Events

The Linda Ronstadt Experience with American Idol Star Tristan McIntosh is the premier touring tribute band showcasing the songs that Linda Ronstadt made famous. The show takes you on a musical journey of smash hit songs, including “You’re No Good,” “When Will I Be Loved,” “That’ll Be the Day,” and a particularly delicate, nuanced interpretation of “Blue Bayou,” among many more.

This repertoire spans from the earliest days of Linda’s singing career with the Stone Poneys, a folk trio formed in Los Angeles in 1965; her first hit song with the band was the evocative “Different Drum.”

During the 1970s, she helped forge the country-rock sound of the era with classic renditions of songs by the Eagles, Jackson Brown, and Warren Zevon; later in the 1980s, she bridged the new wave sound of the decade into huge hits with her chart-topping tenth album, Mad Love. Linda’s explosive live shows also included material by the Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Little Feat, and other contemporaries of the day.

Come out and revel in the songs Linda Ronstadt brought to life so beautifully, performed by the Linda Ronstadt Experience. Vocalist Tristan McIntosh (2016 American Idol finalist) takes you on an emotional ride of purity, power, and heartbreak as she soars through these songs as though they live inside her. Be part of the experience, and follow Tristan McIntosh and the Linda Ronstadt Experience as they bring Linda Ronstadt’s music into the 21st century!

To convey the majesty and impact of McIntosh’s powerful vocal quality is hard to put into words. She exudes poise and grace, with a delivery both electrifying and subtle, by turns. Tristan brings the original singer’s version stunningly alive through her own artful touch. A sea of listeners throughout a theatre can often be heard quietly singing along at the summit of “You’re No Good,” drawing out that famous, 8-second vowel.

The LRE show is touring widely, and becoming ever more popular, earning increasingly sold-out houses. Catch them when—not if—you can. It’s a shining experience that will buoy your days to come.

The Band

Composed of accomplished professionals, the band includes Berklee alumnus and keyboard virtuoso Brooks Milgate, along with recent transplant to NYC by way of Nashville, the guitars and harmony vocals of Bronson Bush. Drummer Ethan Leff keeps the engine room humming alongside veteran bassist Paul “Junior” Boyne, who is also the band’s founder. Rounding out the band’s sound on alternating shows are seasoned multi-instrumentalists Peter Adams and Andy Santospago, each contributing pedal steel, acoustic guitar, harmonica, banjo and vocal harmonies.

Performing All the Hits and More

Linda Ronstadt was the rare artist who could comfortably cover a wide variety of musical bases, including folk, rock, country, jazz standards, opera and Latin. Her vocal gift had few limitations and she showcased it with every recording and performance. Her incredible vocal instrument, along with her classic song interpretations, have earned her countless devoted fans across the world. Sadly, Linda has been stricken with Parkinson’s disease, and can no longer sing or perform. The Linda Ronstadt Experience is excited to help keep her legacy alive by continuing to share the joy and beauty of her repertoire to a wide audience.

“Music is meant to lighten your load. By singing it, you release the sadness and release yourself.” —Linda Ronstadt

How The Linda Ronstadt Experience Came to Be

In June 2017, bassist Junior Cain ran a local ad in the northeast, seeking a Linda Ronstadt-style singer. He proceeded to assemble a band of players that echoed his love for the artist who had been stricken with Parkinson disease, leaving her unable to sing or perform. After a few early personnel changes, Junior decided to place ads in the musical hot spots of Nashville and Austin.

After a few weeks, Tristan McIntosh’s Nashville management team replied to the ad. It was decided that Tristan’s closest musical collaborator, Bronson Bush, would fill out the role as the band’s guitarist. By March 2018, thirty songs were sent out to the potential band members to learn.

A few months later, in June of 2018, Tristan and Bronson flew to Logan Airport in Boston to rehearse the material, and then shoot video on day four. It took a tremendous leap of faith on everyone’s part, but when all the members met, their chemistry and good vibes were undeniable. When Tristan began to sing, everyone knew that this was going to be something very special. They arranged the material together, and by November of that same year, they were off on their first run of shows.