At 7:30 p.m. Friday, May 9, the Bell Bottom Blues will present their high-energy “Live Eric Clapton Experience” Show with both electric and acoustic sets in celebration of Clapton’s 80th birthday. The concert will be in the Coolidge Theatre at the Deane Center for the Performing Arts at 104 Main Street in Wellsboro.

 
Born in England in 1945, Clapton turned 80 on March 30 of this year. He is the only three-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. In 1992, Clapton was inducted as a member of The Yardbirds; in 1993 as a member of Cream; and in 2000 as a solo artist.

 
The New Jersey-based band is named after “Bell Bottom Blues”, a song about unrequited love that Clapton wrote with Bobby Whitlock, a keyboardist and singer. 
 
In the spring of 1970, Clapton, Whitlock, bassist Carl Radle and drummer Jim Gordon founded Derek and the Dominos, an English–American rock band. Derek and the Dominos performed and recorded “Bell Bottom Blues” and released it on Nov. 9, 1970 on their double album “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.” It was the band’s only studio album.
 
Duane Allman, who played guitar and slide guitar on 11 of the tracks, died following a motorcycle crash on October 29, 1971, at the age of 24. Derek and the Dominos died, too.
 
Bell Bottom Blues is the only Eric Clapton tribute band Whitlock has ever endorsed. “The Bell Bottom Blues are the best Dominos cover band I’ve ever heard,” Whitlock said.
 
The six band members recreate Clapton’s “incredible stage presence” and his “awe-inspiring performances” with The Yardbirds, Cream, Blind Faith, Derek and The Dominos, The Beatles and other bands. They also play many of his greatest hits from his decades-long solo career and deep surprise cuts.  Among his songs on their set list are: “Wonderful Tonight”, “Crossroads”, “Lay Down Sally”, “Layla” “White Room” and “I Shot The Sheriff”.
 
“Clapton is one of the most extraordinary blues and rock guitarists, singers and songwriters of our time,” said Al Caprara who fronts the tribute band. 
 
As the Bell Bottom Blues lead singer and lead acoustic and electric guitarist, Al Caprara emulates the rock icon’s guitar styling and his vocals are spot-on.
 
“Our goal is to provide our audience with an authentic recreation of Clapton’s music at every show,” Caprara said. That’s what makes our performances a true live concert experience rather than a retrospect. Through each band member’s dedication, professionalism and hard work, we have captured the sound and essence of the master himself. Clapton fans have told us if they close their eyes during a show, they could swear they were actually at a Clapton concert.”
 
Al Caprara founded the group 16 years ago in 2007 and is considered the father of the band. Others in Blue Bottom Blues are: Lou Caprara, drums and backing vocals; Jon Huey Tatlow, bass guitar and backing vocals; Lorie Davis, backing vocals; John Kurdyla, rhythm and lead guitar; and Charlie Stoddard, keyboard. 
 
This concert is BYOB with audience members encouraged to bring their favorite beverages and snacks. For tickets and to reserve a table, call 570-724-6220 or visit deanecenter.com. Admission is $30.