Oh What A Night of Rock N Roll at Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair

The Tokens’ frontman Jay Siegel is bringing his version of the band to a once-in-a-lifetime appearance at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury! The Tokens are one of the most commercial success doo-wop powerhouses out of the ‘60s. The band emerged in 1955 with original members Neil Sedaka, Eddie Rabkin, Hank Medress, and Cynthia Zolotin. Over the years, there have been many line-up changes, but the band’s most well-known singer, Jay Siegel, replaced Rabkin one year later. Siegel was basically more of the original member compared to Rabkin since he performed on the band’s first recorded single, “While I Dream.” While Sedaka was the lead singer at the time, the song became a hometown hit in New York. The Brooklyn natives then had another significant line-up change. Sedaka left the group, and Siegel took over as lead vocalist with Medress. During the ‘60s, the line-up was established, and the band released several iconic hits, including their breakout single, “Tonight I Fell In Love.”

In 1961, The Tokens dropped their most popular album, The Lion Sleeps Tonight. The record peaked at number 54 on the Billboard 200 and spawned the iconic title track. The song went to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 7 on the R&B chart. The hit was a rendition of the 1939 song “Mbube,” written by Linda Solomon. Although it has been covered by various artists many times, The Tokens’ version was by far the most popular.

The Tokens have released 20 albums throughout their career, including studio efforts, holiday editions, and compilations. They’ve also belted out several hit singles, including their latest charting hit,” In the Midnight Hour,” released in 1973. In 1994, there was a resurgence of retro music. Meanwhile, the Tokens re-released their most successful album, which led to “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” peaking at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The Heppenings comprising Bob Miranda, George Rizzi, Bob Kulik, and Bob Payne are also set to deliver their Billboard Hot 100 charts at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury. The group debuted in 1961 with original member Bob Miranda. They initially found commercial success as a cover band. Some of their more successful hits include the Tempo’s “See You in September,” George Gershwin’s “I Got Rhythm,” and Billy Stwewart’s “Summertime.” These covers have earned gold and platinum certifications. In a span of two years (1966-1968), The Happenings dropped nine Billboard Hot 100 charting singles, Steven Lawrence’s “Go Away Littel Girl,” Al Jolson’s “My Mammy,” and Hair’s “Hare Krishna.”

Catch Oh What A Night of Rock N Roll featuring Jay Siegel and the Tokens and The Happenings at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury on Saturday, 9th September 2023! Tickets are now available!