What started out as spoof of another Trenton area oldies band, "The Bop Shoo Bops", this group is one of the areas longest surviving bands. Originally formed by members of the Trenton Police Department, The Cop Shoo Bops began life as part of the Trenton PBA's annual "Anything May Happen Show" around 1973. Following that show, they were often asked to play for charity events, dances and in summer concerts in the Trenton parks. They even played a couple of times on WPVI TV's, Al Alberts Showcase. But through numerous personnel changes over the years, Danny Povio has kept the band out there playing.

A very early version of the Cop Shoo Bops performing on the Al Alberts television
show in Philadelphia. Watch The Video HERE!

Nick, Tony Tazza and Joe Urbano had a group in 1964-65 called "Nick and the Nicknames who once performed on the Jerry Blavat show. Joe Urbano was in a group called "Satan and the Angels" in 1965-68 with Tommy Hedden. They cut an album that sold fairly well in the area. I'm told the album's cover picture was taken in front of the Record Museum on Broad St. near State.

The Cop Shoo Bops (1977)

Back row l - r : Tony Silvestro, Danny Povio, Joe Urbano, Ed DiNatale, "Nick-O-Phonic" Nick Povio

Front row l to r :Tony Tazza, Buddy Sparks, Pete Holenczer,
Bob Parish

Across the front: 13 year old Doug Bitonti

Hanging out behind the Trenton Police Station.

The guys would "grease up" for shows in the early days. Once when they performed at a local VFW, they went to a bar down the street for a drink during their break. Some guys there thought they were some thugs and challenged them to a fight. After explaining who they were, they all had a good laugh!

The Cop Shoo Bops (1983)

Back row l to r : Dan Povio, Pete Hollenczer, Tony Silvestro, Dave Martinelli, Steve Costa

Front row l to r : Gary Harvilla, Al Harvilla, Frankie Capone

That's David Martinelli on the left, and me (yes, me!) on the right (1983?). Every once in a while they would bring the sound man out of the shadows to do a couple of songs (hey, it was cheaper to feed my ego than to give me a raise!). I had a lot of fun working with these guys, we did gigs all over NJ. The private shows with the free food and drinks were great and we only worked on the weekends. My partner on the lights was Jimmy Lamont and our buddy Mike Ruch would fill in if one of us was sick, they were a great bunch of guys.

Memory Lane's 45 (1977?)

Many of the guys in the C.S.B. photo above were formerly members of oldies group Memory Lane. Gary, Dave, Steve, Al & Frank were all in it at one time or another along with Nick Russo, Joe Mancuso, Bobby Tindall ,Gary Anderson and others.

Memory Lane was originally formed in 1975, the original line up was: Bill Ludwig (vocals), Pat Parton (vocals), Dave Walsh (vocals), Frank Capone (vocals), Tom DelVecchio (rhythm guitar), Melissa Smith (keyboard & vocals), Al Harvilla (sax), Lou Shinkle (percussion), Joe Mancuso (bass guitar), Gary Christopher (lead guitar & vocals).

Frank Capone & Tony Russo toured with Danny Rapp as Danny & The Juniors. They formed a group called the Bopsies. This group also included Tommy Hedden, Charles Cole and I think Jukie Szabo and Bill Golden. Frankie later left to replace Joe Urbano in the C.S.B.

Charles Cole was in Frank Stallone's group of "Street Corner Singers" in the Rocky II movie along with Doug Flor, Bob Kondyra & Jimmy Zazzarino.

Stormy Weather (mid 80's)

l to r: John Sopko, Nick Povio, George Greener, Joe Urbano, Ed O'Conner,
Bob Austin, Roy Hasty, Tony Silvestro

Stormy Weather was formed by Nick Povio along with C.S.B. alumnus Joe Urbano and Tony Silvestro. They concentrated more on the 50's Doo Wop style rather than the 50's & 60's pop style that the Cop Shoo Bops progressed into playing.

l tor: Fred Campbell, Mike Gallagher, Steve Scheier, Bob Bradbury, Gerry Treacy (center), Stephen Munter, Gary Delena, Mark Mulrine, Steve Morley and Carlo Altomare (kneeling)

CLICK HERE for a nice article with the history
of the Bop Shoo Bops

Acapella with the T-Bird 1972