Delighted concertgoers hope to be back

Some at Wednesday's concert said they are coming back for tonight's show.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
NILES -- Donna and Bernard Gardner won their tickets to Wednesday's Vocal Group Hall of Fame induction concert, and they've already made plans to come again next year, even if they have to buy their tickets.
The Gardners, of Conneaut Lake, Pa., won four tickets through a Meadville radio station and brought their nieces, Colleen Scapellato and Kim Rodgers, to the show with them.
Donna and Bernard were decked out in induction-concert sweat shirts.
"We love it," Donna said, adding that her favorite group was The Drifters, which were among those performing in the Cafaro Field concert.
She said they'll come back next year with a larger contingent of family.
Sandy Chavez and Patti Polon of Hubbard aren't waiting for next year. They're coming back tonight for the second induction concert.
"We already got our tickets," Chavez said.
The two, who were laughing and singing along with the vocal groups that were onstage, were with a large group of people from Hubbard.
The two said they like The Drifters and The Lettermen, who also performed.
Enjoying the memories
"We're going to be down on the field tomorrow," said Gerry Chambers of Howland, referring to the field seats closer to the stage.
She and her husband, George, were sitting in the stands Wednesday night.
"We love The Lettermen," he said, and his wife quickly added, "We love them all.
"It brings back memories," he said.
"A lot of groups are dying out. You won't get to do this much anymore," she said.
The Chambers were at the 2002 concert and said they plan to come to the 2004 concert as well.
The performance featured 11 groups and had a little something for everyone, from the gospel tunes of The Dixie Hummingbirds to the big band songs by The Pied Pipers, the harmonies of The Association and the rocking '50s songs of The Clovers and The Drifters.
The Clovers had the crowd on their feet and dancing to the original version of "Love Potion #9," and Deneen Genaro of Warren was so enthusiastic that she jumped onto a chair, grooving to the music.
She was at last year's show with a group of 10 people and came back this year with 20.
Hoping to sponsor
Genaro, who owns the New Attitudes salon, said she plans to be a sponsor next year and bring 30 people to the show.
"It's fantastic that it's here in our area," said Mary Lou Postiy of Warren, who was at the concert with her husband, Larry.
They were at last year's show and will come next year too, they said.
"The Drifters are my favorite, and they were here again," Mary Lou said shortly after the group performed some of its hits, including "Under the Boardwalk."
The Postiys said they might come back for tonight's show, if the weather holds up.
The Vocal Group Hall of Fame, now in its sixth year, had so many groups wanting to come back that it had to spread the concert over two nights, said Bob Crosby, president and CEO.
Most of the artists spent much of the week in the area, coming in Monday for Tuesday's induction ceremony at the hall of fame in Sharon, Pa., and staying through Thursday to perform free at the concerts.
Other groups on Wednesday's bill were The Four Lads, The Manhattan Transfer, The Harptones and The Chantels.
Scheduled for 7 tonight are The Marcels, The Ink Spots, The Orioles, The Modernaires, The Skyliners, The Impressions, Frankie Lymon's Legendary Teenagers, The Fifth Dimension, Jay and the Americans, Mary Wilson of The Supremes and Martha and The Vandellas.
Tickets will be available at the gate today.