Featured Live Music Artist of the Week - Preston And The Beatle Buddies

Preston And The Beatle Buddies, a fun acoustic/electric informal trio.  A fitting "Featured Live Music Artist" on the day before John Lennon's birthday.

Preston on acoustic and electric and vocals, Rick on acoustic and electric and vocals, and Ian on drums and vocals - together, The Beatle Buddies.  But their music is not just the Beatles - it is pretty much anything and everything from the 1960s, and though I don't recall the nearly 3 hour song-list, it was probably only slightly more than 50% Beatles tunes.  I recall some Monkees tunes, a Simon & Garfunkel tune, quite a few Rolling Stones tunes, and several 1960s classics of which I can not remember the names of the bands.  If you are a fan of the 1960s and a fan of intimate musical settings and laid back music - this is the trio to come out and see!

Preston took most of the lead vocals, but Rick also took quite a few during the night.  However, as was common in the 60s, the music is harmony-laden - the two of them pulled off spectacular harmony after harmony after harmony.  But that wasn't it - both of them are two very accomplished guitar players and they played "just the right way" for an acoustic/electric intimate setting - playing for the acoustic sound without losing the power of the song.  Playing full but not loud.  Playing soft but not unheard.  Playing with passion, but without breaking a string.  Watching them play, it was quite evident these two know how to play music!!

But, I didn't forget Ian, even if he was tucked back in the corner on the skins.  Just like Preston and Rick, he played with just the right "touch" for a small venue and the intimate acoustic/electric setting.  I've seen bands opt for the electronic drums in which they can control the volume with a knob - but Ian played a full kit - and played it with the perfect touch for the evening - not overbearing, but also not missing-in-action.  The drums were precisely where and when they needed to be.  Ian, also surprised the audience by stepping out from behind the drums and singing a couple of songs up front, while playing acoustic 6-string!!  In addition, a young lady with a lovely voice joined him on stage for a couple of songs as well - which put a perfect touch on the relaxed evening!

As any good acoustic small-venue concert does, this too became a quasi-open-mic night.  For the majority of the main set, only the band played, but after a couple of hours, little by little guests joined the band.  Ian took a breather from the drums and various guest drummers sat in, including "Beatlefest Ryan" - who couldn't help but jump up there when Stones music started to play!!  And he pulled off some awesome drumming during those songs.  The band also allowed people to come up and sing requested songs - and what I remember about this, while watching one guest sing, was the magic of music.  The way music, especially good music played by good musicians, just brings everybody together.  People who don't know each other at all, cheer for each other, people who you honestly wouldn't expect to sing a touching song - sing one with total heart and soul.  There is a magic in music that is indescribable and must be experienced.  And, as a final note, the band even let a couple of Beatles fans join in and sing-along with that great Simon & Garfunkel song, "I've Just Seen A Face".  (yes, there is a private joke in there)

I think when it was all completed, the Beatle Buddies played for about 3 hours - more or less.  During the first two hours, the trio moved from song to song seamlessly and with no breaks or even long discussions between songs.  In addition, during that time, Preston and Rick made sure everybody was feeling at home, calling out to various guests in the audience and engaging in meaningless banter.  It truly felt like a private concert.

Definitely a great time at Off The Vine....in Momence.  (almost had a kinda-rhyme there)