KISSNATION rocking The Strand
ZELIENOPLE – KISSNATION, one of the world's most renowned KISS tribute bands, is going to rock The Strand on Saturday.
Born and bred on the same New York City streets as KISS, KISSNATION has been wowing crowds on the tribute scene for over 15 years.
Ron Carter, executive director of The Strand Initiative, said the band has played in much larger theaters, concert halls, cruise ships and festivals to tens of thousands of fans all over the world.
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"Through a special arrangement with their booking agent, Lisa Gandia, they have agreed to make their debut in the intimate setting of The Strand. Here, you’ll see every ‘spaceman’ guitar lick, ‘star child’ pucker, ‘catman’ cymbal crash and ‘demon’ fire breath from as close as an arm’s length," Carter said.
The Strand is also offering a VIP Meet 'N Greet where you can meet the band and take photos before the doors open to the general public.
"With their talent and fiery passion they will put on truly great rock and roll show," Carter said.
Billy "Star Child" May said he is excited to be at The Strand because he enjoys experiencing new places and meeting new people.
"I particularly like it when families come and parents bring their son or daughter to introduce them to the music they love," May said.
"It is an honor to be playing the songs I love and meet up with like-minded people," he said.
Because May and the other members of the group have day jobs, May said on his days off he can put on the star, get on stage and be a superstar. Clad in tight spandex and 7-inch leather heels, the star bearer is the quintessential rock star with smooth vocals and enchanting looks.
May said walking in the 7-inch heels is not a problem, but prancing, kicking and jumping are more challenging.
It takes about four hours for the entire group to get costumes and make-up ready for a performance, but May said he has his bit down to about 40 minutes.
"It's a labor of love being in the band playing the music we love. We want to give the audience the show that they expect," he said.
May has been a KISS fan as long as he can remember.
"I learned to play the guitar and sing listening to their music," he said. "I recall standing in front of the mirror in my bedroom practicing the music and moves and, now two decades later, here I am.
"I never thought about being in a tribute band. I thought they were bands with an identity crisis," May said. "When I was told my voice was similar to Paul Stanley, who I admired, and when I was invited I joined KISSNATION, I knew it was for me. I always liked being on stage and I learned how important tribute bands are and how much fun it is playing the music I love."
Before becoming the 'Star Child,' May was a songwriter and continues to hone his skills.
KISSINATION said they differ from other KISS tribute bands by performing songs, not only from KLASSIC '70s KISS but also KISS from the '80s, '90s and 2000s. They perform any KISS song of any era from the Make-Up or Non-Make-Up years.
KISSNATION is celebrating the band they love with KISS fans from all over.
What: KISSNATION
Where: The Strand Theater, 119 North Main St., Zelienople
When: 2 and 7:30 p.m. March 11
Admission: $38 Reserved seating or $58 for VIP Pre-show Meet 'N Greet Use Keycode VIP
Doors for VIP Meet ‘N Greet open at 1 p.m. for the matinee and 6:30 p.m. for the evening performance.Information: www.thestrandtheater.org 724-742-0400
This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Get ready to rock Saturday with KISSNATION
