IN THE PIPELINE:

Will Paul McCartney or Stevie Nicks be calling Jamie Knight over at Huntington Beach High School in a couple of weeks?

Beach Boy Brian Wilson did, so it’s not that far out of the question — not when you consider why Wilson called. See, he was impressed with the job Knight and his band of student musicians did in tackling that ethereal masterpiece album, “Pet Sounds,” during a recent program.

Next up for Knight and his group of 40 or so Huntington Beach High School players: a dual show that will contrast the music of two classic albums, the Beatles’ “Abbey Road” and Fleetwood Mac’s 1977 monster, “Rumours.”

Both will be played entirely, one after the other, in what promises to be another tour de force. This is thanks in large part to a bass-playing former high school librarian who is helping a younger generation not only appreciate the beauty of listening to and studying classic rock, but also appreciate the magic that comes from playing it, note for precious note, in front of an audience.

Knight was inspired to develop this program five years ago after noticing that, typically, schools offer band or choir when it came to organized music programs.

Knight, who plays bass for the Orange County-based power pop band sparkle*jets uk, thought there was a niche to be filled, a new kind of music program based on older music. The idea has become a shining jewel in the school’s renowned Academy for the Performing Arts Program. On Feb. 12 and 13, fans of all ages will have a chance to enjoy the next in the Classic Albums Series as it’s now called.

Knight (who led a group of students to London last year to play the hallowed Cavern Club of Beatles fame) cannot say enough about the kids.

“It’s incredible,” he said. “They work harder than you can imagine and this is some really complex stuff. But they’re passionate and focused and really excited about interpreting this amazing music.”

Michael Steinkirchner, a senior who will be playing on both albums at the show, loves the warmth and texture of the older songwriting.

“Jamie Knight does an amazing job with us as musicians and as students and this is one of the best things I’ve been involved with in school,” he said.

Knight is currently developing extended plans for the program. But for starters, while they’re still available, get seats for the show. This year the performances will take place at the First Christian Church, 1207 Main St. Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $15 for students and are available at the APA office as well as at the venue one hour prior to showtime. Call (714) 536-2514, ext. 4025.

Also, last week was Author’s Day in Huntington Beach, put on in excellent fashion as always by the Friends of the Children’s Library.

My day was spent speaking at Isaac L. Sowers Middle School. Thanks to Principal Debbi Randall and librarian Jolene Miller for making us feel so welcome — my daughter Claire, who writes for TIME For Kids magazine, also took part in the presentations to the kids, and we both had a great time.

At the singing after at Central Library, I enjoyed meeting many In The Pipeline readers along with the new library director, Stephanie Beverage, whom I hope to be featuring in the coming weeks.

Lastly, you probably know the official centennial date for Huntington Beach is Feb. 17. At 2 p.m. Feb. 15, I will be at Barnes and Noble in Bella Terra to sign copies of my books including “Huntington Beach Then & Now.”

I’ll also be doing a little talk on the city and hopefully a then/now slide show that you might find interesting. I’ll also have some books to give away as gifts along with a few old city photos, and I’ll see if my wife and maybe even my mom will bake something for the event, which alone would make it worth your visit. Hope you can make it!

CHRIS EPTING is the author of 15 books, including the new “Vanishing Orange County.” Write him at [email protected].