BY DAVE HOWELL
tneditor@tnonline.com
“What if the West Coast sound was combined with the dancing of East Coast groups?”
Rob Fleishman answers his own question as he talks about the Jersey Beach Boys’ concert at 2 p.m. Sunday at The Roxy Theatre, Northampton.
The four singers of Lights Out are said to perform the only Beach Boys’ tribute concert that combines Beach Boys’ music with the choreographed moves of groups like the Temptations and the Four Tops.
Lights Out is also known for its tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The group has previously performed at The Roxy, including a Frankie Valli tribute holiday show.
The other three singers of Lights Out are Daniel Goscicki, Ron Ceglia and Chris James. For Jersey Beach Boys, different members take the lead vocals, as was the case with the original Beach Boys.
Fleishman emphasizes the closeness that they share with their audiences:
“We throw out beach balls, go into the audience, and have many sing-alongs.”
They also change costumes twice and add a bit of humorous patter.
“We have a lot of accessibility to our fans. We always have a meet-and-greet where people can sign pictures.”
The concert is expected to be about 85 percent Beach Boys’ songs and a few songs by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons or other artists.
Fleishman talks about the similarities between The Beach Boys and Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons:
“Frankie Valli is more straightforward and the Beach Boys are more laid-back, but both groups are iconic in their own right. The music is so identifiable.
“Brian Wilson is an absolute genius. Although they might sound simple, his harmonies are very challenging.”
The music has also lasted with original performers. The Beach Boys are touring with one original member, lead singer Mike Love. And Frankie Valli is still in front of audiences past the age of 90.
The four Lights Out singers met in 1998 when they were instrumental music majors at the University of Delaware. They formed an a cappella group.
In 2006, they opened for the Dovells and Danny and the Juniors. Afterwards, a manager asked them, “What do you think about having a Frankie Valli tribute show?” When they agreed, he said, “Good, because I booked you for one in six months.”
They began at the right time. The Broadway hit, “Jersey Boys,” which told the story of the Four Seasons, received a Tony Award in 2006 for Best Musical.
Lights Out has headlined in Las Vegas and performed in 35 states.
Fleishman says about 65 to 70 percent of the group’s concerts are Valli tributes. They mostly perform at theaters and casinos, with a few private parties. Next year, they will make their first appearance on a cruise ship.
They did their first Beach Boys’ tribute concert in 2007, one of many which included playing before 2,500 at the Tropicana, Atlantic City.
Fleishman says that the group does its best to remain humble:
“We have never forgotten when we were just four guys singing together in a dorm room. If it wasn’t for our audiences, we couldn’t do what we do.”
Call 610-262-7699 or visit www.roxytheaternorthampton.com.