Kiss fans, prepare to "Rock and Roll All Nite" as Strutter, the nationally recognized tribute band, is set to perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the YMCA Pickelner Arena, 320 Elmira St.
The band, which was formed in 1993, brings explosive energy to the stage and prides itself on duplicating the same antics, on-stage excitement and showmanship that Kiss fans around the world have come to expect.
Strutter, which is on a 12-city nationwide tour, will make its first appearance in Williamsport.
Members include lead singer Steven Stanley, bassist Bill Sabetta, guitarist Tony Sabetta and drummer Andrew French.
According to the band, the show includes authentic makeup, classic costuming, fire-breathing acts, smoking guitars and pyrotechnics.
Bill Sabetta, who plays Gene Simmons for the band, said that before Strutter's success he bounced around and played at local clubs with his brother Tony.
The two brothers had the vision to form Strutter after watching another band perform a Kiss tribute concert in their hometown of Akron, Ohio.
"There was just something missing," Bill said. "Makeup, explosions and rock-and-roll attitude are the things fans expect to see."
Bill said his band wanted to do it right and provide fans with a truly authentic experience.
Bill, who has been playing bass for more than 16 years, said the favorite part of the show for the band is the beginning, when the audience witnesses Strutter taking the stage.
"The audience's reaction is priceless," Bill said. "It is truly a sight to be seen."
Sabetta added that it usually takes up to an hour to make all the preparations and to apply the famous Kiss makeup recognized by fans around the world.
"Our performances include a mix of 'old school' '70s and '80s songs," Bill said. "The main purpose of Strutter is to stay true to Kiss and their music."
Band members said concert goers can expect to hear most of Kiss' hits, including "Heaven's On Fire," "Thrills in the Night" and "Rock and Roll All Nite."
The original Kiss gained notoriety during the mid-1970s and has recorded 36 albums over 32 years and has sold more than 75 million albums worldwide.
"Kiss is one of the most recognizable bands ever," Bill said.
The band decided on the name Strutter because it is one of the few songs that is a written collaboration between original Kiss founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.
Sabetta said, "The name just fits and feels right."
Besides Kiss, Strutter's influences include Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, The Scorpions and Rush.
According to YMCA officials, Strutter's upcoming concert also will benefit area residents, with some of the proceeds going toward the 'Strong Kids Campaign.'
Chad Eberhart, executive director of the West Branch YMCA, said each year the YMCA conducts fundraising campaigns to raise money for scholarships, so local families and children in need of financial assistance can participate in YMCA programs and activities.
Eberhart added that the money allotted for the 'Strong Kids Campaign' also goes to benefit senior citizens.
"It's worth noting that the band has agreed to help," Eberhart said. "These programs are important and benefit many families throughout our area."
Lance Ricci and Steve Koch of LJR Entertainment are credited with organizing the event and securing the funds toward this cause.
"The show should be quite the spectacle," Koch said. "I am very excited about the concert."
Tickets for the show are $25 at the door. For additional information, call 323-7134 or visit www.williamsportymca.org.
