KISS tribute to rock Crystal Beach and fundraise for local food banks

A KISS tribute concert is set to ‘Rock and Roll All Nite’ at the Crystal Ridge Community Centre on Saturday, featuring Creatures of the Night: Canada’s Tribute to KISS, with part of the proceeds being donated to COPE (Community Outreach Program Erie) and the Crystal Ridge Dream Center.

The last KISS tribute act that appeared locally during a Friendship Festival performance roughly two decades ago, according to organizer Jeff Hill.

Hill told Fort Erie Radio he decided to book the band after seeing them perform two times previously and finding the show stronger each time.

“They really come out of the woodwork when they play somewhere,” said Hill.

The tribute band recreates the music and stage identity associated with the original KISS lineup. Members perform in full makeup and costumes inspired by the band’s characters the Demon, the Starchild, the Spaceman and the Catman.

Creatures of the Night performs songs from the band’s catalogue including arena rock staples, although the Crystal Beach performance will not replicate all the large-scale fire effects often associated with KISS arena shows.

“It’s going to be a great night of music, and it’s KISS music. You can’t go wrong,” said Hill.

The Demon, Matthew Fyke, recreates Gene Simmons’s theatrical “blood spitting” effect, a hallmark element of KISS concerts since the 1970s. Hill described the guitarist Darren Coverdale, performing Ace Frehley role, as particularly strong on the band’s signature solos.

The concert also taps into a local audience with long familiarity with the group’s music. KISS has sold more than 120 million records worldwide and remains one of the best selling rock bands associated with the 1970s arena era.

Hill reported that his group at Fort Erie RONA has supported COPE for several years and began contributing to the Crystal Ridge Dream Center about two and a half years ago.

“We’re really trying to help out with the food banks because it is a tough time right now,” said Hill.

The Crystal Beach concert came together quickly, with tickets placed on sale about five weeks before the show date.

Tickets remain available on the Creatures of the Night’s website for $25.

Doors open at 7 p.m. at the Crystal Ridge Community Centre on Ridge Road South, with the performance scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

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