Virgil Gibson of 'Platters' to Perform Valentine’s Concert

From Temecula Theater: Virgil Gibson, former lead singer of the world famous Platters, will perform a special Valentine’s concert on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater. The concert benefits Our Nicholas Foundation that supports services for autistic children in the Temecula Valley. Mr. Gibson’s concert celebrates a medley of Platters favorites and R&B hits that includes: Under the Boardwalk, Only You, Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, The Great Pretender, My Prayer, My Girl, Unchained Melody, and many more of our favorite golden oldies from the Golden Era of Doo Wop.

He performed with the Platters during the 1960’s and 1970’s throughout Europe, Asia, Latin America, Canada and across the United States. Considered a living legend, Virgil has shared the stage with the Drifters, the Coasters, the O’Jays, Bobby Day, Dee Clark, Al Wilson, among others. Mayor Maryann Edwards, also a performer, believes in the magical impact music has on the audience as well as the musicians. Mayor Edwards commented, “Attending a Virgil Gibson concert is like reliving the soundtrack of your life. No matter your age, you will be singing along to these fabulous oldies that are still alive and well today!” City Council Member Mike Naggar has been a strong advocate for the special needs community and Autism Awareness for many years. Council Member Naggar stated, “The City of Temecula provides many unique programs and services specifically for special needs individuals and their families. The fact that Our Nicholas Foundation has partnered with the legendary, Mr. Virgil Gibson, to raise awareness and funds for Autism in Temecula, just warms my heart.”

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Mr. Gibson has lent his talent and celebrity prestige for decades to raise funds for many children’s charities. After recently meeting Mayor Mike Naggar, Virgil joined forces with Our Nicholas Foundation to bring greater awareness to the recent increase of children diagnosed with autism. According to Mark Anselmo, founder of Our Nicholas Foundation, “Autism is the fastest growing developmental disability. The prevalence in the U.S. in 2000 was one child in 150 children and in 2010, it is 1 in 68 children. This is of epidemic proportion that must be addressed now.” Gibson recently created Virgil’s Kids, a non-profit program that develops leadership skills and enhances self-esteem by preparing children to perform on stage with him. “Music is healing,” explains Gibson, “and music can especially help children with limited language skills. Even children who stutter, can sing perfectly by singing in time with the music.”

Mr. Gibson continued, “We need to bring out the best in all our kids. I created Virgil’s Kids to encourage self-esteem by and performing on stage with me. Most of all, I want to teach them how special each kid really is. This in my way of doing that.”

Mark Anselmo stated, “We’re very fortunate to be a part of this special appearance by one of the
greatest entertainers I have ever seen. Virgil’s heart, and his dedication to bringing out the best in
our children, is as big as his famous six octave voice!”

On the evening of Wednesday, February 15, 2017, the Theater will open at 7:00 pm and the
Remember the Magic! concert will begin at 7:30 pm. Orchestra tickets are $25 and Parterre and
Balcony seats are $20. For ticket information, please call 866.OLD.TOWN or visit www.TemeculaTheater.org

Image via Pixabay, Flyer courtesy of Temecula Theater