Harbor Lights has illuminated the throwback a cappella sound.
The six-member vocal group will display its knack for evoking wistful nostalgia at a Friday performance at Munster’s Theatre at the Center.
“We specialize in music from the ’50s,” said George Carl, one of the founding members.
Those attending the sold-out Munster show can look forward to getting engulfed in memories.
“It’s a great evening of nostalgia,” Carl, a Winfield resident, said. “They can also expect a lot of fun.”
Carl touts the “fattened” sound that he and his comrades produce.
“I like to call it the ‘Wall of Doo-Wop,'” said the singer, borrowing the “Wall of Sound” terminology used to describe the bold recording style of rock ‘n’ roll producer Phil Spector, who worked on recordings for the Ronettes, Righteous Brothers and Beatles.
The Spector technique utilized a swell of instrumentalists and vocalists, along with overdubbing and other studio special effects.
Carl points out that Harbor Lights uses six singers — an inordinate amount, compared to the four or five members that usually comprised vocal groups of the ’50s.
Making use of the octave spectrum and “enhanced vocal arrangements” give Harbor Lights a beefy, six-singer sound, even though it’s accomplished without instrumental accompaniment, Carl said.
Aside from the vocal delivery, Harbor Lights utilizes audience interaction, sing-alongs, trivia and humor to make the evening a show, not merely a group performance, Carl said.
“We do a lot of entertaining,” he said.
Formed 15 years ago, Harbor Lights has finely honed an onstage presentation that, at 7:30 p.m. Friday, is set to deliver hits from the likes of the Drifters, Elvis Presley and the Five Satins.
Billed as a “Tribute to Doo-Wop,” the concert’s catchphrase sums up the atmosphere that is being pursued by Carl and company: “It’s 1957 All Over Again!”
Though its membership has gone through changes over the years, Harbor Lights has continued to thrive by relying on the camaraderie that is crucial to producing tight harmonies.
“You’re in good hands, whether you’re singing background or singing lead; no matter what, we don’t fail each other — we hold each other up,” said Cheryl DeRosier, another of the group’s founding members.
Being a Harbor Lights veteran who sings tenor, DeRosier has a feel for what audiences crave.
She said a fan favorite is “Stand By Me,” a hit for Ben E. King more than 50 years ago.
“That one gets a lot of requests,” the Lake Village resident said.
DeRosier said the soulful ballad’s message about supporting people in rough times manages to resonate with the public more than five decades after it was a hit for King.
In a different vein, the effervescent “Don’t Worry Be Happy” — a 1988 chart-topper for Bobby McFerrin — is scheduled to be on the musical menu for Harbor Lights’ Munster show.
The lilting song boasts a retro-friendly vibe that is a trademark of Harbor Lights’ recordings.
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“We have five albums,” Carl said. “We are on the Collectables label.”
Collectables Records is a large distributor of oldies music.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Harbor Lights
Where: Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 21
Tickets: $30; show is sold out
Information: theatreatthecenter.com or 219-836-3255