Darlene Love broke a date with Billy Joel to be in Central Florida this weekend. Love is the headline act for the gala opening of the new Clermont Performing Arts Center, Saturday at 6 p.m. at 3700 S. Highway 27.
Love, like Joel, is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. She is best known for her work with producer Phil Spector on such classic hits as “He’s a Rebel,” “He’s Sure the Boy I Love,” “Wait Till My Bobby Gets Home” and “Da Doo Ron Ron.” A handful of tickets remain for the concert, which starts at 8 p.m. For more information and other shows go to clemontpac.com or call 352-394-4800.
“Billy Joel is playing Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday and he wanted Darlene to open the show but she turned it down because of her obligation in Clermont,” said Doris Bloodsworth, a public information officer in Clermont.
Love is part of a special opening night that begins at 6 p.m. in the center. Dress is formal or semi-formal. There will be six gourmet food stations in the center for opening night guests. The main stage area seats 1,253 people –claiming to be the largest in Lake County. The facility also has a 256-seat Black Box theater. It is about 40 miles south of The Villages, off the Florida Turnpike, exit 289.
“People here are thrilled to have this theater and we have a lot in common with The Villages,” Bloodsworth said. “We’re hoping people in The Villages will come here because we’re going to have many shows they will enjoy.”
The city of Clermont bought the property in 2014 for $6.3 million. It was formerly the Celebration of Praise megachurch.
Jeanie Linders, best known as the creator and producer of “Menopause the Musical,” is the manager of the new arts center. Among the coming attractions:
“The Toy Shoppe,” starring Alan Thicke: Nov. 28: A Christmas musical written by Kenny Rogers.
“Motortown Christmas Spectacular,” Dec. 19: Featuring Motown acts the Temptations, the Miracles and the Capitols.
“Buddy—The Buddy Holly Story,” Jan. 2-3: Featuring the musical based on the life of Buddy Holly.
“In the Mood,” Jan. 23: Featuring 1940s music and dance.
“Ring of Fire, the music of Johnny Cash,” March 2-13. The famed country singer’s life and music.
Among the stage productions in the black box theatre including “Defending the Caveman,” “Vince: The Life and Times of Vince Lombardi” and “The Second City’s Holidazed & Confused Revue.”
Right now, however, the focus is on opening night and Darlene Love. To see a video of her go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXUgUHoqsBc
“I’m a baby boomer and like a lot of other people, I grew up with Darlene Love’s music,” Bloodsworth said. “She has warmth in her voice and can really sell a song.”
Love was part of the “Wall of Sound” that Phil Spector created. Love never received top billing but she was a big part of such girl groups as the Crystals, the Blossoms and Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans.
Love also sang back-up on such hits as the Righteous Brothers’ “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” and the Ronnettes’ “Be My Baby.”
Love also sang lead the holiday classic, “(Christmas) Baby Please Come home.”
