Billy Joel tribute band ‘The Stranger’ to perform at Tift Theatre on Saturday
‘The Stranger’ is a six-piece band with front man Mike Santoro on the piano and lead vocals
By Rachel Lord
Herald Correspondent
TIFTON — A voice resembling that of iconic “Piano Man” Billy Joel will fill the historic Tift Theatre on Saturday.
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. and feature “The Stranger,” a six-piece band with frontman Mike Santoro on the piano and lead vocals.
Santoro grew up in Levittown, N.Y., like the Piano Man himself, and resembles the legendary singer both in his appearance and vocal talent.
Santoro and the band will play everything from Joel’s radio hits to his classic B-sides, with some additional covers of songs by Elton John, Paul McCartney and other similar artists.
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Arts Connection Director Wayne Jones said he wanted to bring the nostalgia that comes with tribute concerts to the Tifton area.
“These concerts are doing very well statewide, but are only occasionally in our area,” Jones said. “We hope to bring many more (to the Tifton area) in the future.”
While the Tift Theatre is often home to McAlpin Entertainment’s country music concerts, Jones said similar tribute concerts have done well throughout Georgia.
“We hope this will have a broad appeal, as it does elsewhere across the state,” he said. “We don’t host that many tribute and nostalgia concerts here in Tifton, and hope this brings another outlet for great events here.
“We want folks to have a great time listening to the music they love to hear in a live performance setting.
While it is a tribute performance, Jones believes it will give concertgoers “the Billy Joel experience with the sound of his original band in its prime.” He said it will be energetic, interactive and unpredictable, much like Joel’s own performances.
The concert is a partnership between ABAC’s Art Connection and Augusta Amusements with promotion by McAlpin Entertainment.
Tickets for the concert are $25 and can be purchased at www.purplepass.com/billyjoel or by calling (229) 392-4895.
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