In the community

Eagles tribute band to play in Ontario

The Eagles tribute band The Boys of Summer are set to play at the FRCC on Friday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m. (Photo courtesy of The Boys of Summer)

ONTARIO – They criss-cross the West in a travel van pulling a trailer packed with equipment but The Boys of Summer relish every minute.

“We usually travel between six to eight hours for an average gig,” said Darrel Monson.

Monson, who plays lead guitar and vocals for the Eagles tribute band, will be front and center at Four Rivers Cultural Center’s performing arts theater Friday, Aug. 24, for a show that kicks off at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door, at the FRCC gift shop or by going online to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boys-of-summer-tickets-46544265150 .

“They are the only tribute band sanctioned by the Eagles. They are great, and I am proud to have them,” said Matt Stringer, cultural center executive director.

The Ontario stop is part of the band’s Endless Summer Tour that includes 30 cities, festivals and fairs across the West.

Munson said The Boys of Summer attracts a wide swath of Eagles fans and the concerts “are a lot of fun.”

“It is like a family really. You see people of all ages singing the words to the songs. We enjoy connecting that way,” said Monson.

Considered one of the most successful bands in rock history, the Eagles formed in Los Angeles in 1971 and recorded five No. 1 singles and claimed six Grammy Awards and five American Music Awards. Munson said the Eagles music, especially the writing, is what hooked The Boys of Summer.

“Their vocals are so compelling,” said Monson. The Boys of Summer formed in 2004 in Los Angeles, said Munson.

“We had been doing a lot of different classic rock but realized we’d get a lot more contact with people if we changed to an Eagles tribute,” said Monson.

The Boys of Summer consists of Monson, Jimmy Williamson on drums and vocals, Dave Williams and Chad Quist on guitar and vocals, Christ Turbis, keyboards, saxophones and vocals, and Rich Berglund, bass and vocals.

Monson said if you are an Eagles fan then the best reason to come hear The Boys of Summer is the music.

Monson said if you aren’t an Eagles fan, you should give the band a try.

“It is a perfect marriage of male vocals and rock and roll,” said Monson.

Stringer said the music of the Eagles runs deep through the area.

“I thought local people could really enjoy it. Music can generate memories better than anything,” said Stringer.

Reporter Pat Caldwell: pat@malheurenterprise. com or 541-473-3377.