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Forever summer: Community tribute concert honors the Beach Boys

Leave winter behind and warm the spirit through the iconic sounds of “Forever Summer,” a community tribute concert celebrating the music of The Beach Boys, at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Mishler Theatre in downtown Altoona.

Under the musical direction of Rick Wertz, this concert showcases local musical talent with performances by Ian Brum­baugh, Brittany Bettwy-Hipp, Rick Herb­ster, Will Jones, Stephanie Onkst, the Altoona Horseshoe Chorus and the Altitude Beach Band comprised of Beth Carpenter, Ric Criste, Kenny Murdick, Scott Pappal, Paul Rainey and Eric Wertz. The evening will be hosted by Dr. Ken Womack, an award-winning author.

“This features the best of the best musicians in Blair County,” Jones said. “It is an indoor beach party, and we encourage people to dress up in their beach wear and enjoy the fun, uplifting music.”

The evening is presented by Altitude Entertainment, P&J Productions and Forever Media and is the third in a community concert series. Preceded by tributes to The Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “Rock the Halls,” a holiday concert, Forever Summer features the return of the Altitude Beach Band.

“This band is an iteration of the band that played ‘Rock the Halls’,” musician Beth Carpenter said. “We all met at that gig and had a great musical chemistry, so when we had the opportunity to another show we all jumped at it.”

One difference between the holiday show and this lineup is Ric Criste playing guitar instead of Jason Feathers.

“Both are wonderfully, wonderfully talented musicians,” Carpenter said. “I think it was a scheduling (issue) for Jason.”

The rich, multi-layered sounds of the Beach Boys provides a “fun challenge,” said Carpenter, who plays alto and baritone saxophones and keyboards. Classic Beach Boys tunes feature dense harmonies and a big sound, as evident on the classic “Good Vibrations.”

The concert hit list features “California Girls,” “Fun, Fun, Fun,” “Little Deuce Coupe” and more.

“If you were to pick out songs for a greatest hits record, we are doing all them,” Carpenter said. And, in keeping with the beach sounds, Jan and Dean’s “Surf City” and “Wipe Out” by The Safaris will also be featured.

“This is a fun way to welcome summer,” she said. “So grab your Hawaian shirts and board shorts and be comfortable.”

Ian Brumbaugh, 20, said he knew some Beach Boys music prior to his involvement, but his appreciation expanded.

“With the help of other members in the show and some sunny days with the windows down, I have become a Beach Boy fanatic,” Brumbaugh said. “This tribute is for anyone who simply wants to enjoy a night out and have a good time.

“Audiences of The Beach Boys, old and new, are welcome to join the experience. There is no better way to kick off the summer.”

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If you go

What: “Forever Summer,” a community tribute concert celebrating the music of the Beach Boys

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Mishler Theatre, downtown Altoona

Tickets: $15. They are available at www.mishlertheatre.org, or by calling 944-9434 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.

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