EDWARDSVILLE — Several first-class homage bands, a timeless rock band from St. Louis and a bluegrass-rock hybrid emphasize the performance schedule for the month of April at the Wildey Theatre.
The performance calendar starts with a program that’s already offered out: “Billy the Kid – the Definitive Billy Joel Tribute” takes the phase Saturday, April 1.
“Billy the Kid” includes well-known artists from “Dogs of Society — The Ultimate Elton John Rock Tribute” consisting of John Gore (piano, vocals, harmonica), Steve Johnston (guitar, vocals), Louis Michael (keyboards, accordion, guitar, vocals), Curt Shaw (bass, vocals), Dave Johnson (drums) and Waylon Schroeder (saxophone and percussion) for a genuine, ’70s-design homage to Billy Joel.
“They have been here before and some of the band members have been here with other tribute bands including Dogs of Society and Breakfast in America (a Supertramp tribute band),” Wildey supervisor Al Canal said. “They’re all top-tier artists from St. Louis.
“John Gore is an excellent piano gamer and vocalist, and he likewise depicts Elton John for Dogs of Society, and he’s likewise a part of Breakfast in America and Hard Promises, which is the Tom Petty homage band.
“Louis Michael is likewise in Dogs of Society and he’s a music instructor at Lewis and Clark Community College,” Canal kept in mind.
‘Strong fan base’
Thursday, April 6, marks the Wildey launching of Sister Hazel. The platinum-selling, renowned country/rock band from Gainesville, Fla., which is commemorating its 30th anniversary, is best understood for its 1997 hit “All for You,” which reached No. 1 on the adult alternative charts.
It was from the band’s 2nd album, “Somewhere More Familiar,” which ultimately reached platinum status for offering more than 1 million copies.
The 5 core members of Sister Hazel — Ryan Newell, diva Ken Block, bassist Jett Beres, rhythm guitarist/keyboardist Andrew Copeland and drummer Mark Trojanowski — have actually been together considering that the band was established in 1993. Keyboardist/saxophonist Dave LaGrande signed up with the band in 2012.
“I’m glad to see them here and it’s neat that they have all of their original members,” Canal said. “They have a strong fan base and they’ve released a lot of good music over the years.”
Next up is another set of programs likewise already offered out.
Wildey fan favorite, Mr. Blue Sky, a St. Louis-based Electric Light Orchestra homage, returns for 3 programs: 8 p.m. Friday, April 7, and 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, April 8.
“They did one of their first shows here and these are easily the hottest-selling ELO tribute band in the country,” Canal said.
While all 3 reveals out are offered out, Canal prompts individuals to call the Wildey ticket office to see if any tickets have actually appeared.
“That happens at every venue, so it doesn’t hurt to check,” Canal said.
Pavlov’s Dog, including initial diva David Surkamp, makes its only 2023 look of the year in its home town location near St. Louis at 8 p.m. Friday, April 14, and Saturday, April 15.
The Saturday program is offered out, however seats stay for that Friday.
This reveal will include a retrospection of their traditional music and albums. Tickets are $55 plus a service charge.
An unique Pavlov’s Dog pre-show experience on Friday, April 14, for $90 plus a service charge, begins at 6 p.m. and consists of a program ticket, efficiency by Surkamp of 2 tunes not consisted of in the program, a Q & A session, VIP laminate, media event and a handwritten copy of “Julia” personally signed by Surkamp.
“David Surkamp is the voice of Pavlov’s Dog, but the rest of the band is excellent as well,” Canal said. “Their violinist (Abbie Hainz Steiling) is amazing.”
Bluegrass mix to take phase
The HillBenders bring their distinct mix of rock and bluegrass back to the Wildey to present “WhoGrass” on Friday, April 21.
Inspired by the success of their 2015 release, “Tommy: A Bluegrass Opry”, The HillBenders have actually revealed a follow-up job called “WhoGrass.”
A sequential journey of The Who’s famous brochure through the wood and wire of bluegrass instrumentation, the album is framed as a follow-up to The HillBenders’ 2015 acoustic analysis of The Who’s “Tommy.” WhoYard now provides the audience a career-spanning twist on among rock ’n’ roll’s biggest bands.
“When they were here before, they did some originals, but they became known for doing the whole ‘Tommy’ album in bluegrass style,” Canal said. “Pete Townshend captured wind of it and liked it a lot he had them open for The Who for a number of programs.
“They’re now doing what they call the ‘WhoGrass’ show with a bunch of Who songs translated into bluegrass. I’m happy they’re going to be here and it’s going to be such a fun show. We still have some tickets remaining.”
AC/DC energy and Santana sounds
Thunderstruck, an AC/DC homage, returns to the Wildey for a set of programs on Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23.
“They are the best AC/DC tribute in the country,” Canal said. “They’re so full energy and they put on a great show. AC/DC has so many classic songs and these guys play them so well. The Saturday show sold out, so we added a Sunday show and tickets remain for that one.”
The last performance of the month, on Saturday, April 29, functions “Black Magic — the Santana Experience.”
“They played one of their very first shows here and they just nailed it,” Canal said. “Aaron Burlbaw, who is the lead guitarist, is also in a band called Acoustik Element. I’ve seen them a few more times since then and they keep getting better. They’ll play all your favorite Santana music.”
For more info on any occasion at the Wildey Theatre, call 618-307-1750 or go to wildeytheatre.com.
