For those of you who've considered attending a Fest for Beatles Fans, but have never "gotten yourself in gear" to do so, let me tell you about the Chicago Fest that I attended this summer.
Mark and Carol Lapidos, who have been putting on Fests for Beatles Fans for 30 years, know what they are doing. They promise that "a splendid time is guaranteed for all," and they don't disappoint. Just the final concert of the weekend alone is well worth the price of a ticket. It featured Liverpool, Billy J. Kramer singing his two hits including "Bad to Me," Neil Innes doing Rutles favs (he is remarkable!) and then . . . the one and only Mark Hudson. If you've never heard Mark Hudson in concert, you've missed the ultimate rocker. The man can bring the house down! Everyone was up and dancing in the aisles.
The Marketplace, where Beatles memorabilia is sold, was jam-packed with every item you can imagine! T-shirts, sweatshirts, books (including Shoulda Been There), Beatle suits by Russ Lease, rare photographs, tours packages to Liverpool, Beatles beading and stitched items, bass drums artfully encasing Beatle dolls, bumper stickers, posters, artwork, hand-made stained glass tributes to the Beatles. If you can think of it, it was for sale in the Marketplace!! And the prices are extremely reasonable. You can afford to shop here.
If you want to meet Beatle people, a Fest is the place. Pattie Boyd graced the stage three times this past weekend, and she signed autographs for hours. Nancy Andrews, Ringo's former girlfriend, spoke and was available to sign her new book. Bruce Spizer, America's ultimate Beatle authority, was there all weekend, speaking to large groups, signing his many books, answering questions.
People were lined up to meet Mark Hudson, Susan Ryan of rooftopsessions.com whose new John Lennon Tour of New York City was selling like hotcakes, and Joe Johnson, the famed "Brunch with the Beatles" deejay. Paul Saltzman was there, talking about his photographs of John and Yoko. And honored guest, Ken Mansfield (Head of Apple Records), was there to chat and sign autographs. And believe it or not, I'm not listing everyone. The place was full of true celebrities!
The emcee of the entire event was Terri Hemmert, Chicago's famous radio personality. And she couldn't have been nicer. Far from being unapproachable, this famous lady took time to speak to every fan, and when she mediated a panel discussion of celebrities, she was funny and interesting! Of course, the amazing Martin Lewis was there as well. He knows The Beatles like the back of his hand, and his interviews with Pattie Boyd make you feel like you're with the two of them alone at a pub!
The only problem with a Fest for Beatles Fans is WHAT TO DO. There are so many choices.
At one given moment, you have to choose between seeing the art exhibit, hearing The Smithereens perform, going to a book reading by a noted author, going to a poetry jam where fans share their works, or sitting in the hallway and singing along with one of the many bands who are ginning out Beatles tunes. Mark and Carol Lapidos have planned so many events for each hour that you are never bored; you never have a spare minute to wonder "What next?"
But the best part of any weekend at a Fest for Beatles Fans is the opportunity to meet and make new friends. The fans are friendly, open, and ready to talk. Whether you meet someone in the Art Contest room or at the Bob Abdou Puppet Show, you will find others like you who loved the 60's, dream of going to Liverpool, still hum "She Loves You," and know what "Paul is dead" is all about.
I met Joseph who is eight years old and can play a thirty minute version of "Helter Skelter," along with a beautiful rendition of "Norwegian Wood."
I met gorgeous Valene Stagg, whose husband Jim Stagg traveled with The Beatles as a guest deejay in 1965 (her commemorative CD of his work is available at staggstarbeat.com) and whose great love for him is written all over her face.
I met John Trusty who partied with The Beatles in Key West in 1964 when Trusty was a Corpsman at the Naval Hospital; his stories were amazing!
Every person at a Fest for Beatles Fans has a story. Each one of them is interesting!
Okay, you've missed the Chicago Fest. But NOW is the time to plan for the Fest in the Meadowlands. The hotel isn't as posh as Chicago's, but the feeling there is even better! The conglomeration of bands in the hallways, the fervor, the air of excitement just bounces off the walls. You will love it.
I will be there in March of 2009, and I hope you will be there, too. I will look forward to sharing not only the second edition of Shoulda Been There with you (which will have an cd of my interview with Allan Williams) but to reading you preview chapters of Shivering Inside, due out in fall 2009.
Mark and Carol Lapidos are the ultimate host and hostess. Come meet them and find out what a Fest for Beatles Fans is all about. I promise you this: You will feel sixteen. You know what I mean.
