A record setting 73 million people turned on their black and white TVs at 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, 1964, making it one of the most significant moments in television history. Fifty years later, people still remember exactly where they were the night The Beatles stepped onto Ed Sullivan’s stage. Their long hair (which is short by today’s standards) shocked parents, but teens and young people all over the world instantly adored them. And of course the Beatles became a global phenomenon.
On the 50th anniversary of the time and date of that iconic TV appearance, American English, one of the best Beatles tribute bands, will perform at 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014, at The Theatre of Western Springs (TWS), 4384 Hampton Ave. The concert is a fundraiser for the theatre, and Beatles fans everywhere are invited.
American English is an extraordinary Beatles tribute band, voted number one for three consecutive years by thousands of Beatles fans as winners of “sound alike” contests at Beatlefest®. The group has been named Illinois Entertainer of the Year and voted Best Tribute Band three of the last four years by fans in the Chicagoland area.
The band’s demand here and abroad, coupled with a huge fan base, has launched it into larger venues and theatres worldwide.
In addition, Ed Sullivan impersonator Bob Rumba will make the evening even more realistic. Rumba is a professional ventriloquist, comic and Hollywood-lookalike. He has appeared on shows like "America's Funniest People," "Oprah," "Human Factor" (BBC) and numerous TV commercials.
“We know there are a lot of Beatles fans out there,” said Jennifer Jermano Miller, chair of the TWS fundraising committee. “I’d advise people to get their tickets early. We anticipate a full house to see the ‘Fab Four’ and Ed Sullivan.”
American English captures the very essence of John, Paul, George and Ringo. All the songs are performed completely live without any tapes or backing tracks. Every musical and visual detail will take the audiences back in time.
The show begins with the early years of Ed Sullivan and includes classic Beatles favorites such as She Loves You, Twist and Shout, I Want to Hold Your Hand and many others. In addition, American English will reenact the sights and sounds of the movie and soundtrack of It’s a Hard Day’s Night.
Frank Canino portrays John Lennon. His strong resemblance, combined with his music/vocal ability, make for an amazing tribute to the late, great John. Eric Michaels plays Paul McCartney, and they look strikingly alike. Guitarist James Paul Lynch is George Harrison. Not only does Tom Gable accurately duplicate Ringo Starr’s voice, he completely replicates the wild and unorthodox drumming style for which Ringo is known.
Ken Zemanek is the keyboardist and sound architect for American English. He is the ingredient which is missing from almost all other Beatles tribute shows. He fills the role of The Beatles’ producer, Sir George Martin, by performing all the orchestrations and special effects live without any tapes or recordings.
"American English is the best Beatles act since The Beatles," said Dick Biondi, legendary rock n' roll DJ who introduced the Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl and Comiskey Park.
"American English is so realistic it's scary," said Jim Peterik of Survivor (Eye of the Tiger) and the Ides of March (Vehicle).
Advance tickets to the American English concert are $30 for TWS subscribers and $35 for non-subscribers. Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $35 for TWS subscribers and $40 for non-subscribers.
Call the TWS box office at 708-246-3380 or buy tickets online at http://www.theatreofwesternsprings.com.
