(Reuters) – One Direction, who? The Wanted, what? Their music is kids’ stuff. As a new wave of boy bands floods the market, there is one quartet winning fans with a modern twist on a retro sound they call “Amercan Radio Songbook.”
Under The Streetlamp steers clear of top 40 songs in favor of classic Motown hits, good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll, doo-wop and a Beatles tune or pop number thrown in for fun.
Its members, Michael Cunio, Shonn Wiley, Michael Ingersoll and Christopher Kale Jones, are all veterans of the stage, having starred in various productions of Broadway hit “Jersey Boys,” a musical history of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
“We’re a ‘man band,’” Cunio told Reuters, with a laugh, drawing a contrast between pop sensations like One Direction and The Wanted with their screaming teenage fans and Under the Streetlamp, which relishes in bringing new life to classic hits.
“The generation that came before us grew up listening to this music and passed it along to us, and now we are stewards of this music to the next generation,” said Cunio.
Thanks for tuning in to Access Hollywood Live! If you love the music of the American Radio Songbook as much as we do, and want more Under the Streetlamp, get your CD and DVD today! Our music is currently available exclusively through PBS. You can make a difference by making a pledge to your PBS Station today, and receive Under the Streetlamp CDs, DVDs, or Live Concert Tickets as your Thank You Gift!
If you’re like us, you love the world of art and entertainment showcased on PBS’s Great Performances. Friends, we cannot recommend this week’s new episode highly enough! Check your local listings to catch an extraordinary documentary on the making of Tony Bennett’s Duet’s II album. The legendary Mr. Bennett elegantly continues to bring generations together with great music, and there’s no end in sight. He doesn’t believe in retiring. Not if you get to do what you love.
Streetlamp’s own Michael Ingersoll enjoyed the awesome privilege of meeting Tony Bennett just a few years ago. Both gentlemen appeared as musical guests on the 2007 Primetime Emmy Awards. Mr. Bennett, who was honored that night with an Emmy for Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program for his television special Tony Bennett: An American Classic, sang a scintillating duet with Christina Aguilera. And Mr. Ingersoll, who was then playing to sold-out houses in the San Francisco production of Jersey Boys, performed a rocking Four Seasons medley in tribute to those other Jersey boys, HBO’s The Sopranos. Ingersoll was thrilled to be surrounded by the many show-busniess luminaries the ceremony attracts. But perhaps no encounter with an admired icon was more influential than the one with Mr. Bennett.
Get your first look at Under the Streetlamp, America’s hottest new vocal group, coming to you from their very first PBS Special. The quartet delivers the classic hits of the American radio songbook with the irresistible rapport of a modern day Rat Pack. Take and look and you’ll see why retro never sounded so now.
As we near our PBS Broadcast premiere, we’re just bursting with anticipation. And it looks like some of you share our countdown fever! Fans are sounding-off on Ticketmaster and predicting big things for Under the Streetlamp.
Barb 0809 says: “As soon as PBS airs this concert, they will be loved nationwide. These four men are so talented and truly have star quality.”
Nalafan cheers: “These guys have worked so hard to get to where they are and their passion shows on stage! They truly love to have a good time and their music is infectious. They are embarking on the ride of their lives and are bound to live as true rock stars! Before long, they will be a household name!”
And Daisygirl1740 exclaims: “What a great show! Had us rockin’ in our seats! Their voices were beyond amazing & their stage presence was so entertaining! They are very versatile young men who will go very far. Their singing & acting abilities are wonderful. We would definitely see them again & certainly hope they return to our area!!”
We ‘re so grateful for you. Keep smiling, friends!
Drumroll, please… We’ve just finished the post-filming technical production for the PBS special! And here’s the scoop you’ve been waiting for: Album and DVD will be released in February 2012 alongside the launch of the PBS broadcast. National tour info to follow! We wish to shout from the rooftops our sincere gratitude to the magnificent artists who have collaborated with us to create this remarkable televised concert event. Particular praise is owed to Music Director JoAnn Daugherty, Creative Consultant Caitlin Carter, Production Designer Todd Clark, slick sound engineer Steve Rodby, and the video dream team at HMS Media: Matt Hoffman and Scott Silberstein.
(Cool behind the scenes photo by Jeff Cunio.)
