This type of show is ‘always a party’ for audiences across Modesto region. Some coming up
It’s all about reliving the classic music hits and artists that you loved.
That’s the consensus among those who helm some of the Modesto region’s performing arts theaters when it comes to tribute acts and their appeal to audiences.
“It is 100% nostalgia,” Gallo Center CEO Chad Hilligus said in an email interview.
He cited a tribute show coming up at the center: “Take Linda Ronstadt, for example. Here’s an iconic artist with such a unique sound, who has meant so much to so many people, but her health forced her to stop singing in 2019. Cut to someone like Gesenia, who stars in Ronstadt Revue on March 21. By some divine act, Gesenia is able to re-create Ronstadt’s unmistakable sound and transport fans back to a specific time and place. It allows fans to relive those feelings.”
Classic rock is “for sure” the biggest era of music that appeals to audiences, he said.
Hilligus said they usually book five or six tribute acts a season at the center and he’s careful about which he chooses.
“I am extremely selective when it comes to presenting tribute groups here at the center. They have to fall into two of the following three categories: 1) an artist or band who has passed away or is no longer touring, 2) an artist or band whose fee is so far beyond the center’s reach that it is unlikely we would ever be able to afford them, or 3) the tribute band must be produced and represented by a reputable company that can provide high-quality promotional materials and strong tour history.”
Tribute groups usually sell well, he said. He gets requests from the community for John Denver, Linda Ronstadt, Fleetwood Mac and Journey.
He noted that three of those acts are on the current 2024-25 season lineup: Voyage: Celebrating the Music of Journey, Feb. 5; Rumours ATL - A Fleetwood Mac Tribute, March 8; and the Ronstadt Revue Featuring Gesenia, March 21. In addition, MJ Live - A Michael Jackson Tribute will play Nov. 16.
Also coming up the Gallo Center is Classic Albums Live, which “specializes in taking the greatest albums and re-creating them live on stage, note for note, cut for cut, using the best musicians in the business. They’ve built up quite a following over the years,” Hilligus said.
The Gallo Center will present a Classic Albums Live show this season, re-creating the Jimi Hendrix album “Are You Experienced” on Feb. 1.
Audience reaction is high for tribute shows, Hilligus said. “They are always a party. People are there to have a good time.”
The State Theatre
Gabriela Guerrini, general manager at the State Theatre, agreed that tribute shows bring a party atmosphere.
“One of the best parts of tribute shows is the audience participation,” she said in an email interview. “People sing along to every word, and it often feels like one big, joyful karaoke session. Occasionally, you’ll even see people dancing in the aisles.”
As far as live music, tribute acts are almost the only shows the State brings in, she said. Fleetwood Mask, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac, just appeared there on Oct. 26, and there are more groups coming through June, including Buffett’s Margaritaville on Nov. 2; Tribute to Jeff Beck, Jan. 11; Ronstadt Revival, Jan. 25 (a different artist than the Gallo Center’s show); and A Tribute to Billy Joel on March 7.
“Tribute acts offer an incredible blend of nostalgia and live performance energy. They’re not just about replicating the sound of a band but also re-creating the magic and experience of live music, she said. “Tribute artists are dedicated to their craft, often mastering every note, gesture and nuance to create a performance that feels authentic and immersive. Plus, it’s a fantastic way for new generations to discover the timeless music of past decades.”
The State’s audiences look for music from the 1960 and 1970s, and a bit of 1980s, she said. Among the most popular are Fleetwood Mask, Classic Seger – a Bob Seger Tribute Band and When Doves Cry (Prince).
Guerrini said tribute groups often get close to selling out, particularly when they represent iconic artists.
“Audiences love reliving the music that shaped their lives, and tribute acts give them a chance to experience the magic in an intimate, live setting,” she said. “It’s amazing how much demand there is for these performances.”
When selecting tribute groups, her staff looks for talent, authenticity and a connection to the original band’s music.
“We prioritize acts that not only capture the sound but also embody the energy and performance style that fans expect,” she said. “Reputation, audience engagement and previous performance successes also weigh heavily in our decision-making process.”
Turlock Community Theatre
“Certainly the group they are imitating is the first deciding factor,” said Kit Casey, managing director of Turlock Community Theatre, in an email interview about determining what acts to bring to the venue.
“There are always many tribute acts for any given classic music group, so we do our research on their sales history, review their live performances (whether given directly to us, or via Youtube), and choose the best among them,” he said.
Classic rock and music from the 1980s are the most popular, Casey said.
“Many years ago, we brought The Winter Dance Party here for a few years straight. It was an excellent show, and one of the tribute acts that did sell out,” he said. “It was a celebration of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper. It always had people out of their seats and dancing in the aisles.”
Another that stood out was The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute, he said. “It was an outstanding show and about as close to the Beatles as you could get without being the real thing.”
Tribute shows do bring out excitement from the audiences, he said. “That is part of the fun. Many of the acts will encourage it from the stage.”
Casey agreed the appeal is in the music. “It is a great way to see a live performance of some of your favorite music without necessarily breaking the bank. And in many cases, there is no longer a chance to see the real band live.”
He said people unsure of paying to see a tribute act should not discount them. “Sometimes they are the best show in town at the most reasonable price.”
The Turlock theater plans to bring in tributes this coming winter and spring, to be announced soon.
West Side Theatre
When it comes to concerts, tribute acts are the go-to at the West Side Theatre in Newman, David Larsen, president of the West Side Theatre Foundation, said in an email interview.
“We mainly go with tribute acts that have plenty of hits and have a track record of bringing in crowds,” said Larsen, who does the booking for the theater.
The acts are known for “always bringing in a good house,” he said. “We do have several bands that constantly sell out. ...”
Among the most memorable, he noted Rob Ely, who performs as Elvis Presley; James Garner as Johnny Cash; Journey Revisited; Boys of Summer, Eagles; Carnaval, Santana; and Fleetwood Mask.
There are tribute acts set for Saturdays in November, including those to Prince, Nov. 9; The Cars, Nov. 16; and a dual John Cougar Mellencamp and Bryan Adams show, Nov. 23. More are on the venue’s schedule after the holidays.
Song recognition is the big attraction for audiences, Larsen agreed. “People like to hear the songs they know. It is important, though, that the bands do them with passion and accuracy.”
He also said music from the 1960s to 1980s is the biggest draw, although it’s moving. “We are starting to get younger and younger tribute acts as the world of tribute bands expand to all eras and genres.”
And just like the other venues, the audience excitement is high.
“The bands get our audiences singing and dancing since we have a big dance floor. You will see many phones recording during the most popular songs,” he said. “At times they are just as many people dancing as there are listening and recording the band.”
This story was originally published October 27, 2024 at 6:00 AM.
