Three and a half stars
Concerts on the Canal; Indiana History Center
July 24

“Just Friends,” a crowd-pleasing vocal quintet from Gary, made their annual return visit with a roster of tunes that never grow old, including “My Girl,” “I Only Have Eyes for You” and “Just My Imagination.” Three of the five have been together for 50 years. Their period spans the 1950s-’60s with their forte of doo-wop tight harmony. Especially effective was their layering of vocal colors for an extended barbershop arrangement of “Over the Rainbow.” Even when they featured Motown favorites, they made the song their own. Working with them as though they’ve always been together was a pickup combo from Indianapolis featuring Bill Myers on bass, Richard Floyd on drums, Tony Henley on guitar, Al Shikaly on alto and tenor saxophone and Daryl Spurlock on keyboard. Indianapolis-based virtuoso tap dancer Brandon Foy charmed in a guest appearance.