Love through the decades – with a twist

Local musicians Barry Feterman and Rich DiLallo performed love songs throughout the decades with a comedic twist for Valentine’s Day by the fireplace at the Island Park Library on Saturday, Feb. 11.

“We’ve been singing together for thirty years.” said DiLallo on his chemistry with Feterman. “He blew me away when I first heard him sing Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons,” he said.

Although it is not the first time the Island Park Library has hosted Barry & Richie’s Soundtrac Duo, attendees were eager to hear them again.

“I enjoy watching them perform, I’ve seen them many, many times,” said Lenny Dunn, an Oceanside resident.

The duo set the mood for the national celebration of love starting with Dean Martin’s ‘Everybody Loves Somebody’ released on August 4, 1964. Feterman on vocals and DiLallo on backing vocals and musical accompaniment,

The crowd instantly let out some “ah-s” recognizing the classic tune and sang along filling the library with the melody of love.

The duo seamlessly performed snippets of memorable love songs throughout the decades while interacting with the crowd and throwing in a joke here and there.

It all took a turn when Feterman said he had gotten the bug. The “Bee Gees Disease.” Feterman and DiLallo performed all-time Bee Gees fan favorites, ‘How Deep is Your Love,’ ‘Staying Alive,’ ‘Night Fever’ and ‘More than a Woman.’

“I’d like to see them more often because they are really entertaining,” said Donna Victory-Daut when asked about her thoughts on the music selection.

Feterman is a comedian as well as a musician and it was evident with his impression of Kermit the Frog’s  ‘Rainbow Connection’ featured in the 1979 Muppets Movie.

Shortly after, Feterman disappeared into the bookshelves of the library and DiLallo warned the audience that “the King” had officially arrived.

Feterman then revealed himself sporting gold shades, fake sideburns and a Hawaiian Lei around his neck channeling Elvis. He then began to imitate notorious dance moves famously done by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The audience was clapping and encouraging his performance. The atmosphere was that of singing karaoke with your closest friends and family.

“Ever since I was a kid, I naturally gravitated towards impressions to try to get my family to laugh,” said Feterman on his comedic spirit. This was his first time sharing this type of talent with a musical audience. The duo also delivered an impression of the famous couple Sonny and Cher.

DiLallo has performed with Tommy Mara and the Crests, Joey Dee, and the Soul Survivors throughout his career in the industry.

“I thought it was amazing, it was a lot of fun and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.” Gail DiLallo said about her husband Rich performing on Valentine’s Day. “I’ve always been so proud of him,” she said.

Feterman has been an opening act for recording artists including Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge and Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers.

“I couldn’t tell you a love song done today, I don’t think they do love songs” said Feterman in regards to the difference of love songs today compared to those from the decades he performed.

“They sing with such warmth and professionalism and I personally love to have them here,” said Jessica Koenig, Director of the Island Park Library. The Island Park Library hosts events for residents and neighboring community members of all ages and interests.

“I think Valentine’s Day is lovely, the more love that is out there the better,” said Koening.

The duo ended the show with Doris Day’s, “Whatever will be, will be (Que sera, sera).”