| | Published October 31st, 2018
| Ob-la-di, ob-la-da ... Town Hall celebrates 50 years since Beatles' White Album release
| | | By Pippa Fisher |  | | The Sun Kings Photo provided |
This year marks another notable 50th anniversary - in the same year that Lafayette became a city, a Liverpudlian band of some fame released The White Album. And Lafayette's Town Hall Theatre will be celebrating that release in authentic Beatles-style on Nov. 2 and 3 with concerts put on by the Sun Kings, the much-loved Bay Area Beatles tribute band.
Town Hall Theatre board Vice President Tom Stack is excited. The Sun Kings opened the Music and Comedy Series for which Stack is responsible, in its very first show back in 2010. "This will be one of our greatest shows," says Stack, his enthusiasm evident.
Stack explains that the first show on Friday, Nov. 2 will be an evening with the Sun Kings playing the very best of the Beatles. "Lots of hits, including some songs from The White Album," he says. At the time of writing some tickets were still available.
However it is the sold out show on Saturday, Nov. 3 that Stack is most excited about. He explains that the Sun Kings will be playing the entire White Album through in order for 90 minutes.
The event will be much more than just a regular concert - there is a White Album-themed costume contest for starters.
Stack urges concertgoers to come dressed as a favorite character from the album. “Do some research … go for a drive and listen to the album right through for inspiration,” says Stack, who wants people to really get into the event.
Local celebrity judges include lead guitarist for Night Ranger, Brad Gillis; VP of licensing for the Beatles, Steve Senk; and the Sun King’s Drew Harrison. Everyone gets a signed poster.
The lobby of the theater will be decorated. With a nod to “Back in the USSR” the house cocktail will be a White Russian. And 40 lucky people will attend the “White Circle” before the show, which will include a champagne and appetizer reception, and a panel discussion with members of the Sun Kings.
If Stack’s role in the evening is the celebratory production, for the Sun Kings it is all about the music.
Harrison, who delivers the Lennon vocals and plays lead guitar with the Sun Kings, says the White Album might be his favorite Beatles record. “Great lyrics, melodies and rock and roll,” he says.
He explains how the Beatles affected the lives of so many growing up at that time. “Liverpool was bombed and depressed but they (the Beatles) saw opportunity. The world shaped them and they shaped the world,” he says, explaining that the Beatles were a bright spot. “Their message was that we’ll be OK. The key for them was to make things better.”
In fact, Harrison has just performed his solo “In the Spirit of Lennon” show at the Cavern in Liverpool, where the Beatles got their start, in what was surely a highlight in his musical career.
Along with Harrison the Sun Kings is comprised of Scott Southard, who takes the Paul Mc- Cartney vocals and plays bass, guitar and piano, Bruce Coe who does the George Harrison vocals and plays guitar and piano, Steve Scarpelli (Ringo) on drums, percussion and vocal, and Michael Barrett on keyboards, orchestrations, guitar, percussion, harmonica and vocals. They have had this lineup for two years but have been around as a band for 18 years. Although they each lean toward a particular Beatles member, they are not a caricature band. They do build lots of story telling into their shows.
Harrison is looking forward to a fun party celebrating this 50th anniversary and echoes Stack’s enthusiasm for dressing as a White Album character. “There’s plenty to chose from – Bungalow Bill, Rocky Raccoon, Sexy Sadie, Desmond and Molly Jones, Chairman Mao for a start.” “Life is a participation sport,” says Stack. “Play along – it’s really fun.”
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA