Beatles tribute band BritBeats played at Huntley High School to fundraise for the District 158 Foundation (Brendon Urban/The Voice)

Editor note: In a previous version of the article the writer mistakenly spelled BritBeats incorrectly “britbeats,” we apologize for the mistake. -Michael Geheren, Digital Editor in Chief 

On Saturday night, Huntley High School was host to BritBeats  — America’s premier tribute band to the Beatles. The concert was held in the Performing Arts Center in an effort to fundraise for the School District 158 Foundation Inc., a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that works with the school district and community.

In attendance to the concert were all Education Foundation members including Superintendent John Burkey and Associate Superintendent and Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Terry Awrey.

“It’s been excellent, I really like the Beatles,” said Burkey. “It’s really a unique band that spans over all generations.”

Also with Burkey was his nine-year old son, Andrew, who equally enjoyed the concert.

“[I liked] Twist and Shout the most. I like how they sang so loud and I got to stand up.”

The show included three acts (Ed Sullivan, Sgt. Pepper and Abbey Road) that showed the ascending eras of Beatle’s music. Bassist and band leader Chris Getsla (Paul McCartney), guitarist James Lynch (John Lennon), lead guitarist Jeff Isoe (George Harrison) and drummer David Robinson (Ringo Starr) make up the “fab four” on stage.

A short 15-minute intermission between the first and second act offered a chance for the audience to enjoy fresh baked cookies and ice cold bottled water next to the concession stand.

The band shows off their retro costumes, vintage instruments and their tongue-in-cheek impressions to create BritBeat Beatles Tribute Band. The band has been together for over ten years and got its start after performing in a high school variety show.

The Education Foundation estimates that around 200 tickets were sold; bringing in approximately $5,000 for the night.

Sponsors and supporters of the concert include Northwest Herald, Republican Karen McConnaughay, Jewel food stores and Taylor Street Pizza.

“The Britbeat concert was great,” said Josh Katz, lighting technician. “I had a blast working with the band and the crew and I’m glad I had a chance to help with the light show.”

To find more about BritBeats or the District 158 Foundation, visit their respective websites at britbeat.com and district158.org/education-foundation.