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ONE of The Beatles big hits was Day Tripper and there just happens to be an entertaining trio of music makers in Port Macquarie who call themselves The Day Trippers.
“We enjoy the great music of the ‘60s - not just The Beatles - but anything from the swinging sixties,” says singer guitarist and ABC Mid North Coast radio morning presenter Michael Spooner.
Also in the band is fellow ABC personality, breakfast host Cameron Marshall, who is a well known man about town through his emcee work for local community groups and his stage presence at The Players Theatre.
His partner and fellow theatre actor Alison Doak lends her beautiful voice and authentic costume talents to the band.
Doak doubles in the duo Sugar and Spice and her most recent role at The Players was as M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias.
She is lead vocal on favourites including the Shirelles’ Please Mr Postman (also a Beatles hit) and Dusty Springfield’s I Only Want To Be With You, among others.
Spooner has more than 30 years in the musical industry and is the band’s driving force.
His particular love is the ‘60s and its music, having been a member of resident Sydney’s Marble Bar cover band The Echoes.
With a combination of ex-Beatnix members he was instrumental in bringing The Australian Beatles Show to the stage, with authentic costumes and instruments. The Australian Beatles Show toured Australia, Canada and the USA.
Joining The Day Trippers for the festival are Central Coast drummer Dave Rowe and local bass player Ken Churchill, who between them have played for musical royalty including Chuck Berry, Johnny O’Keefe, Jade Hurley and Cole Joy.
Spooner will catch up with former colleagues and friends in the latest incarnation of The Beatnix at Port Macquarie Panthers on Saturday at 8pm.
The Day Trippers feature on Westport Park on Saturday at 2pm and Sunday 12.30pm, playing mainly early hits of the Beatles.
Their set also includes other legendary ‘60s music from legends the Rolling Stones, The Searchers, Kinks, Foundations, Manfred Mann, and Australia’s Easybeats.
