PETER NOONE
of Herman's Hermits
PETER NOONE was the lead singer of Herman’s Hermits - The British Invasion group that had more hits in the 1960s than any other group EXCEPT The Beatles. In 1965, they were Cashbox’s #1 selling artist, and had 3 #1 songs in 4 months (Can’t You Hear My Heartbeat, Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter, I’m Henry the VIII, I Am)! Peter is an international star having appeared on every major TV show of the time, two Broadway shows, hosted VH1 shows for 4 years and 3 PBS Specials on The British Invasion, and now has his weekly radio show on Sirius/XM 60s on 6 called Something Good with Peter Noone. Peter has many great personal Beatles stories to share and we are extremely delighted and honoured to welcome Peter to his very first FEST, ever! He will be speaking and signing autographs on both Saturday and Sunday in addition to joining LIVERPOOL for a few Herman's Hermits songs and a few Beatles songs, too!
BILLY J. KRAMER
Bad to Me
New CD Launch at FEST
The name BILLY J. KRAMER is forever connected to The Beatles. He was managed by Brian Epstein and had a string of hits written for him especially by John and Paul. Billy always loves appearing at The Fest, and will be joining us all three days. In a special Saturday Afternoon Concert, not only will Billy be performing his hits (Bad To Me, Do You Want To Know A Secret, From A Window, I'll Keep You Satisfied), this will be the live debut of his new single To Liverpool With Love, written and recorded by Billy to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his first hit record. He will also perform a few other songs from his new CD called I Won The Fight all with his amazing band consisting of Liberty Devitto (drums), Adam Roth (guitar), Andy Burton (keyboards), and Muddy Shews (bass). We welcome Billy back and are thrilled to be able to launch his new CD at THE FEST.
TOM SCOTT
Legendary Horn Player
Recorded with George, Paul & Ringo
Joined George on 1974 Tour
TOM SCOTT is one of the busiest Horn players in the business. He worked with George on 3 of his albums, Dark Horse, Extra Texture & 33 & 1/3, plus with his band the L.A. Express toured with George on his only North American Tour (1974). Tom can be seen in this concert on the Living In The Material World DVD. He worked with Ringo on the Ringo Album both arranging and playing. Tom also played horns on Paul’s #1 Hit, Listen To What The Man Said. We are honored to welcome Tom to his first NY METRO FEST!
KEN SCOTT
Beatles Recording Engineer - 1967-1968
Worked with George on All Things Must Pass
We have been very fortunate to have presented three Beatles Recording Engineers over the years at various national FESTS – Alan Parsons, Norman “Hurricane” Smith and Geoff Emerick. This year, KEN SCOTT is making his first NY METRO FEST appearance in conjunction with his excellent book Abbey Road to Ziggy Stardust. Ken engineered The Beatles recordings from Magical Mystery Tour through The White Album and has a wealth of previously untold stories about their expanding ideas of what they wanted out of a song. It was Ken’s job, along with George Martin to make it happen. He also worked on All Things Must Pass, and other artists including The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Bowie, Elton John, Nilsson and many others.
MARK HUDSON
Ringo's Producer
For 10 Years
Our resident musicologist takes us on more journeys through the history of music that created the world in which The Beatles conquered. Ringo’s former producer for 10 years, MARK HUDSON hung out in the early 1970s with John Lennon and Harry Nilsson. Mark is friends with Peter Noone and the Hudson Brothers even toured with Herman's Hermits. Our musical guests will join in the Saturday and Sunday evening jam sessions with Liverpool, headed by Mark and you never know who else will be showing up! Well, yes we do know one addition we can announce. PAT DINIZIO of the Smithereens will be joining Mark.
THE NUTOPIANS:
John Lennon ReImagined:
Beatles & Solo Years
An Ensemble Presentation
The Nutopians, a unique and compelling 8-piece ensemble whose name was given to them by Yoko Ono herself, celebrates John’s genius and artistry with remarkably fresh treatments of some of his best known song compositions, often inspiring a whole new appreciation for the iconic music. Created and led by REX FOWLER of Aztec Two-Step and TOM DEAN of Devonsquare, the ensemble’s breathtaking live show features poignant song narratives, and like their 2010 Independent Award-winning CD “Imagined,” compelling lead singing and 3-part harmonies. Known for their impeccable musicianship and original arrangements, the band members play an exciting array of instruments that include acoustic 6 & 12-string, electric and bass guitars, cello, violin, mandola, accordion, piano, chromatic harmonica and light percussion. The Nutopians are affiliated with WhyHunger’s Artists Against Hunger & Poverty program, and are currently touring in support of their newest release “Lennon Re-Imagined.” They will be performing in the Main Ballroom early Sunday Afternoon. Visit The Nutopians website
CHAS NEWBY
Temporary Beatle, 1960
CHAS NEWBY became a temporary Beatle in December, 1960. He played bass and The Beatles needed a Bass player as Stu Sutcliffe stayed back in Hamburg after the band's first visit. It was Pete Best who recommended Chas to join John, Paul and George for four holiday gigs including two at the Casbah Club. Chas had no aspirations to become a professional musician and returned to college after his experience. Chas has written the foreword to the new book on another temporary Beatle - Jimmie Nicol and wanted to come to the U.S. for the book launch of The Beatle Who Vanished. The book's author, JIM BERKENSTADT is also joining us.
LIVERPOOL
World's Finest
Beatles Tribute Band
LIVERPOOL, the World’s Finest Beatles Tribute 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. Of course, they will be playing the Friday Night Dance as well as Concerts on Saturday and Sunday evenings. DREW HILL, GLEN BURTNIK, JOHN MERJAVE & CHRIS CAMILLERI will be backing SPECIAL GUESTS Peter Noone, Billy J. Kramer, Tom Scott, Mark Hudson, (and any other surprise musical guests) making for a very high energy 39th Annual Celebration!
PIG LIGHT SHOW Marc Rubinstein Presents
MARC RUBINSTEIN returns for his fourth year to add his famous PIG LIGHT SHOW to LIVERPOOL's performances each evening. Marc was a protege of the legendary Joshua Light Show from the late 1960's Fillmore East days. www.piglightshow.com
ROB SHANAHAN
Ringo's personal photographer
New Photo Book
ROB SHANAHAN is one of the most published photographers in the music industry. Since 2006, Rob has been Ringo's personal photographer, working closely with him developing his CD and DVD projects and tour merchandise. Ringo has written the Foreword to Rob's brand new book Volume 1: Through The Lens of Music Photographer Rob Shanahan. This hard cover Coffee Table edition will be available at the FEST. Rob will be treating fans to Power Point presentation which will feature many photos of Ringo and Paul that are not in the book! We welcome Rob back to his 2nd NY METRO FEST. www.robshanahan.com
ALLAN TANNENBAUM
NYC Photographer
John & Yoko Photo Exhibit
Allan Tannenbaum Photographer and Author of John & Yoko: A New York Love Story will be talking about his experiences as one of the few who had access to John & Yoko in late 1980.
He will again be setting up an amazing PHOTO EXHIBIT with new images and formatted pieces.
DAVID BEDFORD
"Liddypool" Author
Brand New Book to be launched at the FEST
Liverpudlian DAVID BEDFORD, author of the highly praised Liddypool is returning with a brand new book, called The FAB one hundred and FOUR. David has researched and identified this list of musicians who have directly influenced or performed with The Beatles from the Quarrymen days of 1957 till Aug 18, 1962, when Ringo completed the Fab Four lineup. David will have two new Power Point Presentations this year, his third year with us.
BRUCE SPIZER
Author of 7 Classic Books
BRUCE SPIZER is one of the world's leading authorities on The Beatles Recordings. Bruce has been to every FEST since 1998. This year, he will give his now 'famous' Power Point Presentations on 2 new topics. Saturday, Bruce will focus on The Beatles in England in 1963. Sunday is The Beatles in the U.S in 1963. In the Discussion room on Sunday, Bruce tackles Beatles Country, with the help of Ken Michaels.
JIM BERKENSTADT
The Beatle Who Vanished - Book Launch
JIM BERKENSTADT is the Rock And Roll Detective, an international authority on The Beatles, has co-authored two Beatles Books and edited another one. His new book is being launched at this year's FEST, called The Beatle Who Vanished, the first historical account of Jimmie Nicol, an unknown drummer who replaced the ailing Ringo in their first world tour, in 1964.
JUDE SOUTHERLAND KESSLER
Author of 2 John Lennon Books
JUDE is having her East Coast Premier of She Loves You (Volume 3 in the John Lennon Series) with a Power Point Presentation. The book is scheduled for a 10/9/13 publication. Another PP is called John Lennon’s Liverpool, showing John’s favorite haunts, school, home, etc. Jude is also having a discussion on Truth & Myths: Beatles Legends 1957-1964. Finally she will be recording her John Lennon Hour show on BeatlesARama during the weekend.
AZING MOLTMAKER
Author of 46 Beatles Books
AZING MOLTMAKER from The Netherlands, has written 46 books on The Beatles over the past 10 or so years. He attended a number of FESTs in the last decade. We welcome Azing back with 3 brand new books that he will be talking about over the weekend.
JUDITH KRISTEN – Author
ERIC CASH – Illustrator
Once Upon a Time in Liverpool
JUDITH KRISTEN's first book on The Beatles (A Date With A Beatle) told the story of a persistent 16 year old beatlemaniac in 1964. Join Judith and Famed Beatles Artist, ERIC CASH in a stunning "AV" celebration of their book, Once Upon a Time in Liverpool. Come see and enjoy the magic behind the magic! It tells the basic Beatles story, about having dreams, friendship, and believing in yourself. Eric will be displaying and selling his exquisite Beatles paintings again this year.
FAB 4 FREE 4 ALL!
Weekly All Talk Radio Show
For four years, MITCH AXELROD, ROB LEONARD & TONY TRAGUARDO focus their internet Radio Show on topics that span The Beatles careers. They will be joining us on Saturday with another invigorating new topic. www.fab4free4all.com
LANEA STAGG
Beatles Tribute Cookbook
LANEA STAGG makes her first appearance at THE FEST, along with premiering her latest book Recipe Records - A Culinary Tribute to The Beatles, which combines the Fab 4 into delicacies such as: Lady Medallions, Stuffed Sgt. Peppers, I Am the Eggs, Man! & more. The author pays homage to rock & roll and more in her additional cookbooks: Recipe Records and Recipe Records the 60's Edition.
KEN MICHAELS
KEN MICHAELS has been on radio for over 30 years, first in the New York area market and now his Every Little Thing show is on the web at kenmichaelsradio.com. He will be part of a Panel Discussion on Sunday.
MARTIN LEWISBeatles Scholar and MC
MARTIN LEWIS is an award-winning humorist, writer, producer and marketing strategist. He is also a leading Beatles scholar. His Fab-related work started 46 years ago (as a teenager!) when he compiled the discography for their authorized biography by Hunter Davies. He started his career as a protegé of former 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/strategist 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", Julie Taymor's "Across The Universe" and Sam Taylor-Wood's "Nowhere Boy". He instigated the 1996 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 US visit, the private 40th anniversary cast & crew reunion of “A Hard Day’s Night” (attended by Paul). In 2008 he instigated NASA beaming the Beatles recording of “Across The Universe” into outer space (with blessings from Paul and Yoko). In 2010 he instigated, produced and hosted multiple celebrations of John Lennon's 70th birthday, The Quarrymen's US tour and he was one of the producers of the Kennedy Center Honor salute to Sir Paul. This past year, Martin was Producer Emeritus of the latest "Secret Policeman's Ball" (the Amnesty International benefit series that he co-created with John Cleese). For the DVD edition of the show, he made his acting debut in a new Monty Python skit (co-written by Martin with Michael Palin) playing opposite Robert De Niro! Martin just co-produced the tribute event to Pete Townshend on his receiving the Les Paul Award. Among the many people Martin arranged to salute Pete were Eric Burdon (The Animals), Sir Mick Jagger (The Stones) and of course Sir Paul McCartney! Martin has been Master of Ceremonies at all our NY and Western USA conventions since 1992. This will be his 54th convention with us. His special "date" for the weekend will again be his Beatles-loving Mum - Nina - 90-years-young! See: www.NinaPearl.com
KEN DASHOW
14th Year as Co-MC
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 3PM-7PM Monday-Thursday, and has his so very popular Breakfast with The Beatles every Sunday Morning from 8-10AM.
TOM FRANGIONE & AL SUSSMAN
iStore Crystal Ballroom Hosts
TOM FRANGIONE is probably the top Beatles Trivia Expert in the U.S., having won our Trivia Competitions many, many times.
Tom hosts the Panel Discusions, Trivia and Name That Tune Contests. Friday, Tom and AL SUSSMAN will have a music/discussion called 1963: A Year In The Life. Al used to work with Mark at the Paramus Sam Goody Record Store in the early 1970s. Two beatlemaniacs became friends and still are.