Some may remember The Holidays dating back to the 1950s, playing music similar to Jimmy Beaumont and the Skyliners. But now, although the members may have changed since their original debut in 1958, they still play the same great hits of that time.
Sam Ferrella & The Holidays are back to the Ellwood City Festival.
Sam Ferrella & the Holidays will take the stage at the 2012 Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, and Food Festival on the final day, Sunday, July 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Holidays will be back to the festival once again after their first time ever in 2010.
“We’re really excited to play at the festival and be back in Ellwood,” said Sam Ferrella, lead singer and manager of The Holidays.
About 50 years ago, The Holidays first began their music venture playing the tunes popular at that time. Yet, after just four years, the group disbanded and went their separate ways.
But, in 1995, two original members returned in a comeback. They added an old friend and a female singer, but were still a lead singer short. After several auditions, Sam Ferrella was discovered and he was considered the “final piece of the puzzle.”
Today, The Holidays consist of four singers: Ferrella, Bryan McClain, Mickey Carr, and Marilyn Rush. They also have a great group of musicians in McClain (guitar), Ian Hazelwood (bass), Jerry Mellix (sax), Lenny Santoro/Greg Stewart (drums), and Bob Lemmon (keyboard).
All the group members are from the Pittsburgh area, and each of them enjoy interacting with the audience.
“We like playing outdoors,” said Ferrella on playing at the Festival. “It makes it easier to interact with our fans. Some groups tend to stay backstage when they aren’t performing, but we like to interact and meet people.”
The Holidays play the music similar to the original group, such as a variety of oldies and doo-wop, as well as other genres like Motown and 70s hits.
Although some of their songs are covers, Ferrella says they like to put their own little twist on them to make them their own in a way.
“We always try to do something different with the songs we perform,” said Ferrella. “We try to appeal to everyone as best as we can.”
