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Yeah, yeah, yeah — it’s like nowhere, man, trying to get the word out across the universe that yesterday I’d needed some help! But, hey Jude, from me to you, I just want to drive my car and get back to where tomorrow never knows. Now that could be here, there, and everywhere, or perhaps we should all just let it be and come together, knowing that it won’t be long, dear Prudence, before we can work it out — even if you never give me your money. Enough already! If you’re wondering how many Beatles song titles I squeezed into those sentences and if you’re wondering why I did that, other than for the sheer thrill of it, read on. This Saturday at Boone’s Saloon, a group of area veteran players, led by all-around good guy and fine musician Bill McKenzie on bass, will gather at Boone’s Saloon to celebrate the music of the Beatles by performing around 40 Fab Four favorites. With McKenzie’s wife, Lori, on vocals, Hank Helton on guitar and vocals, Nat Radwine as drummer and percussionist, and Brian Curtis on keyboards and vocals, the group presents a formidable array of talent to play songs by what is inarguably the most influential and best-known pop group of all time. “The idea is to show the diversity of the Beatles’ writing and playing skills and talents without playing radio cuts,” McKenzie says. “We have to do some of the big hits, but we really tried to pick more album cuts and lesser-known songs.”
The event, called “Choice Cuts: The Music of the Beatles,” is the second presentation in what McKenzie envisions as a long-term series involving local players. Last year he unveiled Acoustic Aspect, a CD collection of covers and originals recorded by Curtis, featuring various area performers, that was accompanied by a live performance. “The Aspect is not a band, it’s an occasional music project,” he says. “This year it’s the Beatles, before we did the acoustic CD, and next I’d like to do a blues — a Chicago blues — show.”
Be forewarned: This is not some impersonation show with costume changes and look-alike characterizations, and you’ll find no mop-tops, Sgt. Pepper outfits, or rehearsed stage banter, only musicians performing a heartfelt homage to their heroes.
“This, I repeat, this is not a tribute — I’m not playing a left-handed bass that looks like a violin,” McKenzie says, “and none of the band members are wearing wigs. This is a celebration of the Beatles music from true aficionados.”
So hey there, honey pie, how about grabbing Mother Nature’s son and let’s find out with a little help from my friends if, in my life, happiness is a warm gun (bang-bang, shoot-shoot). Oh darling, yes it is true, I’ve got to get you into my life, and I know that all I’ve got to do is call Dr. Robert back in the U.S.S.R. anytime at all and get the two of us a ticket to ride the long and winding road on the one after 909. I don’t want to spoil the party so, please please me, don’t let me down, and run for your life to this new magical mystery tour. Goodbye. The End.
The Aspect performs “Choice Cuts: Music of the Beatles” 7-11 p.m. Saturday, July 5, at Boone’s Saloon (301 W. Edwards St.,
217-753-9135).
Contact Tom Irwin at tirwin@illinoistimes.com.
This article appears in Jun 26 – Jul 2, 2008.
