Free outdoor concert Thurs., June 28 mixes 50-60s rock, rockabilly & country

Thursday evening, June 28, will bring a mix of 50s-60s rock and roll, rockabilly and country music to Veteran’s Park on 70th & National in West Allis. The show, sponsored by Tri-City National Bank, runs from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

“They’re songs that defined each genre of music and include some of the biggest legends – Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard, just to name a few,” said Victor Tolentino, of North Country, the featured band.

“There’s something for everyone so we encourage residents to bring the whole family,” he said.

The band’s lead guitarist, Phil Henzig, for example, plays the classic Santo and Johnny instrumental “Sleepwalk” in the style of 80s rockabilly revivalist Brian Setzer. One of Setzer’s originals, “Rock this Town” is a crowd favorite. He also wows audiences with lightning-fast guitar licks on the top surf songs of the early 1960s as well as instrumentals by Buck Owens and Duane Eddy.

Christine Henzig, who plays the bass guitar, sings classics by Glen Campbell and Del Shannon. But one of her favorites that gets audiences dancing is by the 70s rock band Queen. Songs by the Eagles and even some classic bluegrass add even more variety.

Tolentino, on rhythm guitar, brings 50s and 60s rock and roll classics to the show from Gene Vincent and Johnny Burnette as well as top hits by Johnny Rivers and Willie Nelson.


Mark Pierret, on drums, is a powerful vocalist who has distinguished himself in several area bands.

“Our show is a bit of musical whiplash, but it’s upbeat and seems to appeal to very diverse groups of people. We get a lot of compliments from folks who say they enjoyed the fact that our show included music they love but don’t hear other bands playing,” Phil Henzig said.


The band’s videos are on facebook and www.myspace.com/northcountrybandsite.

Concert goers are urged to bring a lawn chair and a light jacket.

If the show is cancelled because of the weather, a rain date will be scheduled. Visit the City of West Allis’ official website for the Thursday Summer Band Concerts schedule at www.westalliswi.gov.