This side of the pond or that side of the pond? The choice is yours the weekend of Friday, Nov. 4, and Saturday, Nov. 5, at the historic Athens Theatre in DeLand. Defining the music of a generation, Sweet Baby James, a one-man tribute to the instantly recognizable music of singer/songwriter James Taylor, will be in the spotlight on Friday night. Meanwhile, The Wholigans, a tribute band to the iconic British band The Who, take center stage Saturday.
Arguably as American as apple pie, the folk music of Massachusetts-born Taylor has become a hallmark of the baby boomer generation. His mellow and catchy hits “Fire and Rain,” “You’ve Got a Friend” and “Shower the People” were anthems of the 1970s.
Self-described as “All tribute. No act,” Bill Griese’s spot-on vocals accompanied solely by his trusty guitar make for a veritable time capsule back to the heyday of American folk music. Griese plays with reverence and a true understanding of Taylor’s heartfelt lyrics, melodies and arrangements; only James Taylor could do James Taylor better. Heralding the easy-loving days of the era, this show is sure to light up “your smiling face!”
Sweet Baby James will play at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, at the Athens Theatre. Tickets cost $35 for preferred reserved seating (first six rows orchestra, and two rows center balcony) and $30 for general reserved seating. A $4-per-ticket processing charge and 6.5-percent sales tax will be added to each purchase.
Boarding the Magic Bus and switching continents, the music of The Who can be said to be as British as bangers and mash. The Who, alongside the Stones and the Beatles, can be best described as the holy trinity of legendary British rock and roll, each contributing threads to weave the music of a nation.
Globally recognized and adored, The Wholigans have been playing The Who’s hits since 1982 and are a true tribute to the band in every sense of the word. When the group focuses on The Who’s famous 1970 Valentine’s Day concert at the University of Leeds Refectory, fans can expect to hear such all-time favorites as “Young Man Blues,” “Shakin’ All Over” and “My Generation.” With this production virtually a voyage of its own, be prepared to go on an “Amazing Journey!”
The Wholigans will play at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Athens Theatre. Tickets cost $35 for preferred reserved seating (first five rows center orchestra, and two rows center balcony) and $30 for general reserved seating. A $4-per-ticket processing charge and 6.5-percent sales tax will be added to each purchase.
Why not make it a night out with friends and consider purchasing our special VIP box seats for Nov. 4 or 5, or both!
The Athens Theatre is at 124 N. Florida Ave. in Downtown DeLand.
All tickets are available online at the Athens Theatre website (www.AthensDeLand.com), or by calling the box office at 386-736-1500. Box-office hours are 1-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, and 1 1/2 hours before live performances.
