Mary Weiss Returns to the Stage.

OK, well this review is a little outdated now, but nonetheless if you havent had a chance to catch Mary in concert, heres a chance to read a
review written by Juan Casiano. Juan sent me this not long after he saw Mary. The photos are from Juan. I apologise for the delay in
uploading and updating the site, sadly the last 12 months havent been anything Id like to relive.

THANK YOU MARY WEISS
By Juan Casiano

I have been a fan of Mary Weiss since 1964 when I first heard her captivating voice over the radio and learning that she lived around the corner from me in Cambria Heights with her sister Liz. She lead the legendary Shangri-Las on a string of hits, most notably “Leader Of The Pack“. I last saw her perform in 1989 at the Palisades Park Reunion Concert which was her last performance on stage. My brother Ray and I were lucky to meet with Mary, Liz and Marge on that glorious night. Many years passed without any sighting of Mary. Except a word when 9/11 happened and Mary was close to the trade centers and assisted some people. So it was to my surprise when it was announced by Norton Records in 2006 that she was returning to the recording studio with an upcoming album titled “Dangerous Game”. Her first solo effort to be released in March of 2007. Her fans had reason to rejoice, Mary’s back!


Her debut performance of the new album was scheduled on March 3rd at the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland, Ohio. I felt deep in my heart that I had to be there to show my support if I could put all the pieces of the puzzle together to get there from Florida. When it all came together I was on my journey to see Mary for the first time in 18 years. As nervous as I was about the trip I was just as excited at the prospect of seeing Mary on stage performing again in the spotlight where she belongs. Rock & Roll history was in the making.

That evening on March 3rd Mary took to the stage around 11:00pm after her two opening acts, the Tough & Lovely and The Reigning Sound who are also her backup band. She came to rock and that she did. She looked stunning and had a strong confident presence on stage and was in fine voice. She was having fun and the audience embraced her. She performed several songs from her new album including ,”My Heart Is Beating”, “You’re Never Gonna See Me Cry”, “Cry About The Radio”, “Nobody Knows (But I Do)”, “Stitch In Time”, “I Don’t Care” and added some Shangri-Las classics such as “The Train From Kansas City“, “Give Him A Great Big Kiss“ and “Heaven Only Knows“ which she remade for the new album. She stopped maybe after the second song and asked if I was in the audience. I was pleasantly surprised. She knew I was attending the show because I had been in contact with her. I was up front and when she noticed me she told the crowd that I was the Shangri-Las #1 fan. She then dedicated her next song to me “Break It For Me One More Time”. I was in a trance. What a wonderful gesture I thought. She performed about an hour. She left the stage after her set and the Reigning Sound followed. Some in the crowd were yelling “Mary, Mary, Mary”! When she came back for her encore I handed her a bouquet of a dozen yellow roses. She was moved. She then ended her set with “Remember (Walkin’ In The Sand)” and “Don’t Come Back” her single from the new album.

Mary went to the back of the ballroom where she went on to sign autographs for her fans. When I approached her she embraced me and was as thankful, gracious and appreciative as I remembered her to be. A trademark the Shangri-Las always had. When unexpectedly she “Gave Me A Great Big Kiss M-W-A-H”. I was floored. She stayed late into the night until her last fan got their autograph. She later told me that she wasn’t feeling well that evening. No one would have guessed. She was a true artist. I thought she was awesome with her fans. She was sweet, attentive and courteous. That night I met Billy Miller and Miriam Linna from Norton Records who are two very nice people. Miriam also sang backup for Mary. I also met Greg, Dave, Carol and Lance from the Reigning Sound. Thanks guys for signing Mary’s album. Also, I met Ed Ryan, Mary’s husband and manager. We can only hope that Mary enjoys the accolades to her comeback and decides to make more music for years to come. Thank you Mary for making it such a most memorable evening that will stay with me forever.

 

To catch on what Mary is doing, or where her next gigs are......, CLICK.!!! www.maryweiss.com or www.myspace.com/maryweiss