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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, August 21, 2009

'50s greats rock on to timeless classics


By Dave Dondoneau
TGIF Editor

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

The Coasters, above, perform at the Rockin' 50s show tonight at the Hawai'i Convention Center. The Drifters and The Platters will also perform.

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ROCKIN' 50S

7 tonight

Hawai'i Convention Center

$50, $60

www.ticketmaster.com

800-745-3000

7:30 p.m. Saturday

Hilo Civic Auditorium

$35

866-468-3399

7:30 p.m. Sunday

Maui Arts & Cultural Center

$25, $35, $45

808-242-SHOW (7469), www.mauiarts.org

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After bringing in two of the biggest acts in entertainment today — the Black Eyed Peas and No Doubt — promoter Tom Moffatt is taking a trip down memory lane tonight with the Rockin' 50s concert at the Hawai'i Convention Center.

The Coasters, The Drifters and The Platters — all three acts longtime members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — headline tonight's show. Moffatt can't wait.

"The first time I saw The Platters was Jan. 1, 1959, and I emceed in a white tuxedo," Moffatt said. "I didn't have a duck tail, but my hair was slicked back. Those were good times. When they came in, they had the No. 1 song in the world, 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes.' Oh man, they were great. They came in with Bobby Darin."

Moffatt set up tonight's Golden Oldies reunion in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hawai'i becoming the 50th state today. Fifty years ago today, the trio of groups were at the top of the music charts and their songs — like "Yakety Yak," "Poison Ivy," "On Broadway," and "Up on the Roof" — resonate today.

"The Coasters have a lot of fun songs," Moffatt said. "In 1959, I remember general admission tickets were 90 cents and reserved $2.20. It brings back memories. These groups are part of the history of rock and roll. I'm really looking forward to hearing 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes' again."