Tomorrow’s concert pays tribute to Billy Joel

The Canyon Lake Fine Arts Guild will present its first concert of the 2018 season, a Billy Joel tribute concert featuring Pat Farrell, tomorrow, Mar. 3, at 7 p.m. at the lodge. Tickets are $45 for VIP seats and $25 for General Admission. At the time of press, VIP seats were nearly sold out but some General Admission tickets still remained. Tickets are available at canyonlakeguild.com and 800-838-3006. Tickets will be sold at the door if tickets don’t sell out before the start of the concert.

Pat  Farrell is a six-time Grammy contender who has shared the stage with John Legend, Dave Mason and even Dr. Oz. He has played Carnegie Hall and Shea Stadium and has recorded his own album with several of the original Billy Joel band members.

“Pat heard about Canyon Lake from Kenny Metcalf, the Elton John tribute artist who performed in Canyon Lake, and is eager to fly from New York just for this performance,” said Fine Arts Guild President Ron Martel.

Pat and his band will create the feeling of being at an actual Billy Joel concert. The gifted pianist and notable singer captures the sound and spirit of Billy Joel with “Just the Way You Are,” “Uptown Girl,” “Piano Man” and a multitude of other Billy Joel smash hits.

At this event, the Fine Arts Guild will be conducting its annual entertainment survey. The purpose of the survey is for the Fine Arts Guild to learn which groups the audience prefers to see and hear in 2019.

Tickets are also on sale now for the remaining 2018 Fine Arts Guild concerts. Upcoming tribute concerts include the Bee Gees on May 19, Chicago on Aug. 25, Rod Stewart on Nov. 3 and a free concert for the community on July 21 at Holiday Harbor Park. “Our bands play the music of our lives, so we are excited to sponsor another summer concert, ‘Margaritaville by the Lake,’ a Jimmy Buffett tribute, absolutely free to the entire community,” said Operations Director Bert Barbay.

The Fine Arts Guild searches the nation for the most talented performers. “The goal of tribute bands is to look and sound like the originals in their prime with a magical time machine, for a fraction of the price,” said Activities Director Orlando Lopez.

The Fine Arts Guild offers each event for the same price of $25 for General Admission and $45 VIP reserved seating. According to Ron, that’s about 30 percent less than other local concerts. Treasurer Dee Zasio insists that prices will remain the same low price for each concert. “The goal of the Guild has always been to provide quality music at a fair price, and that’s what we plan to do,” said Dee.

Although membership in the Fine Arts Guild is not required to attend its concerts, it does have its perks. Members are offered preferred seating, discounted ticket prices and access to pre-concert receptions that include appetizers and adult beverages. The pre-concert receptions are hosted by Social Director Bonnie Dubbs and board member Corrie Tutt. “People take time from their busy lives for an evening of memorable music they know and love, so we treat them as our very special guests,” said Bonnie. Membership Director Sue Bonner said she has seen an increase in membership by more than 50 percent.

The Fine Arts Guild is supported by a staff of 15 community volunteers. The 2018 board members are Ron Martel, Dee Zasio, Sue Bonner, Bert Barbay, Orlando Lopez, Bonnie Dubbs, Corrie Tutt and Larry Garland. This year, the Fine Arts Guild introduced a team of associates: Cathy Barr, Kathy Barbay, Tammy Revard, Shari Skidmore, Kathy Bacon, Pat Smith and Julie Doherty.

“It’s not a coincidence that our board and associates represent the broadest cross-section of Canyon Lake,” said Ron. “The Guild is now in a position to direct resources to other music programs in the community. We are announcing college scholarships for Canyon Lake seniors majoring in music and theater and we’ll soon be announcing a major donation for a music venue for all of Canyon Lake. Stay tuned for even more exciting announcements.”