Doo Wah Riders bring 'high energy country' to Centenary Stage

HACKETTSTOWN — Centenary Stage Company welcomes The Doo Wah Riders to the Lackland Center on Saturday, July 22, at 8 p.m., as the second installment of the 2017 Summer Jamfest series. Based out of Southern California, the band has been delighting audiences across the United States with their sounds — a blend of country music with Cajun influences. Their set list includes classic country tunes, as well as original music.
Two of the band members, Kenny Lee Benson and Lindy Rasmusson, have been making music together since they were in grade school at the Dick Grove Music Workshops in Studio City, Calif.
It started as a western swing sound, but the music has evolved as they’ve traveled across the United States and gotten to collaborate with other musicians and other genres of music. Benson noted, “When I was out in New Mexico, I met a friend who was making Cajun zydeco music and playing accordion, and I loved the sound. I started playing accordion specifically to make that kind of sound and it’s been a huge influence for our style”.
Since they write all their own music, they’ve been able to pick up sounds and stories they’ve loved. Benson, the lead writer, says, “If you’re going to be a songwriter, you need to be a fly on the wall and respond to what’s going on around you. Sometimes the best time to write will be by yourself and letting your mind be open, but a lot of times, things will pop into your head while at the store, while talking to people, and you’ve got to just run with it”.
Knowing the ins and outs of country has brought them to New Jersey numerous times.
Tickets for The Doo Wah Riders on Saturday, July 22, at 8 p.m. 8pm in the Sitnik Theater of the Lackland Center are $30 for adults and $25 for students in advance. Ticket prices increase $5 the day of the performance. For more information on The Doo Wah Riders, visit doowahriders.com.
Centenary Stage Company’s 2017 Summer Jamfest continues through the months of July and August with The British Invasion Years on Saturday, July 29, at p.m., Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra on Saturday, Aug. 5, at 8 p.m., and Dr. K’s Motown Revue on Saturday, Aug. 12, at 8 p.m. All performances are held in the Sitnik Theater of the Lackland Performing Arts Center. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit centenarystageco.org, or call the CSC box office at (908) 979 – 0900.