‘Bowzer’ will testify against impostor bands

By Brenna Smith
February 8, 2008

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Imitation bands beware: The Truth in Music Bill is spreading throughout the country and is exposing impostor bands.

Jon “Bowzer” Bauman from Sha Na Na will come to Colorado to speak against bands that are getting credit for performances they never did.

The man who’s famous for his appearance with Sha Na Na in “Grease” where they performed “Born to Hand Jive” on the No. 1-selling soundtrack album of all time, will speak on behalf of the Truth in Music Bill at a press conference and committee hearing Monday at the State Capitol. If House Bill 1196 becomes a law, impostor bands could face fines of up to $15,000 for each violation.

State Rep. Jim Riesberg, D-Greeley, sponsored the Truth in Music Bill and also will attend the event.

At least 16 states across the country have adopted similar legislation, and interest continues to grow in other states, according to the Vocal Group Hall of Fame Foundation.

In Colorado, the bill began when Riesberg was informed about a band that played in Greeley at the Civic Center where the group claimed to be the original band and none of the members performing were from the original band.

Riesberg contacted Bauman, the chairman of the Truth in Music Committee at the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, for information about the bill and asked the former lead singer of Sha Na Na to attend the Committee Hearing to testify in support of the bill.

Legislators are prepared to dress up in their do-wop clothes and Bauman will perform during the press conference, according to a release from House Democrats.

What’s next:
Business Affairs and Labor Committee will vote on the bill on Monday.