Article by: Idaho Mountain Express
Music lovers are invited to take a trip back to the 1960s this summer while contributing to a worthy cause when the Killebrew-Thompson Memorial Concert brings one of the greatest Beatles tribute bands to Sun Valley.
The Killebrew-Thompson Memorial Concert for Cancer Research will present “1964…The Tribute” on the Sun Valley Resort Cottage Lawn on Saturday, Aug. 18, at 8 p.m. for its annual concert raising funds for cancer research.
1964…The Tribute is a renowned tribute band that has performed nearly 3,000 live shows all over the world, including sold-out shows at Carnegie Hall and Red Rocks many times throughout the years.
“Since the 1980s, 1964 has been thrilling audiences with authentic live shows resonating with all generations,” wrote concert director Hannah Stauts in a release. “They are hailed by critics and fans alike as the most authentic and endearing Beatles tribute, which has earned them the distinction from Rolling Stone magazine as the ‘Best Beatles Tribute on Earth.’”
The band’s mission is to accurately recreate the 1964 Beatles invasion of America. Members play all early Beatles music, with period instruments, clothing, hairstyles and onstage banter. “1964” comprises Mark Benson as John Lennon, Mac Ruffing as Paul McCartney, Tom Work as George Harrison and Bobby Potter as Ringo Starr.
“The great thing about the Beatles is that their music appeals to people of all ages,” Stauts said. “We’re excited to host a fun, outdoor concert where you can enjoy the music of the Beatles while supporting cancer research at the same time. This is our ninth year hosting a benefit concert, and it’s become a significant part of our mission to raise funds for cancer research and connect people in the community with our cause.”
The Concert for Cancer Research is part of the Killebrew-Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament, a four-day affair consisting of a two-day golf tournament, “Cancer in Focus”- a lecture about current trends in cancer treatment and research, a live and silent Auction Gala and the Concert for Cancer Research benefit concert.
General admission lawn seating tickets are $25; Early Access lawn seating tickets are $35; Premium tickets, which include chair seating behind the VIP section, are $100. Pre-sale tickets will be available from April 4-30 at discounted rates. VIP tickets will be limited to concert sponsors and participants in the Killebrew-Thompson Memorial Golf Tournament. Concert sponsorships are still available. For more information on sponsorship levels and marketing benefits, contact Stauts at 208-726-1049 or via email at hannah@ktmgolf.com.
Founded in 1976, the Killebrew-Thompson Memorial is a leading fundraiser for cancer research, having contributed $16.6 million to its two beneficiaries: St. Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute in Boise, and the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. More than 300 people from across the country participate in the event, which will run from Aug. 15-18. To learn more about the tournament, visit ktmgolf.com.
St. Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute is the region’s largest provider of cancer services and a nationally recognized leader in cancer research. It provides advanced care to thousands of patients every year through clinics in Boise, Fruitland, Meridian, Nampa and Twin Falls. It is also home to Idaho’s only cancer treatment center for children, only federally sponsored center for hemophilia and only blood and marrow transplant program. To learn more about MSTI, visit stlukesonline.org/cancer_care.
The Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota sits at the frontier of cutting-edge cancer research. The center became a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in 1997, making it one of 42 institutions in the United States to hold that designation. To learn more about the center, visit cancer.umn.edu.