Who: Al Holland, singer and keyboard player 
When: 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday 
Where: Riviera Oyster Bar Restaurant, 5500 Deltona Drive, Punta Gorda 
Cost: No cover 
Info: (941) 639-2633 

For those who remember the music of the Platters from the mid-1950s to the early 1960s, the sweet and romantic harmonies they produced in such hits as "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes," "The Great Pretender" and "Twilight Time" can never be forgotten. 

Al Holland, who formerly sang with this group that produced so many gold record albums, is now performing in Punta Gorda at the Riviera Oyster Bar &Restaurant overlooking Alligator Creek Wednesday through Saturday each week. 

To find the Riviera, go south on U.S. 41, turn right at Rio Villa Drive and then left at Deltona Drive and drive all the way to the end. It will be worth your while to see one of the entertainment highlights in this area. . 

In addition to the fine show, the restaurant provides a pristine view of Alligator Creek. I saw many pelicans flying over the water, and I was told by the waitress that on some days, manatees and alligators can be seen as well. 

Even though the music was the highlight to me, Al Holland's music and singing seemed to blend perfectly with the serenity of nature that could be seen just a few feet away from my table. One teen-age girl at a nearby table shouted, "Look, there's a pelican," as it flew close by. 

Holland opened with a mellow "Rainy Night in Georgia," which set the mood for the evening, although the Florida sun was shining brightly outside. He followed with two Lou Rawls numbers, a romantic "You're Gonna Miss My Lovin' " and an expressive "Lady Love." 

Holland sang in a cool, sweet and sensuous style Lenny Welch's "Since I Fell For You." He outdid himself by singing and playing on the keyboard Johnny Mathis' "Misty." 

He ended the first set with "What a Wonderful World," singing with elegance and fervor while he played the keyboard and synthesizer, simulating saxophone, trumpet and percussion. 

Slow blues was Holland's dominant theme for the second set. "What I Did for Love," "Easy, Like Sunday Morning" with sincere feeling, a rhythmic "Great Love," and a funky "Stormy Monday" were all a joy to hear. He ended the second set by returning to his romantic theme with Billy Ocean's "Suddenly, You're in Love." 

Of course, in another venue, Holland can sing hot and heavy too. When I last reviewed him at the Best Western Waterfront Lounge in Punta Gorda, singing with BNX, he sang up a storm.

In talking to Holland, I got the impression that he's quite intelligent, outgoing and likeable. He received a college degree in classical music for the cello. However, he chose rather to perform the music that he loves best. 

Holland has been married 14 years to the same wife, he said jokingly. They live in Fort Myers. Occasionally, he'll still tour with the Platters. For example, this month, he'll appear with them in Birmingham, Ala. 

For those who prefer a theater setting, Holland will perform at 7 p.m. Monday at the Cultural Center of Charlotte County, together with a group of talented local musicians. The show will be produced by Celebrity Direct Entertainment.

If you ever liked Nat "King" Cole, Johnny Mathis, Arthur Prysock or Barry White, then you'll like Al Holland, because he expresses his feelings in that kind of tradition. 

However, if you prefer Joe Williams or the Motown sound, he can do his thing in their styles too. In brief, he swings, he's sophisticated, and he has style. 

You can e-mail Sandy Copperman at SanfordCop@aol.com