While the death of Beatles member George Harrison last week has filled several fans with sadness, it has inspired others to celebrate Beatles' music.

Mike Masse, who holds music and law degrees from BYU, will perform Beatles' songs for two hours Saturday night, Dec. 8, to pay tribute to the legendary rock 'n' roll band from England, he said.

Masse said he thinks Saturday's performance is especially appropriate because it marks the 21st anniversary of John Lennon's assassination.

"I didn't know of any other tributes happening, and I thought there should be one," Masse said. "So, I took the initiative to do one myself."

Performing Beatles' songs for two hours might appear to be a daunting task, but Masse said it will be easy for him because he knows dozens of Beatles' songs.

One reason Masse said he knows so many is because he learned to play the guitar in high school by listening to Beatles' songs and playing along.

He also said he performs Beatles' songs on a regular basis when he performs with local groups or gives solo performances.

Rachel Terry, 23, a senior from Marietta, Ga., majoring in finance, said she thinks the concert is a great idea.

"The Beatles were a legendary band, and with the recent events it seems like an appropriate time to pay tribute to their influence on American pop music," Terry said.

Trent Hickman, an assistant professor of English, and Masse's longtime friend, will join in the vocals for a few songs.

Another friend, Lincoln Hoppe, will also sing harmony with Masse. Hoppe is a former member of the Garrens comedy group, and is an actor and leader of the Skinny Lincoln's, a comedy troupe in Salt Lake.

As a musician, Hoppe said performing music is his way to show gratitude. He said he appreciates music the most by performing it.

"I think music is a gauge or a benchmark on humanity, and the fact that the Beatles were so successful and popular, and incredible musicians, makes it all the more worth giving tribute to," Hoppe said.

While the death of two Beatles will obviously be on the minds of everyone in the audience, Masse said the tribute concert will be an upbeat occasion.

Masse said he played some Beatles' songs at a performance earlier this week, and the audience was responsive.

"People are ready to come and celebrate the music and the memory of the Beatles," he said.

The performance will take place at Steamer's Cafe in Provo from 9 to 11 p.m.



Copyright Brigham Young University 6 Dec 2001