Neil Diamond-like performance for Collins Center » Arts/Entertainment » Andover Townsman, Andover, MA on Astini News

A generation of young fans may know "Sweet Caroline" as a Red Sox thing, but they and true Neil Diamond fans can hear it performed live in Andover on Saturday night.

The song "Sweet Caroline" is sure to be on the song list as Real Diamond, a group billed as "the premier Neil Diamond tribute band," plays the Collins Center for the Performing Arts on Sept. 24.

"Real Diamond" is a professional band dedicated to the faithful re-creation of the live Neil Diamond experience. "Cracklin Rosie" and "Cherry Cherry" are also on this concert song list.

Collins Center manager Scott Worthley said the show kicks off this school year's calendar of performances at the Collins Center, the performing arts facility on the right side of Andover High School that also serves as the school's auditorium.

Ballets and Andover High School's November production of "Fiddler on the Roof" fill out a somewhat thin fall lineup.

"I think the economy is tough, so we don't have a lot of bookings," Worthley said.

But Northern Essex Community College is bringing the Neil Diamond show to town. It's the college's annual signature fundraising event, its largest fundraiser. Proceeds benefit Northern Essex Community College's Annual Fund Campaign.

Lori Smerdon, of the college's Institutional Advancement Office, said the approximately 1,200 seat Collins Center is a favorite venue. This year marks the seventh consecutive year for a benefit show. Boston Pops conductor Keith Lockhardt is among the previous performers.

A Neil Diamond tribute singer may not sound as hip. After all, Diamond achieved top-song success almost 40 years ago, in the late 1960s and '70s. Apparently, there is a faithful following.

"This band was highly recommended," Smerdon said. "People like him."

In terms of Billboard chart success, Diamond is the third most successful Adult Contemporary artist ever, ranking behind Barbra Streisand and Elton John. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame earlier this year.

Diamond is NECC's best friend

Concert by Real Diamond, Neil Diamond tribute band

Saturday, Sept. 24, 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $35 at door

Collins Center, 80 Shawsheen Road, Andover

Northern Essex Community College's annual signature fundraising event

More info: necc.mass.edu/signature-event, 978-556-3870, lsmerdon@necc.mass.edu