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Summer ends with sizzling sounds
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BY SABRA STAFFORD

From the foot stomping beats of classic rock to the head-bopping pop songs, the 209 area will play host to a bevy of entertainment options as summer comes to a close.

The Gallo Center for the Arts, the Turlock Community Theatre, the West Side Theatre, the Bob Hope Theatre and the Merced Theatre have all scheduled a line-up of shows that will be bringing top notch acts and big name performers to the area.

For the music lovers there will be plenty of options to choose from, including rock and roll legends, country stars and tribute performances.

Up first on the bill is the Michael Jackson tribute show Foreverland at the Merced Theatre Aug. 21. Foreverland first debuted in 2009 in San Francisco and since then the 14-member band has been thrilling audiences from coast to coast. Featuring four vocalists and a horn and rhythm section, Foreverland isn’t about impersonating the King of Pop, but rather recreating the music that made him famous, from his early days in the Jackson 5 to his chart-topping “Thriller” days and hit making solo career. The group will take the stage in Merced at 8 p.m. Aug. 21. Tickets are $25 and are available at

mercedtheatre.org

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Speaking of the King, the West Side Theatre has a show for all those fans wanting to relive the hip-shaking shows of Elvis Presley. Unless the tabloids have it right, and Elvis is hiding somewhere in the Alaskan wilderness, the West Side Theatre likely has the next best option with Rob Ely. With his spot-on voice and gyrating hips, Ely is one of the most sought after Elvis tribute artists in the Bay Area and Northern California. He was crowned the “Best Overall Elvis” in 2013 by Thunder Valley Casino and was invited to perform the National Anthem as the King for the Oakland A’s. Ely will perform at the West Side Theatre at 8 p.m. Aug. 22. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $23 for reserved seating. For tickets visit westsidetheatre.org.

Area fans will get a chance to experience a show from a legendary performer when Pat Benatar takes the stage at the Turlock Community Theatre. Benatar, who was recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, will be joined on stage with her guitarist and husband Neil “Spyder” Giraldo. The duo is hitting stages across the country as part of their 35th Anniversary Tour and is performing some of their biggest hits, including “Shadows of the Night,” “Love is a Battlefield” and perhaps their best known song – “Hit Me With Your Best Shot.” The duo will be performing at the Turlock Community Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25. Tickets range from $49 to $79 and are available at

turlocktheatre.org

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For those wanting to hear songs released in this millennium, then the appearance of 3 Doors Down at the Gallo Center for the Arts should fit the bill. Formed in 1995, the Mississippi rock quintet hit the big time in 2000 with their hit “Kryptonite” and their album “The Better Life” went platinum. Over the years the band has sold more than 16 million albums worldwide, garnered three Grammy nominations, two American Music Awards, and five BMI Pop Awards for songwriting, including BMI’s coveted "Songwriter of the Year" award. 3 Doors Down will be at the Gallo at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 30. Tickets range from $39 to $79 and are available at

galloarts.org

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For those whose music taste runs toward country, the Merced Theatre is bringing singer and “American Idol” alum Kellie Pickler. America warmed up to the quirky Pickler during her run on the popular singing competition. Her presence on country radio stations grew with the release of her first album, “Small Town Girl,” which included the hits “Red High Heels” and “I Wonder.” Her second album included four top hits and in 2013 she was crowned the winner of “Dancing With the Stars.” She’s working on her fifth album and a television show with her husband Kyle Jacobs. “An Evening With Kellie Pickler" is set for 8 p.m. Sept. 18. Tickets range from $40 to $55 and are available at

mercedtheatre.org

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What would a person get if they combined Journey and Foreigner? Well, in addition to some great classic rock music, they’d have Forejour. Forejour is a one-of-a-kind tribute band that combines the music of the two iconic 80s bands. The band’s set list includes hits like “Don’t Stop Believing,” “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” and “Send Her My Love.” Forejour will be taking the stage at the West Side Theatre at 8 p.m. Sept. 19. Tickets are $17 general admission and $20 for reserved seating and are available at

westsidetheatre.org

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For those wanting even more classic rock, George Thorogood and the Destroyers will be cruising into the Bob Hope Theatre in Stockton on Sept. 22. The band’s “Badder Than Ever Tour” features a set list of some of rock music’s most well known hits, including “Who Do You Love,” “I Drink Alone,” “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,” “Move It On Over,” and “Bad To The Bone.” The show is set for 7:30 p.m. Sept. 22 and tickets start at $37.50. For tickets visit

stocktonlive.com

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These are just a few of the entertainment options in the 209. For a full fall line-up, check out these venues online: The Merced Theatre, The West Side Theatre, The Gallo Center for the Arts, The Turlock Community Theatre and The Bob Hope Theatre.