USAO ShowBand to Share the Stage with Platters on New Year’s Eve
 

CHICKASHA – While many will ring in the New Year in the comfort of their homes, the ShowBand of the University and Science and Arts will be rockin’ the stage with legendary pop sensations, the Platters. On Dec. 31, the USAO ShowBand will open for the Platters at 8 p.m. in the Te Ata Memorial Auditorium in Troutt Hall.

Joe Settlemires, director and music arranger for the USAO ShowBand, said his ensemble of college students is one of a kind.

“There is no other band in Oklahoma or the surrounding states like the ShowBand,” Settlemires said. “Playing for the Platters will be a great experience and opportunity for our students.”

Debuting with their first hit in 1955, the Platters grabbed international attention when “Only You” hit No. 5 on U.S. charts. The vocal pop group solidified their place in rock ‘n’ roll history later that year with the No. 1 smash, “The Great Pretender.” Over the next 12 years, the quintet doo-wopped their way into the charts with more than 30 hits, including chart toppers “Twilight Time” and “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.”

In 1990, the Platters were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. Today, the Platters sing daily in Branson, Mo.

In their upcoming concert at USAO, the Platters are slated to kick off the New Year with a musical celebration lasting through midnight.

Known for its original Motown arrangements of popular hits, the USAO ShowBand presents a variety of musical hits, from pop and jazz to country and R&B.

This semester, the ensemble performed at special events across the state, including a Newcastle Education Foundation event that featured University of Oklahoma President David Boren as the guest speaker and Blanchard’s centennial celebration, during which they played with Grammy Award winning country singer Jody Miller.

The ShowBand also showcased its talents at this year’s Festival of Light opening night celebration.

Earlier this month, the ShowBand played to a large audience in the Te Ata Memorial Auditorium. During the show, Settlemires was presented a citation from the State of Oklahoma recognizing his 50 years as a musician. The ShowBand also received a citation for its five years of performing across the state thus far.

The New Year’s Eve concert is open to the public. Tickets are $20 at Chickasha Bank & Trust, Chickasha Chamber of Commerce, First National Bank, Kelley Real Estate, Moddrell Chickasha Honda & Suzuki and Paw Paw’s Hamburgers. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

 

NEWS RELEASE       December 13, 2006
UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND ARTS OF OKLAHOMA - CHICKASHA
CONTACT MICHAEL BENDURE, News Bureau, 405-574-1362, mbendure@usao.edu
RANDY TALLEY: Public Relations, 405-574-1337, rtalley@usao.edu
LAURA HARRISON: Public Relations, 405-574-1318, lharrison@usao.edu
FAX: 405-574-1377