The British Invasion Comes to Monument Park

Today's will feature the popular Beatles tribute band The Back Beats. 

Founded by lead singer Eli Echevarria (John Lennon) in 2002, the band plays more than 80 shows per year and features members Dan Cannon (Ringo Starr), Doug Couture (George Harrison) and Armando Regelada (Paul McCartney). 

Echevarria broke into the entertainment world as a professional clown and musician. He spent 15 years in the clowning industry and said that experience has enhanced his ability to play Lennon, who was known for being a jokester on stage.

“I’m used to being a goofball,” Echevarria said. “I auditioned for another tribute band, but I didn’t like it." 

The audition sparked Echevarria to start up his own band to pay tribute to the lads from Liverpool.

Echevarria said he credits the band’s longevity and success to the fact that every member is a professional musician.

“Everyone is a seasoned Beatles professional,” Echevarria said.

He said members of the band travel the country during their downtime to substitute for members of other Beatles tribute bands.

Cannon, who plays Ringo Starr, is one of the two most recent additions to the band. According to Echevarria, he is one of the most sought-after Ringos in the tribute industry. Regelada is, according to Echevarria, “scary good” at performing as Paul McCartney, from his "Paul-like mannerisms" to his natural left-handed guitar playing.

“Because he (Regelada) is a natural lefty, he can focus on a fantastic performance and not have to make playing with his left hand look more natural," Echevarria said of his bandmate.

The band members are meticulous in their portrayal of the Fab Four, from the exact replicas of their instruments to the boots they purchase in Liverpool, identical to the ones worn by The Beatles. The band’s costumes and suits are custom made and tailored just for them by a tailor in Maryland who also happens to be a dedicated Beatles fan and collector of original and authentic Beatles’ clothing. He uses his originals to create authentic replicas for the Back Beats.

The four-member band has played for Beatles fans all over the world, including visits to the Cavern Club in England, where the Beatles got their start.

According to Echevarria, though it was an honor to play at the club, he isn’t in a hurry to go back.

“It is basically a wine cellar with no ventilation, and when you make your way in you are hit with a wall of odor and sweat,” he said.

Echevarria said his favorite experience as a member of the Back Beats was playing for an adoring crowd in Norway, who treated the band as if they were the authentic 1960s group.

The band’s repertoire of more than 180 songs makes it easy for them to make each set unique and interesting, and tonight's concert in Dexter is sure to be no exception. Pack a blanket, bug spray and your dancing shoes—the Back Beats take to the stage at 6:30 p.m. and will be performing songs from the Beatles’ earlier years.

Contact the Dexter Area Chamber of Commerce for concert information in the event of rain.