Rock, Roll and Doo Wop Volume 24 brings some of the '60s and '70s to the Capitol Theatre

By Dave Parsons

It started back in 2010, when a local music fan and businessman wanted to bring an oldies band to the area for a concert. One thing led to another, more acts were added, and the first Rock, Roll and Doo Wop show was held in Wheeling, West Virginia. Fast forward 14 years, and one pandemic later, Rock, Roll and Doo Wop Volume 24 took place on Saturday, March 9, at the Capitol Theater in downtown Wheeling, WV.

It is somewhat mind boggling, that in those 24 shows, promoter Charles Pappas has brought over 50 different acts from the 60’s and 70’s, most in a rotating basis, and presented shows to over 50,000 people at the Capitol Theater.

The Volume 24 show got off to a great start with a legendary band called The Cyrkle. Starting their 20 minute set with their 1966 Top 20 hit Turn Down Day the show was off and running. The band was the first of the night to ask “Aren’t you all up past your bed time?” before acknowledging the original members still in the group were possibly in the same boat!

Their harmonies were still tight, and the highlight of their set was the news that their first CD in 50 YEARS is coming out soon. They did their new single Dance With Me Tonight and it was indeed a song you could dance to. They finished off their set with their signature hit Red Rubber Ball and received a well deserved standing ovation.

After a very brief changeover, The Association took the stage, immediately launching into one of their hits Windy. They explained the stories behind their hit songs, and what the world was involved in at the time. Hits like Enter The Young and Never My Love take on a different level when you didn’t live through that time in history.

One of the highlights of their set, is when they talked about the songs that they had a chance to record first. You could just hear them recording Joy to The World or McArthur Park but they passed on those songs. They did a parody of another song they passed on, changing Desperado to Avocado. Changing gears again they finished the set with two of their biggest all-time hits, Cherish and Along Comes Mary.

All of those hits and music, and it was only intermission.

The second half was opened by the Classics IV. While their name might not be as well-known as the others on the bill, their music and hits certainly were. Everyday With You Girl and Stormy were instantly recognized by the crowd.

It must be hard to be limited to an abbreviated 20 minute set, but the plus side is, every song is a hit and the audience loves it. The Classics IV finished off their time with their big hits Traces and Spooky. The crowd’s reaction wanted an encore, but the night had to move on.

The Grass Roots took the stage last and every song was a sing along classic. Don’t Pull Your Love Out on Me, Sooner Or Later, and Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes), had the nostalgia and memories flowing with the crowd who was into every word of every song.

Two Divided by Love built the energy for the closing song, Temptation Eyes, and this time the audience got their wish with an encore of yet another hit, Midnight Confessions.

It is indeed a good evening of entertainment, when you see 4 classic bands, and 30 classic hit songs, for one ticket price. As the crowd filed out of the Capitol Theater, the line was already formed to buy tickets for Volume 25 this October that will star Chubby Checker, The Vogues, The Skyliners and Chris Ruggerio.

There is some kind of magic formula in this kind of show. It’s pure entertainment, and hopefully it never loses it’s appeal.

The Cyrkle Setlist

1 Turn Down Day

2 Vehicle

3 Paperback Writer

4 Feeling Groovy

5 Dance With Me Tonight

6 Red Rubber Ball

The Association Setlist

1 Windy

2 Everything That Touches You

3 Enter The Young