The Electric Light Orchestra tribute band Strange Magic will be at the Palace Theatre in Greensburg Thursday.
Courtesy of Strange Magic
Those of a certain age will likely remember a British rock band known for its fusion of classical and pop music. The Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), founded in 1970 by Jeff Lynne, Roy Wood, and Bev Bevan, rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s with hits like “Livin’ Thing,” “Telephone Line,” and the irresistibly upbeat “Mr. Blue Sky”-a song practically guaranteed to lift one’s spirits.
Those who wish wistfully for those musical days of yore will be happy to hear that the ELO tribute band Strange Magic is making its way from Canada to Greensburg’s Palace Theatre Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
The seven-piece band will take the stage to perform with cellos, vintage keyboards, and vocal arrangements that recreate that unmistakable ELO signature sound in a performance that will transport the audience back to a time when “Evil Woman” was on everyone’s lips.
Becoming ELO
Lead singer and guitarist Rich Hamelin’s musical experience goes way back. “I’ve played guitar since the age of 6,” he said, crediting his father for passing on his love of music. “Dad was my inspiration. He loved Elvis (Presley) and I’d try to learn the words to Elvis songs at the age of 4. At 6 years of age I took guitar lessons to emulate my dad who also loved to play guitar and sing,” he said.
Strange Magic performs about 50 shows a year and is currently in its 10th year. According to Hamelin, there were no ELO tribute bands when they started. The group has played with orchestras like the Buffalo Philharmonic in New York and even appeared in an AXS special recorded at the Whisky A Go Go in West Hollywood, Calif. “We were featured as one of the world’s greatest tribute bands, so it’s been a real passion,” said Hamelin.
The audience will hear familiar songs like “Turn to Stone,” “Sweet Talkin’ Woman” and “Showdown,” but also some deeper cuts. “We do two sets. The first covers an early era of ELO, which was more psychedelic. The second set features more of a late ’70s disco-influenced sound,” said Hamelin. In addition to the live vocals and string instruments, there will be multimedia flashbacks on the screen behind the band, many of which will feature Jeff Lynne himself.
According to Hamelin, people will feel like they’re in the room with the real thing. “I transform myself into Jeff Lynne pretty well,” he said. To heighten the party atmosphere, the audience will be presented with glowsticks. “We want it to be a really fun time and get everyone involved. A spaceship will also make an appearance,” said Hamelin.
Hamelin said that fans of ELO no longer have the opportunity to see Jeff Lynne. “He’s not touring anymore, but we do our best to do justice to the band and his legacy. It’s a fun way to make a living and we want to give everyone an experience that they’ll never forget,” he said.
To order tickets, visit the Westmoreland Cultural Trust website at https://westmorelandculturaltrust.org/events/elo-tribute-strange-magic/
Stephanie Kalina-Metzger is a freelance writer.