While the Fair at the PNE has a long list of bands and musicians playing the WestJet Concert Stage as part of the Summer Nights Concert Series, over at the Chevrolet Performance Stage are the tribute artists.
This marks the 13th year Bobby Bruce will have crowds at the PNE on their feet singing along with "Sweet Caroline," "Cracklin' Rosie," and "Holly Holy," as Nearly Neil accompanied by the Solitary Band, Sept. 1 and 2. Bruce formed the band in 1998 and has since taken his Neil Diamond tribute around the world.
If Neil Diamond's not to your musical liking, there are plenty of other acts taking to the stage as part of the PNE's Tribute Nights series.
Ontario-based Fleetwood Mix performs hits by Fleetwood Mac Aug. 23 and 24, which will also feature solo hits by "Stevie Nicks" as part of the show. The Fleetwood Mac tribute is famous for bringing the look and feel of the famous band to audiences across North America.
On Aug. 25, David James and Big River pay tribute to the late, great Johnny Cash, playing hits including, "I Walk the Line," "Solitary Man," "Get Rhythm," "Folsom Prison Blues" and "Ring of Fire." James also performs some of Cash's later works including his covers of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt" and
Soundgarden's "Rusty Cage." James, considered a virtual reincarnation of Cash, was recently chosen to provide the musician's voice in the recent film My Father and the Man in Black.
Now through Aug. 27, fans of rhythm and blues can enjoy the whole package as a cast of 13 tribute artists, led by Mike Henry, celebrates Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, the Supremes, Stevie Wonder and more.
Internationally acclaimed Tina Turner impersonator Luisa Marshall takes to the stage Aug. 30 and 31. It was Marshall's voice, and legs, that helped propel her to the title of World Rock and Roll Tribute Artist Champion. Marshall's tribute to the Queen of Rock and Roll includes Turner's biggest hits - and some very short skirts.
No tribute concert would be complete without a nod to ABBA, the Swedish pop group that brought the world such hits as "Dancing Queen," "Waterloo" and "Honey, Honey."
Though the group eventually enjoyed super stardom, the four original members broke up in the 1980s, after little more than a decade together. But the world has never forgotten ABBA and neither has ABRA Cadabra, the tribute band that helps keep the group's music alive. ABRA Cadabra performs Aug. 28 and 29 on the Chevrolet Performance Stage. Tribute Nights performances take place each evening at 7 and 8:30 p.m. The PNE runs now through Sept. 2. [email protected] twitter.com/sthomas10
