The Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia

(left to right) Frank Stone, Jim Wallace, John Baldino, Dave Wence and Eddie Baldwin
La Piazza Cucina
2011

Broadcast Pioneers newsletter was on the scene to catch a performance of “The Aquanets” at the famous La Piazza Cucina restaurant in Wildwood, New Jersey. This city with its doo-wop fame (and streets named after Jerry Blavat and Chubby Checker) carries on the popular hey- day music (and architectural) traditions of the fifties and sixties with groups like, The Aquanets, who “sing the oldies.”

They’ve been together for over ten years! The group started out by just having fun, when they could get together. They developed into a popular act that performs throughout the area, all the famous doo-wop songs that made rock n’ roll and four part (South Philly) street-corner harmony famous.

Lead singer, Jim Wallace told us; “It’s great singing here…it’s the oldies that made Philly (and Wildwood) famous. This town keeps doo wop alive! We perform at several locations around town and throughout New Jersey. The group got started here (LaPiazza Restaurant) and will perform here before anyplace else. Joey M. is a great entertainer and has been very good to us.”

The Aquanets put on a wonderful memory filled show. They took us back to our youth, cruising Pacific Avenue in a Chevy with the top down. Summer days in the Wildwoods, listening and dancing to juke boxes by the ocean. Oh, those Wildwood Days!

(left to right) Joey Montello and Frank Stone
La Piazza Cucina
2011

Our host for the evening was Joey Montello, ten year owner of La Piazza Cucina Restaurant (4600 Pacific Avenue) in Wildwood. Joey is known for fabulous Italian food and singing his favorite Sinatra favorites at his restaurant. Most weekends Joey takes the stage before the main act. He performs popular “sing-along” songs and gets the crowd in the mood.

Joey told us; “sit down, relax, and enjoy! It’s always great to have you here.” When you go, be sure to look around. This is where we met Broadcast Pioneers member Ed Cunningham (WHYY) last season!

The e-mail address of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia is pioneers@broadcastpioneers.com