Poodle skirts and Pompadours are on the docket at State Street Theater’s annual fundraising gala, Saturday, February 11. Featuring Robby Vee and his Rock ‘n’ Roll Caravan, son of Bobby Vee of “Take Good Care of My Baby” fame, “ dolls, get your poodle skirts, and you dreamboats, get your pomade” ready to boogie! The rock ‘n’ roll starts on the stage at State Street with social hour and appetizers at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30. Dinner features a choice of entrée, choice of a host beverage, and a special soda fountain ice cream dessert.
Besides dancing, the evening’s activities include a live and silent auction, a wine pull, door prizes and several other contests you need to attend to find out. Among the donated prizes to be sought are a two-night stay at a villa at Spirit Mountain in Duluth from Sid and Jan DeLeo, another gift from the Liquor Mart and Ted and Jodi Marti of a cocktail party consisting of appetizers, coupled with an educational wine tasting by Vinocopia Distributing, who specializes in wines from around the world, along with ones from Minnesota,” and a five-course dinner for six at New Ulm’s newest fine dining restaurant, “Rush,” atop the Inspired building, during its inaugural opening later this year.
This entire night of food, drinks and entertainment up to 11:00 p.m. is just $75 per person, or, if a table for eight is reserved, just $70 a person. Reservations by February 1 can be made by calling the office at 507-359-9990 or emailing
info@statestreetnewulm.org. SST encourages all to grab your swing partner, roll your packet of fake cigarettes in the sleeve of your white t-shirts, pull out your saddle shoes and circle skirts and treat yourself to an evening of fun while supporting your local regional theater. Fifties garb is encouraged, but not required.
Robby Vee, “the Prince of Twang,” was born Robert Velline, named after his father, Bobby Vee. He is recognized by both the American and Canadian Rockabilly Hall of Fames and ,in 2022, was inducted into the Iowa Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Having been on tour with the legends and architects of rock ‘n’ roll, Robby has learned from, and shared credits and stages with the best, including James Burton, Carl Perkins, Bo Diddley, Albert Lee, Little Richard, the Everly Brothers, Sir Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Dion, The Righteous Brothers, Buddy Holly’s Crickets, Dick Clark and his “Caravan of Stars Rock ‘N’ Roll Show,” playwright, Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice, and, Robby’s father, rocker, Bobby Vee, and many more.
Claude Hall, radio-TV editor of Billboard magazine wrote, “If this guy had been around during the era of Elvis, he would have given Elvis a run for his money
