The Lettermen and The Cascades were acknowledged as two of the most popular male vocal groups of the 1960s and 1970s who were acclaimed for their string of great hits that broke chart records and drew millions to their performances.

With their spectacular comeback in the local concert circuit in the early part of the decade, The Lettermen and The Cascades – through their successful series of shows – have set the stage for the current revival phenomenon in the music scene featuring foreign acts.

The Lettermen, considered as the original boy band of the ’60s, and The Cascades (featuring Gabe Lapano and Tony Grasso), the popular Grammy Award-winning band, will perform together for the first time on the same stage during a four-city tour that will be highlighted by a concert on July 28 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

The twin treat from Ovation Productions is the centerpiece of the concert series dubbed as “The Lettermen & The Cascades 2010 Philippine Tour” that will also include shows on July 27 at the Manila Hotel Tent; July 29, Cebu Waterfront Hotel; and July 31, University of Baguio.

The Lettermen will thrill the audience with such classic hits as “The Way You Look Tonight,” “When I Fall In Love,” “The Seventh Dawn,” “Theme From A ‘Summer Place,’” and many more. Among the popular songs that The Cascades will perform are “Rhythm Of The Rain,” “Shy Girl,” “The Last Leaf,” “Angel On My Shoulder,” “Dreamin,’” “My First Day Alone,” and many others.

The Lettermen was formed more than 47 years ago in Hollywood by Tony Butala as a vocal group of three very strong soloists which distinguished itself for its sweet and soothing music.

The original Lettermen composed of Tony Butala, Jim Pike and Bob Engemann made an impressive concert debut in Las Vegas, followed by the successful launching of its recording career in 1960 with its debut single, the soft, melodic and romantic “The Way You Look Tonight,” which shot to No. 13 on the Billboard chart.

Its signature sound led by Tony Butala’s distinctly breathy vocals also made romantic standards of songs such as “Smile,” “Put Your Head On My Shoulder,” “Shangri-la,” “Love,” and many more.

The present members of The Lettermen are Tony Butala, Donovan Tea and Mark Preston.

The Cascades, which started in 1960 as a band called The Silver Strands that later became The Thundernotes before ultimately being known as The Cascades, became an instant sensation with the release of “Rhythm Of The Rain” in November 1962.

The Cascades disbanded in 1978 but reunited in 2005. The Cascades is presently composed of Gabe Lapano and Tony Grasso, who hold the longest number of years as band members and continue to actively perform in various US clubs as The Cascades’ Gabe and Tony.

“The Lettermen & The Cascades 2010 Philippine Tour” is sponsored by Imarflex, ETC Entertainment Channel, 2nd Avenue, Hallmark Channel, Edsa Shangri-La Hotel Manila and RJ 100.3 FM. It is also supported by Philippine Star, BusinessWorld, 105.1 Crossover, 96.3 Easy Rock, 90.7 Love Radio, 97.9 Home Radio, dwBR 104.3 and OptimaSignsolutions.

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Sandy Andolong joins Dr. Vicki Belo in ‘Salamat Dok’

Sandy Andolong talks about Ulthera, a revolutionary skin tightening machine that is considered a non-surgical face lift, in today’s episode of “Salamat Dok,” July 18, 7:30 a.m. on ABS-CBN.

Sandy joins leading cosmetic surgeon Dr. Vicki Belo who also discusses the latest skin care treatments from the Belo clinic, including Cosmelan, an anti-aging product from Spain, designed to prevent and improve skin imperfections caused by hyper-pigmentation.

“Salamat Dok” provides information on medical concerns, with free on-air consultation with the guest physician. Every third Sunday of the month, Dr. Belo guests in the program to discuss the newest procedures being offered by the Belo Medical Group. Bernadette Sembrano hosts.

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The Retrospect is rocking Guam

The Retrospect, composed of J. Martin Castro, Ogie Ramos and Goldie Castro, dubbed the Philippines’ retro pop and party authority, is currently rocking Guam with its one-of-a-kind music act, dishing out ’70s, ’80s and ’90s retro covers in their own inimitable way. The band performs at the Tribbu Lounge in Harmon Industrial Park.

Impressed by the group’s talent, the government of Guam has invited them to be the special guest performer in their Liberation Day Celebration in Hagatna on July 21. The Retrospect has been contracted to perform in Guam from May 7 till November this year. After that the group will go on a one-month concert tour in the US mainland.

The Retrospect, winner of the Aliw Awards’ Best Group Performer in 2007, 2008 and 2009, is joined by their official back-up musicians: Mike Casanova on keyboards, Mike Balagot on bass guitar, Anton Castro on lead guitar, and Krister Jann Castro on drums. Back-up vocalists/dancers are Czarina Rosales, Laurice Trasmano, Rieyadh Velasquez, Lulou Yaranon and Kristine Casanada.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for July 18, go to Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Diether Ocampo, Sunshine Cruz-Montano, Mariles Cacho Romulo, Dr. Elizabeth Oropesa-Freeman, Freddie Reyes, al Vincent, Mary Jane Ojeda, Aileen P. Ventura of California, USA; Calvin Mark P. Serrano, Michael Rodolfo, Francis Simeon of StarStudio magazine, Yeng Lim, Hiyasmin Neri and Juliana Victoria M. Lopez… Happy wedding anniversary to Perry and Jossie Dimarucut…