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Live Review: The Artimus Pyle Band and SoulShine at the Stadium Theatre

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photo by Luca DePalo

by Luca DePalo, Contributing Blogger

The Artimus Pyle Band and SoulShine

Stadium Theatre, Woonsocket, RI

February 20, 2026

On an gloomy night in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, snow was falling through the streetlights. Just down the block, the Stadium Theatre was buzzing with life. Inside, the sound of rock music was loud and clear. The Artimus Pyle Band and SoulShine were co-headlining a show with drums, screaming guitars, and a lot of energy that made the cold weather outside feel forgotten.

photo by Luca DePalo

The crowd was packed into the theater, excited and waiting for the show to start. When the lights went down, SoulShine, the Allman Brothers Experience walked out to a cheer. They started playing away with their first song, “Statesboro Blues,” from 1971. The room lit up with energy. The bluesy guitar riffs and deep bass lines filled every seat pulsing with electricity. It felt like Duane and Gregg Allman’s spirit was there just like when they started the Allman Brothers Band in 1969.

SoulShine kept playing hit after hit. “Blue Sky,” “Ramblin’ Man,” and “Midnight Rider.” Every song was loud and full of soul like the originals. The two guitar players traded solos that soared above the lights while the rhythm section kept everything tight. People were singing along, swaying to the music and getting lost in the groove. Some knew every word while others were just amazed by the band’s performance. After an hour, it was clear that SoulShine wasn’t just covering Allman Brothers songs. They were really channeling the band.

photo by Luca DePalo

Then it was time for Lynyrd Skynyrd classics, loud and live. The lights went down again. The Artimus Pyle Band took the stage. You could feel that this was something. There was something about the way they played. The first chords of “Workin’ For MCA” rang out. The spotlight hit the drum throne. Artimus Pyle himself playing with the same fire that made him a legend. The whole band locked into that Skynyrd groove.

Lets be clear. This band isn’t just a tribute. They’re carrying on the legacy of rock with help from two guys who helped build that legacy. Up front was Barry Lee Harwood, who joined APB most recently in 2025 and brings a lot of rock history. He played with the Allen Collins Band and the Rossington Collins Band. Added his dobro and mandolin to Skynyrd’s “Nuthin’ Fancy,” “Gimme Back My Bullets,” and “Street Survivors.”

photo by Luca DePalo

Of course, Artimus Pyle himself behind the drums. A Skynyrd member from 1975 to 1977 then back again from 1987 to 1991. He’s the surviving member of Skynyrd’s classic lineup, and he lived through the bands infamous 1977 plane crash that killed Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, Cassie Gaines, the assistant road manager, and both pilots. As Artimus said, “If it wasn’t for Ronnie Van Zant there would be no thing as the band.”

Since leaving Skynyrd, Artimus has had a career. Solo records, projects, all paying tribute to southern rock’s finest. The Artimus Pyle Band doesn’t just play the hits. They bring the era’s energy right back to the stage.

photo by Luca DePalo

One standout moment was the band’s dobro player letting those shimmering slides ring out and giving songs like “Tuesdays Gone” an edge that pulled everyone in. The set kept going with classics. “Gimme Three Steps,” “Call Me the Breeze,” and, of course, the anthem. “Sweet Home Alabama.”

Then, right before the end the unmistakable opening of “Free Bird,” everything shifted. The crowd held its breath during that intro waiting for the storm to hit. Then came the epic guitar solo. Furious, relentless powerful. The energy in the room was off the charts. When it finally ended, the audience exploded into a standing ovation knowing they’d just witnessed something they’d never forget.

photo by Luca DePalo

As the band took their bows and the lights came up fans filtered back outside, the snow was still falling. Now everyone carried a little warmth with them. The energy and spirit of southern rock echoing down the quiet wintry streets of Woonsocket.

Looking Ahead

You can find upcoming tour dates for the Artimus Pyle Band on the “Tour” page of the band’s website. APB dates are currently listed for Missouri, Kansas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New Hampshire, and New Jersey. The “Upcoming Shows” section of the SoulShine website currently lists just a single date – March 7 in Mamaroneck, NY – but that’s where to check as more shows are added. And those of you in or near Woonsocket can check out the “Events” page of the Stadium Theatre’s website to see the theater’s upcoming calendar of events.

Live Review: 1964 The Tribute at the Stadium Theatre

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photo by Luca DePalo

by Luca DePalo, Contributing Blogger

1964 The Tribute

Stadium Theatre, Woonsocket, RI

January 16, 2026

Friday night at the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket, Rhode Island was a night like no other. The Beatles tribute band “1964 The Tribute” performed a 30-track set of nonstop hits by the early era of one of the world’s most legendary groups.

Walking into the old timey venue, the chill of the January air faded almost instantly. The Stadium Theatre’s vintage architecture, bright marquee, and packed lobby set the tone. This wasn’t just a concert, it felt like stepping through a time portal. Fans of all ages filled the seats, from longtime Beatles diehards to younger listeners experiencing these songs live for the first time, all buzzing with the same anticipation.

photo by Luca DePalo

As the lights dimmed and the band members took their places, the transformation was complete. Late night host Ed Sullivan appeared on the screen, introducing the band just as he had decades ago during February of 1964. The familiar announcement drew cheers and laughter, through old advertisements for companies, setting the stage for what felt less like a tribute show and more like a recreation of a historic television moment.

From there, 1964 The Tribute burst into action, performing the single “I Saw Her Standing There.” Instantly, the sold out audience was captured by the sound, look, and youthful energy of The Beatles at the height of Beatlemania. Dressed in matching suits and armed with period-correct instruments, they embodied the early years of the Fab Four like no other act around.

photo by Luca DePalo

Throughout the first half of the night, the band performed iconic hits such as “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” the harmonica-filled “Please Please Me,” the unique “All My Loving,” and the vibrant “I Should Have Known Better.” And not only did they play the part, but they acted like the part. Each member would fool around like the young boys they once were, and crack jokes back and forth!

The Beatles just have that iconic sound… almost like blues yet rock and also a form of folk at times. And throughout every single track, every instrument sounded like you were listening to the album in the early ’60s. There are many Beatles tribute acts out there, but nobody can do it as well. 1964 The Tribute has been touring the world since 1984 and frontman Mark Benson (who played as John Lennon) can still perform at top!

And with each member having their unique talent, some surprises throughout the night included the George Harrison-fronted “Do You Want To Know a Secret,” the Ringo Starr-fronted “Boys,” and the screeching John Lennon vocals on “Twist and Shout.”

photo by Luca DePalo

Track after track flew by in a flood of hits, each one met with cheers, claps, and spontaneous sing-alongs. The crowd swayed, smiled, and sang along to every familiar lyric, proving that more than sixty years later, this music still connects generations.

After a short intermission, the band returned back onto the stage, performing “Day Tripper,” “Help,” “She Loves You,” and 20 more classic tracks!

Each song was vibrant and energetic; however, the night slowed down as Mac Ruffing (who played Paul McCartney) walked up to the front of the stage, introducing the 1965 hit “In My Life.” Right then and there, the Stadium Theatre lit up in a display of the audience’s phone lights… almost as a remembrance of John Lennon and George Harrison’s legacy. The song was definitely my favorite of the night.

By the end of the evening, the Stadium felt less like a historic venue in Woonsocket and more like a roaring 1960s concert hall, leaving the audience warmed, nostalgic, and reminded why The Beatles’ legacy continues to endure.

What a great night!

photo by Luca DePalo

Looking Ahead

1964 The Tribute has upcoming concerts scheduled in Arizona, California, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, Maryland, Ohio, and Tennessee. See the “Shows” page of the band’s website for dates, locations, and ticket links for those shows and others, as they’re added.