Kenny Vance hasn’t changed. His 1950s template — sweet harmonies and gentle melodies a la the Drifters — may have been updated by acts like The Beach Boys, Paul Simon and even Vampire Weekend, but Vance will stick to tradition when he returns to his native Brooklyn.
“Brooklyn’s my haunt,” the Flatbush-bred Vance said. “To re-create the music of my childhood and adolescence is very emotional for me.”
Vance has spent 50 years in the music business, first as a member of Jay and the Americans, and continuing through stints as musical director for “The Warriors” and other movies.
He even had a salacious bit role in Woody Allen’s “Crimes and Misdemeanors” (yes, that’s Vance telling Caroline Aaron that he wants to defecate on her during sex).
But 15 years ago, Vance returned to singing — and the so called “Dylan of Doo-Wop” has not looked back.
“My father always wondered when I was going to get a real job,” he said. “But 50 years later, in the blink of an eye, it seems, I’m still working.”
Kenny Vance and the Planotones at Asser Levy Park [Ocean Parkway at Surf Avenue in Coney Island, (718) 222-0600] on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 7:30 pm. Free.
