I was looking through my bring up file – a bunch of notes I write to myself about future story ideas that I stick in a basket attached to my family calendar at home – in late spring looking for ideas for the summer issues of Prime.
One of those notes, which I had hastily scribbled on a yellow Post-it sometime in the past simply read,”interview tribute band.”
I looked at it, puzzled for a moment. My husband walked by, and I asked him if he remembered when I might have written that note-to-self. He said, “I think you wrote it after one of the East Longmeadow summer concerts last year. You were very excited about possibly interviewing the guy who fronted the Buffett tribute band.”
It was a lightbulb moment. I remember sitting in the field next to the East Longmeadow High School, joining a throng of enthusiastic listeners – many in Hawaiian shirts – who were singing along with songs like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”
It truly was a fun evening.
Then I thought about some of the other concerts we’d heard last summer – we’re pretty much regulars at this summer concert series as the East Longmeadow venue isn’t a long drive from our home – and I realized I’d also enjoyed tribute bands that kept the sounds of the Beatles and the Hollies alive, as well as music by my favorite band, The Eagles.
All those concerts were well-attended by fans – almost groupies when it came to Changes in Latitude and the music of Jimmy Buffet – and that got me thinking.
How does a bunch of musicians decide to become a tribute band? What does it take to recreate the sound of an iconic group like The Beatles or The Eagles? Do they ever get tired of playing the same songs? Is there ever anything more to the gig than the adoration of fans of that group?
Intrigued, I sent out some emails, and ended up talking to the founders of three of the premiere tribute bands in the area – UnionJack- A British Invasion Band, Changes in Latitude and The Eagles Experience. All three are Western Mass homegrown, and each one now can also boast national – and in some cases international – recognition.
They were fun interviews and I hope you find their stories a fun read. This month’s feature, “Sounds of Summer” starts on page 10.
We still want your photos!
Last month Prime launched a summer photo contest, and we’re still looking for entries!
So please, get out your cell phone or digital camera and snap away! If you need some tips on taking the best vacation shots, check out this advice on our website at: https://tinyurl.com/yrj8kckf.
Then send us a high resolution copy of your best shot –or shots –to dgardner@thereminder.com with the word “Photo Contest” in the subject line. Be sure to include a title for your picture, your full name and your contact information. We have professional photographers who will judge our contest, and the winners will be displayed at the Prime Life Senior Expo on Sept. 8.
And yes, there will be prizes! Get your photos to us by Aug. 8 for bragging rights and a chance at a prize.
We celebrate Independence Day this month with fireworks, parades and picnics. I hope you get the chance to enjoy some –or all – of the festivities, but mind the heat, as this is predicted to be a hot summer. Get a refresher on avoiding heat illnesses on page 8 and enjoy the season!
As always, thanks for reading,
Debbie Gardner
dgardner@thereminder.com
