Bands with WMU ties to perform classic Beatles albums

A variation on the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper" album cover; image designed by Matthew Sahlgren

KALAMAZOO—Two popular local bands with ties to Western Michigan University will be performing the Beatles albums "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and "Abbey Road" in their entirety at 9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, at Kalamazoo's State Theatre.

Well-known for their original music, The Corn Fed Girls and Red Sea Pedestrians have previously performed the albums together to rave reviews. Both bands are comprised almost entirely of WMU alumni or employees.

Corn Fed Girls

CFG describes itself as a close-knit group of friends who share a passion for acoustic music with ties spanning decades through common bonds of family and musical influence. Their music has been imagined as sounding like "raindrops on rooftops and sideburns on kittens."

Members of the Corn Fed Girls include Phil Barry, guitar; John Campos, mandolin; Mike Fuerst, violin; Sarah Fuerst, bass; and Darcy Wilkin, guitar.

Red Sea Pedestrians

RSP is known as a melting pot of singer-songwriters and multi-instrumentalists who explore a warped blend of klezmer, Greek, Gypsy, Celtic, jazz and American roots music. The result is world-beat grooves, hypnotic laments from the earth, songs of celebration and wonder, and more.

Members of the Red Sea Pedestrians include Bill Caskey, guitar; Rachel Flanigan, clarinet; Jay Gavan, bass; Ian Gorman, mandolin; Ben Lau, percussion; and Cori Somers, violin.

Tickets

Admission is $25 in advance and $30 at the door for adults, and $15 for children under 12. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are available online, by calling (800) 745-3000 or in person at the State Theatre Box Office, 404 S. Burdick Street in Kalamazoo.

For more information, visit the State Theatre website.