Tributes and Legends acts galore performing here

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- They say the imitation is the highest form of flattery. If that is true then there are a hundreds of bands, singing group and soloists who are in great adulation and respect.

Let me give you a quick music lesson. There are bands and singers that do only original material.There are bands, singers and groups that do covers. A cover band will play different music from all different styles of bands but not emulate them exactly. Then - there are Tribute or Legends acts.

A Tribute act is a music group, singer, or musician who specifically plays the music of a well-known music act, often one which has disbanded or ceased touring. Probably the largest class of tributes acts is Elvis Presley impersonators. However, most tribute acts are groups (tribute band or tribute group) and are tributes to a group. A tribute band rarely includes any members of the original band whose music is being honored, although guest appearances occur.

Keep in mind however as you read the above, that there are acts still touring that have an original member still in the group or is authorized by the owner of the band to tour under the name of the original artists. Most big bands have licensed a member to tour using the originators name for example: The Glen Miller–Artie Shaw (which I am bringing to New Smyrna in February) Woody Herman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington Bands, etc.

There are singing groups that have original members or are licensed like The Four Freshman, (they were at Sugar Mill Country Club last year) Danny and the Juniors, The Four Lads ( which are coming to the Brannon Center for a Christmas Concert in December), The Four Aces (they were here in the spring), The Diamonds (they were at Sugar Mill Country Club last year), The Platters ( coming to the Brannon center next year) The Vogues, The Preps, The Limelighters, the Kingston Trio (coming to the Brannon Center next year) The Letterman, Bill Haley’s Comets (they were here last month) The Association and so on.

There are hundreds of them - Get the idea?

There is hardly a living, deceased or disbanded act of any consequence that does not have a tribute band available for bookings. There is a very successful night club in Las Vegas called the “Legends,” which is housed at the Imperial Hotel on Las Vegas Boulevard. They have been there for years and have other locations in the country.

At one time they had a theater in Daytona Beach.

Legends or Tribute Bands are very successful but like everything in life. Some of them are very good and some of them are terrible. For the past few years, I, as a producer have used a variety of Tribute and/or Legends acts. I almost exclusively used the acts from “Legends” in Las Vegas to bring to my Brannon Center Concert Series because I know that they are first class and responsible.

Let me get you through the rest of my season at the Brannon Center and Hidden Lakes Golf Club. The way I program my season will be pretty common as to what other producers are doing in other areas of the country. The reason there are similarities in our scheduling is because we try to pick up acts that are in the area or put together several dates in the same state so the traveling is not extensive. As you look at my schedule you can just about figure that the same act will be somewhere within driving distance either before my date or after my date.

Bill Haley’s Comets - here in September;
Swing Sisters - here last week – Nov. 16;
A Tribute to Sonny and Cher – Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. matinee;
Christmas with The Legendary Four Lads – Jan. 25;
Doo Wops – Feb. 6;
The Artie Shaw Orchestra -- March 7;
Peter Alden and the Crown Electric Band with The Spirit of Elvis -- March 28.

As you can see from the above, a lot of my acts are legends because the demographic of my audience is 55-plus. That age group tends to support concerts that are reminiscent of its youth.

You don’t find too many tribute or legend acts in the jazz style. Jazz artists will play music of a particular period, but tend to improvise the music in their own playing style.

As an audience, you will have to be careful when selecting a legends or tribute artists to see. If the producer has a reputation for bringing quality acts to a venue, there is a good chance the act will be good. If you have any doubt, save your money. It will be a long night of bad entertainment.

Tickets are $40 per person and include a scrumptious sit down dinner that includes choice of entree, vegetables, salad, beverage and desserts prepared by Chef David Luther and served by members of “Relay for Life.” There is a Cash bar available. Please call Lorraine for tickets at (386) 424 2186 or Dr. Martorano at 428-1228 for more information. Master Card and Visa are accepted for ticktes sales. Hidden Lakes Golf Club is located at 35 Fairgreen Ave., New Smyrna Beach.