RAIN draws on three generations of Beatles fans

FAYETTEVILLE — The Beatles wanted to “spread the love,” and Rain — A Tribute to the Beatles, has done just that by mastering every song, clothing style and movement of the Beatles. Rain had control of the audience at the Walton Arts Center Monday night (May 7), as the crowd clapped in sync, swayed, waved peace signs and a few even got out their cell phones since they didn’t have lighters.

Kicking off the show with “I Want to Hold Your Hand” in a set just like the Beatles played was Mac Ruffing on bass, Jimmi Pou on lead guitar, Jim Irizarry on rhythm guitar, and Ralph Castelli on drums. The set even had working applause signs timed to key parts of the songs.

After a set change into a more colorful scene, the curtain went down. When it came back up, the stage had been transformed into a magnificent and extremely colorful place with Rain in sparkly suits. Colored lights were everywhere, even swinging out into the audience.

With the set change came a change in singers for Rain, as well. They switched out vocalists and musicians through the rest of the show. Performers included Steve Landers, Joe Bithorn, Joey Curatolo, Mark Beyer, Mark Lewis, Chris Mcburney, Douglas Cox, David Leon, Ardy Sarraf, Tom Teeley and Chris Smallwood. Their setlist included favorites such as "When i'm 64," "I Want to Hold Your Hand," "Seventeen," "Hello Goodbye," "Let it Be," "Strawberry Fields Forever," "Come Together," "Eleanor Rigby," "Help!" "I Am the Walrus," "Twist and Shout," and "Yesterday."

Each of band members had mastered everything about the Beatles. Video of the real Beatles played on side screens as the band mimicked their songs and movements on stage. Everything appeared identical, from the head movements and positioning to clothing and vocals. A slight amount of facial hair on the real Beatles was the only physical difference.

Rain involved the crowd at every chance, encouraging them to sing, dance and clap in rhythm. Just like the Beatles, Rain had people innately swaying, dancing, and really feeling the music and the message that the music was trying to convey. During the song “Hey Jude” they first had only the women sing the chorus, then the men, then the people under 20, then everyone above 20.

The Rain performance was a perfect way to introduce the Beatles to a new generation and for people of all ages to enjoy really great music. Mac Ruffing estimated that there was roughly three generations in the audience.