The Milwaukee Post

February 1, 2019 • Milwaukee County Post • 17 ENTERTAINMENT By Catherine Jozwik Special to Conley Media Tony Butala feels that quality music should tran- scend any language barri- ers. After nearly 60 years, the singer and his group, The Lettermen, continue to charm audiences across the globe. The trio has played shows everywhere from The Philippines to France to Saudi Arabia, and has recorded songs in many lan- guages, among them Italian, German, Spanish, Cantonese, and Tagalog. "We've always been an international group," Butala, a traveling enthusi- ast, said during a recent tele- phone interview. "I've prob- ably toured the intimate parts of most cities I've been to." Butala also has a special connection to Wisconsin. At the time of the phone inter- view, he revealed that he was visiting friends in Manitowoc. The singer was also once married to a for- mer Miss Wisconsin. Formed in 1957, The Lettermen released their first hit, "When I Fall in Love," in 1961. To date, the trio has sold over 100 million records, and boasts 18 world- wide gold albums, 20 chart hits, and six Grammy nomi- nations. To this day, The Lettermen, with their dap- per appearance, melodic harmonies, and light come- dy, boast over 10,000 sold-out shows. As part of a tour to pro- mote their latest CD, "By Request," The Lettermen will perform a Valentine's Day show 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at Milwaukee's Pabst Theater. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The current Lettermen lineup, consisting of found- ing member Tony Butala, Donovan Tea and Bobby Poynton, "is the best it's ever been," Butala said. "When I found Donovan and Bobby, we were kindred spirits. We love each other as brothers, and it shows in our performances," he added. To keep their voices pure, each member lives a healthy lifestyle, avoiding cigarettes and hard liquor, and taking care not to strain their vocal chords. "Your voice is your Stradivarius," Butala said. He emphasized that The Lettermen are more than singers — they are also entertainers. Shows, which change annually, are tai- lored to individual audi- ences. Butala said that a Lettermen concert is like "a living room party," rich in audience participation with a bit of schtick comedy mixed in. Fans can expect to hear a variety of the group's hits, including song med- leys, ballads, and new songs by Donovan Tea. After each performance, the trio is available to sign autographs and take photos with fans. "We're very user-friendly," Butala said. After more than six decades, The Lettermen are as active as ever, playing more than 50 shows a year. And Butala would like to keep it that way. "We're having a ball," he added. By Catherine Jozwik Special to Conley Media WEST ALLIS — Now in its 15th year, the Great Lakes Pet Expo aims the spotlight on dogs, cats, and other rescue companion animals — including less-popular pets like reptiles. "It's a great day for pet lovers to come out," said Beth Enneking, executive director of the Alliance of Wisconsin Animal Rehoming Efforts, the non- profit organization which produces the event. She added that the GLPE typical- ly attracts a crowd of around 14,000. The event will be held 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at Wisconsin State Fair Park. Adult admission is $7 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $5 from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Veterans and children under 12 receive free admis- sion. No personal pets (save for service animals) are allowed. Enneking said the goal of the event is to give exposure to animal rescue groups, find homes for companion ani- mals, and educate the public on various pet topics, includ- ing the importance of spay- and-neuter practices. This year's GLPE will fea- ture over 200 vendors and nonprofit exhibitors, includ- ing Happy Paws Dog Bakery, Bear's Pet Supply, Norma's Yard Art, Toys from the Litter Box, Woof N' Wear, Almost Home Kitty Rescue, Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue, Canine Cupids, Door County Sled Dogs, and Stepping Stone Farms School of Horsemanship. Enneking noted that AWARE funds more than half the cost of the GLPE, which is the biggest not-for- profit pet event in Wisconsin. "The thing that's most unique about the event is that it's a nonprofit show," she said. New this year is the Cesar Cancer Research Center. Two organizations, Illinois group Live Like Roo and the Wisconsin Vet Referral Center, will provide informa- tion. Enneking said she knows many people who have lost a pet to cancer. "We decided to create an area to focus on cancer (in animals) and how it affects people," she said. "We hope to draw people who want to talk about their experi- ences." Three GLPE stages will feature live entertainment and educational presenta- tions, among them Tinker the Bell-Ringing Horse, canine act Popeye and Sailor, and a live snake venom extraction. Local reptile expert Cindy Steinle said many might not know that reptile venom can actually be beneficial to humans. Venom from snakes and Gila monsters is used as a tool to research a number of medications, including Byatta, taken by diabetics. "Venom saves lives," Steinle said. "There are ven- omous snakes and poisonous snakes, but they are not the same." Many reptiles, including ball python and corn snakes, Russian tortoises, crested geckos, and bearded dragons, make fun and unusual pets, Steinle added. These reptiles are available from both ani- mal rescues and breeders. While planning to adopt a reptile as a pet, people should consider several factors, most importantly diet and habitat. Many reptiles eat vegetables, but others require a diet of rodents and insects, which can make mealtime a bit challenging. Also, pet owners should make sure they have enough space in their homes to house a reptile. Enneking said the GLPE, an event that is part educa- tional and part shopper's paradise, should appeal to many young and old. "The crowd is great. It's a wonderful day, a lot of fun," said Enneking. For more information, visit www.petexpo- milwaukee.com. The Lettermen, from left, Bobby Poynton, Tony Butala and Donovan Tea, will play a Feb. 6 show at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee. Healthy and 'having a ball,' The Lettermen to sing at the Pabst Theater All kinds of animals, displays at pet expo

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