LOCAL SCENE: American English recreates 'Fab' time in music history

American English have accumulated glowing testimonials from British Invasion survivors and real-life pals of the Beatles — Eric Burdon of the Animals, Spencer Davis of the Spencer Davis Group and Joey Molland of Badfinger — giving credence to the Chicago–based group's claim of being "the best Beatles Tribute of our time."

American English is comprised of members Eric Michaels (Paul McCartney), Danny Leavitt (George Harrison), Frank Canino (John Lennon) and Tom Gable (Ringo Starr).

"When I was just a kid I became a big Beatles fan. My voice fit songs like 'She's A Woman' and 'Long Tall Sally'," said Michaels, who spent years learning to play bass, organ and piano, the same instruments used on stage and in the studio by Paul McCartney.

Michaels has such a striking physical resemblance to McCartney, that in the heat of the music one can almost forget he's not the real deal. "To do this kind of show, you have to be a musician and singer first and foremost. Then you need to learn how to be an actor. We have a lot of fun with it, but we always are respectable to the Beatles legacy and music."

Adding to the visual experience, the group uses stage props, vintage instruments from every era of the Beatles career, wigs, costume changes and special effect lighting to recreate what it must have been like to see the Fab Four performing at the various points in their career.

And to insure an authentic sound, the group employs its own "Fifth Beatle," the honorary title bestowed upon the late Billy Preston, who often contributed keyboards and piano to latter day Beatles albums and solo projects.

That role is filled by Ken Zemanek, a Korg–endorsed synthesizer guru who fills in all the necessary piano and keyboard sounds originally done by Preston, including the famous horn, string and chorus parts which colored so many great Beatles' recordings.

FYI: WWW.AMERICANENGLISHBEATLES.COM

Music notes ...

• Production engineer Martin "Marty" Bilecki Jr. collapsed at the sound board Feb. 3 after the "Salute To The Sixties" concert at Star Plaza Theatre in Merrillville. He passed away a short time later.

Bilecki, 52, was a respected member of the Chicago/Northwest Indiana music community for many years. Marty was a top-notch audio talent and a good man. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

The Buckinghams have posted a warm remembrance of Marty at www.Facebook.com/ChicagosveryownBuckinghams

• Congratulations to The Decemberists on their Grammy nominations in the "Best Rock Performance" and "Best Rock Song" category for "Down By The Water." The internationally famous group's bassist is Valparaiso native Chris Funk, who played locally in bands and was once an employee at Front Porch Music.

Other local musicians up for a Grammy this weekend are Wilco in the "Best Rock Album" slot for "The Whole Love"; R. Kelly is up for "Best Traditional R&B Performance" with "Radio Message" and "Best R&B Album" for "Love Letter."

Kayne West has been nominated for multiple awards — "Best Rap Performance" with Jay–Z on "Otis"; "Best Rap/Sung Collaboration" for "All Of The Lights" with Rihanna, Kid Cudi and Fergie; and he's nominated twice in "The Best Rap Album" for "My Beautiful, Dark, Twisted Fantasy" and his collaboration with Jay–Z, "Watch The Throne."

The Grammy Awards air Sunday night.

• Looking for some laughs this weekend? Then stop by the American Legion, 798 Wabash Ave., Chesterton on Saturday from 6 to 11 p.m. for the "Laugh For Paws Comedy Show," benefiting the Porter County Animal Shelter.

The comedians begin at 7 p.m., followed by live music from 9 to 11 p.m. by Billy Wayne and Ed Strudas. A donation of $15 per person/$20 per couple is requested. Tickets are available at the Porter County Shelter, 2056 Heavlin Road, Valparaiso, or at the door. Food and cocktails will be available for purchase. FYI: (219) 465–3550

The opinions expressed are solely the writer's. Reach him at beatboss@aol.com.