A NIGHT OF LIVE MUSIC, DANCING, AND DINNER TO BENEFIT FILIPINO CHILDREN
BUKIDNON BENEFIT DANCE 2026
Featuring Johnny Angel, Sam Ferrella and The Holidays, and Special Guests Backed by the Pittsburgh Big Band Legends
Halloween Night - 10/31/2026 · Springdale Veterans Association
Doors Open at 5:30 PM · Dinner at 6:00 PM · Show at 7:00 PM
Costumes welcome - best costumes win prizes!
All proceeds benefit Calibasan Elementary School in the Philippines
EVENT LINEUP
JOHNNY ANGEL (JACK HUNT)
Jack Hunt, known widely as Johnny Angel from the group Johnny Angel and The Halos, has been a Pittsburgh music staple since 1972.
A North Side native, Johnny Angel and the Halos were inspired by Sha Na Na's legendary Woodstock set and influenced by the likes of James Brown, The Four Tops, and The Temptations.
Covering everything from doo-wop to rock and pop, Jack brings the energy of the 1950s through the 1970s to every stage he hits.
SAM FERRELLA AND THE HOLIDAYS
Sam Ferrella and The Holidays are on a mission to keep the oldies alive! Doo-wop, rock 'n' roll, Motown, disco, R&B - if it made you fall in love back in those gold old days, they'll play it.
With powerhouse vocals from Sam, Josephine Crooks, Dan Fera, and Buddy Dee, The Holidays deliver the full sound of the golden era every time they take the stage.
Whether you grew up listening to these songs or you're hearing them for the first time, this group brings it all back to life.
JENNIFER LARSON
From the moment she could speak, Jennifer was singing. Her journey began with vocal training as a child, leading to years performing in community theater productions, garage bands, wedding ceremonies, and for the residents in retirement homes. After taking a hiatus to marry and raise two children, Jennifer was “discovered” by Bill Dell while singing karaoke at a local social club. After filling in during a couple of gigs, she officially joined Wee Jams in 2025.
Jennifer’s sound is a soulful tapestry woven from the legends who shaped her: the raw grit of Amy Winehouse, the ethereal rock of Stevie Nicks, and the timeless storytelling of Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn. While she works in marketing by day, music is her true North, and she is very excited to have this opportunity to share it with you.
WILLIAM DELL
From shy singer to hall of fame frontman, Bill's musical journey started in secret. As a shy 12-year- old, he only sang when his parents left the house. That changed at age 16 during a late-night drive with friends. As "Kind of a Drag" blasted on the radio, he finally sang out loud. That breakthrough moment led him to join The Wee Jams.
Soon after, the group beat out over 400 contenders to win the "Big Break Contest," scoring a recording contract with ABC Records. Though initially terrified on stage, he quickly moved from the back of the lineup to the front.
BUDDY DEE
Buddy Dee has been singing since the 1960s. He got his start performing USO shows while serving in the Marines, including a New Year's Eve set at the American Embassy in Greece.
After the service, he went on to front Buddy Dee and the Hitmen, opening for acts like Gary Lewis and the Playboys.
He joined the Pittsburgh Belairs in 2020 and Chuck Blasko and the Vogues in 2024, so if you've been to an oldies show in Pittsburgh, chances are you've already seen him on stage!
JENNA RAE PANZA
Jenna Rae Panza is a singer and songwriter from Pittsburgh who won the Kean Quest Idol competition at just fourteen!
She then headed to Hollywood to study vocal performance at the Musicians Institute. While in LA, she sang at the House of Blues on Sunset Boulevard and performed at the launch party for Oprah's OWN Network.
Now back in Pittsburgh, she's opened for local favorites like The Clarks and The Nied's Hotel Band. Her heart is in soul and R&B, and she's bringing all of it to the stage.
PITTSBURGH BIG BAND LEGENDS
The Pittsburgh Big Band Legends bring the full sound — sax, brass, rhythmic guitars, keys, and vocals. Founded by Pittsburgh icon Frank Podroskey Jr., they specialize in doo-wop, variety hits, and jazz, blending original compositions with the big band classics.
They're the house band for the night, backing every performer on tonight's stage!
MASTER OF CEREMONIES FRANKIE DAY
Frankie Day is one of Pittsburgh's most recognized voices in oldies music. A veteran MC, he's introduced acts like The Skyliners, The Marcels, The Vogues, and Johnny Angel at venues across the region including Heinz Hall and the Benedum Center. You can catch him live on the Frankie Day Oldies Show weekday afternoons on Crown Sounds Radio. He was nominated for the East Coast Music Hall of Fame as a Legend DJ/MC in 2020.
ABOUT THE CAUSE
