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The Strange Appeal of Tribute Bands
In the strange world of tribute bands, musicians seek fame by impersonating Keith or Mick, Paul or Ringo. Today, journalist Steven Kurutz dissects the phenomenon and talks about Sticky Fingers, a Rolling Stones tribute band. Also: Percussionist Cyro Baptista synthesizes the sounds of his native Brazil with elements of jazz, rock and avant-garde on his latest album, "Banquet of the Spirits." He joins us to perform live and talk about being one of New York's most in-demand session players.
On the Road with a Tribute Band
In an age when famous rock groups can charge $100 or more for a concert ticket, their tribute band imitators offer an accessible outlet for hardcore fans. In his aptly-titled book Like A Rolling Stone: The Strange Life of A Tribute Band, New York Times reporter Steven Kurutz chronicles one of the most-established acts, Sticky Fingers. He joins us to talk about the ongoing popularity of bands like Lez Zeppelin, Van Heineken, and Mini Kiss. Also joining us is Kevin Gleason, from the Stony Rollers, a Rolling Stones tribute band; and Lesley Wolf, a bassist with Slayer tribute group Slaywhore.
Weigh in: Do you attend tribute band concerts? Are you in a tribute band? Tell us why you do or don't like them.
Our blog: John Schaefer offers his ambivalent view of the tribute band phenomenon
Like a Rolling Stone: The Strange Life of a Tribute Band
Video: Lez Zeppelin, Dazed and Confused
Video: Blushing Brides, Gimme Shelter
Cyro Baptista
Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista is a regular fixture in the New York stages, playing with people like Paul Simon, Herbie Hancock and Yo Yo Ma. He joins us to talk about his new album, Banquet of the Spirits, which mixes the sounds of Brazil with avant-garde jazz and rock.
Cyro Baptista and The Banquet of the Spirits perform this Thursday at Joe's Pub at 7:30 and 9:30 pm, and Saturday for Music Works for Peace in Montclair, NJ, at 7:30 pm.
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