by Merv Buchanan
It’s impossible to overestimate the impact Swedish recording group ABBA, featuring singers Agnetha Fältskog and Frida Lyngstad, have had on popular music. During the 70s, ABBA, the first recording stars, from a non-English-speaking country to regularly top the world’s record charts, owned the airwaves.
They exploded onto the world music scene when their song “Waterloo” won the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest, soon followed by “Dancing Queen,” “Fernando,” “Voulez-vous,” and their most famous hit “Mamma Mia,” which became a wildly successful stage play and movie.
At Eurovision’s 50th Anniversary awards, “Waterloo” was voted the top song in the contest’s history.
Canadian tribute artist Amberley Beatty is recognized throughout North America as the leading Patsy Cline tribute artist. She has performed in casinos, concert halls, theatres, and dinner show venues across Canada, the USA, Mexico, and Germany.
Brantford, Ontario-based Kara Promise is equally famous for her thrilling tribute to Cher, which she has performed for sellout audiences in Canada, the USA, and Mexico.
Both of these seasoned performers are also members of the highly regarded international touring show “Abbamania.”
For their 2025 Mexican junket, Amberley and Kara have created a duo version of the Abbamania show called “Classic ABBA,” featuring all of the hits that made the famous Swedish group so successful. With some humor and audience interaction thrown in just for fun.
Their songs include “Waterloo,” “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Fernando,” “Knowing Me Knowing You,” “Chiquitita,” “SOS,” “The Winner Takes It All,” and many more. Most of ABBA’s songs are fun and upbeat, so the girls usually have the crowds at their shows dancing in the aisles, often joining in themselves.
The Classic ABBA show appears at the world-famous Luna Lounge January 19 and 20 and at the recently opened Rancho Santiago on January 21.
In addition to the sensational music, Amberley and Kara’s performances are infused with their infectious energy and vibrant stage presence. They create a unique atmosphere that transports the audience back to the disco era, filled with nostalgia and joy. Fans can expect dazzling costumes reminiscent of ABBA’s iconic style, complete with sequins and bright colors that reflect the spirit of the era.
Their engaging banter and playful chemistry add depth to the show, making it not just a performance, but a complete entertainment experience. Whether you’re a lifelong ABBA fan or new to their music, this tribute promises to be a delightful celebration of one of pop music’s most beloved bands. It’s a chance to relive the magic of ABBA in a way that is both heartfelt and thrilling. Don’t miss the opportunity to sing along and dance to these timeless hits!
