Pictured are acts appearing in California in free summer concerts. Can you tell the REAL artist from the tribute? Left to right: Heather E. Lounsbury of No Duh imitates Gwen Stefani, No Doubt; Edgar Winter is REAL; Swan Montgomery of Led ZepAgain imitates Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin; Randy Newman is REAL!

When only the REAL thing will do, head for Santa Cruz beaches this week to see Edgar Winter Band on June 26, 2015 at Santa Cruz at Concerts on the Beach. When only one singer can pull off the politically incorrect lyrics of the song, Short People, head for  Stern Grove free summer concerts in San Francisco on June 28 to see Randy Newman.  Sometimes you simply can't hear the original band anymore--Elvis, The Beatles and many favorites still live in the minds of fans, which explains the popularity of tribute bands. Taking on a life of their own, tributes to rock stars and their music are sought after commodities. Many have a fan base and list Tour Dates on their websites, just like the REAL band would do!

Tribute Bands at Summer Concerts in the Park:

• No Duh  -  No Doubt
•  Ken Cetera's Chicago Experience 
• Rumours - Fleetwood Mac Tribute
• Abba Fab - ABBA
• Long Train Runnin'  - Doobie Brothers
• Boys of Summer - Eagles
• Beatles vs. Stone - The Beatles & The Rolling Stones
• Tribute Rock Band
• Lyin I's - Eagles 
• James Kruk - Elvis
• Joshua Tree - U2 
• L.A.Vation - U2
• Hollywood U2
• Forejour - Foreigner Journey
• Doobies Inc. - Doobie Bros.
• Led Zepagain - Led Zeppelin
• The Xceptional Tribute to Motowns and The Supremes
• Queen Nation - Queen
• Britain's Finest - Beatles
• Line of Fire - Journey