Gore and Gibson Added to Rockers on Bway Line-Up

Pop legend Lesley Gore and Broadway and pop star Deborah Gibson are the latest additions to the upcoming benefit concert- "Rockers on Broadway - Jersey Style."  Gore and Gibson will be joined on stage by the evening's host, actress/comedian Caroline Rhea and a line up of world famous recording stars and Broadway performers.  The event, which benefits Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS, will take place on January 29th at BB Kings Blues Club and Grill on West 42nd Street, NYC. 

"The most commercially successful solo artist of the "Girl Group" era of the '60s, Gore quickly set herself apart. With a string of Quincy Jones-produced, chart-topping hits, including 'It's My Party,' 'Judy's Turn To Cry' and 'You Don't Own Me,' she introduced the world to a brilliant artist with pop instincts and an independent spirit that stood out against the formulaic offerings on the radio. A full-fledged star by age 16, her smash hits rang like anthems for young American women, and pointed the way for future generations of rabble-rousing pop singers from Debbie Harry, to Pat Benatar, to Madonna, to Gwen Stefani-all of whom remain in her debt.  On hand to pay homage to Gore at this year's Rockers on Broadway will be Deborah Gibson (Cabaret), who will perform Gore's classic 'It's My Party," state press materials.

"Rockers on Broadway - Jersey Style," which is being put together by Jersey Boys cast member Donnie Kehr, will feature that show's four leads, John Lloyd Young, Christian Hoff, Daniel Reichard, and J. Robert Spencer. The line-up will also include Grammy Award-winner Larry Gatlin, Mickey Dolenz of the Monkees, Kathy Brier, Will Chase, Jarrod Emick., Michael Lanning, Norm Lewis, Billy Porter, Greg Reuter, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Sara Schmidt, Jeremy Schoenfeld, Sherie Rene Scott, Matt Stocke, Kate Taylor, The Tokens, and Patrick Wilson.

"Rockers On Broadway" was founded by Donnie Kehr in 1993 during the Broadway run of The Who's Tommy, in which he appeared. Inspired by an idea from Pete Townshend, he wanted to give musical theatre performers the opportunity to experience the feeling of singing with a rock band in a concert style venue, so they could understand and transfer the rawness of that edge to the stage. 

Tickets for Rockers on Broadway can be purchased online through Ticketmaster - All proceeds from the event will go to support Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Wingspan Arts, Inc. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids gives assistance nationwide to persons living with HIV/AIDS and Breast Cancer and Wingspan Arts provides In-school, Afterschool, and Conservatory arts education programs to Tri-state area children. 

Visit www.broadwaycares.org for more information.

Photo - Deborah Gibson