THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 1, 1996 TAG: 9607310122
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK ROBERTS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 58 lines
WHEN THE RHONDELS, long known for their beach music, come to Franklin next week and to Suffolk in September, you can expect an addition to their repertoire - ``Macarena,'' the Latin dance tune that has been an airwaves sensation.
``We've got it down pat,'' said Edgar JustusIII, the group's leader. ``You can expect to hear a little Spanish.''
Not to worry, though, the familiar music will be there. ``We do beach music, cover tunes, oldies, country and the easy stuff,'' Justus said. ``We do songs that people really enjoy listening to.'' Some originals also are included.
You can also expect to be part of their show.
``We're not a real energized band, although we do move around,'' Justus said. ``We mingle with each other and bring people out of the crowd and on stage. Everybody has a good time.''
Justus said, ``This is a great business. I make a great living, and I'm doing something I absolutely love to do.''
Audiences love it too. ``We make sure they're having a great time,'' Justus said. ``If they're partying, we're successful.''
The Rhondels have been together many years.
``We've got a good reputation,'' Justus said. ``We've been consistent, and we keep the same performers.''
The Rhondels, organized in 1960, originally performed with Bill Deal.
In 1983, Deal teamed up with Fat Ammon, a friendly competitor of the era.
``No matter where we go,'' Justus said, ``people say, `This was Bill Deal and The Rhondels.' ''
They will be in Franklin on Aug. 8 for We Be Jammin' Thursdays and will close the Suffolk Summer Celebration at Constant's Wharf on Sept. 13.
While The Rhondels stay primarily on the East Coast, Justus said they have had some Midwestern dates.
Some of the dates are weddings and bar mitzvahs, there are corporate gatherings, and many festivals and dances.
The Rhondels have performed with such acts as Peabo Bryson, Chubby Checker, Sam and Dave, Blood Sweat and Tears, the Lettermen and the Beach Boys.
Justus has been performing since he was in the sixth grade.
``When I was a kid, I listened to Motown and the Beatles,'' he said. ``In a sixth grade talent contest, I pantomimed `Twist and Shout.' After that, I got a job with the Del-Rays. I was 14.''
Six years ago, he and his friends came out with an original album, ``Islands of Paradise,'' which, he said, had a lot of sound problems.
He said, ``We're going to try an album again. We've got a lot of good things we're working on.''
In the meantime, practice up on your ``Macarena.'' ILLUSTRATION: The Rhondels will be performing twice this summer in
the area. They'll be in Franklin at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 8 for We Be
Jammin' Thursdays and will close the Suffolk Summer Celebration at
Constant's Wharf on Sept. 13. The We Be Jammin' concert, which is
free, takes place at Barrett's Landing on South Main Street in
Franklin. by CNB