The performance at WCU will take place on the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ first appearance in the United States. Nearly 74 million people tuned in to watch “The Ed Sullivan Show” on CBS-TV on Sunday night, Feb. 9, 1964, to see the mop-haired Brits, all in their early 20s, play and sing five songs. It was the largest television audience in history at the time.

The band’s concert focuses on the Beatles’ early touring years, a period of time well documented in photos, films and by eyewitness accounts. Rolling Stone magazine has described the show as the “best Beatles tribute on earth.” The group’s performance is based on research of the Beatles’ singing voices, instruments, clothing, haircuts and conversations on stage.

 “1964: The Tribute” is part of the annual Galaxy of Stars Series. The show is sponsored by Sylva dentists Patrick McGuire and David McGuire and the Smoky Mountain News. The concert is also connected to WCU’s campuswide interdisciplinary learning theme for the 2013-14 academic year, “1960s: Take It All In.” 

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for WCU faculty and staff and $5 for students and children. 

828.227.2479 or www.bardoartscenter.wcu.edu.