Trans-Siberian tribute band will do benefit shows

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Uplifting sounds of the holiday season will be presented Friday and Saturday when LivinTale, a Trans-Siberian Orchestra tribute group, performs at the Perry Park Center.

The Christmas-themed concerts also are serving as fundraisers for the family of Kacey Berkbuegler, a senior at St. Vincent High School in Perryville who died in November after a battle with cancer.

"We're looking forward to performing," said Mark Meyer, vocalist and guitarist for LivinTale. "It will be an artistic experience for a great cause."

LivinTale was formed in 2011, Meyer said, and is made of 10 musicians from Perry and Cape Girardeau counties. The group performs the songs from the famed Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the progressive rock band noted for their series of rock operas such as "Christmas Eve and Other Stories," "The Christmas Attic" and "The Lost Christmas Eve."

LivinTale brings visual theater to its performances through lighting techniques, and its music will consist of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's "Wizards in Winter" and "Sarajevo 12/24" along with holiday classics such as "Carol of the Bells."

"We give people what they want," Meyer said. "It's just not on a $1 million budget like the Trans-Siberian Orchestra."

The music performed by LivinTale will enhance the Christmas spirit, Meyer said.

"A lot of people think of just shopping around this time," he said. "That's not what this concert is about. It's about the music."

Jennifer Lopez, theater supervisor at the Perry Park Center, said she was thrilled a local group of such caliber would be performing there.

"LivinTale is always willing to give back to the community," Lopez said. "What they present is very family-friendly. It should be a spectacular show."

The LivinTale concerts are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Perry Park Center, 800 City Park Drive, in Perryville. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 a person, with $1 from each ticket sold going to Kacey Berkbuegler's family. Tickets can be bought at the Perry Park Center or by calling 573-547-7275.

klewis@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address: 800 City Park Drive, Perryville, MO