Marshall Adult Community Center staff members Jennifer DeRuyter and Katie Brusven joined singer Richie Lee, dancing as he performed the song “Chantilly Lace” by the Big Bopper. They also invited area seniors to dance with them. Lee performed a variety of 1950s rock hits for the ACC’s holiday luau on Thursday.

MARSHALL — The atmosphere at the Adult Community Center was tropical, from the decorations down to the Hawaiian shirts and leis people were wearing. So it was only fitting when singer and guitarist Richie Lee launched into songs from the Elvis Presley movie “Blue Hawaii.”

The crowd sang along as Lee performed Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” He followed it up with songs from 1950s rockers like Buddy Holly, the Big Bopper and Ritchie Valens.

The music was a hit with area seniors.

“He was outstanding. I told him, ‘Never quit,'” Marion Wiering said.

“He’s a talented player and singer,” said Marti Deuel.

Live music was part of the fun at the Adult Community Center’s holiday luau on Thursday. The gathering included a meal, games and activities like a prize wheel.

Live entertainment is usually part of the ACC’s annual holiday gathering, ACC Coordinator Katie Brusven said. “We wanted to find something that would be new and different,” she said. Organizers worked with Small Town Events to bring Lee to play for the luau.

The music brought back some good memories, audience members said.

“I grew up with that music,” Deuel said. He also grew up to play music himself. “I played in a band. We were in the era right after this,” he said, referring to 1950s rock ‘n roll. Deuel said he had played in venues in places from Montevideo to Marshall.

Quite a few audience members stayed to talk with Lee after his concert.

“Thank you so much. We enjoyed it,” one audience member said.

Lee, a Des Moines resident, said he felt a connection to 1950s rock, too. His parents often played music from that era.

“I grew up listening to it,” he said. Playing that style of rock was something he always wanted to do, he said. Now, Lee has his own band, Richie Lee and the Fabulous 50’s. “We play all over,” he said.

Performing for different generations of listeners has been “pretty fun,” Lee said.

“It’s good to see people enjoy it, and share their memories,” he said. “It’s good to see younger people get involved, too.”