Beatlefest!

This year marks the 38th anniversary of Beatlefest (aka The Fest For Beatles Fans). 

Reference alert!

It all started on April 28th, 1974, when self-proclaimed "big Beatles fan" Mark Lapidos conceived of a celebration to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Revolution-ary band's coming to America. This Boy got his Ticket to Ride when he met with John Lennon in April of 1974 for the official Rubber Soul stamp of approval (whose response to Lapidos was, "I'm all for it. I'm a Beatles fan, too.")

Five months later, the first Fest unfolded at the New York Commodore Hotel, chock full of films, special guests, live concerts, art contests, look-a-like and sound-a-like contests, auctions and a charity raffle (to which each member contributed signed items, with monies being donated to Lennon's charity of choice).

After national exposure via the cover of Rolling Stone (Oct 24/74), letters began to pour in from all over the country begging the convention be brought to their cities. 

And so, the annual Fest has become a roving ritual in its own right, playing such staple cities as Chicago and New York.

This weekend, the Fest is in Secaucus, NJ (its 34th convention at this location), and the guest list is enough to successfully satisfy every corner of the fandom spectrum: from Beatles' photographers and trivia experts, to Ringo's former producer Mark Hudson, to former early Wings lead guitarist and drummer, to Peter Asher and Monkee Micky Dolenz. Top that off with performances by the world's finest Beatles tribute band, and the foundation of the Fest, Liverpool, and watch the Festies Come Together.

If you're not able to make it out to the Fest within the next day to secure your own spot on the dance floor (damn you and your striking ways, Air Canada!), you can certainly check out The Fest's website for a live feed of the events, or do what I've been doing, check out the online store (which is where I'll be spending some of Donovan's hard earned money!).

If you don't have time to commit to the computer for the full experience all weekend, I would strongly suggest at least tuning in for the Liverpool shows (Saturday at 9:15pm EST and Sunday at 8:15pm EST).

Strongly, strongly suggest.

Strongly. 

www.thefest.com 

SoundTracking: The Boxer (Simon & Garfunkel)