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‘THE DUPREES’ Bring Classic Doo-wop to South Point Casino

Sixties-era hitmakers are slated for three nights of soulful sounds…

“The music genre we call “oldies”, “vocal group harmony” or “doo-wop” is timeless. It was created by young teens in the streets of major urban enclaves like NYC’s five boroughs, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Pittsburgh. Some of the most romantic songs in pop-culture history were created in the streets”

The Duprees originated from their neighborhood of Jersey City. They became polished and sophisticated with their unique brand of vocal harmony arrangements. This enabled them to be picked up by Co-Ed records, creating a literal “Street to the Stage” success story.” – Stevie Dunham, CEO of Street Corner Entertainment Records.

Stevie Dunham (far right) and grandson Michael with The Duprees 6/18/22 at South Point 

Anyone who’s spent more than a minute at South Point Hotel Casino and Spa knows that it’s a very special place. As the locals are fond of saying, “They get it”. By that, they mean that the staff and management of the massive golden resort know how to treat their guests. They run a smooth ship that’s friendly, meticulously clean, reasonably priced, and offers just about everything you’d want to do in Las Vegas.

From a massive equestrian center to endless bowling lanes, a popular budget-priced buffet to Don Vito’s Italian, a 4,600-seat arena, and a 16-screen Cinemark movie theater, the possibilities to enjoy yourself are seemingly endless. And then there are the live entertainment offerings.

Grandview Lounge just celebrated the 1,000th performance of Wes Winters, and both “The Dirty at 12:30” and The Spazmatics are in their second decade here. Then there’s the South Point Showroom, which we’ve crowed about endlessly in recent months. The gorgeous, well-run venue hosts residents like The Bronx Wanderers, Rita Rudner, The Righteous Brothers, Australia’s Human Nature, and The Dennis Bono Show.

Recent short-term and single-night gigs by Frankie Scinta, Sheena Easton, Chris Ruggiero, SixtiesMania, Herman’s Hermits, and Mark O’Toole tie into the resort’s key demographic by appealing to nostalgia lovers. Upcoming shows include Gary Lewis & The Playboys, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, Fourever Fab, Priscilla Presley, and The Duprees.

Hitting the charts with their 1962 debut album, The Duprees found their first single “You Belong To Me” at #6. Numerous top-ten singles followed, and the group has recorded ten albums throughout the years, Interestingly enough, one of them was under the alternate name “The Italian Asphalt and Pavement Company”.

There have been numerous changes in the line-up since The Duprees‘ inception, which member Tommy Petillo addressed in a social media post this July:

“Since 1980, today’s Duprees (Tommy Petillo, Phil Granito, and Jimmy Spinelli have proudly evolved from the original members: Michael Arnone, John Salvato, Joey “Vann” Canzano, Joseph Santollo, Michael Kelly, and Tom Bialoglow. They gave us those memories that will last a lifetime. As always we recognize, celebrate, and honor the music that captured everyone’s hearts a half century ago.”
“So while we salute and preserve the past, the next generation of Music Historians will document The Duprees’ continuing musical ride into the future. We are truly honored to be known as New Jersey’s ambassadors of love songs and America’s favorite vocal group. We will go on performing many more beautiful songs to serenade the greatest fans in the world.”

“These are the songs that will never die, the romantic moods and deep meanings that resonate through the hearts and minds of anyone who has ever fallen in love. When the lyrics and melodies of these old songs are brought to life by the smooth vocals of Tommy Petillo, Phil Granito, and Jimmy Spinelli, no one can resist the emotion that sparks memories and the desire to sing along…” – Tommy Petillo
Member Tony Testa retired in 2021, turning The Duprees into a trio. Last summer they played at South Point Showroom in a performance that was attended by controversial singer Bobby Wilson (learn about his lightning-rod story here), Trish Cordani of Coast to Coast Entertainment, Stevie Dunham (Street Corner Records), and the ever-driven E’Stefano DiSanto.
Vegas resident DiSanto oversees entertainment at The Pass Casino and hosts The Pass-By Variety Show every Saturday night. The local recording artist will share the stage with The Duprees and The Brooklyn Bridge next February 25th in Myrtle Beach. Smart money would be on the charismatic DiSanto to appear at least once during The Duprees‘ hit-filled weekend at South Point Showroom.
The Duprees will perform on September 29, 30, and October 1st at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $40 (plus taxes/fees) and can be ordered here or purchased at the South Point Casino Box Office. South Point is located at 9777 South Las Vegas Boulevard, between Town Square and M Resort. Parking is always free. 

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