Eagles, Beatles, Stones–what’s next from Guild?

The Canyon Lake Fine Arts Guild recently attempted to answer the liveliest debate in rock history: which band was the greatest, the Beatles or the Stones? Nobody was sure if the debate was settled at the June 10 concert, but it really didn’t seem to matter. The enthusiastic audience witnessed the most infamous rivalry that has never played out.

Because this concert – and an earlier concert by the Eagles tribute band, The Long Run – sold out weeks in advance, Ron Martel, program director for the Guild, says he wants to make sure Canyon Lakers have plenty of advance warning for two concerts coming up this fall. Tickets already are on sale and selling briskly.

The next event sponsored by the Fine Arts Guild will be on November 12 featuring “True Willie,” the most authentic Willie Nelson Tribute Band in America. Critics say Roger Hegyi looks and sounds so much like the legendary country singer, they could have been twins separated at birth.

Ron says, “For good reason, this event is already 25 percent full and almost guaranteed to sell out.”  See ticket information below.

The Guild also is announcing “The Plaid Tidings Christmas Show” set for December 16. This nostalgic music and comedy act, by four witty performers and a live combo band, is designed to lift the audience’s spirits and fill them with holiday cheer.

For more than 20 years, The Plaids have been one of the most popular groups in theater. This show was developed and produced for family enjoyment, so children are encouraged to attend at reduced cost. See ticket information below.

As for the recent “Beatles vs. Stones: A Musical Shootout,” the Guild is grateful for another concert that sold out weeks before the event. Guild President Travis Montgomery says, “We want to thank the audience, POA and Fine Arts Guild Benefactors for their support in making this event possible.”

Cheering for their favorites, the Canyon Lake audience generated the excitement of a sporting event and the fervor of a rock concert. The talents of renowned tribute bands, “Abbey Road” and “Jumping Jack Flash” performed each timeless hit in costume, staged as it was in that era.

Alternating musical sets, beginning with songs from The Ed Sullivan Show, the accomplished musicians took great care to recreate the experience of these iconic bands, including clever side digs at each other. “Keith Richard” suggested that the Beatles songs weren’t much more than nursery rhymes, while “Paul McCartney” noted that the long coattail of his Sgt. Pepper costume was provided for the Stones to ride.

Ron says, “Our audience was dazzled by the classic tunes, authentic wardrobes, stunning performances and witty banter; best of all, they all had a lot of fun!”

He adds, “This inspires the Guild to work even more diligently to provide quality of entertainment in the future.” Surveying more than 100 audience members from the last couple of events, the response will be used in developing future programs. In addition, there are now many requests to become Guild Benefactors. More on that topic will be announced at a later date.

Since the previous two concerts sold out weeks in advance, the Guild is offering tickets for the next two events sooner to allow those interested in attending plenty of time to buy them and join the fun.

For both upcoming shows, VIP tickets with reserved seating are $45; General Admission (and Benefactor) tickets are $25. For “Plaid Tidings,” tickets are just $10 for children 16 and under. Tickets are available online at brownpapertickets.com or 800-838-3006, or at the POA Office ($25 tickets only). The Guild’s stated purpose is to offer quality entertainment at a fair price.