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A Little Doo-Wop For The Dogs

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By CHERYL BENTLEY, The Suncoast News

Published: February 9, 2008

A nationally known doo-wop group will bring a combined 160 years of musical experience to an event benefiting Florida Boxer Rescue.

Sunday afternoon, the Legends of Doo-Wop will perform the mellow sounds that earned them a spot on the PBS programs "Doo-Wop 50" and "More Doo-Wop 50."

"We're all animal lovers," Tommy Mara said. "That's the main reason we accepted."

The four-man Legends was formed in 1998 by Steve Horn, whose musical roots go back to the Bronx group Five Sharks.

Another New Yorker, Frank Mancuso, was one of the founding members of the Imaginations. One of that group's singles made the New York charts but the singers were limited in accepting work because two were minors.

The third member, Jimmy Gallagher, was formerly in Brooklyn's The Passions, whose "Just To Be With You" made the national charts.

Mara, also a New Yorker, rounds out the group. He used to sing with The Saints locally and lists Southern rock and country music among his repertoire.

All the men now live in Florida.

Accompanied by a four-member band, Legends of Doo-Wop keeps busy on the Florida winter circuit and at local festivals and cruises at other times, Mara said.

"We use our vocal chords to make harmony," he said. "They are amazing instruments."

Even after almost half a century of being on stage, all four singers still love to entertain, Mara noted. "We have a lot of camaraderie with the audience, a lot of audience participation, a lot of fun on stage."

The Legends agreed to do Sunday's show after hearing about abused and sick dogs from Florida Boxer Rescue volunteer Candee Franco, who organized the benefit.

Since the nonprofit rescue group was formed in 2000, it has found homes for more than 2,000 boxers, according to its Web site. The organization's annual veterinary bills are around $150,000, Franco said. Being purebreds does not protect boxers from abuse or becoming homeless, she said.

In addition to the live entertainment, the prices of admission - $50 and $45 - include dinner. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

The fundraiser also will feature a silent auction of high-end gift baskets featuring wine, a $200 car detailing certificate and portraits by a professional photographer.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Benefit for Florida Boxer Rescue
WHEN: Doors open at 4 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey

FEATURES: Music by the Legends of Doo-Wop, dinner and a silent auction

HOW MUCH: Tickets are $50 and $45 and must be purchased in advance.

CONTACT: Candee Franco, (727) 858-5627

ONLINE: Find out more about the boxer rescue group at www.flbr.org and about the headlining Legends at www.thelegendsofdoowop.com.

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