Rolling Stones Tribute Band Wilder Horses to Stampede Historic Palace Theatre at fundraising pARTy

The Summer of Love spirit that filled Cape Charles in the heat of the season lives on this fall at the Historic Palace Theatre, with the ultimate throwback performance. On Saturday, October 26, with the festivities starting at 6 p.m., the full-throttle Rolling Stones tribute ensemble, Wilder Horses, will bring to life the sights, sounds, and attitude of the original bad boys of rock n’ roll.
The band’s performance is the star of Cream of the Crop, a fundraising pARTy that benefits GEAR Fine and Performing Arts, the non-profit partner that brings arts education and programs to the Historic Palace Theatre and the adjacent Lemon Tree Gallery. The art lovers celebration includes a dinner catered by Gourmet Gang, a live and silent auction, and a champagne toast.
Costumes, including 60s- and 70s-era rock attire, are optional. Lead vocalist Bobby Alderman has always been a Rolling Stones fan, and was continually told “You look just like Mick Jagger!”, which eventually fueled his desire to recreate the iconic
moves, styles, and sounds of one of the greatest front men to grace the rock n’ roll stage. Bobby found the right band mates to create his vision for an authentic and accurate tribute. Lead guitarist and fellow Stones fanatic Mick Carls, who has played with his “idol’s idol” Chuck Berry and has meticulously studied every Stones guitarist, says that when Bobby invited him to play Keith Richards in the tribute band, his reply was, “I’ve been waiting most of my life for this phone call!”
Portraying the persona of drummer Charlie Watts is David Hunter, who has shared stages with countless national acts. “I find it both gratifying and humbling that I’ve now come full circle in my drumming career: from starting out as a young player imitating Charlie Watts to portraying him onstage today with The Wilder Horses band.” David Waltrip, who has opened for The Beach Boys, Fleetwood Mac, and Cheap Trick, plays the part of Bill Wymann on bass guitar. Robb Torgler, of Raw Beets and Butter fame, channels Ronnie Wood on guitar and vocals. Peter Pope, on keys, rhythm guitar, and percussion, plays the role of Chuck Lavelle, rounding out his talent
as a sound designer, composer, and voice actor.
Such a stellar lineup of musicians promises a rollicking good time. But the heart-thumping evening is more than just a chance to let your hair down. Every dollar raised supports GEAR Fine and Performing Arts, formerly Arts Enter, which has brought arts education and programs to Cape Charles for over two decades.
The Historic Palace Theatre, known for its art deco architecture and murals, is now privately owned and maintained, as is the other affiliated venue, Lemon Tree Gallery, which lessens the operational burden on GEAR Fine and Performing Arts. The non-profit is now able to focus fundraising efforts on direct programs, including an array of dance, theatre, and music instruction and performance opportunities. The season’s MainStage community performances include Gift of the Magi, on November 22-24, and in the spring, Shrek the Musical and The Jungle Book. Of note is new vocal instructor Megan Cartwright, who brings her passion and expertise for choral
music and musical theatre to the team.
GEAR Fine and Performing Arts also orchestrates the tradition of free, live entertainment on Friday nights at Lemon Tree Gallery, which showcases over 60 regional and local artists. The fall exhibition features Michelle Clark’s coastal-inspired metal jewelry as well as new work from the gallery’s resident artists, Thelma Peterson, Bethany Simpson, and Clelia Cardano Sheppard.
Upcoming Friday night performances include The Almshouse Jazz Project on Friday, October 11, Open Mic on October 18, and Some Sweet Day, a juke jazz and swing duo featuring Clark Lovelady and Sheila Sheppard, on October 26. As always, complimentary refreshments and a cash bar are offered at these free events.
GEAR also provides a venue for meaningful community dialogue. Lemon Tree’s program, Conversation Café, celebrates that everyone has a story, and gives the microphone on October 13 to Skip Bailey, a Capeville native who shares his journey from drug addiction to the stage to becoming a motivational coach.
On October 27 at 3:00 p.m., the Virginia Opera will return to Lemon Tree’s stage for an afternoon of arias and duets from favorite operas, operettas and musicals, performed by members of Virginia Opera’s prestigious Herndon Foundation Emerging Artist Program. Tickets are $20.00, with complimentary refreshments and cash bar.
The Cream of the Crop fundraising on October 26 supports the behind-the-scenes work of GEAR Fine and Performing Arts that makes all of these programs possible.
The Stones have shouted for decades that they can’t get no satisfaction. But for one night at the Palace Theatre, Cape Charles arts supporters just might.
Tickets for Cream of the Crop: A Rolling Stones Tribute Featuring Wilder Horses are $50 per person, and sponsorship opportunities are available. For a full schedule of classes, performances, and events, and to purchase tickets or become a sponsor, visit GEARfineandperformingarts.org, call Lemon Tree Gallery at (757)-331-4327, or visit the gallery at 301 Mason Avenue in Cape Charles.