Vocalists offer throwback

It’s a sight you won’t soon forget: four a cappella vocalists snapping their fingers to doo-wop music in the middle of a bustling outdoor audience. Somehow, this doesn’t feel like the 2009 OC Fair. But it is.

Those who missed the golden era of doo-wop music had yet another chance to experience its smooth harmonies and catchy melodies yesterday at the fair, thanks to a group called Augie’s Side Effect. Each year, the quartet roams the fairgrounds singing classic barbershop tunes. After five years of OC Fair performances, the group has a notable fan base here.

Even though they used well-worn tunes, each performance was a bit of a surprise.

“None of the performances are elaborately planned; we feed off the people,” said Augie Johnson, one of the group members. “Plus, it makes it more fun when the performances aren’t already programmed.”

The singers were always open to requests.

“If we know [the song], we’ll do it,” Johnson said. “If we don’t know it, we’ll attempt it. And if we really don’t know it, we’ll back you up.”

The quartet promoted audience participation in various ways. For example, they invited audience members to chime in during the chorus. And they often singled out listeners who knew the lyrics well, inviting them to be them honorary members for the rest of the song.

They had a special song for Teresa Echeverri, a Spanish-speaking woman in the crowd. The four singers performed a jazzy rendition of “La Bamba.” Surprisingly enough, the African American quartet was able to sing the song in Spanish.

“It’s a nice performance, because it was for the people,” said Echeverri.

For some audience members, the performance brought back memories.

“I recognize these tunes,” said Jim Pobog of Santa Ana. “It’s just great to hear. These are old songs.”

Bonnie Malast of Fountain Valley was also impressed by the performance. “They’re very entertaining. They like to get the crowd involved, and people stop to listen.”

Even though the singers consider themselves entertainers, they hope to accomplish a larger goal.

“Music should bring people together,” Johnson said.

Group member Barry Jackson recalled an occasion when they did.

“Last year during a performance,” he said, “a family with a paraplegic child was listening to us. The boy started responding to us, even though his family told us that he was usually unresponsive.”

Group singers Kurt King and Reagae Clark echoed the comments.

“It’s about sharing the experience of the music,” King said.

For more photos, click here.

They Said It

“My favorite part of the fair is the bugs.”

Jayden Brooke, 2

“I liked seeing the Al’s Brain [exhibit].”

Brad Dougherty, 7