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“Where The Boys Are?” How about where Connie Francis is?
Currently, the famous singer of the aforementioned hit can be seen on banners lining Ft. Lauderdale Beach, trumpeting the “Where The Boys Are/Connie Francis Great American Beach Party” this Saturday. Celebrating her long career and the 50th anniversary of the movie that introduced the concept of Spring Break and unleashed hordes of sun-loving teens on Ft. Lauderdale, the day-long affair features music and memories, culminating in an appearance by Ms. Francis herself.
A few days ago, Francis, who has residences in both Ft. Lauderdale and downtown West Palm Beach, told me that she was riding high from shows in Las Vegas with fellow diva legend Dionne Warwick, and was excited about this weekend’s festivities. Ironically, the woman who heralded the call to Spring Break says she was incredibly unimpressed the first time she came to Ft. Lauderdale – “They made it sound like there were boys hanging off the trees!” the current South Floridian says of the area in the 1960s. “But there was nothing! Nothing!”
Something else fun: Have you heard about Connie’s Lady Ga-Ga-esque update of “Where The Boys Are?” How cool does that sound?
Here’s the schedule for Saturday, taking place around A1A and Las Olas Boulevard:
11:30 a.m. — Welcome
12:00 noon — Lu White & The Hot Rods
2:00 p.m. — Fabulons
4:00 p.m. — Swing Sisters
5:00 p.mm. — Cutback Surf Band
7:00 p.m. — Tony Ferretti
7:30 p.m. — Connie Francis
7:50 p.m. — Special Presentation by Mayor Jack Seiler
8:15 p.m. — 50th anniversary screening of the movie “Where The Boys Are”
Other happenings:
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. — Sand Castle Contest
12:00 noon-5:00 p.m. — Familiy Activities: Face Painter, DJ-hosted games, competitions and dance contests
12:00 noon-5:00 p.m. — Classic Car Show
Howie Greenfield and Neil Sedaka wrote “Where The Boys Are” and delivered it to MGM in two days. Connie in a 1996 interview said they had two versions: One they liked, the other they hated. MGM chose the one they hated. I asked Connie what was the other version, she doesn’t remember.
Hey you media guys, followup with Sedaka on that other version!
I said this once before and I will say it again
There Will Never Be A Singer Like Miss Connie Francis
There is on one, and I am happy she came into my life.
Always
Sal Ferrara
DANG!! Ol’ Connie looks better now than she did in the 50′s. Hey Connie! C’mere an give ol polecat some sugar. Sang to me baby.
Theres more cosmetic surgery in that face than Joan Rivers.
And that, by the way, is not Leslie Gray Streeter.
I you cant say something nice dont say anything at all
How “Ignorant can you be”?????? Ms. Francis gave us her heart and soul and long memories that carried us through every emotion we experienced.She is a fine example of strength and courage and a wonderful example to all women. She is still beautiful, alive,and well. Her eyes reflect the beauty she is inside and out. She and her music will continue long after we are gone……..
Thanks for sharing this. Keeping the oldies music alive is what it’s all about, and it’s amazing that Connie Francis is still around to do that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9IWQJoMLrg&hd=1