The Diamonds bring 'Bandstand Boogie' to Kalispell

Flathead Valley LIVE on Stage will close this season with The Diamonds: “Bandstand Boogie” on Monday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m.

The Diamonds are a quartet of vocalists and multi-instrumentalists that includes Jeff Dolan, Gary Owens, Jerry Siggins and Sean Sooter, the “third generation of quality vocal harmonies,” according to senior member Owens. Owens has been performing with the Diamonds for more than 42 years, and has seen a variety of other musicians come and go during that time.

The current lineup, according to Owens, is “the best Diamond group ever.”

“We have a lot of fun getting out and entertaining,” Owens said. “And the ‘Bandstand’ show ... It really highlights the strengths of the Diamonds over the years, and particularly of this group.”

The original quartet (Dave Somerville, Ted Kowalski, Phil Levitt and Bill Reed) rose to prominence in the 1950s and early 1960s with 16 Billboard hits, including “The Stroll” and “Little Darlin’,” which has sold approximately 20 million copies to date.

Although the group has undergone personnel changes through the years, a focus on classic rock and blues vocal harmonies and entertainment has carried them through.

The newest quartet members — playing saxophone, trombone and various other instruments and backed by piano and drums — continue to tour to a variety of venues in the United States, Europe, South America and Asia. The group is also still releasing recorded material. “Rock ‘n’ Roll Heaven!” is the group’s most recent album, and Owens said the group has plans to complete another album this summer, tentatively set for release in the fall.

The Diamonds in 2013 released the album “Bandstand Boogie,” paying tribute to artists who made appearances on the popular “American Bandstand” (1952-89) television show.

The Diamonds made 33 appearances on the show over the years.

Owens said the “Bandstand Boogie” show coming to Kalispell also pays tribute to the “American Bandstand” artists.

“It’s going to be a fun couple of hours,” Owens said.

In addition to the “American Bandstand” performances, The Diamonds have three gold records and are members of the Doo-Wop Hall of Fame and Vocal Group Hall of Fame.

The Diamonds have performed in Montana before, but Owens estimated that the last show in the state was about 10 years ago. He said the foursome are looking forward to coming back to Kalispell.

“It’s always a pleasure to be there,” Owens said. “And wow, what beautiful scenery!”

The Diamonds will be heading to Pennsylvania and then New Jersey to finish up this run of shows. Owens estimated that the group performs more than 100 live shows each year in a wide range of venues, including cruise ships, casinos, festivals and symphonic performances.

“Traveling can get tough,” Owens said. “But when people come up after the show and tell us it made them feel like a kid again, that makes it all worth it.”

For more information on The Diamonds, individual biographies and to listen to or purchase music, visit www.thediamonds.cc.

The Diamonds performance on April 25 will be at the Flathead High School Performance Hall in Kalispell. Single tickets for The Diamonds’ show are $30 for adults and seniors, $15 for students and $75 for a family, available at the door or online.

Anyone who buys a new Flathead Valley LIVE on Stage season ticket package for 2016-17 before The Diamonds’ show will be admitted to the show for $10.

Flathead Valley LIVE on Stage has announced its 2016-17 season lineup, and season ticket packages are now on sale. Special spring pricing is good through April 30; after that date, the price will go up by $10 per ticket.

Family season tickets are $155; individual adults are $70; seniors older than 62 are $60; and student season tickets are $35. The season ticket packages include admission to five shows, including Kubecca in October, Victoria Banks in November, the New Big Sky Singers in February, Alina Kiryayeva in March and Cherish the Ladies in April 2017.

Flathead Valley LIVE on Stage is a nonprofit association with a mission to bring outstanding live entertainment to the community.

For more information or to purchase Diamonds or season tickets, visit www.flatheadvalleyliveonstage.org, or call 406-752-0605 (Kalispell), 406-862-3641 (Whitefish), 406-837-1026 (Bigfork), 406-260-0056 (Lakeside) or 406-257-7689 (Columbia Falls).

Entertainment Editor Stefanie Thompson can be reached at ThisWeek@dailyinterlake.com.