Lettermen return: Vocal group returns for Fraternal Order of Police concert next week

By Ben Rodgers

The Jamestown Sun

The Lettermen have been creating music for more than 50 years. Next week Jamestown residents have the opportunity to hear some of the most popular songs from those 50 plus years.

The three-man vocal group will be at the Civic Center on April 11 for the annual Fraternal Order of Police concert.

“The one nice thing about the Lettermen is if you’ve never seen them, be prepared to be entertained,” said Sgt. Tom Nagel, a detective with the Jamestown Police Department and lodge president of the James Valley Regional Lodge No. 4 Fraternal Order of Police. “When you talk about old-fashioned entertainment, you have it with them.”

This will be the Lettermen’s second stop in Jamestown for a Fraternal Order of Police concert. Nagel said he’s pleased with the choice.

“The style of entertainment was very classy,” he said. “They truly know how to entertain, that’s for sure.”

Coming to Jamestown is Lettermen original founding member Tony Butala. He will be joined by Bobby Poynton and Donovan Tea.

Nagel said while people may not be familiar with their songs, there’s a good chance they’ve heard them before.

The Lettermen sang some romantic songs that can be considered staples in the vocal group genre.

Some of those songs include “Smile,” “Put Your Head On My Shoulder,” “Shangri-La,” “Love” and “Traces/Memories.”

“The ones that are going to enjoy it the most are the ones from that era,” Nagel said. “But we’ve had younger crowds in there that have absolutely enjoyed themselves.”

Plus the concert is for a good cause, benefiting the local Fraternal Order of Police, Nagel said.

“The money goes right back to our organizations and we turn around and give donations out,” he said.

The local lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police sponsors after-prom parties, and also contributes to the Cops and Kids Christmas shopping event when demand grows.

Police officers dealing with medical issues are also helped by the Fraternal Order of Police.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at both Stop N’ Go locations and also at the Civic Center.

Sun reporter Ben Rodgers can be reached at 701-952-8455 or by email at brodgers@jamestownsun.com

Tags: diversions, performances, concert