SamboraBlog

"Pretty Thing, let me walk you down the aisle . . . "
Ah, yes, those lyrics, created at the very beginning of Rock n' Roll-back in the 50s-still resonate, especially for those of us who witnessed the birth of a music that spawned Elvis, the Rolling Stones and countless others. Bo Diddley sang "Pretty Thing," as well as "Bo Diddley" and "Ooh, Baby," back then, and he hasn't stopped yet. On Saturday, August 12 at 8 p.m., this originator of Rock n' Roll will be at The Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and the Performing Arts at 8 p.m.
Special guest is Ryan O'Neil, a soulful singer, who grew up in Westport.
Bo Diddley has been in the music business for over 50 years, and recent events have exemplified his decades-long impact on music. On "A Man Amongst Men," commemorating his musical years of 1955-1995, he was joined by a variety of guests, ranging from Keith Richards and Ron Wood, of the Rolling Stones, Richie Sambora of Bon Jovi and the Shirelles. Inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987, he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as well. All this acknowledges the importance of the revolutionary sound of the "Bo Diddley Beat;" it still drives audiences wild with the excitement.
He performed at Bill Clinton's Inaugural and in John F. Kennedy's White House. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and he is coming to Ridgefield.
Ryan O'Neill describes his music as "a style that's close to R&B-based acoustic music with soul." In the late 90s, he formed the band Cyrus, and it is here that his creative songwriting and singing began to mature.
For tickets ($55) and further information about The Ridgefield Playhouse, call the box office at 203-438-5795; tickets may also be purchased online at www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Playhouse is located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street.