As the post-World War II Baby Boom generation inexorably relaxes its grip on the workplace, many who once rocked the night away still want to hold onto all of the youthful diversions they can. Translation: It’s hard to let go of the fun stuff.
Even if it doesn’t make wrinkles disappear, a virtual industry exists to appease the entertainment desires of those whose cherished memories of yesteryear might still be able to put a spring in their step. Translation: Fountain of Youth for sale.
So saddle up this weekend, Boomers, along with anyone else who wants to witness the regenerative rodeo. Translation: There’s lots to enjoy before riding into the sunset!
They stopped being boys a long time ago, but the promise of endless summer is made every time the Beach Boys sing about getting around, catching a wave and wishing that all girls could be from California. Lead vocalist Mike Love may be the only original member still on tour with the historic band that formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, Calif., but here’s the bottom line: Surf’s still up. Grab your board.
Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland, 1228 Main St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $49.50-$95.50.
From “Show Me the Way” to “Baby, I Love Your Way,” the songs on English rocker Peter Frampton’s fantastically popular live double album, “Frampton Comes Alive!,” now point the way to Baby Boomer nostalgia. Frampton, who’s still quite the guitar player, will simply pick it up where he may have left you – perhaps around 1976. Late comers to the Frampton Fan Club also welcome.
Sunday, 8 p.m.; Uptown Theater, 3700 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $45-$125.
3. The Spinners
The 1970s was the golden era of the Spinners, with millions of records sold and countless plays of their soul-stirring hits on AM radio, including "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love," “I’ll Be Around” and "The Rubberband Man” – all of which I loved as a young Boomer. “Rubberband Man,” especially, put a smile on my face, if only for the near-novelty nature of the catchy title chorus. To be sure, the talented voices in the group have changed over the years, but the songs and the spirit behind them are the same. Oh, you’re falling in love all right. All over again.
Saturday, 8 p.m.; Ameristar Casino and Hotel, 3200 Ameristar Drive, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $35-$55.
Engelbert Humperdinck’s first hit ballad, “Release Me (And Let Me Love Again),” was so big that it prevented the Beatles’ “Penny Lane” from hitting the top of the UK singles chart in 1967. Certainly, that feat got the attention of Beatles-obsessed Boomers, more than a few of whom (well, at least the females) went on to become followers of “The King of Romance.” Humperdinck’s warm music, along with his enduringly tall-dark-and-handsome persona, is decidedly middle of the road, but he’s clearly not yet at the end of it. Even at age 80, his tender rendition of “After the Lovin’” from 1976 might still get a pair of panties tossed onstage. Which I’m pretty sure would be a first at the Kauffman Center.
Friday, 8 p.m.; Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, 1601 Broadway, Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $49-$99.
5. Ida McBeth and the McFadden Brothers
Two beloved Boomer-age Kansas City acts – jazz, blues and pop singer Ida McBeth and the tap-dancing McFadden Brothers – share a significant double bill in this Lifetime Achievement Award Concert at the Gem Theatre. Talk about an audience-friendly twofer: Ida digging deep to make every lyric matter, while the impressive footwork of Lonnie and Ronnie McFadden blurs the line between strength and elegance.
Saturday, 8 p.m.; Gem Theatre, 1615 E. 18th St., Kansas City, Mo.; tickets: $35-$55.
Best known as little Eddie Munster on the 1960s sitcom, “The Munsters,” Butch Patrick, now 62, has spent his adult life living with being an ex-child star. That includes living off it, too, and there’s nothing wrong with that. We should all be so cursed/lucky. Remember Eddie’s furry little doll, Wolfie? If Patrick doesn’t make a joke about it when he performs stand-up comedy this weekend, he should turn in his fangs. He doesn’t even have to be funny onstage, as long as he successfully winds up the way-back machine. By the way, “The Munsters” remains one of the funniest TV shows of the 1960s. Did I say “remains”? Sorry, Boomers, didn’t mean to rush things.
Thursday, 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 7:45 and 9:45 p.m.; Stanford’s Comedy Club & Restaurant, 7328 W. 119th St., Overland Park; tickets: $10-$75.
Brian McTavish is a regular arts and culture contributor for KCUR 89.3. Reach him via email at brianmctavish@gmail.com.
