Wannabeatles Return To Masonic Amphitheatre June 18th
Clifton Forge, VA (June 7, 2021) - On Friday, June 18 at 7:30 pm, enjoy the music of the Beatles experienced through the voices and instruments of the talented WANNABEATLES tribute band. The WANNABEATLES return to the Masonic Amphitheatre where we first met these Fab Four. When it comes to recreating the fun and excitement of the most popular band in music history, the WANNABEATLES more than live up to their name.
The career of the WANNABEATLES parallels that of their mentors. Like The Beatles, whose career began at an underground Liverpool venue called The Cavern Club, the WANNABEATLES got their start playing at a Mexican restaurant in Nashville where “Beatles and Fajitas” were the chosen fare. For Dennis Scott, Bryan Cumming, Nathan Burbank, and David Toledo it was love at first note!
Entertaining at Nashville hot spots proved to be a springboard for higher profile shows which included appearances with such renowned artists as Wynonna Judd, Phil Keaggy, and Jonny Lang. Their performances at The Tennessee Performing Arts Center, The Music City Bowl, and Georgia’s New Year‘s Eve Peach Drop earned them enthusiastic reviews and standing ovations. They quickly learned that by being themselves they could have more fun on stage and engage their audiences in a whole new way.
The WANNABEATLES like to say that they go “where no Beatles band has gone before.” Their travels have taken them from Perdido Beach to New York City where they appeared on national television. Their recording, “Fab Fan Memories – The Beatles Bond” was nominated for Best Spoken Word Album.
Bryan Cumming, performs vocals, guitar, and horns. He grew up in Georgia in a musical family playing Dixieland jazz and singing harmony on Beatles songs. After a year in the Army playing saxophone, he toured and recorded with Martin Mull. Moving to L.A. in 1976, Cumming played sax on sessions with such artists as Al Jarreau, The Pointer Sisters, Maria Muldaur, Al Hirt and The Ohio Players. As a member of Billy Vera and The Beaters, he performed at the Tokyo Music Festival and played on the #1 single "At This Moment". He toured four years as lead guitarist for ShaNaNa. Moving to Nashville in 1988, he worked with K.T. Oslin and Cleve Francis, and established his production facility, Studio 23 Nashville, where he continues to produce independent artists.
Nathan Burbank performs vocals, keyboards, and bass. Though always a huge Beatles fan, Nathan came to the WannaBeatles via a long and winding road. He took classical piano lessons from age 7 till he switched to pipe organ at 16. Nathan has a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Vermont and a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University.
David Toledo performs vocals, drums, guitar, and keyboards. David is a musician with over 45 years of musical experience. A multi-instrumentalist, David has vast experience playing, directing and teaching all ages, levels, groups, ensemble settings and has taught literally thousands throughout his career. A graduate of the prestigious University of Miami Jazz program where he received his Master's in Jazz Writing/Arranging and a Bachelor's in Music Education, he has been an active musician from childhood, professionally active since the age of 14 and a teacher from the age of 17.
Dennis Scott performs vocals, guitar, and bass. He is a two-time Grammy and Emmy award winning composer and producer. His songs have been recorded by such artists as Ray Charles, Faith Hill, Alison Kraus, Sugarland, Crystal Gayle, Amy Grant, The Muppets, and many others. His music has been featured on shows such as Sesame Street, Fame, Who's the Boss, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Magic School Bus and others. His current project is a follow up to his Grammy winning tribute album to the late Fred Rogers called, "Songs From the Neighborhood - The Music of Mister Rogers.
Whatever it takes, the WANNABEATLES use their multi-instrumental skills to re-create all eras of the Beatles song catalogue. Says Dennis Scott, the group’s founder, “We literally tie ourselves into pretzels to reproduce songs that The Beatles themselves never performed live.”
Purchase tickets to the WANNABEATLES online at www.historicmasonictheatre.com, by calling the Theatre Box Office at 540 862 5655 and at the Theatre Ticket Booth the evening of the event. Tickets purchased on line and wrist bands may be picked up at the Ticket Booth on 510 Main Street. The Masonic Amphitheatre is at 513 Church Street. Parking is available on surrounding streets. For more information about The Historic Masonic Theatre and Amphitheatre Summer Music Series, visit the Theatre website or Facebook page.
