What was meant to simply be an all-star farewell for roots rockers The Band on Thanksgiving in 1976, co-starring friends as widespread as Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Van Morrison, Neil Diamond, The Staple Singers, Joni Mitchell, Muddy Waters and Neil Young, to name but a few, has since become one of the most iconic concerts ever thanks to the Martin Scorsese-directed documentary, so much so that it’s prompted several tours and local salutes.

The latest edition of “The Last Waltz” Tribute comes to the North Shore Center For Performing Arts in Skokie on Saturday, November 23, featuring Lilly Hiatt (daughter of John Hiatt), Nicholas Tremulis (The Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards, The Band’s Rick Danko), Lauren Jelencovich (Yanni), Mud Morganfield (the eldest son of Waters) and Howard Levy (Béla Fleck And The Flecktones), amongst many others.

Chicago Concert Reviews chatted separately with Hiatt and Levy to find out what they’ll be bringing to the roots rock revival, personal connections to the original performers and why this influential body of work endures through today.

What are your connections to The Band, either directly or indirectly? 

Howard Levy: Well, I recorded my first harmonica instructional video for Homespun Tapes back in 1992 at Levon Helm’s house in Woodstock. Also around that time, when I was in The Flecktones, we did a double bill with The Band, which at that time was Levon, Rick, and Garth [Hudson] with several other great musicians. It was a thrill to hear them and I got to hang with Rick a bit afterwards. What a warm-hearted guy! And Garth’s playing greatly inspired me when I was touring with John Prine way back when, playing lots of piano and organ. When we played in London, Ontario, a friend of his told me that I reminded him of Garth, which made me feel honored. 
 
Lilly Hiatt: I grew up listening to The Band. “Stage Fright” was a record I wore out in college. My dad and mom struck up a friendship with Levon Helm, and my dad got to perform with him. I met Levon once in a stairwell at the Ryman and he said, “Girl, I love your daddy!” He loved my mom too. And I have a great admiration for his daughter, Amy. 

What does The Last Waltz mean to you personally? 

Levy: When the movie came out, I was extremely sad that The Band was breaking up. It was a bittersweet and surreal experience to see the movie, which was full of greatness, but also had some bizarre moments. I hope that we can bring some of the great musical high points to life! It will be heavy for me to hear all that great music…
 
Hiatt: All the artists involved in “The Last Waltz” seemed to represent the best of the misfits. I have been involved in many “Last Waltz” tributes and it continues to bring outsider musicians together. There are all kinds of songs on the set list and they truly shine through being a part of such a versatile event.

Tell us a bit about the part you’re playing.

Levy: Being asked to play harp in the spirit of Paul Butterfield is a great honor. He was my first harmonica hero, who inspired me to start playing harp. I heard him live three or four times when he was in his prime, leading his great bands. It was life-changing. He was a very important figure in the history of American music and I will try to embody his soulful spirit when I play.

Levy: I suppose I’m Bob Dylan, since I am singing his tunes! What an honor. I’ll do my best!
 
Are there any aspects of your artistry and individuality you’d like to bring to the tribute? 

Levy: I have a deep love of the music of The Band and Paul Butterfield. I’ll try to live up to their spirit, but of course, give the music my own twist.  
 
Hiatt: I like things that aren’t taken so seriously, so some tongue-in-cheek moments are always appreciated from my end! That being said, I hope to really honor the songs I am performing through fully grasping the melody and meaning of them. Also, a sense of camaraderie is a big one for me and my peers, and I’m certain that will be felt here!

What makes the Chicago area a fitting place to stage this show? 

Levy: Well, Paul started out in Chicago, and when he burst onto the scene, he brought the unique, bluesy soulfulness and experimental jazziness of the Chicago music scene to the wider world in a way that nobody had ever seen or heard before. And of course, The Staples are from here too. 
 
Hiatt: Chicago is the heart of so much. It brings many people together through it’s rich history. I couldn’t think of a more fun spot to do this event.  

What do you hope audiences will take away from the evening? 

Levy: I hope they will get a big dose of soul and that our renditions of the music will fill everyone with good vibes. 
 
Hiatt: I hope they leave feeling joyful and inspired.  

How do you hope The Band will be remembered? 

Levy: To me, they were every bit as creative and groundbreaking as The Beatles, and though all of them except for Levon were Canadian, they managed to capture the essence and heart of America with their incredible blend of rootsy, heartfelt soul, impeccable musicianship, and surreal, even mythological imagery. 

Hiatt: I hope everyone remembers The Band as a testament to authenticity and spirit. It goes far and moves people. 

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Howard Levy and Lilly Hiatt perform as part of “The Last Waltz” Tribute at the North Shore Center For Performing Arts on Saturday, November 23. For additional details, visit NorthShoreCenter.org.