Teddy Randazzo. They recorded several more hits, including:  "Shimmy, Shimmy Ko-Ko Bop", "Hurts So Bad", "I Miss You So", and "Take Me Back". With style, choreography, songs they perform a show that is unparalleled in today's market.

The group was recently honored as recipients of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation's Fourth Annual Pioneer Award, and was inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame Museum in Sharon, PA. They received recognition of their artistry and lifelong contributions to rhythm and blues music.

For more information, call the Luhrs Center Box Office at 717.477.SHOW (7469) or visit the Luhrs Center website at www.luhrscenter.com. A group discount is available for groups of 20 or more.

About the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center's 2009-2010 Season
This season's performances include: Mike Super - Magic & Illusion (Sept. 12), LOGGINS & MESSINA (Sept. 17), Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone (Oct. 1), Ben Folds and special guest Kate Miller-Heidke (Oct. 4), FRANKIE VALLI & The Four Seasons (Oct. 8-SOLD OUT), AMERICA (Oct. 17), Legends of Country Rock - POCO, Pure Prairie League & Firefall (Oct. 23), YAMATO - The Drummers of Japan (Nov. 4), Brian Regan (Nov. 6-SOLD OUT), The Ten Tenors (Nov. 12), Junie B. Jones (Dec. 5), Kenny Rogers - 2009 Christmas & Hits Tour (Dec. 6 - SOLD OUT), Canadian Brass Christmas (Dec. 10), Aga-Boom (Jan. 29 & 30), Mardi Gras Mambo - The Neville Brothers  with Dr. John & The Lower 9-11 (Feb. 11), Charlotte's Web (Feb. 13), The Pink Floyd Experience (Feb. 16), Jesus Christ Superstar (Feb. 21-SOLD OUT), Dr. Benjamin Carson - Lecture (Feb. 25), The Peking Acrobats (Mar. 2), The Pirates of Penzance (Mar. 18), Leahy (Mar. 23), Etta May and The Southern Fried Chicks (Mar. 27), Thank You Gregory! a tribute to the legends of tap (Apr. 6), An Evening with George Benson (Apr. 9), Diva Nation - Where Music, Laughter & Girlfriends Reign! (Apr. 22), LITTLE ANTHONY & THE IMPERIALS (Jun. 5), and the Festival 2010 Celebration Series special guest artists Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, Jean-Yves Thibaudet & Elisabeth Turchi (Jul. 8, 15 & 22) WILLIE NELSON & FAMILY (Jul. 26), STEVE MARTIN and the Steep Canyon Rangers - An Evening of Bluegrass & Banjo (Jul. 31).

About the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center at Shippensburg University

The mission of the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center at Shippensburg University is to support and enhance the University's role in academic and cultural enrichment for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Luhrs Center's 1,500-seat state-of-the-art Grove Theatre is where programs to educate, enlighten and entertain are presented. Benefits of the Center to the region include expanding opportunities to participate in a wide range of cultural programming including full-scale Broadway companies, musical groups, symphonies, dance troupes and internationally known speakers. In addition, it adds options for professional training programs, youth programs and senior citizen programs; attracts regional and national business conferences, professional meetings and planning sessions; and additional visitors to the area which will result in a positive impact on the local and regional economy.

 

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