“Still Standing” Elton John Tribute Rocks Stage West

By ROSLYN FRANKEN

On June 1, 2024, music enthusiasts in Spring Hill were treated to an unforgettable journey through the timeless classics of Elton John at Stage West. Presented by local talent agency Hunt Talent LLC, “Still Standing: A Tribute to Elton John” lit up the stage. With the electrifying performance by Ben Frey as Elton John and the exceptionally talented backup band, the audience was taken back in time as they relived some of Elton John’s greatest hits, from the soulful “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” to the classic “Rocket Man,” and seen swaying and singing along to other favorites like “Bennie and the Jets” and “Crocodile Rock.”

Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Ben “Almost Elton” Frey shared with the crowd in a convincing British accent about how his love affair with Elton John’s music began at just 15 when he first heard “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” He then rushed out to buy the record, and as he reminisced, “wore out the grooves.” Inspired to learn the piano and emulate his idol, Ben has since become recognized for his striking resemblance and soulful vocals earning him the title of the closest representation of Elton on the tribute circuit.

After belting out hit after hit, Ben Frey’s exhilarating finale “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting,” had the crowd on their feet for a well-deserved standing ovation. And, just when things couldn’t get any better, Ben and the band graced the audience with “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” as an encore that left everyone in awe. It was the perfect end to an unforgettable evening filled with nostalgia, joy, and a reaffirmation of the timeless power of music.

This concert marked another great success for the growing partnership between Stage West and Hunt Talent LLC, a local talent agency owned by Jacob Hunt, himself a singer and impersonator, and Hernando Sun Reader’s Choice award winner for both Best Entertainer and Best Band/Musician.

As a proud native of Spring Hill, Jacob Hunt and his company’s Lead Agent, Elliott Smith, are dedicated to bringing more exceptional talent to the Stage West concert series with upcoming concerts you don’t want to miss. Tickets are on sale now for the following shows:
“Jive Talkin’ USA Bee Gees Tribute” on Saturday, June 29th at 7 p.m.
“Kitei – A Tina Turner Tribute” on Friday, July 19th at 7 p.m.
“Streetlife Serenader – The Definitive Tribute to Billy Joel” on Saturday, August 17th at 7 p.m.
To purchase tickets, go to https://stagewest.ticketleap.com/.