1964...The Tribute will play this weekend at Catlett Music Center.

1964 is made up of four professional musicians: Mark Benson, who plays John Lennon; Gary Grimes, who plays Paul McCartney; Jimmy Pou, who plays George Harrison and Greg George, who plays Ringo Starr.

Carl Rath, associate professor of music, who also teaches a Beatles history class, said he has been responsible for bringing 1964 to the OU campus eight times.Rath said 1964 has been a huge success at OU each time.

"Not one person has ever complained or asked for their money back," Rath said. "And about 15,000 to 20,000 people have seen them at OU."

This year marks a historic date for the 1964 concert weekend, Rath said.Friday's concert is the anniversary of the day that 73 million Americans first caught a glimpse of the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show 35 years ago.Sunday's matinee is also the same date the Beatles performed their first concert in Washington D.C.

Rath said 1964 has played all over the United States, Europe and England impersonating the Beatles down to their very mannerisms and the way they talk to the crowd.He said they play about 125 concerts a year.

Rath said people's first reaction when they see 1964 on stage is usually pure shock because the four look identical to the original Beatles.

"It takes a few numbers and then people think, 'My gosh, they really do look like the Beatles,'" Rath said.

Rath said typically the crowd will be up out of their seats and dancing in the aisles.

Rath said all four are stunning in their abilities to play and sound like the famous band, but the musician that acts and talks the most like the original Beatle in his mind mindmindis Benson, John Lennon's part.

"It just sends shivers down your spine," Rath said.

Rath said there are two added highlights to this year's performances.Bruce Spitzer, whose book, The Beatles on Vee Jay Records, was named the "number one Beatles book of the year" by Goldmine Magazine, will be at Borders for a book signing on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m.

Steve Loflin, a Beatles collector, will also display several Beatles rarities at the performances on Friday and Saturday nights, Rath said.

Loflin said he has been collecting Beatles paraphernalia since 1964 andhis collection includes records from all over the world, news clippings, magazines and autographs, including one from the original Beatles drummer, pre-Ringo Starr era.

Loflin said he has seen several imitation Beatles bands that don't dress, look or even try to sing like the Beatles.He said 1964 have the Beatles down right to the very amps, drums, guitars and authentic English suits the Beatles used during their 1964 tour to the United States

"1964 is by far the best I've ever seen or heard," Loflin said.


To learn more about 1964 visit www.grouph.com/1964.
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