On October 22, 1976, Bob Seger released his Night Moves album. A few weeks later came its first single, and by February Bob Seger’s most important album reached #4 on Billboard’s Hot 100 — behind #1 Rod Stewart, #2 Andy Gibb, and #3 The Emotions. Lookin’ Back, Detroit’s first and Michigan’s best Bob Seger tribute band will bring it to life — the entire album — in order — on one of Michigan’s most beautiful historic stages. Michigan Theatre of Jackson, Allentown, Lookin’ Back (Powered by Tributesville) presents this unique classic rock double feature. Two of Michigan’s most respected tribute brands will share one special night with YOU – Jackson – again!
Patrons can look forward to “Night Moves in Allentown” featuring the full Allentown band as Lookin’ Back’s singers Silver Bullet Band. From the album that delivered hits like “Night Moves,” “Mainstreet,” and “Rock and Roll Never Forgets,” and the forgotten greats like “Ship of Fools” and “Sunburst” — will come alive and performed with note for note accuracy. Expect the grit, soul, and passion Bob Seger’s music deserves. No impersonator. No impressionist. No insincerity.
Then the “Silver Bullet Band” pushes their Piano Man Mark Calcott to front and center stage to kick off our 4th Annual Piano Man Anniversary Concert — MTJ’s 2nd consecutive November Piano Man Anniversary tradition.
Mark has curated this show titled “The Very Best of Allentown” — the band’s most polished and Marks favorite Billy Joel songs. If you were at MTJ on Billy’s Birthday May 9, 2026 you know exactly what to expect. If this will be your first time, THIS IS THE TIME to remember and won’t soon forget. Two classic rock icons, one special night. Both artists are members of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame, and Grammy Award Winners with combined record sales totaling over 300,000,000. Not to mention a long list the movie soundtrack appearances and MTV music videos.
Celebrate Night Moves and Piano Man by attending our “Night Moves in Allentown” — so Rock N’ Roll Never Forgets.
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An Open Letter About Our First Rehearsal Dinner Experience
**July 27, 2025**
Dear Friends, Fans, and Fellow Music Lovers,
Last Sunday, July 20th, we tried something completely new in the tribute band world – opening our rehearsal process to the public for the first time with our “Allentown Rehearsal Dinner.”
What started as an intimate gathering of 11 guests who purchased dinner tickets became something much larger when approximately 20 regular patrons at Prime 7 Restaurant & Bar walked into what turned out to be a free Billy Joel concert rehearsal. While this wasn’t exactly the controlled “golf tournament etiquette” environment we had planned, it created its own kind of magic.
**The Music Spoke for Itself**
Despite some initial challenges with crowd management and venue coordination, something remarkable happened once we started playing. Even the loudest conversations gradually quieted as the music took hold. By the end of our three-hour session, we had 31 people witnessing what I honestly believe was Allentown’s finest performance in our band’s history.
We worked on new song endings, fine-tuned arrangements, and yes – we had those authentic start-and-stop moments that define real rehearsals. The audience got to see the actual creative process, not a polished show. They witnessed professional musicians doing what we do best: making great music even better.
**Lessons Learned**
Every experiment teaches you something. We learned that our concept of offering “fly on the wall” access to professional rehearsals has real appeal – people were genuinely fascinated by the process. We also learned that successful execution requires better venue coordination and crowd management to create the respectful atmosphere that both the music and paying guests deserve.
**Looking Forward**
The band has never sounded better, and that’s what matters most. Whether we do another rehearsal dinner will depend on finding the right venue partnership and support structure. But what we proved last Sunday is that when Allentown takes the stage – rehearsal or performance – we deliver music that commands attention and respect.
To the 11 guests who trusted us with this new concept, thank you for your patience and support. To the 20 surprised patrons who stumbled into our world, we hope you enjoyed the unexpected journey through Billy Joel’s catalog.
And to everyone who believes in live music and the craft behind great performances – this is what we do. This is who we are. And we’re just getting started.
Founder, Drummer, and Band Leader
Allentown (Billy Joel Tribute)
Lookin’ Back (Bob Seger Tribute)
*Next up: Allentown returns to Albion, MI on August 3rd with a special surprise intermission guest that Billy Joel fans won’t want to miss.*
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (7-13-2025)
DETROIT, MI – Acclaimed Billy Joel tribute band Allentown will open their rehearsal process to the public for the first time on Sunday, July 20th from 2-5 PM. The “Allentown Rehearsal Dinner” offers music fans a behind-the-scenes look at how a tribute band fine-tunes their performance after taking July off following their June 19th performance at Grand Hotel’s Theatre on Mackinaw Island.
Tickets are available exclusively at www.abillyjoeltribute.com. The limited capacity ensures an intimate experience that captures the authentic rehearsal atmosphere from a ‘fly on the wall’ or invited guest perspective.
Event Details:
– Tickets: www.abillyjoeltribute.com