Mandy Reed, of Hell's Belles.
From left, Adrian "Angus" Conner, Judy Cocuzza, Sharon Needles, Mandy Reed, Amber Saxon
Fans of timeless rock and roll music will get to see and hear a unique perspective on one of the best-selling bands in United States history at the Southwest Washington Fair.
Hell’s Belles, an all-female AC/DC tribute band, is scheduled to take the Saloon Stage at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18. The Belles have covered the extensive works of the group responsible for chart-toppers “Thunderstruck” and “For Those About to Rock” since 2000. Mandy Reed, who fills the role of longtime AC/DC bassist Cliff Williams, is the longest tenured member of the group and is looking forward to their first SWWF appearance.
“We don’t really rock like females,” Reed said. “Generally, people seeing us for the first time are curious and sometimes they’re unsure, but generally the consensus afterwards is really good, because we take it seriously. They’re our heroes. We don’t take it lightly, and it shows.”
The concert, like all 11 featured performances scheduled for the Aug. 14-19 event, is free to attend with the purchase of admission to the fair.
Reed and the Belles have toured extensively around the United States — mostly the western portion of the country — as well as stints in Canada, Japan and Singapore. Adrian Conner plays as lead AC/DC guitarist Angus Young, Amber Saxon handles the vocals originally sung by Bon Scott and Brian Johnson, and Judy Cocuzza channels Phil Rudd on drums.
“They draw huge crowds wherever they go,” said Pat Slusher, marketing coordinator for the fair. “People are excited about their appearance here.”
The Belles work a fair number of AC/DC hits into their ever-changing set list, but also try to play some of their lesser known tracks as a nod to the diehard fans in the audience.
Reed said she enjoys sharing the band’s music with people of all ages. Often times, they’ll see grandparents and grandchildren in the crowd equally immersed in the show.
“AC/DC music is timeless, so it has a wide, wide fanbase,” Reed said. “We actually prefer the all-ages shows because it’s fun up there with the kids rocking out. If we could do that all the time, we would.”
Another marquee show on the fair docket are performances by Beach Boys tribute band High Tide at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Aug. 15 at the Saloon Stage.
Members of the iconic surf music group have complimented the band for their work and attention to detail. Slusher said they’re the group you hire if you can’t get the Beach Boys themselves. Patrons should note the main seating area at the Saloon Stage will be shaded by a large tent this year.
A trio of country western artists — Bucky Covington, Wilson-Fairchild and Jackie Lee — will be making their lone appearances on the West Coast this summer at the Southwest Washington Fair.
Covington is scheduled to play the Saloon Stage at 7 p.m. on Aug. 16. He competed on the fifth season of American Idol on the Fox Network. His debut album in 2007 had the best first-week sales of any male country music artist in 15 years.
Wil and Langdon Reid, sons of Harold Reid and Don Reid of the Statler Brothers group that sang backup for Johnny Cash in the 1960s, account for the Wilson-Fairchild roster. Jackie Lee is a 26-year-old crooner from Tennessee whose 2016 single “Getting Over You” has been played more than 20 million times on Spotify.
“Everyone in Nashville said (Lee) is going to be big,” Slusher said. “It’s just a matter of time.”
Other free entertainment options slated for daily performances at the fair include past favorites Reptile Isle and The Pirate Parrot’s Show.
Reptile expert Donn Riggs was one of the most popular attractions at last year’s fair. He’ll be giving three presentations each day on the Midway Stage, this year with giant tortoises added to his array of animals.
Chris Biro brings a flock of colorful birds and a life-size pirate ship with him to perform throughout the day. The birds fly around the audience during the show, which also features discussions about recycling and conservation.
For a complete list of performers scheduled to appear at the fair, visit www.southwestwashingtonfair.org.
