by Evelyn J. Mocbeichel
As expected, the Southampton Lion’s Club’s annual Doo Wop show was another resounding success. With the extraordinary lineup that included the return of Kenny Vance and the Planotones, Larry Chance & The Earls and The Vogues, it was bound to be a wonderful evening of golden oldies! To round out the fabulous musical evening a new young talent was introduced by Bob Grisnik, Lion’s club member and Master of Ceremonies. An American Idol contestant, Christiaan Padavan a Hampton Bays native, entertained the audience, keeping with the evening’s themed music. His onstage persona was warm, friendly and absolutely enthusiastic about his family’s support of his singing career. With easy flowing banter before his songs, Christiaan shared with the audience how he started singing and the teachers that encouraged him along the way from grade school through high school. It was easy to like this sincere twenty-year old, before he even started singing, as he was so genuine about those that helped his career begin. Then his wonderful singing started and with guitar in hand belted out classic hits as Great Balls of Fire, Run Around Sue and Mack the Knife to name a few in his set.  With the Mack the Knife number, his voice reminded me a bit of a young Wayne Newton in his early days with his worldwide hit, Dankeschön back then. Like Newton, I predict a bright future on stage for this highly talented, genuine, appealing and good looking performer. As an opening act, Christiaan Padavan received a well-deserved standing ovation from the full house in the auditorium! After his performance Bob Grisnik thanked him for being part of the show and commented on the spelling of Christiaan’s first name. It is a unique, with an “extra a in it”. Padavan explained that his mother spelled it that way to make it a bit different so he would stand out. Grisnik replied, “with the outstanding voice and talent you have, you will certainly be standing out with your musical abilities!” You can hear Christiaan Padavan’s music on Spotify or Apple Music and visit his website at: www.christiaanpadavanmusic.com
These Doo Wop Concerts are sponsored each year by WLNG Radio and produced by LAR Enterprises, Inc. As part of this year’s presentation, the audience was introduced to the new owners of the WLNG-FM 92.1 Radio Station, Sandra Foschi, a Sag Harbor resident and husband, Bill Evans. The finalization of the purchase took place in December of last year with the last of the FCC paperwork in place for the new entity, Bark Out Loud Dogs (BOLD Media). Along with her husband and partner, Bill Evans, the popular Senior Meteorologist on WABC-7, both came on stage to introduce each member of WLNG’s round the clock announcers and radio personalities. Bill Evans is now the Program Director at WLNG and his voice can also be heard once again with meteorologist reports when we are tuned in driving out to the Hamptons! Both Sandra and Bill were warm and friendly as they chatted to the audience and obviously thrilled about their new undertaking. During the show’s intermission audience members came up to congratulate them with their new successful endeavor. WLNG began in Sag Harbor back in 1963 covering community events, storm and weather coverage and playing oldies songs of the 1950’s. Now with new owners, their enthusiasm for the station, continuation of the station’s on-air personalities, it’s a guarantee that WLNG will continue to be an area favorite for many years to come!
