Candice McMahon
For The Morning Star
Keep a lookout for The Day Trippers to strut across the crosswalk at 30th Avenue and 31st Street in downtown Vernon Saturday night, as they head on up the stairs of the Vernon Jazz Club.
Not quite Abbey Road, those on the street may do a double take when they see them, as The Day Trippers are actually a Beatles’ tribute band based out of Vancouver.
The band is said to embody the exuberance of the early 1960s’ spirit, which The Beatles brought to the stage with them during what are known as their peak performing years.
Rhythm guitarist Marty Zylstra grew up in several Canadian provinces, from northern B.C., the Prairies and Northern Ontario, and learned to sing from gospel hymns and old-time rock and roll. He eventually took up the guitar, influenced by his musical hero John Lennon.
Lead guitarist Mike Coutts brings that special something that his idol George Harrison possessed to The Day Trippers.
Born and raised in Vancouver, his passion for music was sparked as a kid by listening to his parents’ Beatles albums. He picked up the guitar at age 19 and left-handed taught himself to play right-handed, just like Harrison.
Nick Jones provides a rock solid foundation for The Day Trippers on bass and lends his great singing voice to the role of Paul McCartney.
Born in Burnaby, he spent most of his life on the East Coast in Sussex, N.B. His love of harmonies led to his love of The Beatles, and he has studied music all his life.
Drummer Mike Herle has always been enamoured with Ringo Starr’s amazing mastery on the skins.
Born in Saskatchewan, he enthusiastically played along with his sister’s Beatles’ albums and would go to play in jazz, wedding, and dance bands, as well as with the Regina Symphony.
The Day Trippers play a sold-out show at the Vernon Jazz Club (3000-31st St.) Saturday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. Cash only bar. More info on future Vernon Jazz Society gigs and ticket sales are available at www.vernonjazz.com.