Bringing the two premier local tribute bands together for a joint show seemed to be the perfect match-up when Showcase Live and Skyworks Productions were initially planning the show. The Allman-Clapton connection is the stuff of legend. Not only did Duane Allman contribute slide and lead guitar to Eric Clapton's classic Layla LP and share the stage with him back in 1970 at the old Curtis Hixon Hall in Tampa, the pair were musical soulmates and had a mutual admiration that would have undoubtedly led to the production of more great music together had Duane not died in a 1971 motorcycle accident. Last year in March, Eric Clapton appeared with The Allman Brothers Band at the Beacon Theater in New York as a part of the The Allmans 40th anniversary celebration which was dedicated to Duane Allman. SHOWCASE LIVE and SKYWORKS PRODUCTIONS captured the spirit and essence of the bond between "Slowhand" and "Skydog" by bringing together--in one night, under one roof--two highly-respected premier tribute bands, Slowhand Graffiti and The Peacheaters, to celebrate the work of these legendary artists.

The mission of SLOWHAND GRAFFITI is not to impersonate Eric Clapton and his numerous world-famous sidemen, but rather to chronicle and showcase the vast musical career of the world's most prolific and versatile rock guitarist including his time with The Yardbirds, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, Blind Faith, Derek and the Dominoes and then on to his solo work right up to present day. Frontman and founder of Slowhand Graffiti, Vernon Northover, has been playing the blues for over 40 years and is not only heavily-influenced by Eric Clapton, but has witnessed his playing first hand during the 60s in his homeland in London, England. During the show, Vernon shares a few stories of these days and enriches the audience with the details of Eric's career, band history, and influences. Slowhand Graffiti not only lets the audience experience some of the finest music Clapton has produced, as one does at any of his concerts, but also provides the audience with an insight into the enormity and range of this man's amazing career! Visit Slowhand Graffiti on MySpace: www.myspace.com/slowhandgraffiti11

From "Ain't Wastin' Time No More" to "Whippin' Post", THE PEACHEATERS dig deep into more than three decades of Allman Brothers Band music and deliver an experience that keeps the vibe alive. Twin guitar melodies, a powerful percussion section, a Hammond B3 organ, and lots of bottom-end seamlessly mesh to deliver the authentic ABB sound. The band's  improvisational skills and love for the jam make every song feel as fresh as the first time you heard them. Every show features a unique set list that always includes surprises. In the tradition of the Allman Brothers Band, they never do the same show twice and guarantee their audience a new and rockin' experience every time they take the stage. The Peacheaters also deliver powerful original material. Their debut CD, "Money Don't Beat the Blues," receives regional and international airplay. Visit The Peacheaters online: www.peacheaters.com

Showcase Live’s Artist Showcase illuminated the talents of some of the best emerging and seasoned solo artists and bands in New England. An attentive and appreciative audience had the priviledge to discover the fresh sounds of these hardworking, fine musicians as they took the stage and showcased the best of their material.

With musical genres ranging from folk and the blues to alternative rock and funk, the Artist Showcase offered a full evening of great entertainment variety.  Solo artists who performed included: RONDA MATSON, DAMON REEVES, MARIANNE PASTS, CHRIS ROSS, and KATE NIGHTINGALE. Bands that rocked the house included: RISING TRIBE, MELT, GREEN CASTLE, and GROW.

 New England's Finest Talent - 5 Top Solo Artists & 4 Great Bands!

Seeing The Soft Parade is like reliving the legendary concerts Jim Morrison and The Doors performed almost 40 years ago. The Soft Parade is internationally recognized as one of the most authentic, realistic tribute bands working today. They recreate, with stunning accuracy, the primal, poetic atmosphere of a vintage Doors concert. From the vintage musical instruments and sound equipment right down to stage clothing and hairstyles - watching The Soft Parade is as close to seeing the Doors as anyone can possibly get.

Fronting The Soft Parade is singer Joe Russo whose likeness to the legendary Jim Morrison holds audiences spellbound. He looks Morrison. He moves Morrison. And most importantly, he sings Morrison.

The Soft Parade has toured 20 countries, been joined onstage by original Doors guitarist Robby Krieger and has performed hundreds of concerts worldwide. The show is so hauntingly authentic that critics and fans continually use words like "eerie" and "chilling" to define the experience. 

Here are just some of the reviews out there that speak best for this hard-working, authentic tribute band to The Doors:

"The Soft Parade is excellent.  Yeah, Joe Russo - terrific.  The Soft Parade's great - I think they do an excellent job of recreating 'the Doors experience'.  It's great, man...the Soft Parade is real cool." -Ray Manzarek (co-founder/keyboardist of The Doors) WNEW-NY 3/16/2000

"...The Soft Parade's show is eerily convincing, causing the audience to temporarily suspend it's disbelief..." - New York Times (Sunday, May 15, 1994)

"Close your eyes and you can hear the Doors.  Open your eyes and you can see them.  The Soft Parade does the Doors justice.  Joe Russo's voice and stage antics and movements are a ghost of Morrison's former glory." - Good Times (Dec. 1999)

 "For years, people have sized The Soft Parade up against the legend and come away impressed." - Guitar World Magazine (February 2000)

"The Soft Parade is the most faithful, most dynamic, spiritual, true tribute band since The Doors' demise." - Vince Treanor-Doors road manager/sound technician (1967-1972)

"They're an exact replica...it's scary" - Frank Lisciandro-Jim Morrison's friend/biographer

Visit The Soft Parade's Official Website: www.thesoftparade.com

Local singer/songwriter Randy Robbins appeared as a guest opener for The Soft Parade.  Emerging acoustic folk-rock singer/songwriter, Randy Robbins, whose beautifully-crafted original songs carry the essence and heart of the 60s, pleased the crowd with mostly his original tunes and a few classic covers at The Soft Parade show at Showcase Live on Friday, October 2.  Randy is often referred to by fans as, "The reincarnation of John Lennon" not only for his uncanny physical resemblance to the legendary Beatle and similar vocal tone, but because of his gifted song-writing ability and uplifting live performances that have been winning the hearts of audiences throughout the Metrowest area of Boston, Rhode Island, and beyond. Listening to Randy’s music takes you to another time and place.  Check back soon for video footage of Randy's live performance!

Photo by Kristen Pierson Photography 

Visit Randy's Official Website: www.randyrobbinsmusic.com, and check out his music on MySpace: www.myspace.com/raginglory

As the project develops, we'll keep you informed and post the details here. We do hope that you will join us on this enriching and enlightening musical voyage!

If you're a band or solo artist interested in performing onboard the ship, drop us a line at skyworksmusic@yahoo.com or call 508-269-8043.