“From 1968 to 1975, The Band was one of the most popular and influential rock groups in the world,” wrote Bruce Eder in an article published in the “All-Music Guide.” “Their music was embraced by critics as seriously as the music of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones,” Eder continued

Next Friday, Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m. in the Coolidge Theatre at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro, 14 musicians will recreate The Last Waltz, the 1976 Farewell Concert of The Band, a Canadian-American roots rock group formed in Toronto, Ontario in 1968.

One of the most spectacular events in rock history, their concert was on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 1976 in the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco, California. The Band’s show began at 9 p.m. and ended at 2 a.m.  It was not only a celebration but also the last time they would ever all perform together live.

Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr and Muddy Waters were among the musical legends that performed with The Band that night.

Featured during the Nov. 28 performance will be a special musical tribute dedicated to the memory of Garth Hudson, The Band’s original founding member who died on January 21 of this year. 

The musicians will also perform “Up On Cripple Creek” and other hits by The Band such as “The Shape I’m In”, “It Makes No Difference”, “Life is A Carnival”, “Weight”, “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” and “Don’t Do It (Baby, Don’t You Do It)” as well as many of the songs from Bob Dylan’s and The Band’s album “The Basement Tapes” and three songs from The Band’s Northern Lights–Southern Cross album, both of which celebrated the 50th anniversary of their release this year. “The Basement Tapes” album was officially released on June 26, 1975 and the Northern Lights–Southern Cross album on Nov. 1, 1975.  

For the past 10 years, Stage Fright has been honoring the music of The Band. Stage Fright includes: Joe Callahan of Wellsboro on guitar; Sean Monroe of Horseheads, N.Y. on bass; Mike Watkins of Addison, N.Y. on keyboard, accordion, mandolin and fiddle; Mike Nickerson on drums; and Joe Narde on percussion. Narde and Nickerson are both from Corning, N.Y. The five bandmates share vocals and harmonies. Monroe, Callahan and Watkins write music and all collaborate on the arrangements.

Joining them for this performance will be singers Karin Knaus of Westfield and Kira Woods of Corning, N.Y.; singer, guitarist and banjoist, Josh Sperrick of Corning, N.Y.; singers and guitarists, Trevor Clark of Corning, N.Y. and Molly Cary and Brandon Lusk, both of Wellsboro; singer and harmonica player, Bryan Nickerson of Blossburg; Dave Driskell of Wellsboro on sax and piccolo; and Jason Bump of Wellsboro on drums.   

The concert is BYOB with audience members encouraged to reserve a table, bring their own favorite beverages and snacks and sit with family and friends to enjoy the music.

Children 12 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult; however seats must be reserved to accommodate them.  

For tickets and to reserve a table or seats, call 570-724-6220 or visit www.deanecenter.com or purchase tickets in the Deane Center lobby beginning at 7 p.m. on Nov. 28, if available.