Huntington Beach Academy Performs Beatles and Beach Boys Albums

The show, a fundraiser for the MMET Department, has three performances this weekend at First Christian Church in Huntington Beach.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts is putting on a show this weekend that combines the iconic albums 'Revolver' by the Beatles and 'Pet Sounds' by the Beach Boys. The performance, titled 'The Beatles Story 1966,' is a fundraiser for the school's Music, Media and Entertainment Technology Department and features students singing and playing the classic songs from both albums.

Why it matters

The show highlights the enduring influence and importance of the Beatles and Beach Boys, two of the most acclaimed and influential bands in music history. By combining these two landmark albums from 1966, the performance showcases the musical complexity and innovation of these groups and their lasting impact on popular music.

The details

The show features Beatles songs in the first half and Beach Boys songs in the second half. Since 1966 produced just one Beatles album, the program decided to also perform the Beach Boys' 'Pet Sounds' album from the same year. Students have had to work hard to master the nuances and complexities of these classic songs, but have grown to appreciate the music more through the process.

  • The show has three performances this weekend: Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., and a Saturday matinee at 1 p.m.
  • The program is the second in a reboot of the Beatles series, which was first done by HBAPA a decade ago.

The players

Nicole Kubis

The director of the MMET Department at Huntington Beach Academy for the Performing Arts.

David Ivison

A Huntington Beach High junior who is a drummer and keyboardist in the show.

Roxy Escalera

A Huntington Beach High junior who is singing on several songs, including lead vocals on 'And Your Bird Can Sing' by the Beatles, and was one of three costume designers for the production.

Jaxsen Weber

A sophomore at Edison High who is playing lead guitar on a block of songs.

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What they’re saying

“We have so many students that say when they first get the song list, they're like 'Ugh.' They're not sure what to do with it, or don't know how to approach it. Then, the more they dig into it, the more they appreciate the complexities and the nuances of all of it.”

— Nicole Kubis, Director, MMET Department (latimes.com)

“I think this music is different in the best way. It's nothing like modern music. Maybe there's a little guitar riff, or something on the drums, that led to something later on in records that you love … To put it simply, they're just good songs.”

— David Ivison, Student, Drummer and Keyboardist (latimes.com)

“Once we started doing these songs, I was like, 'Wow, these are actually really cool bands.' I like them a lot. They're so important to music now and how it's developed over time.”

— Roxy Escalera, Student, Singer (latimes.com)

“Before this, I was not a Beatles fan at all. I was not into them at all. As soon as I joined the program, I was like, 'We're doing a Beatles show? That kind of sucks.' Then I realized, this is amazing. My guitar playing has changed so much because of this show.”

— Jaxsen Weber, Student, Lead Guitarist (latimes.com)

What’s next

The program plans to continue the Beatles series with future performances highlighting the band's musical evolution.

The takeaway

This show demonstrates how the music of the Beatles and Beach Boys continues to inspire and influence young musicians, highlighting the timeless appeal and enduring legacy of these iconic bands.