Beatles vs. Stones Tribute Show to Play Grove Theatre, 8/2

The debate between the Beatles and the Rolling Stones has been going on ever since they first crossed paths on the charts 50 years ago. The argument at the time, and one that still persists, was that the Beatles were a pop group and the Stones were a rock band: the boys next door vs. the bad boys of rock. So who's better? These two legendary bands will engage in an on-stage, throw down - a musical 'shoot out" if you will - on Saturday, August 2 at 8 pm at the Grove Theatre in Upland courtesy of tribute bands Abbey Road and Jumping Jack Flash.

Taking the side of the Fab Four is Abbey Road, one of the county's top Beatles tribute bands. With brilliant musicianship and authentic costumes and gear, Abbey Road plays beloved songs spanning the Beatles' career. They face off against renowned Stones tribute band Jumping Jack Flash, who offer a faithful rendition of the music and style of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the bad boys of the British Invasion.

Where did the idea for the show come from?

"Music fans never had a chance to see the Beatles and the Rolling Stones perform on the same marquee," said Young Hutchison, who plays "Keith Richards" in the show. "Now, music aficionados can watch this debate play out on stage."

The show is part of a 110 stop tour of the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico and Canada and has been touring since 2011.The show also performs long term residencies for a number of the Harrah's Casino properties. The production includes some of the more popular songs from the two rock pioneers and covers the scope of their musical careers, although the set list for Jumping Jack Flash usually includes Rolling Stones songs up to the 1980s.

"They may have more pop songs, but we kill it on the live show. They're not even in the same league," said Joey Infante, who performs as Jagger.

During the two-hour show, the bands perform three sets each, trading places in quick set changes and ending the night with an all-out encore involving both bands. The band members have their outfits custom-made, since avid fans know exactly what the Beatles wore onstage during different time periods in their careers. There's a lot of good-natured jabbing between the bands as well.

"Without Beatlemania, the Stones might still be a cover band in London," said Jesse Wilder, who plays 'George Harrison.' "There's no question that the Beatles set the standard."

The August 2 show will mark the production's third appearance at the Grove Theatre, with the first two playing to sold out audiences.

"The first show seemed like a Stones audience and the second one was definitely a Beatles crowd," said Wilder. "August 2 will be the 'rubber match and we're hoping Beatles come out to support us.'"

The audience naturally enjoys top shelf tributes to two legendary bands in the same evening. Like Orange County Register said: "If you see only one tribute show, see this one...smart and loads of fun."

"It's just a fun time and a cool back-and-forth nonstop show," Wilder said.

"We're going to bring it all. It's going to be a night of high-energy music," said Infante.

Beatles vs. Stones - A Musical Shoot Out performs Saturday, August 2 at the Grove Theatre at 8 pm. Tickets are $25 - $50 and may be purchased by phoning (909) 920-4343 or online at www.grovetheatre.com. The show is appropriate for all ages. The Grove Theatre is located at 276 E. 9th Street in Upland 91786.

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