Our Story

As of November 1, 2024, Allentown can deliver an electrifying two-and-a-half-hour musical journey through Billy Joel’s career via his greatest hits, meticulously crafted by players who are true fans who live and breathe the music of this legendary Grammy Award-winning artist. Our comprehensive show captures the spirit, energy, and musical genius of Billy Joel’s most iconic songs. Since our debut in 2021, this dynamic 6-piece band has quickly established a reputation for musical excellence. The performances in our short time includes over 30 prestigious venues, ranging from renowned performing arts centers and major league theatres to vibrant annual outdoor festivals and high-end private engagements. Each performance is a living testament to this bands commitment to authenticity and note for note precision.

At the heart of Allentown is Mark Calcott, a powerhouse musical talent from Windsor, Ontario, Canada. With over 20 years of professional experience as a singing pianist, record producer, and music educator, Mark brings all the expertise any successful Billy Joel tribute band requires. A distinguished graduate of the University of Windsor’s School of Music, he studied under renowned musicians Dr. Joel Hastings and Dr. Gregory Butler. Mark’s professional background is complemented by a carefully selected ensemble of musicians from Michigan, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada, each bringing their own musical mastery to accurately recreate a Billy Joel concert his most ardent fans hope for and deserve.

Our Brief History: 

Allentown: A Tribute Born from Resilience. In the midst of unprecedented global challenges, Allentown emerged as a testament to musical passion and perseverance. The COVID-19 pandemic brought the world of live entertainment to a standstill, but for this Billy Joel tribute band, it became an unexpected catalyst of creative connections. After the entertainment world went silent, Mark officially joined the band at a time when musical collaboration was not safe, and otherwise impossible. The US-Canada border closure severed traditional band rehearsal methods, with the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor standing as the last stark symbol of separation. While live music venues remained dark and performance opportunities vanished, Allentown turned inward, dedicating themselves to meticulous preparation and musical refinement until we could be together. Ultimately, the band’s determination shone through the darkness. Unable to physically rehearse, the musicians dove deep into their craft—studying Billy Joel’s legendary performances on YouTube, perfecting their instrumental techniques, and developing an almost telepathic musical understanding—all while waiting for the moment they would be united. When physical restrictions finally lifted and the border reopened, Allentown’s first full group rehearsal was nothing short of magical. The chemistry was instantaneous and profound. It was as if these musicians had been playing together for decades, and in an instant, song after song, a seamless connection that remains the hallmark of every Allentown performance.

From those challenging pandemic origins, Allentown has grown into a dynamic, electrifying group that captures the spirit, energy, and musical genius of the Piano Man himself.

Below you can review a couple of the “solo/audition tapes/rehearsal tool” we relied on preparing for our 1st full band rehearsal we’re sure you’ll appreciate.

https://youtu.be/DalcueTCa1E?si=cWfCfmBa-B7cIv3L
August 2021 (1st hour memorized)
https://youtu.be/lYhvcdE4kDA?si=wk7n6dY3D1lHWZ4Q
Recorded August 2021

Clicking on the colored song titles below takes you to a friendly YouTube Channel where you can see and hear entire song samples.

IT’S A MATTER OF TRUST, ALLENTOWN, ALWAYS A WOMAN, BIG SHOT, DON’T ASK ME WHY, DOWNEASTER ALEXA, I GO TO EXTREMES, GOODBYE TO HOLLYWOOD, THE ENTERTAINER, HONESTY, INNOCENT MAN, IT’S STILL R&R TO ME, ITALIAN RESTAURANT, JUST THE WAY YOU ARE, KEEPING THE FAITH, MODERN WOMAN, MOVIN OUT, MY LIFE, N.Y. STATE OF MIND, ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG, PIANO MAN, PRESSURE, RIVER OF DREAMS, SHE’S GOT A WAY, SOMETIMES A FANTASY, STILETTO, TELL HER ABOUT IT, LEAVE A TENDER MOMENT ALONE, THE STRANGER, UPTOWN GIRL, VIENNA, WE DIDN’T START THE FIRE, YOU MAY BE RIGHT, & ZANZIBAR