Lemont High School to Host Beatles Tribute Band

Beatles fans will never have the chance to see the band perform live, but a Missouri-based tribute group might be the next best thing.

The Liverpool Legends will take the stage at the Performing Arts Center on Friday, Nov. 18, for a special concert event. Each member of the quartet was hand-picked by Louise Harrison, the sister of the late George Harrison, to recreate the magic of the Beatles.

Harrison will be present during the Nov. 18 concert, which is part of her "Keeping Music Alive" program. The organization brings live, Beatles-themed shows to high schools and college campuses across the country in an effort to promote music education.

"The program is promoting the idea of keeping music alive in schools across the country," said band member Marty Scott, who plays George Harrison. "Most schools can't afford to have big productions like the ones we put on, so it's an opportunity for us to bring the Beatles to students and communities in a fun, exciting way."

Since 2006, the Liverpool Legends have been performing songs spanning the entire career of the Beatles, as well as the band members' solo years. Their shows include costume changes, vintage instruments and special effects.

The band features Kevin Mantegna as John Lennon, Bob Beahon as Paul McCartney, Greg George as Ringo Starr and Scott as Harrison. Bob Dobro assists with symphonic arrangements and producing.

According to Scott, the Liverpool Legends is not your average tribute band. For one, Louise Harrison's involvement makes it the only band in the world with a direct biological link to the Beatles.

"Our show is unique because the whole thing is narrated by George Harrison's sister, Louise," Scott said. "It's sort of a documentary-style show. We start with the Ed Sullivan Show and go backward to the days before the band became famous, and then move forward to when they were a global phenomenon."

Perhaps the most unique part of the show, Scott said, is that the band incorporates students into their act. The Lemont High School band and choir, as well as several theatre technology students, will have the opportunity to take part in the concert.

"It's really special for us to incorporate the kids and have them learn the songs," Scott said. "It's a night they'll never forget."

Lemont High School junior Rachel Margalus said she and the choir are looking forward to performing with the Liverpool Legends.

"It's not often you get to be part of a huge show like this," she said. "It's the chance of a lifetime, so we hope to get as many people to come out to the show as possible."

All tickets to the 850-seat Performing Arts Center are $25 in advance, and if they are still availble, $30 at the door. Individuals who purchase their tickets online in advance of the show have the opportunity to choose their own seats and print their own tickets.

Tickets are available to purchse through a third-party portal, which can be accessed from the Lemont High School website by clicking the "Liverpool Legends" banner on the right side of the page. The portal may also be accessed through the following link: https://secure2.ticketguys.com/LemontHighSchool/

For more information on the upcoming concert or purchasing tickets, contact Performing Arts Center Manager Terry Redford at terry@lemont.k12.il.us or (630) 243-3286. For more information on Liverpool Legends, visit www.liverpoollegends.com.