THE FEST for Beatles Fans (formerly Beatlefest)

[yerblues1968]

THE FEST for Beatles Fans New York Metro, NY - March 28 - 30, 2008

PATTIE BOYD, STARS OF ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, 2 WINGS MEMBERS - AN AMAZING WEEKEND!!!

Posted on April 4, 2008 in News by The Fest

April 4th:

The dust has settled, but the buzz hasn’t even come close to dying down! This truly was one of our all time greatest FESTS. The attendance was the biggest in years and a super weekend it was! First, Pattie Boyd was magical. Just being in her presence made you feel good. Her exhibit had a sampling of her photographs and actual fashion dresses she wore in the 1960s, when she was a Vogue cover model. We estimate that she signed over 800 copies of her book and she was very gracious in meeting the fans and taking the time with each one. She tried to get to all the fans, but that was just not physically possible. Pattie has written her autobiography, Wonderful Tonight, and will also be joining us in Las Vegas and Chicago. So if you haven’t made plans for either one, don’t delay! Both FESTS are going to be high energy. Pattie will be joined in Las Vegas by Donovan, Billy J. Kramer, Spencer Davis and others. In Chicago, we have Pattie joined by Neil Innes, Billy J. Kramer and The Smithereens. Mark Hudson will be at both FESTS and in Chicago his brother Brett joins us for the first time. Fans were also thrilled to meet Nancy Lee Andrews, Ringo’s girlfriend and fiancee in the mid to late 1970s. Her book of Photos (A Dose of Rock ‘n’ Roll) was an instant hit. We are happy to announce that Nancy has been added to our list of Guests for both Summer FESTS. Our other guests also added greatly to the festivities. First timers Former U.S. Manager of Apple Records Ken Mansfield (The White Book) and Photographer Allan Tannenbaum (John & Yoko: A New York Love Story) were charming and filmmaker Tony Palmer treated us to a sneak preview of his "All You Need Is Love" DVD Set coming out in May.



"Across the Universe" was a Golden Globe nominee for Best Picture of the Year and Beatles fans couldn’t agree more. We were so delighted to present three of the stars of the movie on the Saturday show. Dana Fuchs, T.V. Carpio, and Timothy Mitchum spoke in the afternoon, signed autographs for a few hours, and then for the first time in public, performed the Beatles songs they sang in the movie, plus they each did one additional Beatles song. They each received wild ovations to a completely packed Grand Ballroom (ok-overpacked). And if that wasn’t enough, they were followed by a Wings set with former members Denny Seiwell and Laurence Juber. Laurence has been our guest many times over the years and treated us to amazing acoustic concerts each day. This was Denny’s first NY METRO FEST and his presentation featured his live drumming to some of his best known songs he originally played on. Together they played Smile Away, Live and Let Die (which Denny originally played on), Coming Up, Rockestra (which Laurence originally played on) plus Band on the Run for good measure. What a hot set! Then Mark Hudson came out for some jamming and he was joined by Denny, Laurence, Dana and Tim for rock and roll at its highest energy level. Of course, Liverpool backed all the musicians in the nearly three hour concert. Their great set included a big chunk of The White Album (its 40th Anniversary) and they never sounded better. A fan on You Tube exclaimed “That was hands down the best concert I’ve ever been to!!”

The headline all around the world read: Rolling Stone Invades Beatles Convention. It’s true. It may have been 1:30AM late Friday night, but Ronnie Wood wanted to visit Pattie, so he did. The fans who were still in the lobby singing and jamming till the wee hours got to see him. Our MC Martin Lewis had the musicians play I Wanna Be Your Man and declared Ronnie the 5th runner up in the Ronnie Wood Look Alike Contest!! He got a nice sense of what goes on at The FEST and then went to have a visit with his old friend Pattie. Other Beatles related celebs to drop by included Billy J. Kramer, Sid Bernstein and Pete Bennett. The winner of the Battle of the Beatles Bands was Mystical Majesty Band. Yoko sent many items for the Charity Raffle and Auction and helped raise nearly $6,000.00 over the weekend, passing the half million mark in money raised since our first FEST in 1974. We are trying to get lots of photos uploaded in the next week or so. If not, you can sign up for our email blasts from our site. This is a free service.

We are opening up our blog for your comments for the first time and you are welcome to add your thoughts.

Peace and love,

Mark and Carol

[yerblues1968]

NJ CROWNE PLAZA MEADOWLANDS HOTEL, SECAUCUS, NJ


THE NY FEST WAS A FABULOUS SUCCESS!

First, Pattie Boyd was magical. Just being in her presence made you feel good. Her exhibit had a sampling of her photographs and actual fashion dresses she wore in the 1960s, when she was a Vogue cover model. We estimate that she signed over 800 copies of her book and she was very gracious in meeting the fans and taking the time with each one. She tried to get to all the fans, but that was just not physically possible.

Pattie will also be joining us in Las Vegas and Chicago. So if you haven't made plans for either one, don't delay! Both FESTS are going to be high energy.

Pattie will be joined in Las Vegas by Donovan, Billy J. Kramer, Spencer Davis and others. In Chicago, we have Pattie joined by Neil Innes, Billy J. Kramer and The Smithereens. Mark Hudson will be at both FESTS and in Chicago his brother Brett joins us for the first time.

Fans were also thrilled to meet Nancy Lee Andrews, Ringo's girlfriend and fiancee in the mid to late 1970s. Her book of Photos (A Dose of Rock 'n' Roll) was an instant hit. We are happy to announce that Nancy has been added to our list of Guests for both Summer FESTS. Our other guests also added greatly to the festivities. First timers Former U.S. Manager of Apple Records Ken Mansfield (The White Book) and Photographer Allan Tannenbaum (John & Yoko: A New York Love Story) were charming and filmmaker Tony Palmer treated us to a sneak preview of his All You Need Is Love DVD Set coming out in May.

We were so delighted to present three of the stars of Across the Universe on the Saturday show. Dana Fuchs, T.V. Carpio, and Timothy Mitchum spoke in the afternoon, signed autographs for a few hours, and then for the first time in public, performed the Beatles songs they sang in the movie. They each received wild ovations to a completely packed Grand Ballroom.

They were followed by a Wings set with former members Denny Seiwell and Laurence Juber. This was Denny's first NY METRO FEST and his presentation featured his live drumming to some of his best known songs he originally played on. Together they played Smile Away, Live and Let Die (which Denny originally played on), Coming Up, Rockestra (which Laurence originally played on) plus Band on the Run for good measure.Then Mark Hudson came out for some jamming and he was joined by Denny, Laurence, Dana and Tim for rock and roll at its highest energy level. Of course, Liverpool backed all the musicians in the nearly three hour concert. Their great set included a big chunk of The White Album (its 40th Anniversary) and they never sounded better. A fan on YouTube exclaimed "That was the best concert I've ever been to!!"


Ronnie Wood, Billy J. Kramer, and Sid Bernstein.

Other Beatles related celebs to drop by included Ronnie Wood, Billy J. Kramer, Sid Bernstein and Pete Bennett.

The winner of the Battle of the Beatles Bands was Mystical Majesty Band.

Yoko sent many items for the Charity Raffle and Auction and helped raise nearly $6,000.00 over the weekend, passing the half million mark in money raised since our first FEST in 1974.

We are opening up our blog for your comments for the first time and you are welcome to add your thoughts.


Pattie Boyd - Appearing at all 3 Fests

Pattie was the original muse and three of rock's greatest songs were written about her - Something, Layla and Wonderful Tonight. Her journey is told with warmth and honesty. George and Pattie first met on the set of A Hard Day’s Night and were married two years later. Pattie has written her memoirs, Wonderful Tonight – George Harrison, Eric Clapton and Me.

This is her very first FEST appearance and we are thrilled and delighted she is joining us. Pattie is also setting up a special Photo and Fashion Exhibit, where all her signings will be taking place over the three days.


Laurence Juber
Former Wings Member

Laurence joined Wings for their final two years and his amazing guitar playing can be heard on Back to the Egg.

Laurence has had an esteemed solo career winning Guitar Player Magazine’s Player of the Year honors twice. Two of his solo albums LJ Plays the Beatles and One Wing are fan favorites. Laurence will also perform solo acoustic concerts on both Saturday and Sunday. If you have never seen him play guitar, don't miss it. You are in for a real treat!


Denny Seiwell
Former Wings Member

Denny’s association with Paul predates Wings, as he was a session Drummer on Ram. After forming Wings, Paul contacted Denny and he stayed for 2 years.

Denny is currently one of the busiest session musicians in LA and could be seen as the Bandleader in the 2006 film, Bobby. Denny will be treating us to some live drumming to some of the original hits he played on. This is Denny's first NY METRO FEST appearance.

Ken Mansfield
Apple Executive
Author of the White Book

Former U.S. Manager of Apple Records has recently put out his memoirs, called The White Book: The Beatles, The Bands, The Biz- An Insider’s Look at an Era."

Ken’s association with The Beatles goes back to the mid 1960’s and forged close personal and business relationships with them. Ken is also making is first FEST appearances as he shares his wealth of stories with the fans. By the way, this photo of Ken was just taken by Nancy Lee Andrews, another one of our guests this year.


Mark Hudson
Ringo's Producer 1997-2007

Ringo’s former producer and co-writer returns to share his great Beatles stories and kick out the jams with LIVERPOOL and our other musical guests.

Congratulations to Mark on the wonderful work he did with Ringo on his new Liverpool 8 Album.


Meet The Stars Of
ACROSS THE UNIVERSE!

We are thrilled that we will be joined by several of the stars of the movie musical Across The Universe- the Fab film that featured 34 Beatles songs! FOUR of the six lead actors are currently planning to join us for THE FEST!

You will meet:


EVAN RACHEL WOOD who played "Lucy",


DANA FUCHS who played "Sadie",


MARTIN LUTHER who played "JoJo"


T.V. CARPIO who played "Prudence".

Other cast and crew members are also hoping to join us - including the film's director JULIE TAYMOR. All our guests from the movie will take part in a special Q &A discussion and autograph session on Saturday only and later that evening. It is highly possible that some of them will stick around for some surprise Sunday sessions as well.

The cast members will also give their first-ever public live performances of some of the Beatles songs from the movie soundtrack, backed by LIVERPOOL!

(All guests confirmed subject only to unforeseen schedule changes).

The DVD for the film was released February 5th. Copies will be available for sale at the show and they will be happy to sign your copies.

Nancy Andrews

An accomplished photographer and Ringo’s girlfriend (between Maureen and Barbara), A Dose of Rock ‘n’ Roll is a beautiful new coffee table book with not only Ringo, but photos of George, John, Nilsson, Donovan, Keith Moon, Leon Russell and many others.

The book comes in a slip case and this limited edition of 2,500 copies are all signed by Nancy. She will be happy to personalize it for you over the weekend. This is Nancy’s first NY METRO FEST appearance.

Allan Tannenbaum
Photographer / Author

Photographer and Author of John & Yoko: A New York Love Story. Allan will be talking about his experiences as one of the few who had access to John & Yoko in late 1980.

He will also be setting up an amazing Photo Exhibit at The FEST.



Tony Palmer is an acclaimed British filmmaker and writer who knew and worked extensively with The Beatles - having been friends with John Lennon since 1963. He shot the footage for The Beatles' Lady Madonna promotional film and provided the liner notes for their Yellow Submarine album. John personally instigated (and suggested the titles for) two of his many film projects.

His 1968 film All My Loving starred The Beatles, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, The Who and Pink Floyd. It was recently released on DVD for the first time. In 1977, he filmed the acclaimed British TV series All You Need Is Love - a 17-hour history of popular music that included the first-ever full-length film portrait of the Beatles - made with very active participation from John and Paul. The series was never screened nationally in the US and has never been available on home video. It will be released on DVD in May but he will have the first copies for sale anywhere in the world specially available at The Fest. This will be Tony’s first NY METRO FEST appearance.

Liverpool: Incredible Live Concerts

The World’s Finest Beatles Sound-Alike Band, is an integral part of our ‘FEST family’ and has been our exclusive house band for nearly every FEST. Their dedication to the spirit of The Beatles music is unmatched, playing a vast majority of Beatles and solo songs, plus playing with dozens of great musical guests over the years.

They are working on a couple of special surprise sets for an anniversary!! Of course, they will be playing at the Friday Night Dance as well as Concerts on Saturday and Sunday evenings.

GUEST AUTHORS


Bruce Spizer

After 6 amazing and authoritative books over the past 9 years, BRUCE SPIZER has turned out his final book in the Beatles U.S. Recordings series. It is called The Beatles Swan Song. However, 2007 saw Bruce expand into a Publisher with the release of Perry Cox’s Beatles Price Guide for American Records.

He will be doing two very entertaining Slide Shows this year. On Saturday, ALLAN STECKLER will be joining Ken Mansfield and Bruce on a fascinating talk on Apple Records in America.

Allan Steckler

Grammy Award Record Producer ALLAN STECKLER was employed by Allen Klein’s Abkco Industries. During that time he worked with the Rolling Stones, The Kinks, Donovan and others.

He managed Apple Records where he oversaw releases by The Beatles, George, John, Ringo and artists such as Badfinger, Mary Hopkin & Billy Preston. Allan attended the very first convention in 1974 as a liaison for Apple and we are delighted he can join us on Saturday.

Garry Berman
We're Going to See The Beatles

A long-time attendee of the NY Metro FEST, GARRY BERMAN has put together a book about the Beatlemania era as seen through the eyes of dozens and dozens of fans, called We’re Going To See The Beatles.

The book will be world premiered at The FEST and Garry will have two talks over the weekend: Saturday - Beatlemania and the British Invasion (All of the 1964 stuff, arrival at JFK, Ed Sullivan, etc.) and Sunday - The Beatles in the mid-1960s (Shea Stadium, Candlestick Park, Abbey Road, other mid-60s “we were there” themes).

Anthony Archer
Beatlism

Author of "Beatlism", will talk about the 24 teachings, a contemporary reminder of ancient wisdom and primers of a bold new future.

John Stevens

Author of The Songs of John Lennon: Beatles Years, is working on a follow up for his Solo work, to be completed by next year.

He will have forums on both Saturday and Sunday.

Paul Saltzman

Author of The Beatles in India informs us that his exhibit this year has been expanded to include 11 new images. He will also concentrate his talks on a much asked about topic. “Why Did The Beatles Go To India?” and share some meditation methods as well. In 1968, Paul went to the same Ashram as The Beatles in India, and the rest is history.

Susan Ryan

As the Editor of the online Rooftop Sessions, Susan has put out hundreds of articles and short stories on Beatles Fan Fiction. Over the weekend Susan heads the Fan Fiction Readings. If you have any you would like to share, this is the perfect place to do it. Don't be shy.

MCs & ANNOUNCERS


Pattie Boyd here with Martin Lewis

Martin Lewis
Master of Ceremonies

Humorist-writer-producer and leading Beatles scholar. His Fab-related work started 40 years ago (as a teenager!) when he compiled the discography for their authorized biography by Hunter Davies. He started his career as a protege of Beatles publicist Derek Taylor in the early 1970s.

His multiple Beatles-related credits include producing and marketing the DVD editions of A Hard Day's Night and The Beatles On Ed Sullivan. He was consultant for The Beatles Anthology, Live At The BBC, Paul McCartney's Music & Animation, George Martin's In My Life, Michael Lindsay-Hogg's Two Of Us and Julie Taymor's Across The Universe.

He instigated the Rutles reunion and produced their Archaeology album. He has worked as producer-writer-host and/or marketing strategist on various film/TV/DVD/record/radio/stage projects with Paul, Ringo, Yoko, George Martin and Julian Lennon.

He instigated and produced the 40th anniversary celebrations of the Beatles first visit to the US (The Fab 40!) and this year's first-ever "Across The Universe Day!"

He has been Master of Ceremonies at all our NY and Western USA (L.A./Vegas) conventions since 1992 and a Special Guest at our Chicago Fests since 1995. This will be his 43rd convention with us. See: http;//www.MartinLewis.com

Ken Dashow
DJ Personality

Q104.3, New York’s Classic Rock station is Number One rated in the country. KEN DASHOW is one of the reasons why they are tops. His music knowledge is amazing and he returns to be our Co-MC. You can hear him 4PM-8PM Monday-Thursday, and has his now famous Breakfast with The Beatles every Sunday Morning from 8-10AM.

Joe Johnson
Beatle Brunch Radio Show

Beatle Brunch Host JOE JOHNSON is now on 120 stations nationwide (including WBZO, Long Island) on Sunday mornings).

Joe heads up the Annual Live Trivia Game Shows, Name That Tune and Panel Discussions.

There will be separate contests for the younger experts as well. www.brunchradio.com.

[yerblues1968]

PATTIE BOYD, DONOVAN RECALL DAYS OF BEATLES


By STEVE BORNFELD
REVIEW-JOURNAL

Jun. 26, 2008
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal


Will we still need them, will we still heed them, when they're 44?

Need you ask?

The legacy of the Liverpool laddies has never waned since the moptops made it to America in February 1964, the memories now ablaze in bright Vegas lights in Cirque du Soleil's interpretive salute, "Love" at The Mirage, which also is hosting the second Las Vegas Fest for Beatles Fans, beginning Sunday. (For more on the three-day event, see Friday's Neon.)

Among fest guests will be the woman who inspired these words: "Something in the way she moves attracts me like no other lover." And these words: "You've got me on my knees, Layla, I'm begging, darling, please."

Pattie Boyd, ex-wife of the late George Harrison, as well as Eric Clapton, was the muse who lit their creative fuse for the former's "Something" and "What Is Life," and the latter's "Layla" and "Wonderful Tonight."

Joining Boyd in Las Vegas will be "Mellow Yellow" hitmaker Donovan, the Beatles' confidant and traveling companion on their mystical journey to India.

Following are excerpts of separate interviews in which the two share recollections of the Fab Four:

DONOVAN:


Donovan


Q: How did your friendship with the Beatles begin and why do you think a bond developed between you?

A: I was introduced by Bob Dylan to the Beatles in May 1965. We found a common bond in our songwriting abilities and our interest in finding a spiritual path to discover the reason for suffering in the world. We also shared a common background of a thriving seaport upbringing, Liverpool for them, Glasgow for me.

Q: What kind of influence did you have on them musically, and they on you?

A: When I first heard their first single I knew something had happened between acoustic music and pop music. This encouraged me to go on to fuse my Celtic influences and create Celtic rock, "Hurdy Gurdy Man," my first record. My influence on the Beatles may have begun from my breakthrough album, "Sunshine Superman," where I created a grand fusion of styles a year before "Sgt. Pepper" was created, opening doors for not only the Beatles but for many others to experiment likewise. George once said, "Donovan is all over 'The White Album,' " by which he meant my influence on this album and on their songwriting in India.

Q: What are your most vivid memories of your India trip?

A: The most memorable was continuing to learn to meditate with the Maharishi. The second is being cut off from our fame, sitting in the jungle with our acoustic guitars like students again.

Q: Who among John, Paul, George and Ringo were most affected by the trip and transcendental meditation?

A: John's disillusionment was nothing to do with the Maharishi and everything to do with the private life of John at the time. George took to it like a fish to water. So did Paul and Ringo. For my own part, I announced I was giving drugs a rest and told my millions of fans to try TM.

Q: Speaking personally rather than musically, what comes to mind when you think of the four as friends?

A: George was closest with me, John the radical, Ringo the heart and Paul the two-headed monster.

Q: Were John and Paul eager to learn your finger-picking guitar techniques?

A: John immediately wanted to learn. Paul looked over John's shoulder pretending not to learn and their songwriting developed a whole new way.

Q: Is there anything about them we'd be surprised to know after all this time?

A: Although Paul wears suits he always wore two odd socks. Ringo came up with the word "Help" for their famous song when they were being chased by 200 girls with scissors. When people recognized George on the street, he'd say, "I'm not, you know." About John, when I bought three islands in Scotland, John had to have at least one of his own, so he bought Fingal's Cave, for which Mendelssohn wrote a symphony. But at least I could visit my islands. John would have to be a seagull to have visited his."

Donovan website:
www.donovan.ie/

PATTIE BOYD:



Q: Has it been a plus in your life to be known as a muse to two of the greatest guitarists/composers in rock history?

A: It's very flattering and honoring. But it's difficult as well because it's a label that one feels one has to live up to. Yes, I inspired some songs, but it's only the musician and the creative person that can see that in me. It's not as if I've done something to help other people. But I thank them for being so kind as to say I inspired them to write songs. It actually is uplifting when I hear them now. It puts a little smile on my face.

Q: Did you expect the fame to be so long-lasting?

A: I find it extraordinary that the interest is still there, still as intense. I remember back to the '60s, the press in England would say to George, "When do you think the bubble is going to burst? This can't go on forever, can it?" The press was trying to put them down then, to try and kill it.

Q: George was known as "The Quiet Beatle," at least in his public persona. Was it also true in private?

A: He was The Quiet One and I was Mrs. Quiet One. We were both quite shy people, actually. As time went on he became a little more gregarious and more open with his opinions and his thoughts.

Q: You met George when, as a 19-year-old fashion model, you got a bit part as a schoolgirl in the train sequence of "A Hard Day's Night." What started the romance?

A: My agent booked it and it made me nervous because I never had any ambition to be an actress. And they said, "All you have to do is dress up in this school uniform," and then I really got into the idea of, well, it'll be nice to meet the Beatles anyway.

The day of the filming came and the train took off from London and stopped in this small area with no one except these four little figures. They ran toward the train and jumped in and came to our carriage and introduced themselves. They were so charming, absolutely adorable. It was great fun to be with them the whole day. At the end, when the train was coming back again to London, George said, "Will you marry me?" I just laughed because I thought he was joking. Then he said, "Well, will you come out for dinner tonight?" And I said, "Thank you, that's really sweet, but I'm seeing my boyfriend."

Q: You rejected a Beatle?

A: Yes, and he looked crestfallen. That evening I saw my boyfriend and didn't say anything to him. So my girlfriend at a modeling job the next day, she said, "Are you completely mad? How can you turn down a date with George? You don't really like your boyfriend, I don't know what you're doing with him." She was absolutely right, so I had to say, "It's all over between us." Amazingly, they called us back for another day's filming. If they hadn't, I don't think George and I would have seen each other again. I told him I no longer had my boyfriend, so we went out that night and that's really how it started. We dated for about two years, then got married."

Q: Beyond the fame, what attracted you to George?

A: "I'd never heard anyone from Liverpool before. As an American, you might not be able to hear that they have a completely different accent from people in the south of England. It's the most adorable accent. Plus George was hugely good looking."

Q: You're said to have sparked the Beatles' spiritual quest and trip to India. How did that begin?

A: While George and the others were away on tour, I saw a little advertisement in the papers to learn how to meditate, transcendental meditation. When he came back, I told him all about it and he seemed quite interested. And then, we heard from Paul that the Maharishi was coming to London to lecture. And I said, "This is what I've been talking about." So we all went. In those days, what one of them wanted to do, we all did. Then the Maharishi wanted us to go to Wales and stay for a couple of days and he would initiate all of them about meditation.

But it was so tragic when the news came through to us that (manager) Brian Epstein had died. It was so ghastly and very difficult to be brave and strong in front of the press. Everybody was watching them for their reactions. And we were with the Maharishi, so it was all rather ... oh, I don't know. I guess it was lucky that we were with them. But it was devastating because he was a father figure to them all.

Q: You were long divorced when George died in 2001. Was it still difficult coping with his death?

A: I was deeply sad when George died. I took a spiritual trip to Peru. It helped.

Q: Your 2007 autobiography, "Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton and Me," details the rocky romantic entanglements that led to your divorce from George and marriage to Eric, including George's infidelities and Eric's pursuit of you. With the benefit of hindsight, how do you look back on it now?

A: Everything seemed to be against us, and we seemed to be against each other. He was fighting his demons, I was fighting mine, things were tearing us apart. But my memory of our time together is very happy. We had so much fun because we were so young and exploring life. We were in a very privileged position because we could do whatever we wanted to do. George had a fabulous car, an E-Jaguar, and we'd just drive around England. We felt terribly free and it was really joyous."

Pattie Boyd website:
www.pattieboyd.co.uk/

Contact reporter Steve Bornfeld at [e-mail] or 702-383-0256.

www.lvrj.com/living/21712139.html