On May 11, at 3 p.m., the Doo Wop project returns to Albuquerque to perform at Popejoy Hall for the third time.
The Doo Wop project takes audiences back in time, giving a vintage spin and adding a nostalgic element to contemporary songs, which they call being “doowopified,” according to a Popejoy press release.
“The Doo Wop Project brings the stage to life, weaving the history of doo-wop into a vibrant experience that’s equal parts concert, tribute, and celebration,” the press release reads.
Some of the songs they perform include “December, 1963 (Oh What a Night)” by The Four Seasons, “The Way You Make Me Feel” by Michael Jackson and “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz, according to the press release.
“Doo-wop blends heartfelt melodies, tight harmonies, and infectious rhythms,” the press release reads.”Drawing from spirituals and barbershop quartets, early doo-wop artists set the stage for the genre’s golden era in the 1950s.”
Dominic Nolfi, is a founding member of The Doo Wop Project. He said he started performing with Jersey Boys, which led to his forming of the Doo Wop Project.
Nolfi is now a vocalist with Doo Wop project along with 4 other vocalists and 4 backing musicians.
“We got a couple people from other Broadway shows and we formed this group and we've been together for about 15 years now,” Nolfi said.
Doo Wop is rooted in vocal traditions of African American communities beginning in the 1920s with groups like the Mills Brothers, according to the press release.
Nolfi said that acapella harmony singing started on the street corners.
“They made these vocal groups and then they started to get backing bands, they started to get recorded and this genre of music spread and it influenced like rock and roll as we know it today,” Nolfi said.
The Doo Wop Project members are based in New York, but the group has toured around the U.S. and traveled as far as China.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
“Today, doo-wop no longer dominates the charts, but its legacy endures. The Doo Wop Project helps to keeps the musical genre alive - reviving the spirit of doo-wop while infusing it with a fresh, contemporary flair,” the press release reads.
Leila Chapa is the social media editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06
Leila Chapa is the social media editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at socialmedia@dailylobo.com or on X @lchapa06
