Bobbie Bandiera, above, will bump Roy Orbison to pay homage to the changeable David Bowie at the Count Basie Theatre in April. (Click to enlarge.)

Press release from Count Basie Theatre

Two weeks ago, the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank announced a concert event featuring Bobby Bandiera’s Jersey Shore Rock n’ Soul Revue, and its tribute to an artist who’s long loomed as a genuine inspiration for the veteran Shore scene singer and guitarist: Roy Orbison.

And then, the world lost David Bowie.

On Wednesday, the decision was made to rebrand the upcoming show as CHANGES: A Tribute to the Music of David Bowie. The show will still star Bobby and his Jersey Shore Rock n’ Soul Revue ensemble, paying tribute an artist whose loss is still resonating worldwide.

“I loved him,” Bandiera said in a statement. “I loved his innovative take on music — he was truly original. To pay tribute to him, I think, is appropriate, and it will be a wonderful evening for everyone.

“We will do the Orbison tribute again in the future,” added Bandiera, whose 1988 single “Come On Caroline” boasted a memorable cover of Orby’s take on “Mean Woman Blues.”  “…but I felt it important to pay homage to David’s work, and the Basie agreed this would be a special night.”

CHANGES: A Tribute to the Music of David Bowie will take place on Saturday, April 23, and ticketholders for the previously-announced Roy Orbison tribute will be honored. However, if patrons would prefer to receive a refund, they may contact the Count Basie Theatre box office at (732)842-9000 no later than February 20.

Tickets (priced at $99, $49, $39, $29, $25) can be purchased online here. A limited number of tickets in the $99 price range include a post-show meet and greet with Bandiera and band.

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In Bobby-related news, the Basie announced that last December’s “Hope 8” and “… And Even More Hope” benefit concerts raised more than one-half million dollars for its beneficiaries. Organized by and starring Bobby Bandiera, the December 23 shows drew the participation of Jon Bon Jovi, Blondie’s Debbie Harry, Beaver Brown Band frontman John Cafferty, and rock ‘n roll pioneer Gary U.S. Bonds to a night of holiday music and hits that raised $136,581 each for the twin beneficiaries of the 7 pm show, 180 Turning Lives Around  and the VNA Health Group. The second show benefitted Mary’s Place by the Sea in Ocean Grove and netted $267,823 for the cancer respite center.

In addition, $10 from every ticket from the early HOPE show, coupled with monies raised during an October effort on theBASIE.org, netted $16,000 for the theatre’s “Arts for All” initiative with the Red Bank Middle School.

“The annual HOPE concerts are the best way I know to give back to a community that has given so much to me, and to many others,” said Bandiera. “This year’s beneficiaries go a long way to make our area vibrant, safe and healthy, and that has always been the spirit of HOPE.”

Since 2003, Bandiera’s HOPE concert series has raised more than $3 million for myriad of local causes, including Red Bank’s Parker Family Health Center, ALS research, the Valerie Fund, HORIZONS Student Enrichment Program and the non-profit Count Basie Theatre itself.