Faux Fab Four bring Beatles experience to Panida stage
SANDPOINT — The Panida returns to the days of mop-tops and shrieking teenage girls this Friday when Beatles tribute band British Export performs.
Sponsored by Lost in the ‘50s and 95.3 KPND, the show is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. with the doors opening at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $30 and available at Eichardt’s, Pedro’s and Second Avenue Pizza. All proceeds go to Lost in the ‘50s.
“At least, we’re hoping to generate some funding for Lost in the ‘50s,” event founder Carolyn Gleason said. “We really don’t want to end up in the pit.”
Good thing British Export brings a show to which almost everyone can instantly connect. The Beatles are widely-cited as one of the most popular and influential bands in rock ‘n’ roll history, and most people are at least passingly familiar with their music.
British Export replicates the Beatles live experience as closely as possible. Each member adopts the persona of their corresponding Beatle, with band leader and drummer Jim Martin serving as Ringo Starr, bassist Jon Perry as Paul McCartney, rhythm guitarist Jon Fickes as John Lennon and lead guitarist Gavin Pring as George Harrison. They even use multiple sets of costumes to portray the Beatles throughout the various eras in the band’s history, from their fledgling days at Liverpool’s Cavern Club all the way to their final live performance on the Apple Corps roof.
“Talking to them on the phone, it’s like talking to Paul McCartney or John Lennon,” Gleason said. “They stay in their performance mode.”
Not only does band look and sound like the Beatles, members also retain a wealth of knowledge about the band’s history. Martin in particular can tell fans anything they want to know about Starr.
“For instance, did you know that the Beatles were one of the first bands to use drum raisers?” Gleason said. “Ringo didn’t want to be hidden behind everyone else, so they raised him up on a platform in the back.”
British Export got its start in Chicago, Martin’s hometown, but relocated to Seattle shortly thereafter. In addition to their band-related activities, Perry, Pring and Martin also maintain solo acts covering their corresponding artist’s post-Beatles career. Much of the band’s success derives from their ability to convincingly portray each Beatles member’s mannerisms. Perry can even play bass left-handed just like McCartney, one of rock ‘n’ roll’s famous lefties. The band’s website, www.britishexport.com, features more information on the band’s history and notable performances.
Gleason hopes that British Export’s convincing performance, combined with the Beatles’ timeless music, draws Sandpoint residents out for a Friday night on the town.
“People really need to come and check this out,” she said. “The band is so great, and getting these bands to actually come and play in our town is one of the things that’s so nice about Sandpoint.”
Concert-goers are encouraged to dress up in ‘60s-era clothing and transform the evening into a real blast from the past. For any ladies that may have been one of those original screaming teenage girls, there’s probably no better opportunity to relive the past.