BENTON HARBOR — During the rock and roll British invasion of the 1960s, two groups notably carried the American flag and dominated the charts with hit after hit.

These hit-making machines are coming to southwest Michigan for a night of music and memories. Jay & the Americans and Gary Lewis & the Playboys will be at The Mendel Center Mainstage for one show only, at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22.

With 18 charted hits and five Top 10 records, few bands ever reached the heights of Jay & The Americans, concert organizers said. The group has experienced a resurgence in their popularity after re-forming with three original members and returning to stages all over the country.

“This Magic Moment,” “Only in America,” “Cara Mia,” “Come a Little Bit Closer,” “Some Enchanted Evening,” “Let’s Lock the Door,” “Walkin’ in the Rain,” and more will be faithfully re-created, accompanied by a live rhythm section and brass section. 

Gary Lewis & The Play Boys co-headline with equally impressive credentials of eight gold singles, four gold albums, and a string of monster hits including “This Diamond Ring,” “She’s Just My Style,” “Count Me In,” “Everybody Loves a Clown,” and the list goes on.

The band also made the transition to the silver screen, having appeared in several movies of the era. It did not hurt that Gary’s father is comedy legend Jerry Lewis.)

Tickets for Jay & the Americans with Gary Lewis & the Playboys are on sale at TheMendelCenter.com, and through The Mendel Center Box Office at (269) 927-8700, option 1, and in person weekdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Discounts are available for seniors, students and children, active military members, and veterans.

Groups of 10 or more receive special discounts when orders are placed through The Mendel Center box office or online. Contact the box office about reserving private pre- and post-show party areas.