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'YMCA' Returns; Village People Play Chastain

POSTED: 8:52 pm EDT August 5, 2007
UPDATED: 8:24 am EDT August 7, 2007

A few thousand fans packed Chastain Park Amphitheater Saturday night. They were on hand to see a Cowboy, a Cop, a Biker, a Construction Worker, a Soldier, and a Native American. That of course is the contingent that comprises The Village People.

The group headlined the Solid Gold Dance Party. The Party included Thelma Houston, France Joll, Peaches and Herb, Anita Ward, A Taste Of Honey and the Solid Gold Dancers.

Many fans even dressed the part, arriving dressed in their 70s attire.

The Village People can be traced back to New York's Greenwich Village. It was there that producer Jacques Morali found Felipe the Native American performing. Two other members were discovered in Broadway's The Wiz. Auditions were held for the final three spots.

Over the last 30 years, Madonna has opened for The Village People, they've headlined shows with Michael Jackson and they've appeared on numerous magazines including "Rolling Stone." The group even starred in a movie titled "Can't Stop The Music."

Today, The Village People continue to tour worldwide. The group's first member, Felipe Rose, the Native American, still performs the "YMCA" in countless shows. The other original members include Alex Briley, the Solider, and David Hodo, the Construction Worker. Ray Simpson is the Cop. He joined the group in 1979. Jeff Olsen is the Cowboy. He signed on in 1980. Eric Anzalone is the Biker. He joined The Village People 12 years ago.

For more on the Classic Chastain Series, log on to their web site by clicking HERE .

Don't miss the slideshow from the event, which includes photos of the group and crowd performing the "YMCA" Saturday night.


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