Collins, Binder team up for Beatles cabaret show

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Maureen Collins of Easy Street Productions and Valley singer-songwriter Leanne Binder will join voices for an evening of the Beatles music Friday and Saturday at the DeYor Perfoming Arts Center.

The duo, along with a little help from the Easy Street Little Rascals, will perform more than 25 hits from the Fab Four’s catalog, including their early “mop-top” classics, psychedelic rock anthems and timeless ballads. Selections will include “Twist and Shout,” “Help,” “Yesterday,” “Blackbird,” “Here Comes the Sun,” “Oh Darling,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “A Little Help from My Friends” and “Get Back.”

Part of Easy Street’s Cabaret Nights concert series, the show will transform Overture Restaurant and the adjacent Flad Pavilion into a unique performance venue. The series showcases artists in an intimate cabaret setting that is unique to downtown with table seating and a wait staff serving cocktails. A small plate menu prepared by Chef Jeff Chrystal will be available.

Tickets are $25; for reservations, call 330-744-0264 or go to youngstownsymphony.com.

Doors open at 6 p.m., and the music starts at 7:30.

Collins and Binder discussed the show in this exchange:

Q. You both are local legends of the Youngstown music scene. When did you meet?

Collins: I had seen Leanne performing at many venues. I heard her sing “Bobby McGee” and decided I would never sing it again! However, we actually met last year in March preparing for the first Valley of the Divas fundraiser.

Q. The Beatles have such a huge song catalog. Was it hard picking a song list for the concert?

Binder: No. I think when Maureen and I sat down to sing together, the songs just kind of picked themselves.

Q. What is your favorite Beatles song and why?

Binder: Probably “Hey Jude.” I love the build in the song. It’s an anthem. And I love the whiskey vocals at the end of it!

Collins: If I had to pick a favorite it would be “In My Life.” I love the message, and the melody gets me every time. I miss John!

Q. Who was your favorite Beatle and why?

Collins: John Lennon, of course. His cocky, crazy attitude made him my favorite.

Binder: Paul ... no, John ... no wait, George ... no, Ringo. Was that an answer?”

Q. Is there any song that you are particularly looking forward to performing?

Collins: I’m looking forward to singing harmony all night. Our voices just work together. Love doing “Get Back” and “Come Together,” and Leanne convinced me to do the lead on “Don’t Let Me Down.” It’s probably the most “rock” I’ve ever sung.

Q. Maureen, what will your Little Rascals be performing?

Collins: The Rascals will perform some solos we used for my last workshop as well as joining Leanne and I on some audience participation songs like “Ob La Di,” “Let it Be” and “Yellow Submarine.”