EagleMania Hits Port Washington

It was a completely sold out show at Landmark on Main Street’s Jeanne Rimsky Theater on March 10th. In fact, it was SO sold out, that I believe people could have sold their lap space as extra seating. And I confess – I was surprised. I wasn’t surprised that Landmark had a sold out show – that’s actually quite common these days. Many of Landmark’s shows, including the two recent David Bromberg performances were sold out, but this one was different. This was a cover band.

Touting themselves as “The World’s Greatest Eagles Tribute Band,” EagleMania has spent the past three years touring the East Coast playing, note for note, The Eagles’ greatest hits. The actual Eagles are also currently on tour (or what's left of them, since Glenn Frey's death in 2016), with ticket prices so astronomical that most normal humans can’t afford them, making EagleMania a very smart option. Thus, the sold-out show.

Who doesn’t love the music of the Eagles? One of the best-selling bands in history, the Eagles have made music on and off since 1971, with a string of epic hits in the 1970’s. EagleMania very faithfully recreated the beloved sounds of Don Henley, Glenn Frey, and Joe Walsh. Their harmonies were spot on, the guitar solos were impeccable recreations… if you closed your eyes, you could believe you were at an Eagles concert. Which is what the members of EagleMania are trying to achieve. “We play exactly what The Eagles played on their records,” said EagleMania founder and keyboard player, Frankie Reno. “We have spent countless hours breaking down everything The Eagles do on their albums so that we can faithfully reproduce these unforgettable songs in the most authentic way possible.” Besides Reno, the band consists of John Gaechter on guitar and vocals, J.D. Kelly on lead vocals, Ken Darcy on guitar and vocals, Jon Weiswasser on drums, and Dennis Espantman on bass. All the musicians were consummate professionals.

The show covered pretty much every Eagles song you would ever have wanted to hear, including “In the Long Run,” “Heartache Tonight,” “Witchy Woman,” “Take It Easy,” “Peaceful Easy Feeling,” “Take it to the Limit,” Lying Eyes,” One of These Nights,” “I Can’t Tell You Why,” “Dirty Laundry,” “The Best of My Love,” “Boys of Summer,” “Victim of Love,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” “ Desperado,” “Already Gone,” and of course, the ubiquitous “Hotel California.” With the loss of Glenn Frey in 2016, and the unaffordability of tickets to see the Eagles, EagleMania is an extremely enjoyable and worthwhile option!

Landmark has many shows upcoming. Visit their website to find out more – www.landmarkonmainstreet.org