The F. Ritchie Walton Performing Arts Center was transformed into a time machine Friday evening, taking the packed audience back in time more than 40 years.

After an introduction for 1964: A Tribute, a band that mimics The Beatles, the would-be fab four made their way onto the stage amid shrieks and screams reminiscent of the response the actual Beatles garnered when they first set foot on U.S. soil a couple of generations ago.

The mock Beatles began their show with a stirring performance of When I Saw Her Standing There, and then followed with a string of songs including I Wanna Hold Your Hand, Love Me Doand She Loves You. Thunderous applause followed each song, and in different sections of the packed auditorium people could be seen swaying back and forth to the beat of the songs.

All of My Lovin'brought out the singing talents of the audience as a majority sang out loud with the "Paul," "John," "George" and "Ringo."

"I hear your singing and your singing sounds real good," Jimmy Pou said to the audience.

Pou plays George Harrison.

In between songs Pou, Gary Grimes (Paul McCartney), Greg George (Ringo Starr) and Mark Benson (John Lennon) used Beatlesque witty banter, providing a chance to not only sing like the Beatles but talk like them.

Two of the songs that received the greatest reaction wereHard Days' Nightand Can't Buy Me Love. Both songs created an atmosphere that almost required the entire audience to sing along. And at the end of the performance it was apparent that all were entertained.

"We've seen them before three months ago at the Beef and Boards in Indianapolis," said Cathy Mills, Kokomo, who was at the concert with her friend Laura Fulbright. "They put on a great show, and are very entertaining with their original costumes."

Craig Armstrong, Marion, also enjoyed himself at the show.

"I'm a big Beatles fan, and this about as close as anyone will get to seeing the Beatles band when they first became popular," Armstrong said.

Others in attendance came out due to their love of what became a worldwide phenomenon.

"I just enjoy their music, probably more than when they were big," said Steve Gates, Fairmount. "I like the history, and the biggest thing for me tonight is how remarkable it is that they can mimic the Beatles sound so closely."

Originally published April 2, 2005