The CherryCherry Band

Hailing Diamond, raising money: Tribute band Cherry Cherry to perform at Lewiston Civic Theatre benefit
Posted By: 360 StaffPosted date: June 18, 2013
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“Sweet Caroline,” “Cracklin’ Rosie” and “Coming to America” will blast out the door of the Lewiston Civic Theatre Saturday, but the hits won’t be coming from Neil Diamond’s mouth.

Cherry Cherry lead singer Steve Kelly sings Neil Diamond classics and will perform with the band at the Lewiston Civic Theater Saturday.
Cherry Cherry lead singer Steve Kelly sings Neil Diamond classics and will perform with the band for a fundraiser at the Lewiston Civic Theater Saturday.

Cherry Cherry, a Neil Diamond tribute band, will play an LCT benefit show to raise money for maintenance and improvement projects, such as a red-carpet redo and a new paint job, said LCT Executive Director Beth Larson.
Although the band is Seattle-based, many band members travel from out-of-town for shows, and six of their players have Lewiston-area ties.

Lewiston trumpet player Doug McIntosh travels to play for Cherry Cherry several times each year, while alto saxophone player Brad Howey and baritone saxophone player Shawn Bowman stem from the area. Band member Jeff Adam graduated from the University of Idaho while guitar player Doug Plemmons has family in the Valley.

Cherry Cherry band members pose for a group photo.
Cherry Cherry band members pose for a group photo.

Horn section leader “Skinny” Lynn Cook was part of LCT productions, such as “Oliver,” before the theater had a permanent location and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1975, where he had been president of the drama club.

“To go to any kind of out-of-state event that draws a crowd is great,” Cook said.

“But at the Boomers’ (Garden) event in 2010, we were to be able to go home and show off for my hometown crowd. They were wildly receptive. People that I hadn’t seen (in years) came up afterwards and reintroduced themselves. I remember everybody.”

Lead vocalist Steve Kelly recalled another Boomers’ Garden performance years ago before Cook was a Cherry Cherry member. A train slowly approached the venue while Kelly was belting “Cracklin’ Rosie” into a wireless microphone. Passing through a gate, he looked at the conductor and hopped on.

“I was singing it out the window of the train as it was going by Boomers’ Garden,” Kelly said.

Kelly said another memorable moment was at a Minnesota show. After a flight cancellation and van rental, the crew had to complete a six-hour drive in five hours to make the show.

“We were driving as fast as the law would allow, maybe a little faster,” said Kelly, who arrived with the band at the lakeside concert venue. “We got there right when we were supposed to perform … The mosquitos were the size of birds. It was 100 degrees and we were soaking wet. … We were like the hamburgers on a grill.”

Now dubbed the Mosquito Fest of Minnesota, Kelly looks back on it and laughs.

“It was like a cartoon,” he said.

Hoping to make new memories, Cherry Cherry made the request for Diamond fans to bring nonperishable food to the show, which will then be donated to the Lewiston branch of the Idaho Food Bank.

The LCT event is all ages and Kelly said grandparents, parents and children often attend their concerts.

“When we play ‘Sweet Caroline,’ (grandmas’) faces light up like they’re 3 years old even though they’re 80 years old,” Kelly said.

Kelly invites people who aren’t Diamond fans, either.

“After the show, they show up — the husbands of the wives that wanted to go,” Kelly said of the audience members who sit with their arms crossed at the beginning of a concert. “The non-believers become believers by the end of the show.”

With more than 60 top-100 hits, Kelly said they never run out of Diamond songs.

“No matter how long I play a show, it’s never long enough to play all of them,” said Kelly, who can cover almost 40 songs in 2½ hours.

Tickets can be purchased at the LCT box office from 12-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday or by phone at (208) 746-3401. Advance tickets for general seating are $15, while day-of tickets are $20. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.

“I have a theatrical interest,” Cook said. “And pair that with the music and the opportunity to come back and help the theater. (That) is special to me.”
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Treffry can be reached at ltreffry@inland360.com or (208) 883-4640.

->if you go:
WHAT: Cherry Cherry, a Neil Diamond Tribute Band, performs an LCT benefit show
WHEN: Doors open at 6 p.m. Saturday. Show starts at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Lewiston Civic Theatre, 805 Sixth Ave. Lewiston
COST: $15 advance, $20 at the door - inland360.com

Friday, July 12th brings back perennial favorite Cherry Cherry, the premier Neil Diamond tribute band.

As the Seattle Times writes, “Cherry Cherry is one of the coolest variations of the Neil Diamond experience we've ever seen, all the hits, horns and hoopla makes the "Cherry Cherry" show rock!” Featuring Neil Diamond's full repertoire spanning his entire career, Steve Kelly and Cherry Cherry evoke memories that entertain audiences of all ages. As Steve puts it, “We don't impersonate Neil Diamond and his band, we just pay tribute with great respect, to the music that he has given the world. We really love getting the kids involved, we are certainly a PG, show and the kids and adults that come are able to be a part of the show and share in the fun that we are having.” @ Seafarers' Memorial Park - Anacortes Now

Join Cherry Cherry Band on the Songo River Queen II for a fun evening of Neil Diamond's Greatest Hits and Hits of the 60's and 70's. Tickets to set sail with this fun band are limited so purchase yours today! IMPORTANT: Boarding for this cruise begins at 5pm to a cash bar and we set sail promptly at 6pm. Cash only. No credit cards for bar. The SONGO RIVER QUEEN II is a privately built replica of the famed Mississippi River Paddle Wheelers. The QUEEN is 93 feet long, 23 feet wide, and tips the scales at over 100 tons, enabling it to offer an exceptionally smooth ride for even the most timid of passengers. Built in 1982, the QUEEN is meticulously cleaned and maintained to the highest of standards. She is rated for up to 350 passengers and is handicapped accessible. The QUEEN has two decks including an open upper deck with an attractive red striped canopy for protection from the sun and rain, as well as a fully enclosed lower deck, and there are restrooms on board. Neil Diamond’s music is timeless and ageless. His classic songs evoke memories that every crowd will enjoy. Steve Kelly and the Cherry Cherry Band will entertain audiences young and old alike." "It is truly an honor to be able to play Neil Diamond's Music for these great audiences that we do. We are fortunate in that we can become the kids that we were at 5 years old and bring back the music that we enjoy. We don't impersonate Neil Diamond and his band, we just pay tribute with great respect, the music that he has given the world. We really love getting the kids involved, we are certainly a PG, show and the kids and adults that come are able to be a part of the show and share in the fun that we are having. No one can "be" Neil Diamond, and we wouldn't want to try to fill such shoes, but we can in our own way, have fun and enjoy all of it for a seamless show." - Steve Kelly FAQs Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event? All Ages - A food court is available on board for your convenience. A cocktail bar serving beer, wine, and liquor also operates on board, therefore, no alcoholic beverages may be carried aboard, per state law. The legal drinking age in Maine is 21 and a photo ID will be required to purchase alcohol. What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event? There should be ample parking on the causeway. Keep in mind that additional parking has been created on both sides of Rt. 302 from the bridge east all the way to the lights, There is also a huge parking lot open to the public at the Cornerstone Church located at the corner of Rt. 302 and Rt. 114, just beyond the Augustus Bove House, which is right across the street from Rick's Cafe. What can I bring into the event? Due to current insurance regulations, pets are not allowed on board. State law prohibits the carry on of any alcoholic beverages. State law prohibits smoking, both on the dock and aboard the boat. What's the refund policy? All ticket sales are final. - The Press Herald

Comstock Production’s presents Cherry Cherry, a Neil Diamond Tribute with Steve Kelly and his eight-piece band of world-class musicians, on Saturday at the Auburn Avenue Theater.

The performance begins at 7:30 p.m.

The night is a grand celebration of Diamond, the man and his music.

Cherry Cherry, a Neil Diamond Tribute has headlined concerts and open air events across the country for many years.

“It’s truly and honor to be able to play Neil Diamond’s music to these audiences that we do,” Kelly said. “We are fortunate in that we can become the kids that we are at 5 years old and bring back the music that we enjoy. We don’t impersonate Neil Diamond and his band, we just play tribute with great respect, the music that he has given the world.

“We really love getting the kids involved,” Kelly added. “We are certainly a PG show, and the kids and adults who come are able to be a part of the show and share in the fun that we are having. No one can ‘be’ Neil Diamond, and we wouldn’t want to fill such shoes. But we can, in our own way, have fun and enjoy all of it for a seamless show.”

Seating is limited. Cameras are allowed.

Tickets are $20 general, $15 students, seniors, and available by phone (206-707-6882) or email tickets.comstockproductions@live.com.

For more information on the band, visit www.cherrycherryband.com - The Auburn Reporter