PHOTO CAPTION: Portland-based The Who tribute band, Magic Bus, is coming to the Franco Center at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 9. Tickets are available at 207-689-2000 and www.francocenter.org/shows. The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar St., Lewiston. Submitted photo. 

Magic Bus: The Who tribute band coming to Franco Center March 9 

LEWISTON–Magic Bus, The Who tribute band based in Portland, Maine, will bring their performance to the Franco Center stage at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 9. The Who, one of rock’s most iconic bands, made the charts in 1964 with their hit song, “Can’t Explain.” That was the beginning of their amazing journey. Still performing more than 50 years later, The Who can be heard in commercials, television theme songs and on the radio. 

Magic Bus, the tribute band, captures the sound and feel of The Who. “We’ll take you on a tour of the rock band’s discography, covering songs from “My Generation” to “Who Are You.” We also perform select songs from the rock operas “Tommy” and “Quadrophenia,” said Paul Bessa, the Roger Daltrey role-player of the tribute band. 

Paul Bessa (vocals, piano, guitar, harmonica) comes from New York and now lives in Portland, Maine. His introduction to music began with drums at the age of 15 after which he taught himself piano and guitar. He’s played in several rock bands and grew up listening to Led Zeppelin, the Beatles and other iconic bands. In 1997, he got a recording contract in Hollywood for his own music. Today, he gives vocal lessons and performs the music of The Who. His vocal style sounds like Daltrey’s and with Bessa’s talent on acoustic guitar, keyboards and harmonica, each song is rich with sound. 

Andy Pappas plays the part of Pete Townshen on guitar and vocals. His love for classic rock began at an early age. Listening to Elton John as a young boy sent him on a musical journey, later becoming fully immersed in the classic rock genre. His main influences include Deep Purple, Yes, Van Halen, and Rush. Pappas eats, sleeps, and breathes everything rock music. His passion for guitar started at the age of 12, and he was performing in a band by 13. A self-taught musician, Pappas continued to perform in bands to the present day. His passion for The Who and his musical talent fit the role of Pete Townshend. His life’s mission is to keep classic rock alive and well. 

Mike Merservey was born with drumsticks in his hands. After his parents gave him his first drum it has been chaos from day one. Playing in bands and traveling to six states and two countries, Meservey honed his musical skills. Hearing Who tunes all his musical life, he now takes on the high-profile part of drummer Keith Moon. Meservey has studied Moon’s drumming and has said, “It’s an ongoing process. Keith is like a big band drummer in a rock band. You can’t appreciate his genius until you learn his unpredictable style.”  

Rich Pierpont on guitar and vocals, steps up to the part of Who bassist John Entwistle. Musical talent runs in Pierpont’s family. His many times great-grandfather wrote “Jingle Bells,” and his father was in a competitive barbershop quartet. After not getting blessed with any of those particular musical genes, luckily there was a bass clef gene still kicking around, he said. Band members say Pierpont has “an ear for music and 10 nimble fingers. With blisters under callus, and grooves in his fingertips, it’s back to the future, flirting around the octaves emulating the great ‘Thunder Fingers.’” 

Listen to the band’s music videos here: https://magicbustour.com/audio-videos/

Doors and cash bar open at 6 p.m. Concert starts at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at BOX OFFICE TICKETS or by phone at 207-689-2000. Tickets can also be purchased in person at our box office between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.   

Tier 1 tickets in advance are $30 and at the door: $35. 

Tier 2 tickets in advance are $25 and at the door: $30. 

The Franco Center is at 46 Cedar St., Lewiston. Parking is available in the mill lot. The building is handicap accessible on the Lincoln St. Alley side. 

Season Underwriter is Maple Way Dental Care; Media Sponsors are Sun Journal, Turner Publishing, Uncle Andy’s, Bennett Radio Group. Show sponsors are Dirigo Federal Credit Union; Lawn Guard; Norway Savings Bank; and Platz Associates.

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