U.S. Bonds, Daddy G and other musically minded friends are returning to the very venue where they made history five decades ago.

pic: bbc

If you’re a Norfolk native (or live anywhere within the Seven Cities) and love traditional rock ‘n’ roll, this is a not-to-be missed event. Here are a few reasons why:

1. Gary lived in Norfolk for many years, starting at the age of three and helped create the Norfolk Sound with mentor Frank Guida. Gary describes the Norfolk Sound as “that raunchy drum sound, the big bass sound and kick drum, you know, the double-track voices.” No matter what its description, it’s great to dance to, and it’s ours!

2. Gary is only performing the music he did in the ‘60s, which was his heyday in Norfolk. He’ll be singing hits like “New Orleans,” “Quarter to Three,” “Not Me” …all the classics!

3. Gary has gathered four stellar artists, all of whom hail from here and have mostly ventured far, including saxophonist Daddy G (who went on to work as a session artist at Chess Records in Chicago), vocalist and guitarist Tommy Facenda (who made “High School U.S.A.” a huge pop hit), vocalist Lenis Guess (of “Working for My Baby” and “Just Ask Me” fame) and drummer Ammon Tharp (the original percussionist for The Rhondels).

4. Gary’s made a huge impression on artists like Bruce Springsteen and Steven Van Zandt, and has been covered by the likes of The New York Dolls with “Seven Day Weekend” and The Detroit Cobras rendition of “I Wanna Holler (But the Town’s Too Small).”

5. Gary’s performing at the Attucks Theatre, which is not only a beautiful venue to see shows, but it’s one that he used to play in back in the ‘60s when it was called the Booker T. In fact, he says he knew he had made it when he finally headlined the joint.

6. PBS will be there to film it, so you can watch the documentary with your grandkids one day and tell them you were there.

7. Gary is one of the few living musical legends Norfolk can brag about. How many opportunities are you going to get to see him and his buddies perform a reunion gig at their old stomping grounds?

For tickets and more info, click here.