An Acoustic Evening with John Anderson

John Anderson pushed himself to complete his vocals for Years, telling producer Dan Auerbach, “Let’s get everything because I might not wake up.”

It’s not an overstatement. In a risky procedure a few months earlier, when anesthesia was used, Anderson was told by doctors that he’d died on the operating room table. His wife told him that it had happened three times. That knowledge weighed heavily on the legendary country singer while writing and recording Years because he knew that his next appointment – just a few days after the sessions — would require the same anesthesia.

Remarkably, Anderson kept his health crisis a secret from his touring band and the music industry, and even now he prefers not to get into all of the details. However, his recovery has become his testimony.

“There’s a few things that I came out of this whole deal better with,” Anderson says. “Part of it is my love for music and part of it is my appreciation for my family. But the biggest part is knowing that I might die here any minute, for who knows what reason, but I know that the good Lord already came down and touched me. There’s not a doubt in my mind.”
During his health scare, he’d lost his sense of pitch and even his ability to recognize his own songs on the radio. At one point, his hearing left him with what he calls “terrible noise,” forcing him to come off the road for the first time in 40 years.

As a child growing up in Apopka, Florida, Anderson remembers humming along to the tone of his father’s boat motor. He started his music career performing solo around Florida before moving to Florida. He worked in construction – he was on the roofing crew for the new Grand Ole Opry House – before landing a contract with Warner Bros. Records.
After charting modestly in the late ‘70s, Anderson scored No. 1 hits in the ‘80s with “Wild and Blue,” “Swingin’,” and “Black Sheep.” After a brief career lull, he staged a major comeback in 1992 as “Straight Tequila Night” became his first No. 1 single in nine years. That momentum carried him into the 2000s, giving him 60 charting country singles in four consecutive decades.

“As a musician who lived this way, this job has always been so easy and so natural,” Anderson says. “I always have thanked God for never having to work, what I called work. I didn’t have to work too hard at it. It was a great way of living for me — and then it went away.”

Married since 1983, with two daughters, Anderson leaned on his family to push through. For a year and a half, though innumerable doctor’s visits, he fought on a daily basis to heal. He remembers at his most desperate moment, he stood in the front yard of his acreage, let the rain wash over him, and told God, “I don’t really know how much more I can deal with. Please help.”

Looking back at that moment, he says, “It was a matter of 48 hours I started getting better. And I’m telling you, I’m not here to be anything other than what I am, but the biggest thing I’ve gotten out of my whole experience is knowing how real my faith is.”

During his period of recovery, Anderson got a phone call out of the blue from Auerbach, who was simply calling as a fan, inspired by a conversation with David Ferguson (co-producer) about great singers. When Anderson later met them both in person at Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound studio in Nashville, they clicked as a unit immediately. On the spot, Anderson – a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee — accepted an invitation to write the next day.

That first co-write yielded “Years,” an emotional centerpiece of the album sung from the perspective of a man with some miles on him. “I recall thinking to myself, ‘This is a pretty good song,’” Anderson says. “But we know there’s a lot of good songs that get written, and a lot of them never get heard. Nevertheless, it was off to a good start.”

Auerbach kept setting writing dates with collaborators like Joe Allen, Pat McLaughlin, and Paul Overstreet. At Anderson’s request, Auerbach sang the work tapes. Instantly recognizing the caliber of the songs, Auerbach offered to make an album with studio players like Gene Chrisman, Dave Roe, Russ Pahl, Billy Sanford, and Bobby Wood. Although he had produced or co-produced his own albums since 1981, Anderson put his trust in Auerbach.

“I booked the session and here I’ve got a room full of musicians, and I really didn’t know if he was going to be able to hear in the headphones,” Auerbach remembers. “But we got him behind the microphone, he started singing and it was pure magic. His voice is like caramel magic coming out of those speakers.”

Listening to Anderson’s vocals on Years, it would be impossible to guess that anything was amiss. Delivered in that distinctive, rich baritone, “Celebrate” provides a perspective of gratitude while “Slow Down,” “All We’re Really Looking For” and “You’re Nearly Nothin’” are some of the most eloquent love songs he’s ever recorded.

Meanwhile, “I’m Still Hangin’ On” conveys the realities of a soldier living with PTSD, while “Tuesday I’ll Be Gone” – a breezy duet with good friend Blake Shelton – captures the joy of just getting away from it all. The rambling vibe of “Wild and Free” and irresistible rhythm of “What’s a Man Got to Do” feel like they’ve been in Anderson’s repertoire all along. Beyond Years, the sessions also yielded a rewarding new friendship between the artist and producer.

“John will sing it as many times as you want. He wants it to be great, but the thing is, once he starts singing, it’s almost right there, right from the first lick,” Auerbach says. “I feel incredibly lucky that I even had to the opportunity to make a record with John Anderson, let alone have all this meaning to it.”

Anderson adds, “We went in the studio, and I remember saying, ‘I’m going to do this like it might be my last.’ It still could be, but now the chances of that are getting slimmer and slimmer every day. I’m doing better so I’m not hardly thinking that way anymore. That’s a blessing, too.”

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1926 Campaign

Next year celebrates a momentous milestone: the 100th anniversary of the iconic Rialto Square Theatre – the “Jewel of Joliet” and one of the last grand theatres of its kind in the United States. For almost a century, the Rialto has stood as a cultural treasure, a stage for unforgettable performances, and a place where memories are made.

While preparing for this historic celebration, the theatre is also facing one of the most difficult challenges in its history.

In late summer 2024, an unexpected asbestos-related issue was discovered at the Rialto. Though the situation arose through no fault of the theatre, it required immediate action to protect the health and safety of guests, staff, and artists. The theatre had to temporarily close, cancel scheduled performances, and begin emergency environmental remediation.

These efforts, while essential, came at a steep and unexpected cost. The theatre has incurred more than $2 million in abatement, compliance, and legal expenses – unbudgeted costs that have placed significant strain on our operations. While the Rialto is pursuing legal remedies and hoping to recover some or all these funds, that process takes time.

To help the theatre move forward and prepare for the Rialto’s next 100 years, the theatre is launching its annual 1926 Campaign – named for the year the theatre first opened its doors as a Vaudeville Movie Palace.

The Rialto is asking the community, patrons, and partners to support this annual campaign. The gift – no matter the size – will directly fund:
• Ongoing theatre operations and essential capital improvements
• Preservation and maintenance of this National Historic Landmark
• Vibrant programming that brings people together and enriches our community

Donors are encouraged to give $19.26 or more to honor history and help continue the theatre’s mission. Donors will also help raise awareness for our upcoming centennial celebration!

How to donate:
Online: rialtosquare.com/1926campaign/
By Mail (checks only):
Rialto Square Theatre Foundation
15 E. Van Buren St, Joliet, IL 60432

Yachtley Crew: Seas the Night World Tour

Yachtley Crew are a seven-piece SoCal band who burst onto the club scene in 2017, selling out countless local venues before starting a nationwide Yacht Rock craze and being noticed by the legendary Jimmy Buffett, who signed them to his own Mailboat label prior to their new deal with Earache/Universal Records.

The nautical-suited and captain’s-hat-clad Yachtley Crew (also known as “The Titans of Soft Rock”), includes lead vocalist Phillip Daniel (Philly Ocean), drummer Rob Jones (Sailor Hawkins), bassist Chaz Ruiz (Baba Buoy), guitarist Thomas Gardner Jr. (Tommy Buoy), backing vocalist Curt Clendenin (Stoney Shores), saxophone/flutist Paul Pate (Pauly Shores) and keyboardist Matt Grossman (Matthew McDonald).

The band’s 2023-released Seas the Day EP include fan favorites such as Boz Scaggs’ “Lido Shuffle,” Ace’s “How Long,” Robbie Dupree’s “Steal Away,” the Bee Gees’ “How Deep Is Your Love,” and all-time Yacht Rock pioneer Christopher Cross’ “Ride Like the Wind.” Other songs in the band’s exhilarating live sets include Toto’s “Africa,” Looking Glass’ “Brandy,” and Rupert Holmes’ “Escape (The Piña Colada Song).”

Seas the Day was produced and mixed by Grammy Award-winning Chris Lord-Alge (Stevie Nicks, Keith Urban, Bruce Springsteen, Green Day), and it features the band’s first original song “Sex on the Beach,” accompanied by a video with a guest appearance by Access Hollywood and iHeart Radio host, Mario Lopez. The video was directed by Myles Erfurth (Dead Sara, Ice Nine Kills, Twiztid).

For the uninitiated, Yacht Rock encapsulates the revival of soft rock and Top 40 hits from the late ’70s to the early ‘80s — and it has become an undisputed nationwide phenomenon, inspiring fans to dress the part and sing along.
Yachtley Crew have appeared on HBO’s Yacht Rock : A Dockumentary, Andy Cohen’s Watch What Happens Live, helped ring in the New Year on KLAS and KTLA’s “Las Vegas Countdown to 2023” (the exclusive, Emmy-winning special syndicated program that reached more than 16.5 million U.S. TV households), performed on countless morning television and radio shows throughout the country, been featured on Fox News nationally, and performed on SiriusXM’s Yacht Rock Radio “Yacht Rock 311” show as the first ever Yacht Rock band to perform live at the satellite radio studio and have performed at a cadre of charity and special events throughout the years including the Mario Lopez Golf Classic Tournament in support of the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center.

Yachtley Crew recently released their first holiday EP Seas and Greetings on Earache Records, featuring the single “It’s Christmastime” that went Top 40 on the Billboard AC charts and Top 30 on the Billboard holiday charts. Yachtley Crew have also recorded a new song by Diane Warren that will be included in their forthcoming album, set for release in 2025.

Yachtley Crew is managed by longtime industry icon Andy Gould (Rob Zombie, Pantera, Lionel Richie, Guns N’ Roses), and are represented by Jim Lenz at TKO.

Yachtley Crew are proud to fly the flag of Yacht Rock for each and every generation that loves good fun and good-time music, and they very much look forward to sharing new and classic Yacht Rock tunes and are set to a help one and all navigate the as-yet-uncharted waters of 2025, and beyond.

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Whose Live Anyway?

The current cast members of the Emmy-nominated TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway? are proud to present their new improv tour: WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? is 90 minutes of hilarious improvised comedy and song all based on audience suggestions.

Cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray will leave you gasping with the very witty scenes they invent before your eyes. Audience participation is key to the show, so bring your suggestions and you might be asked to join the cast on stage! WHOSE LIVE ANYWAY? showcases some of the improv games made famous on the long-running TV show, as well as some exciting new ones, featuring musical direction by Bob Derkach.

All ages are welcome, but please note that some “PG-13” language will be used during the performance.

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Swan Lake by International Ballet Stars

Experience the world’s most in-demand ballet, “Swan Lake,” presented by Classical Arts Entertainment and performed by International Ballet Stars. A full-scale production features Tchaikovsky’s legendary score and brings the masterpiece’s choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov to life. Be spellbound by the iconic variation of Little Swans, Odile’s 32 fouettés, and the graceful movements of the talented ballet artists from all over the globe. With over 200 custom scenery pieces adding grandeur and beauty, this production promises to be a spectacular visual treat. Join us to celebrate Classical Arts Entertainment’s 10th anniversary with an unforgettable experience!

Ballet in two acts with one Intermission. The show is family-friendly and suitable for ages 3 and up.

You can view the full company’s North American Tour’s route 2025-2026, Digital Playbill, and FAQ on the website www.classicalarts.net.

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The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute

“The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute” is undoubtedly the Ultimate Beatles Tribute. With uncanny, note-for-note live renditions of the Beatles’ classics the “The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute” will make you think you are back in time rockin’ with John, Paul, George, and Ringo! This loving tribute to the Beatles has amazed audiences around the world, with performances in Japan, Malaysia, France, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Germany, Mexico, and Brazil. With “The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute” on stage, you’ll hear record-perfect live performances of such classics as “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “Yesterday,” “A Day In The Life,” “Penny Lane,” “Here Comes The Sun,” “Hey Jude,” and many more!

Winner of an Emmy Award and 4 Telly Awards!

“The Fab Four – The Ultimate Tribute” was produced by Executive Producers Dr. Travis Fox and Brenda Markstein of MindFox Productions, LLC, and will be directed by renowned Director Mark Lucas and Assistant Director Burke Doeren of MindFox Productions, LLC., and distributed by International Media. “The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute” was captured at the historic Pechanga Resort & Casino Theater on January 6, 2012. The 1250-seat theater has hosted over 500 concerts by top artists since it was built in 2002.

Ron McNeil, who plays John Lennon, has performed all around the world, including Japan, Hong Kong, Argentina, and in front of an audience of 30,000 in Brazil. In Malaysia, he was invited to play for the Prime Minister in a special performance. He was also chosen to play numerous shows to promote The Beatles Anthology video release by Turner Home Entertainment. His incredible look and sound-alike abilities have created the ultimate loving tribute to the late John Lennon. Each night, his uncanny rendition of “Imagine” captures the spirit of the man we all knew and loved.

Gavin Pring plays George Harrison and was born and raised in the birthplace of The Beatles in Liverpool, England. Bearing a remarkable resemblance to George Harrison, it was inevitable that Gavin would be in the cast of The Fab Four. His natural wit and charm have won him acclaim around the world, and he is now one of the most sought-after artists in his field. Gavin has performed at a number of international events and has even shared the stage with Sir Paul McCartney himself. It’s his attention to detail that makes Gavin the best tribute to the spiritual Beatle.

Erik Fidel, a self-taught musician from Sacramento, California, has been captivated by the Beatles since the age of six. Although he wasn’t around on that fateful February night in 1964, he was introduced to the four lads in the same fashion by his parents on an old VHS. He remembers feeling a kindred spirit to Ringo from the start. Since then, he has traveled around the world as a multi-instrumentalist, playing drums, bass, keys, and guitar in a number of touring groups. He found his niche reenacting Ringo’s distinct chops with a great local Beatles tribute act. Erik brings Ringo’s unmistakable drumming style and fun-loving stage presence to the cast of The Ultimate Tribute.

Ardy Sarraf has been acclaimed by both Beatles fans and critics as the best musician to ever portray the youthful Paul McCartney. Ardy has toured extensively as Paul in such places as Japan, Korea, Guam, and Puerto Rico, to name a few…and has appeared on stage with such artists as Bruce Springsteen, Micky Dolenz, and John Fogerty. His left-handed bass playing and “record-accurate” vocals have won him first place in numerous Beatlefest sound-alike contests. Unlike other imitators, he plays piano on such songs as “Hey Jude” and “Let It Be,” just like McCartney did on the original recordings. His strong resemblance to the “cute Beatle” will definitely make you take a second look.

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