THE BABY MONTEREY BOOMER FESTIVAL

Fans will certainly recognize the three talented ladies in the above picture. They are, of course, Mary Weiss, Mary Ann Ganser, and Margie Ganser; better known as the “Shangri-Las.” Who could ever forget … (sing along while I lip-sync)

“I met him at the candy store
He turned around and smiled at me
You get the picture? (yes, we see)
That's when I fell for (the leader of the pack)”

I’ll get back to the follow-up on this story right after these words from the sponsor (me).

Last night (Saturday July 29, 2006) I was a guest at the Canoga Park High School class of 1966 reunion. I don’t usually do personal appearances but this one I couldn’t resist. One, this group was having their affair at a location just ten minutes from where I live and second, of the about 100 or so who were there, almost three quarters of them actually danced and performed on the show. It was exciting to see the “kids” after 40 years. I have to say that the Baby Boomers of today sure look great. I can see why the new “middle-age” is now the 50s.

The wonderful part was that they were as glad to see me, as I was to see them. It was a reunion in a reunion.

While I was driving home from the event, I had an epiphany (I love the word “epiphany”). I suddenly realized how thrilled this Class of ’66 would have been if I had brought along a couple of their favorite artists from the show. Dynamite!

But, of course, there are a lot of hurdles. Too many of the 60s recording artists I would want to present are no longer together. The Beach Boys, Jan and Dean, The Righteous Brothers, Sonny and Cher, The Birds, etc. Come to think of it though, I suppose a lot of the couples, who were high school sweethearts, are most likely not together anymore either. And, sadly, they most likely have no idea where some of their high school friends are today. It’s hard to keep in touch for forty years.

That’s why I’m always elated whenever I hear from one of my famous show guests. They were friends and one never wants to lose contact with friends.

To punctuate that statement, here is a delightful email that completely caught me by surprise:

“Dear Lloyd:

This is Mary Weiss, the original lead singer of the Shangri-Las. I just wanted to say hello. I have been hiding from the music business for many years. You are not going to believe it, but I decided to make a new CD. What a kick. I am going into the studio near the end of July – early August. It’s time to have some fun. What better than music?

I just wanted to check in and see how you are and what you are doing these days.
You always had such a great sense of humor. You always made me laugh. I have always remembered you fondly.

Best regards,

Mary”

Mary Weiss, the leader of this pack, is the one in the picture with her hand on my shoulder. It appears she was laughing so hard at the time; she had to hang on to me for support. You will notice SHE is also making ME laugh. I think it was all that laughter that helped make the show a hit. As someone once said, we were in the business of making rock and roll fun.

I promise I will keep all of you Mouse Cliquers informed as to when Mary’s new CD is available. You can help give her a leg up as she begins her second career. She is a Baby Boomer just like you. And just like you, it is never too late.

But wait, as the commercial huckster on TV would say, “There’s more!” How about this comment that was posted on one of my recent blogs:

“Hey Lloyd:

I still sing lead with the Turtles and we do between thirty and sixty concerts a year. The first TV show that we ever did was yours and believe me, we were and still are the students. You were the best teacher I ever had and I truly believe that you were in large part responsible for the sense of humor that has kept me going in this business, lo these forty-odd years.

Howard Kaylan-The Turtles”

Well, you heard it here folks. The Turtles are still out there doing concerts.

Why am I bringing all this up? What would you think about getting it all together for all the middle-agers out there? We present your favorite groups or whoever is still left and do a big concert. It would be held in Monterey, California and then we could call it “The Baby Monterey Boomer Festival?” Then it goes on the road.

It is said that if you build it, they will come. If someone were able to build this baby, would you come?

Let me know by posting a comment on this blog … and …

Stay tuned.