Monday, May 29, 2017

Biggest Show of Stars 1958 - Spring Edition

After another successful year, Irvin Feld finds the field crowded this year.  DJ Alan Freed put together a package called the Big Beat Show to run head to head against this tour.  Universal Attractions, who booked a large stable of black acts, put together the Rhythm and Blues Cavalcade of '58 to tour.  And Dick Clark announced plans for a package tour for later in the year.  A battle for prime venues in key cities and talent took place in an atmosphere of an economic downturn.   Then on May 6 in Boston a riot broke out during Alan Freed's Big Beat Show leading to the cancellation of the remainder of that package.  The R&B Cavalcade had also ground to a halt with only the Biggest Show of Stars completing its itinerary. 
 
 
Talent: Sam Cooke, Paul Anka, The Everly Brothers, Clyde McPhatter, Frankie Avalon, Lavern Baker, Jackie Wilson, The Royal Teens, George Hamilton IV, The Silhouettes, The Crescendos, Storey Sisters, The Monotones, The Playmates, Huey Smith & the Clowns, Jimmy Dell, Bobby Marchan
 
April 5, 1958 Norfolk, VA
 
The Spring tour opens in Norfolk after several days of rehearsals in New York City. 
 
April 6, 1958 The Mosque, Richmond, VA
 
Two Easter Sunday shows at 7 and 10 p.m.
 
April 11, 1958  Sports Arena, Hershey, PA
 
April 12, 1958 Philadelphia, PA
 
A disappointing crowd of less than 1,000 show up tonight.
 
April 13, 1958 Arena, New Haven, CT
 
April 14, 1958 Syria Mosque, Pittsburgh, PA
 
April 17, 1958 War Memorial Auditorium, Rochester, NY
 

April 18, 1958 Auditorium, Ottawa, Canada
 
A modest crowd of 1,500 attend tonight's show highlighting Paul Anka's return to his hometown.  Five youths in leather jackets were thrown out of the show for throwing things onto the stage.
 
April 19, 1958 Sports Arena, Hershey, PA
 
April 22, 1958 Memorial Auditorium, Buffalo, NY
 
April 23, 1958 Warner Theatre, Erie, PA
 
Two shows scheduled at 7 and 9 p.m.
 
April 24, 1958 Sports Arena, Toledo, OH
 
April 26, 1958 Freedom Hall, Louisville, KY
 
May 1, 1958  Indiana Theatre, Indianapolis, IN
 

May 2, 1958 Kiel Auditorium, St. Louis, MO
 
May 3, 1958 Civic Opera House, Chicago, IL
 
May 4, 1958 Auditorium, St. Paul, MN
 
A matinee performance of the package.
 
May 4, 1958 Auditorium, Minneapolis, MN
 
An evening show.
 
May 5, 1958 Civic Auditorium, Lewiston, ME





 
May 8, 1958 Arena, Saskatoon, Canada
 





May 12, 1958 Orpheum Theater, Seattle, WA
 
The show is booked for three performances at 4:00 and 7:00 and 9:30 p.m.
 
May 14, 1958 Paramount Theatre, Portland, OR
 
May 17, 1958 Memorial Coliseum, Corpus Christi, TX
 
May 18, 1958 Municipal Auditorium, San Antonio, TX
 
May 20, 1958 Municipal Auditorium, Oklahoma City, OK
 
May 24, 1958 Music Hall, Civic Auditorium, Omaha, NE
 
Two shows booked at 7 and 9 p.m.
 
May 29, 1958 Charlotte Coliseum, Charlotte, NC