The Platters Sound Off for Environment

The Platters sang some of the greatest doo-wop hits of the ‘50s: “My Prayer,” “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” “The Great Pretender,” “Twilight Time” and “The Magic Touch.”

The group, led by Curtis Bridgeforth in its latest incarnation, is about to add environmental awareness and spirituality to its repertoire for the Earthling Foundation--a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting both through film, television and digital media.

The Platters will give two benefit performances, 8 and 9:15 p.m., April 19 at Odessa’s Restaurant & Club, 680 S. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach. $100 show; $135 with dinner at 7 p.m. (714) 803-6721.

The O.C.-based foundation, launched earlier this year by Bianca Mead, hopes to raise about $50,000 in production funds for a documentary film called “The Sherpas: Heroes of the High Himalaya.” It will feature Jamling Tenzing Norgay, son of Tenzing Norgay, who made the first successful climb to the top of Mt. Everest with Edmund Hillary in 1953.

Jamling, who also figures prominently in the Imax film “Everest”--now playing in Irvine--has left for the Himalaya, Mead says. “Sherpas” director David A. Glen, leaves Friday for the expedition. Mead, who is producing the movie, will be there with Odessa owners Norm Nixon and his wife, actress-choreographer Debbie Allen.

“The last time they had a benefit at Odessa--it was a toy drive for the Orangewood shelter--Debbie got up and danced on the stage,” Mead said. “Who knows? Maybe she’ll do it again. Norm is very knowledgeable about environmental issues, and he loves the Platters.”