Grammy-Nominated Beatles Entertainment in Franklin, Nashville, and Beyond
The timeless music of The Beatles continues to bring generations together, and The WannaBeatles have made it their mission to keep that music alive. Blending the familiar sounds of the Fab Four with their own signature humor, musical surprises, and plenty of audience interaction, they create an experience that goes beyond the music. The group got its start in Middle Tennessee nearly two decades ago and, today they continue to entertain audiences across the country.
Rather than imitate John, Paul, George, and Ringo, The WannaBeatles celebrate their music in their own distinctive style. Their performances combine faithful renditions of Beatles classics with inventive arrangements and entertaining stage antics. They also explore memorable hits from other artists throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Resulting in something beyond a traditional Beatles tribute show. As their tagline promises, it’s where “FAB meets FUN!”
How The WannaBeatles Got Their Start
The story of The WannaBeatles began approximately 17 years ago at a Mexican restaurant near Franklin. The band’s original four members got their start performing jazz on weekends. However, audiences rarely stopped to listen. That changed when the musicians decided to introduce some Beatles favorites into their sets. Suddenly, restaurant guests started paying attention, clapping, and tapping their feet. Founder Dennis Scott recognized an opportunity and approached the restaurant manager with an idea. He suggested hosting a monthly Beatles night. The manager responded with a memorable suggestion: “Beatles and Fajitas.” The musicians embraced the concept, and a new musical venture began.
As the Beatles nights gained popularity, the group started attracting regular customers and booking performances beyond the restaurant. Their schedule soon expanded to include theaters, community concerts, corporate events, and special appearances. During those early performances, the musicians also invited audiences to help choose their band name. When someone suggested The WannaBeatles the name immediately resonated. It celebrated their love of the legendary British band while acknowledging they could never replace the original musicians. That early distinction became an important and recognizable part of the band’s identity going forward.
Rather than relying on matching costumes, wigs, or look-alike performances, The WannaBeatles developed their own entertaining approach. Their personalities, musical chemistry, and audience interactions became central to the show. They could share Beatles stories, incorporate comedy, and perform creative renditions without sacrificing musical authenticity. The group continues embracing that freedom today. Their goal remains simple: honor the music while giving audiences an experience that feels fresh, engaging, and unmistakably their own.
Meet the Musicians Behind The WannaBeatles
Every member contributes a different musical background and personality. Together, they create the chemistry that distinguishes The WannaBeatles from other Beatles tribute bands. Their individual talents also help recreate the group’s ambitious shows.
Nathan Burbank – Vocals, Keyboards, and Bass
Nathan Burbank brings classical training and extensive performance experience. He began studying piano at seven before switching to pipe organ during his teenage years. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Vermont. He also earned a Master of Music degree from Northwestern University. Beyond the band, Burbank works as a freelance pianist, composer, and arranger. He serves as organist at Woodmont Baptist Church and music director at Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville. His keyboard versatility helps recreate the Beatles’ layered arrangements. He also learned bass guitar after joining the group, purchasing a Hofner-style instrument inspired by Paul McCartney. His favorite Beatles song is “Yesterday.”
Dennis Scott – Vocals, Guitar, and Bass
Dennis Scott, founder of The WannaBeatles, brings extensive experience as a composer, producer, performer, and entertainer. He’s a two-time Grammy and Emmy Award-winning composer and producer. Artists who have recorded his songs include Ray Charles, Faith Hill, Alison Krauss, Vanessa Williams, Kellie Pickler, and Amy Grant. His compositions have also appeared on numerous television programs and special productions. Scott’s entertainment career began long before The WannaBeatles formed. He performed as a child actor, appeared in television productions, and developed a strong theatrical background. Those experiences influence his approach to live performances today. He also writes original material and musical parodies for the group. His favorite Beatles song is “Here, There and Everywhere,” which he admires for its melody and beautiful harmonies.
David Toledo – Vocals, Drums, and Guitar
David Toledo contributes more than 45 years of musical experience. Born in Cuba, he developed an appreciation for Beatles music and other 1960s and 1970s favorites. He’s a talented multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, educator, and arranger. Toledo graduated from the University of Miami’s prestigious jazz program. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a master’s degree in Jazz Writing and Arranging. His professional career began when he was just 14. He later taught thousands of students across different ages and experience levels. Onstage, he combines impressive drumming skills with strong vocals. The band affectionately introduces him as “Nashville’s favorite singing drummer.” His favorite Beatles song is “Penny Lane.”
Quinten Bianchi – Vocals, Guitar, Saxophone, and EWI
Quinten Bianchi is the band’s newest addition, bringing youthful energy and impressive musical versatility. A graduate of Belmont University’s College of Entertainment and Music Business, he studied songwriting and developed his production skills. He has also worked at renowned Nashville recording studios, including Columbia Studio A and Ocean Way Studios. Bianchi performs guitar, keyboards, saxophone, and vocals. He also plays an electronic wind instrument, which helps reproduce distinctive orchestral sounds. One highlight involves recreating the piccolo trumpet solo from “Penny Lane.” His energetic performance of Paul McCartney’s “Oh! Darling” also draws enthusiastic audience reactions. His favorite Beatles song is “And Your Bird Can Sing.”
Dennis Scott Shares What Makes The WannaBeatles Special
For group founder Dennis Scott, The WannaBeatles have always been about more than reproducing familiar and hit recordings. Their performances combine musical precision with humor, theatrical elements, and genuine audience interaction. Scott’s background in music production, songwriting, and theater has helped shape that one-of-a-kind approach.
“We literally tie ourselves into pretzels,” Scott says, describing the work involved in recreating complicated Beatles arrangements. With only four musicians, the group must find creative ways to reproduce songs that originally featured additional performers and instruments. Each member switches between instruments, vocals, and musical parts throughout the show. Their electronic instruments and inventive arrangements help fill out the sound.
Scott also believes the band’s name gives everyone permission to have fun. “We will never be the actual Beatles,” he explains. That understanding allows the musicians to embrace their individual personalities while enjoying the creative freedom to make the show their own. “We can even share stories and things we know about the Beatles without having to worry about keeping within the confines of being costumed and having fake wigs.”
That balance between authenticity and personality has become one of their greatest strengths. Scott points to the audience chemistry as an important reason people connect with the group. The musicians enjoy seeing concertgoers sing along, dance, and get excited for familiar songs. They also make time to meet fans after performances.
“We want to be part of the community wherever we’re performing,” he notes. The band regularly spends time with concertgoers in theater lobbies after shows. They enjoy hearing personal stories, answering questions, and receiving kind words. Those conversations help create lasting connections beyond the stage.
The group recently performed at the historic Franklin Theatre, where audiences enthusiastically embraced the music. Scott recalled watching one couple dance in the aisle during the performance. He also appreciates the theater’s history and the legendary entertainers who have performed there throughout the decades. “It’s such a great place, I love Franklin.”
Performing in historic venues gives the musicians an additional sense of appreciation. Scott says those experiences make the group want to deliver their very best performance. He also fondly remembers the band’s many appearances at Crockett Park’s Brentwood Summer Musical Series.” It’s just such a just a tremendous high to look out into the vast audience on the hillside and all these people that came to see us,” he says, recalling those cherished memories.
For Scott, the most rewarding part involves sharing music that continues connecting generations. Whether performing in a historic theater or a community concert venue, The WannaBeatles want audiences to feel included. That personal connection remains at the heart of everything they do.
Grammy Recognition, Musical Side Projects, and a Growing Touring Schedule
The WannaBeatles have earned recognition beyond their live performances. Their recording, “Fab Fan Memories – The Beatles Bond,” received a Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Album. The group also created original songs celebrating notable entertainers. These include “We Wanna Meet Paul,” honoring Paul McCartney, and “Oh Betty! (The Betty White Song).” Both videos have entertained fans and concertgoers. Celebrating their fun-loving spirit and distinctive blend of music and comedy, The WannaBeatles have delighted audiences at prestigious venues and high-profile events across the country, including the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, the Music City Bowl, Georgia’s New Year’s Eve Peach Drop, and the Minnesota State Fair.
The musicians have also expanded their musical talents with a sister production called Boomer Jukebox Live. This show celebrates popular music from the 1960s and 1970s. Its repertoire includes favorites from The Turtles, The Monkees, and The Doors, alongside familiar Beatles songs. Founder Dennis Scott developed the concept partly to reach venues seeking something beyond traditional Beatles tribute performances. The production also gives the musicians another opportunity to celebrate the music that helped shape their careers.
Despite their growing touring schedule, The WannaBeatles maintain strong connections throughout Middle Tennessee. Williamson County remains an important part of their story, and the musicians enjoy returning to familiar communities. Their upcoming show at Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant in downtown Columbia continues that tradition. The performance takes place Friday, November 6, as part of the Live on the Square Concert Series. Doors open at 8 pm, with the show beginning at 8:30 pm. Guests can enjoy Southern cooking alongside favorite Beatles songs inside Puckett’s second-floor venue.
Looking ahead, the group anticipates additional touring opportunities in 2027. Their schedule includes performances across several regions, including a stop in Smyrna, Delaware. The musicians look forward to playing a beautifully restored historic movie theater there. These historic venues hold special appeal for the band because of their architecture and entertainment history. Whether performing in familiar Middle Tennessee communities or discovering new audiences across the country, The WannaBeatles continue sharing their love of Beatles music.
Keeping the Beatles’ Music Alive, One Performance at a Time
As the Beatles’ music continues reaching new generations, The WannaBeatles are dedicated to remembering and sharing their legacy. Their performances honor the original recordings while leaving plenty of room for individual expression. Musical versatility, creative arrangements, comedy, and audience participation make every show more than just a tribute performance.
Nearly two decades after those first “Beatles and Fajitas” nights near Franklin, the band continues sharing their passion with audiences nationwide. Their approach celebrates the music without taking the show too seriously. Whether performing in a historic theater, at a community festival, or in a neighborhood concert venue, the four musicians bring the same enthusiasm to each stage.
For Beatles fans throughout Franklin, Nashville, and beyond Middle Tennessee, The WannaBeatles offer a refreshing live music experience. They’re carrying the Beatles’ music forward, one performance and one shared memory at a time. And perhaps that’s the greatest tribute of all: keeping the songs alive while reminding audiences why they fell in love with them in the first place.
