Charlie Gracie to appear at La Piazza Cucina, receive award Friday night

Courtesy www.charliegracie.com

Despite the cancellation of this year's Olde Time Italian Festival, the "Fabulous" Charlie Gracie will rock the Wildwoods once again on Friday night, Sept. 30.

The island's original and longest-running rock & roller, Gracie will make a special appearance at Joey M's La Piazza Cucina (3800 Pacific Avenue), where he will receive the Italian American Man of the Year award after 6 p.m.

Also performing between 6 - 10 p.m. will be Kenny Jeremiah, Wayne Vogel and Joey M & The All Stars.

Gracie, who turned 80 earlier this year, performed at the North Wildwood Italian-American Festival back in June. He continues to maintain a busy schedule, playing locally while making frequent trips to Europe.

His autobiography - Rock & Roll's Hidden Giant: The Story of Rock Pioneer Charlie Gracie - was released last year, and features numerous testimonials to his influence from the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Graham Nash, his good friend and fellow South Philly native (and Wildwood legend) Chubby Checker, along with many others...