Marsha 2876 posts Mar 30, 2010 1:38 PM	What were your favorite American Bandstand memories--either as watcher of the show on TV back in the day or actually being on the show. I never got to attend the show in person, but I watched almost every day during the 50s and my favorite memories are of the Christmas shows when we got to see the girls dressed up in their formal dresses. Since the guys always wore suits, it wasn't noticed as much when they dressed up, but the girls really sparkled at the Christmas shows. The dance contests were also a big thing for me. I loved tuning in to see them.
arleneg 7 posts Mar 30, 2010 6:48 PM	Its got a great beat and you can dance to it, yes the rate a record was a favorite of mine. I also enjoyed the dancers doing the cha lypso, and who could forget talahassie lassie, boy they could dance, The pony contest was alot of fun to watch too!!!!
Diana 247 posts Mar 30, 2010 8:42 PM	I have so many great memories of dancing on the show--it was such a special time for me. One of my best memories is from the very day I attended AB. I had been watching it on TV and now here I was in the studio. And everything was in color! Of course it would be--but I had been watching the show in B/W so that was what I was used to. I felt like Dorothy in the "Wizard of Oz" when she was in the black and white world and then opened the door to the technicolor wonderment. Diana Benero
jimmy 29 posts Mar 30, 2010 9:23 PM	My best memory ofbandstand had to be the very first time I came to the show and met the guys and girls who eventually would be lifetime friends. I remember waiting for the red light above the studio door to change to green before entering and once I did,I was surprised to see how small the dance floor really was. I stood near the edge of the bleachers and then near the podium with Joe Fusco and Lenny Natale, kind of all over the studio taking in an exciting moment for me. my first dance was with someone I always watched and admired since I first saw the show on Aug 5 1957, the day the show went nationwide. Joe and Frankie introduced me to Dick and Tony Mammarella and they both said ' enjoy yourself' and believe me, I did. afterward I entered the famous Pops Singer with the guys and I sat in the first booth on the left as you walk in with Frankie, Charlie Zamel and Lenny Natale. Barbara Levick was in the next booth and leaned over to talk to us and I had the pleasure of meeting her and Larry Juliani, Pat m. and Carmela Montecarlo. We were there for about an hour and then I left with Frankie and Lenny and headed back to the greyhound bus terminal in center city feeling great about the day and excited about returning soon. You know each time I managed to go there,it was as if it were the first time, always exciting, always fun.
Eleanor 253 posts Mar 31, 2010 6:17 AM	Hi Jimmy: I am enjoying your wonderful memories of Bandstand. You were fortunate to experience AB first-hand as most of us danced our dreams on Bandstand through our black & white TV. You mentioned Charley Zamil. I remember him well. I always picture him dancing with Carmela MonteCarlo. Do you ever hear of him presently? He's rarely mentioned, but was a frequent dancer on AB, and a good one at that. I did write to him when he appeared on the show and have a photo that he sent me. Please continue reminiscing with us.
jimmy 31 posts Mar 31, 2010 6:39 AM	Hi Eleanor, the last I heard of Charlie Zamel was that he was somewhere in NY and that info is about 18 months ago. I saw Charlie a few more times after I first met him and I tell you he was and probably still is a great guy. He was from south Philly on Front street. yes he always danced with Carmela Montecarlo and they danced very well together as both of them were terrific dancers. I liked Charlie. he was always pleasant and funny......Talk to you guys soon
Bilie 735 posts Apr 13, 2010 8:50 PM	Jimmy, I enjoy your memories of AB. I always enjoyed the holiday shows & the regular's birthdays. They appeared to be so real in my 14/15 year old mind! Would have loved to been able to attend a show but that was an impossible dream but its wonderful we can come to Marsha's & chat with all of the AB friends & relive some old forgotten memories.
janie78 3 posts Apr 27, 2010 8:32 PM	Some of my fond memories are,when Kenny and Arlene won the dance contest, when Pat M. came back to the show after surgery,when every one dressedup for the christmas shows. when Dick would pick certain couples to do solo dances. Bandstand was my life. I would rush home every day from school, to see if my favorite couple was there that day, which was Kenny and Arlene