There is something inherently dysfunctional about making a career as a celebrity look- and sound-alike. Then again, the same could be said for the thousands of fans who flock to see such an act relive the celebrated history of an artist or band note for note, song for song and mannerism for mannerism.

Perhaps we are a selfish society of nostalgia. When we can no longer have something that meant so much to so many for such a long time, we need an outlet to remind us what shaped our past and brought us from there to here.

For many, the soundtrack to the second half of the 20th century was provided by the Beatles, which explains why the Fab Four-fest "Abbey Road on the River," while only in its second year, is quickly becoming an annual summertime tradition.

This three-day affair, billed as the biggest event of its kind, takes place Aug. 8 to 10 at the Nautica Entertainment Complex.

"For me, the Beatles was a group of guys who were kind of like family to everybody," said Tim Piper, who portrays John Lennon's solo years in the cover band Working Class Hero. "They broke down the class barriers. Where before you would have a singer who was either produced by someone or would write the material, these guys did it all themselves and they didn't take themselves too seriously. They weren't on an ego trip. They kind of said, 'Anybody can do this; if we can do it, you can do it.'

"Of course, they were genius. But they made you feel like you were a part of them. And of course, the music is timeless and will last forever."

Naturally, the music brings people out to see over 20 acts give their best John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr impersonations, showcasing all eras of the Beatles: from the early years in Germany through the psychedelic trip of "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and eventually into the solo careers.

For Piper, his natural Lennon-like looks have opened many doors, including multiple TV appearances and more than 20 years of touring as the funny Beatle.

Capitalizing on Piper's talents to create a memorable Lennon, as well as Lawrence Macca's equally impeccable Paul McCartney, "Abbey Road on the River" organizers are putting together a fantasy reunion concert of sorts Friday evening. It asks what would a modern-day stage collaboration between what is considered the greatest songwriting team ever sound and look like?

"It is going to run the gamut," Piper said. "Paul and John had a partnership that started even before the Beatles, so it's going to be some of their stuff that they harmonized on from the early years ... I don't want to give it all away (but) Paul might do 'Let It Be' and I might do 'Revolution.'

"We both might do 'Two of Us.' It is going to be fairly realistic. There was a playfulness, there was a competition (between the two) that gets touched upon."

Considering next year marks the 40th anniversary of The Beatles invasion of the American shores, and their famed Ed Sullivan appearance, odds are there is once again going to be a resurgence of Beatles interest and nostalgia. That makes "Abbey Road on the River" even more attractive to parents and grandparents. It gives them a head start on teaching their children that all you need is love (and the Beatles).

"You get to experience the best acts in America doing what you can't have anymore," Piper said. "The Beatles are gone. God bless Paul and Ringo, but you can't get the Beatles together. And John has been gone 22 years now.

"It is a chance to celebrate the music and the spirit of this quite unique group. And it was a big success last year and it is going to be even better this year."