The Fest

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!!"

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.

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