Marc Martel stars in “The Ultimate Queen Celebration” April 27 at Governor’s State University.
The unseen artist behind some of the Freddie Mercury vocals in the award-winning movie “Bohemian Rhapsody” will bring Mercury and his music to life at “The Ultimate Queen Celebration” April 27 at Governors State University.
After six years and more than 160 shows with the tribute band, Martel has created his own version of a Queen tribute and taken it on the road.
“The Ultimate Queen Celebration” features 23 renowned Queen songs performed by Martel, including "Radio Gaga," "Tie Your Mother Down," "Fat Bottomed Girls," "Killer Queen," "Somebody to Love” and the iconic "Bohemian Rhapsody."
Lana Rogachevskaya, executive director for GSU’s Center for Performing Arts, said there was no question that the Center would take the opportunity to showcase Martel after hearing him sing.
“When I received an email from Marc’s agent and then listened to his sound and then shared it with our team, everybody told me ‘Lana, this is the real deal,’” she said.
Rogachevskaya said the audience of more than 1,000 people will be in for a “spectacle” at GSU’s “cozy venue with a big, spectacular sound.” The Center will rent additional equipment to enhance their existing state-of-the-art equipment, she said, so the audience will get the full Mercury-Martel effect.
Ticket holders who can’t get too much of a good thing can add a VIP Package for an additional $54, getting a bit of personal time with Martel, GSU patron manager Jane Cox said.
The package includes Martel singing some of the “more popular” songs during “an authentic sound check” at 4:30 p.m., offering participants “a behind-the-scenes” experience, Cox said. A reception with appetizers and a concert-themed complimentary drink will be part of the package, as well as a meet-and-greet with Martel at 7 p.m. which includes autographed CDs and posters and photos taken by a staff photographer.
“From what I understand from his agent, Marc is very, very warm with his fans…,” Cox said.
A silent auction for all ticket holders will take place in the lobby from 6 to 7:30 p.m. with rock and roll memorabilia, including autographed posters of the Rolling Stones and Beatles, a photo booth with vintage props and a cash bar.
Etc.: VIP Package for an additional $54 includes events and reception beginning at 4:30 p.m.
Ginger Brashinger is a freelancer for the Daily Southtown.