It’s no secret that San Diego’s top covers band is Rockola.
More than just a group that plays choice material written by yesteryear’s hit-makers, this quartet strives for authenticity, from the four-part harmonies to the note-for-note guitar leads. It’s the closest thing to seeing an old favorite live, and, truth be told, many of their renditions actually surpass the live versions of the original material.
Over the past few years, the four members of Rockola ” frontman-guitarist Bob Tedde, drummer Bob Sale, bassist Doug Booth and guitarist Mark DeCerbo ” have seriously raised the bar for non-original music acts by staging concerts devoted to the Beatles.
Going where these types of acts have rarely gone before, the group tackles a complete album, backed by an orchestra and assorted sidemen, all in an effort to capture the exact sound of the music they are saluting.
On Aug. 5, Rockola will stage the latest installment in their Beatles series, performing the 1966 classic “Revolver” at the recently reopened North Park Theatre. The show coincides to the day with the 40th anniversary of the album’s release.
The night will be closed out with a second set of material by the fab four.
Adding extra sparkle to the evening, the band will be joined by The Magical Symphony Youth Orchestra. Comprising more than two dozen local classical musicians ages 12 to 24, the orchestra was created by Rockola to give the next generation an opportunity to stretch their musical boundaries.
The Magical Symphony Youth Orchestra has also performed non-Beatles rock music with the group.
“We have completely fallen for the magic that happens when joining forces with the musicians of tomorrow,” Tedde explained. “It’s already an incredible experience to be performing songs such as ‘Eleanor Rigby,’ ‘Here, There and Everywhere’ or ‘Got To Get You Into My Life,’ but when you add in the enthusiasm of these young players, it really takes the whole thing to another level.”
DeCerbo agreed.
“They seem more into the music than a lot of the older players and really seem thrilled in particular to be playing Beatles music,” he said.
DeCerbo sees the involvement of young musicians in a major production as a way of “passing on the baton to the next generation.”
It’s a sentiment that takes on special meaning due to the involvement of several of the band’s own children.
“That’s especially fulfilling,” he said. “But all of the kids are fantastic to work with.”
Ray Suen, the 20-year-old orchestra concertmaster and virtuoso violinist, has the task of recruiting players for all Magical Symphony Orchestra appearances.
“The musicians come from throughout the city,” Suen explained. “I check with the various local youth orchestras. However, the kids also do a great job of spreading the word about these projects. This show, being Beatles-related, had a lot of interest in it as soon as it was announced.”
Suen said he enjoys working with Rockola and also has a soft spot for the Beatles, though he admits he joined their fan base late.
“The Beatles were something I just got into a few years ago, while in college,” he said with a laugh. “But once I made that discovery, I had an instant appreciation for what they had accomplished.”
For him, the chance to faithfully re-create a work of this magnitude is a daunting but rewarding task.
“Getting it right is tricky, because their music can be pretty complex,” Suen said. “And that’s important, because it’s almost as if the Beatles are in everyone’s consciousness. This is music that is familiar to just about everyone.”
“Rockola plays the Beatles’ ‘Revolver'” takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 5.
The North Park Theatre is located at 2881 University Ave. Tickets, which are $25 to $40, are available by calling (619) 239-8836.