South Eugene High School String Quartet to help settle an old score

EUGENE, Ore. - Oct. 9, 2018 - PRLog -- When the touring show Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown comes to The WOW Hall on October 25, the South Eugene High School String Quartet will join the professional musicians on stage to lend some local talent to this homage to the British Invasion.

The show pits Rolling Stones tribute band Satisfaction against rival Brit boys Abbey Road in an all-out musical showdown for rock dominance. The string quartet will perform seven songs with the bands.

Here's the rundown:

The show:  The two greatest rock 'n' roll bands of all time face off in Beatles vs. Stones - A Musical Showdown. Taking the side of the Fab Four is Abbey Road, one of the nation's top Beatles tribute bands. With brilliant musicianship and authentic costumes and gear, Abbey Road plays beloved songs spanning the Beatles' career. They engage in a "showdown" of the hits with Stones tribute band Satisfaction - The International Rolling Stones Show, who offer a faithful rendition of the music and style of Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and the bad boys of the British Invasion. The production includes multimedia, period costumes and vintage instruments. It has toured for years, with a critic for the Los Angeles Times at one point declaring: "this is the most unique tribute show in decades." The Eugene show is part of a 125 city tour of the U.S., Canada and Australia.

The string quartet: Senior Eli Ablow Measelle, juniors Joanne Wang and Nate Tavakolian and sophomore Miranda Newmanwill join the bands for the songs "Eleanor Rigby," "Yesterday," "A Day in the Life," "Hello Goodbye," "Hey Jude," "As Tears Go By," and "Ruby Tuesday."

Quartet members belong to prestigious area ensembles including,  the Eugene Springfield Youth Orchestra and Symphony, the Oregon All-State Orchestra, the Oregon Mozart Players Competition and the Ambassador Musicians Program and Community Music Institute.

How the "Beatles" and "Stones" connection was started: The producers of Beatles vs. Stones approached South Eugene High School Orchestra Director Gale Fiszman looking for a talented ensemble that could hold their own with a rock band in front of an audience. The show commonly hires a local quartet to augment the production while on tour.

The quartet's Beatles or Stones fans: Eli Ablow Measelle and Miranda Newman are the quartet's Beatles fans.

"'Blackbird' is definitely my favorite Beatles song," said Eli.

"I definitely like 'Hey Jude' and the big ole classic ones," said Melanie.

The details: Two of the greatest bands of all time face off in a high-energy, adrenaline-pumping musical showdown. The Fab Four, represented by tribute band Abbey Road, will engage in a barrage of hits against premier Rolling Stones tribute band Satisfaction. Beatles vs. Stones – A Musical Showdown performs on Thursday, October 25 at the Wow Hall. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 on day of show, U. of O. Ticket Office, WOW Hall and www.ticketweb.com.  Doors open at 8:00 pm and showtime is 9:00.  The WOW Hall is located at 291 W. 8th Ave. (the corner (https://maps.google.com/?q=291+W.+8th+Ave.+(the+corner&am...) of 8th and Lincoln in Eugene) and is open for all ages (6-11 half price at the door when accompanied by parent or adult guardian; five and under no charge).  Adult refreshments are available downstairs.  For information call 687-2746.

And here is some additional information about the South Eugene High School String Quartet:

Joanne Wang, 16, has been playing violin for twelve years. She is the Co-Concert Master of the Eugene Springfield Youth Orchestra Symphony.

"I really just like music. It's definitely a way to express myself and take a break from the busyness of the world."

Joanne participated in the Eugene Springfield Youth Orchestra competition last year and competed in a violin and viola duet for the Oregon Mozart Players Competition.

The junior is a member of South Eugene High School's tennis team and volunteers in the ICU at a local hospital.

Nate Tavakolian, 16, began playing violin ten years ago. He has competed in district solo and ensemble competitions.

"It's fun to experiment with lots of different types of music and playing in orchestra or quartet settings."

Nate is member of the Eugene Springfield Youth Orchestra and the Community Music Institute Chamber Orchestra.

The junior is a member of the cross country and track teams at South Eugene High School.

Eli Ablow Measelle, 17, has been playing string instruments for thirteen years and viola for the past seven. He has participated in Oregon Solo and Ensemble competitions and qualified for State in his sophomore year.

He has been a member of the Eugene Youth Symphony for four years, the Oregon All-State Orchestra for two years, and is in the Ambassador Musicians Program Quartet.

"I like playing viola because of the tone and deeper sounds, but in general, playing instruments has given me good exposure."

The senior is a member of his high school's debate and tennis teams.

Miranda Newman, 15, has been playing cello for four years. She has competed in the Oregon Music Education Association competition and All-State Orchestra.

"I love orchestra because the leadership positions and having to learn the music in a short amount of time makes for an intense situation."

The sophomore is a member of the Eugene Youth Symphony and the Community Music Institute Chamber Orchestra.