1964 The Tribute

When the 1964: The Tribute band was formed back in 1984, its initial plan was to take fans back to a time when The Beatles toured live and the mania that brought about took the world by storm. 

Nearly 40 years later, that mission hasn’t changed. 

So when you see the group on Friday night, expect a performance mostly dedicated to the pre-1964 Beatles.  

Really dedicated.

As in four guys, three guitars and a drum set, dressed like The Beatles from that period, designed to sound like the Beatles in a concert set up to look like a concert played by The Beatles ... all from a time few remain who can share actual memories from that time.

As the band notes, by choosing songs from the pre-Sgt. Pepper era, “1964” recreates an early 1960s live Beatles con-cert, with period instruments, clothing, hairstyles and onstage banter. 

The group has gained fame from the concept and the result has been shows in many places the Beatles themselves actually performed: Carnegie Hall, Red Rocks Amphitheater, The Deauville Hotel, Shea Stadium, and The Cavern in Liverpool, England. 

The tribute performers are not from Liverpool, but hail from various parts of the United States:  Mark Benson (as John Lennon) and Mac Ruffing (as Paul McCartney) are from different parts of Ohio. Doug Couture (as George Harrison) is from California. Joseph Bologna (as Ringo Starr) is from Michigan. 

But reviews from all over note that, as a group, they sound, act and make audience members believe this is what a Beatles concert would have been like.

The concert will begin at approximately 8 p.m. and last until 10 p.m. 

Before 1964 hits the stage, concert goers can enjoy the opening act, Barefoot Modern, which begins at 6 p.m.  

Barefoot Modern is a pop/Indie/alter-native group based in Boone. The opening act typically performs from 6-7:30 p.m., then a break period follows before the lead band takes the stage. 

Bicentennial Park, located in the heart of downtown Asheboro, has a stage facing a large field that last year held thousands of people for the first round of Friday Rock’n the Park acts, with tributes to AC/DC, Fleetwood Mac and Michael Jackson proving to be particularly popular.  There’s also a hardwood dance stage in front of the band area.

The event is free. 

Bring your own chairs or blankets. Little parking is on site relative to crowd size, so be prepared to park even a street or two away and walk to the site. 

The concerts are sponsored by the City of Asheboro through Downtown Asheboro Inc.