By LAURIE COKER
Special to the PARADE
The El Paseo Foundation’s April 20–21 presentation of Lucy’s Diamonds, a Beatles tribute band, delivered an evening rooted in nostalgia and clear affection for The Beatles’ music. Structured around more than 30 songs, the performance traced the group’s evolution, accompanied by a pictorial slideshow that provided context not only through images of the band itself but also through snapshots of the eras that shaped their rise. That added historical layer gave the evening a sense of time and place beyond the music alone.
The setlist was impressively broad, spanning early hits like “Love Me Do” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand” to later, more complex works such as “Strawberry Fields,” “Come Together,” and “Let It Be.”
This progression let the audience experience the band’s artistic growth in a live setting. The pacing kept things moving, and the songs’ familiarity created an easy connection with the crowd. As a debut outing, Lucy’s Diamonds feels like the beginning of something. With plans to continue performing and booking future shows, the group shows promise as a heartfelt tribute celebrating the enduring appeal of The Beatles and the memories their music continues to inspire.
The band members brought both experience and evident passion to the stage. According to the program, guitarist and vocalist Rick Peña has performed in the Austin area for decades, while Doug Peña’s background in music theory and songwriting adds another layer of musical grounding. Drummer Mike Irene, with formal training from Berklee, anchored the group with a steady presence, and Scott Broberg rounded things out with additional instrumentation and vocals. Between songs, members shared anecdotal and historical insights, adding a personal and informative touch without slowing the momentum.
The Beatles are, of course, known for their remarkably tight harmonies and instantly recognizable vocal blend, a signature element that defines much of their sound. Lucy’s Diamonds captures that spirit and shows a clear appreciation for those layered vocals. With time and continued performances, the group seems well-positioned to grow even more confident in that area. Given that this was the group’s first public performance, the foundation is certainly there. The evening’s overall tone remained positive and engaging. The combination of a well-curated setlist, historical framing, and audience connection made for an enjoyable night.
El Paseo Foundation’s upcoming and final show of the season, ’Til Beth Do Us Part, is scheduled for May 5, 6, and 7, 2026, at the SPI Convention Center. This popular Southern-fried comedy by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten centers on Suzannah Hayden, who, hoping to revive her stagnant marriage, hires an ultra-efficient organizer named Beth—only to watch her home and relationship spiral into hilariously chaotic territory. Described as a high-energy “marital confection,” the play promises a lively, laugh-filled evening and a fitting, crowd-pleasing finale to the season.
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