Special to the PVT The Cornell Gunter Coasters will pay a tribute to one of the original Coasters members, Cornell Gunter, and to the music that made the vocal group famous in two shows at Saddle West on Aug.8. Advertisement

The music of the 1950s will again grace the stage in Pahrump.

The Cornell Gunter Coasters are not only a tribute to the music of the original group, but a tribute to Cornell Gunter, an original member of the early Coasters and the man who revived the group after they disbanded 35 years ago when the music and tight harmonies of the era faded in popularity.

Gunter is now deceased, but his sister, Shirley, formerly a singer for the Platters, has been the driving force behind the incarnation of the music and the show that has crossed the ages in stage presence.

Like any other musical group, the members change over time; one comes in and someone else moves on. The same is true here.

The present group has been a constant opening show for Joan Rivers. They have performed in Disneyland, Six Flags, the Kennedy Center, Radio City Music Hall and they starred in the movie "Let the Good Times Roll" among others. In 1987, the Coasters were the first vocal ensemble to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their resume of performances is long and impressive.

During the course of the group's career, they boast 100 million record sales.

"Down in Mexico" was the hit propelling the Coasters into fame. Some of the other remembered hits are Charlie Brown, Yakety Yak, Along Came Jones and Love Potion #9.

The Cornell Gunter Coasters will appear in two shows, one at 6 p.m. and another at 8 p.m., Aug. 8 in the showroom at Saddle West Hotel and Casino.

The performances are free.

For more information, call 727-1111.