July 30, 2008

Fifty-some odd years ago, a phenomena hit our atmosphere so strong that the face of our music, our culture-our very world was changed forever.  This phenomenon was a group of young men who formed a group and called themselves The Comets.  Guess what, folks?  They are still going strong-rocking and rolling at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater.  And they are every bit as impressive as their collective name implies.

I’m ashamed to admit that I hadn’t made it to see this legendary group of performers before now.  But, we got an opportunity to go see the Diamond Dave Somerville and The Comets show and latched onto it!

When you first enter the lobby, you’re greeted by helpful, courteous staff.  You are immediately struck by your 1957 era surroundings and it’s almost as if you’re transported back to the early days of rock and roll and cool cars…Yep, back to those “Happy Days!"  The facilities (which, by the way, are roomy, well-supplied, and clean) are located conveniently to the right of the entrance.  Also located on the right side of the lobby is the ticket office.  On the left, you have a concession area and the theater entrance.  Toward the rear of the lobby is the gift shop, a place you will definitely want to visit while you’re there.  We had no trouble getting our tickets and getting to our seats in the ample theater. 

For the first hour or so, you’re wonderfully entertained by Mr. Dave Somerville (of the famous Diamonds).  He shares some time with the beautiful and talented McKenna Medley.  Following is an intermission.  After that, The Comets take the stage by storm.

What can you say about The Comets?  You sit there amazed at their energy and superb musicianship.  I need to mention here that there are only three original Comets appearing onstage.  However, Dave Byrd (the "Bird Man"), vocals and piano, and Jackson Haney, also known as “Baby Comet”, baritone and guitar are well qualified to fill the gaps.  The three core Comets are Marshall Lytle, vocals and upright bass, Joey Ambrose, vocals and sax, and Dick Richards on drums.  During the show you’re treated with original numbers like “Rock This Joint”, “See You Later, Alligator”, and, of course, “Rock Around The Clock."  Did you ever wonder how it all started?  You’ll hear first-handed gems of rock and roll history from these true pioneers of the music industry.  You’ll be astounded at the energy and love the playful antics.  Marshall ‘wrote the book’ on how to use your upright bass for a prop onstage.  Joey’s expertise on the sax is unrivaled.  In my opinion…He’s the best!  And Dick Richards overwhelms you with a drum solo that will blow your socks off! 

Something else impressed me greatly.  After the show, you get a chance to purchase a souvenir like a picture, cd, or a T-shirt.  They will sign autographs.  But these guys are truly nice people.  A musician friend of mine once told me that “The bigger they are, the nicer they are.”  This certainly holds true for The Comets.  You can’t get any bigger (or more legendary) than the “First Band of Rock and Roll.”  And you can’t get any nicer than these guys! 

You really don’t want to miss the chance to see these “crazy cats” perform in person.  The Comets are appearing daily in all their blazing glory Tuesdays-Sundays at 2:00 p.m. at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, 1600 W. Hwy 76 in Branson. 

Kathy Bennett, Editor 

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