HARBOR BEACH —In three years for the seventh time , a Salute to the Superstars concert was conducted in Harbor Beach. The concert gave tribute to three of this country’s legendary performers Shania Twain, Cher, and Rod Stewart.
Bringing life to Shania Twain, Kelly Smith gave an brillent tribute to the county singer. When one reads Smith’s credentials, it is no wonder that she is able to portray Twain. Her credits include working with Roy Clark, Wayne Newton, Jim Stafford and others.
The second outstanding performance was given by Mr. Art Reed. He performed a stellar tribute to the great Rod Stewart. Whether singing or talking to the audience, Reed never fell out of character. His voice and accent was remarkably close to the legendary Stewart.
Last, but certainly not least, was a tribute to Cher. The salute to her was specially noteworthy because it was also performed by Kelly Smith. Totally changed in character and vocal pattern, Smith sang several of Cher’s hits from the 1970s to present day. From the long black hair to the gravel voice, Kelly Smith was ‘right on’ in this spectacular impersonation of this renown story.
Cher/Kelly took time out after the concert to mingle with the audience. She shook hands, posed for individual footages and talked to anyone who stayed afterward. She was an obvious hit with Steve McHugh (above right), one of several people to stay after the show to have a photograph taken with her.
According to Al Kleinknecht, this concert series began 3-4 years ago.
“It started by daydreaming,” he said.
While attending a local wedding, he was highly impressed by a Frank Sinatra impersonator. Kleinknecht, head of the Harbor Beach Maritime Festival Committee, thought the use of impersonators may be a good way to generate funds for the summer festival.
After researching tribute performers, Kleinknecht gathered a pair of volunteers. And, as they say on television, “the rest is history.”
Of course, it wasn’t quite that simple. But after a lot of hard work, it did turn out to be remunerative.
Five concerts have been held to benefit the Maritime Festival.
Two were conducted to benefit American soldiers who have ties with the Harbor Beach area.
And, according to Kleinknecht, over $10,000 has been raised.
Bringing life to Shania Twain, Kelly Smith gave an brillent tribute to the county singer. When one reads Smith’s credentials, it is no wonder that she is able to portray Twain. Her credits include working with Roy Clark, Wayne Newton, Jim Stafford and others.
The second outstanding performance was given by Mr. Art Reed. He performed a stellar tribute to the great Rod Stewart. Whether singing or talking to the audience, Reed never fell out of character. His voice and accent was remarkably close to the legendary Stewart.
Last, but certainly not least, was a tribute to Cher. The salute to her was specially noteworthy because it was also performed by Kelly Smith. Totally changed in character and vocal pattern, Smith sang several of Cher’s hits from the 1970s to present day. From the long black hair to the gravel voice, Kelly Smith was ‘right on’ in this spectacular impersonation of this renown story.
Cher/Kelly took time out after the concert to mingle with the audience. She shook hands, posed for individual footages and talked to anyone who stayed afterward. She was an obvious hit with Steve McHugh (above right), one of several people to stay after the show to have a photograph taken with her.
According to Al Kleinknecht, this concert series began 3-4 years ago.
“It started by daydreaming,” he said.
While attending a local wedding, he was highly impressed by a Frank Sinatra impersonator. Kleinknecht, head of the Harbor Beach Maritime Festival Committee, thought the use of impersonators may be a good way to generate funds for the summer festival.
After researching tribute performers, Kleinknecht gathered a pair of volunteers. And, as they say on television, “the rest is history.”
Of course, it wasn’t quite that simple. But after a lot of hard work, it did turn out to be remunerative.
Five concerts have been held to benefit the Maritime Festival.
Two were conducted to benefit American soldiers who have ties with the Harbor Beach area.
And, according to Kleinknecht, over $10,000 has been raised.
