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
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
A
matinee performance of the package.
May
4, 1958 Auditorium, Minneapolis, MN
An
evening show.
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