The Platters spin into San Marco

LAKEWOOD RANCH —Doo-wop legends The Platters will bring their soulful melodies to Lakewood Ranch this Friday.

Merchants at San Marco Plaza will host Wilson Williams and His Platters, as well as The Tucci Band and the Matthew Facciolla Band, from 6-10 p.m. Dec. 16, for the center’s first Come Rock Around the Clock Tower event. Dan Toler, former member of the Allman Brothers, also is scheduled to perform. Festivities also will include a classic car show, a holiday photo contest for pets and more.

Entrance into the car show portion of the event is free, but admission to a close spot for music is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. VIP tickets, which include a meet-and-greet with Platters members and reserved seating, cost $35. Proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Manatee County and the Dan Toler Fund for ALS.

“It’ll be a great show — probably the best we’ve had anywhere in Lakewood Ranch,” said Sky Box Asset Management owner Mark Manges, who is co-organizing the event with 2nd Ann Rose Consignment Boutique owner Barbara Smith and Realtor David Neff.

Although there are more than 130 unofficial Platters vocal groups worldwide, only a handful can legally use The Platters name, including Wilson Williams and His Platters. The trio performing Friday night — Wilson Williams, Verceal Whitaker and Al Holland — have been singing together for more than 30 years and sang with the original Platters’ third lead singer, Monroe Powell.

“Vocally, nobody can touch them,” the group’s manager Ted Osburn said. “It’s all the great music we’ve grown up on.”

Attendees should bring chairs or blankets. Pets are welcome.

Contact Pam Eubanks at p[email protected].

Come Rock Around the Clock Tower
WHEN: 6-10 p.m. Dec. 16
WHERE: San Marco Plaza, 8225 Natures Way, Lakewood Ranch
COST: Free entry to classic car show. Concert costs $10 in advance or $15 at the door. VIP seating is available for $35 per ticket.
INFORMATION: Tickets are available online at www.sanmarcoplaza.eventbrite.com. You also may visit Sky Box Assett Management or 2nd Ann Rose Designer Consignment Boutique in San Marco Plaza.