Randy Bachman

Of The Guess Who & Bachman-Turner Overdrive

A founding member of The Guess Who and Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Randy Bachman makes his return to the Fest! Bachman, who has collaborated with Ringo Starr and Pete Townshend, will be with us all weekend. Also joining us will be Randy's son, Tal, who had a top hit in 1999 with "She's So High." In addition to their prodigious musical talent, Randy and Tal are the hosts of Musical Mystery Tour on The Beatles Channel on SiriusXM.

Laurence Juber

In Concert, Formerly of Wings

Laurence Juber joined Wings as lead guitarist the same time Steve Holley joined. They were both brought into the band by Denny Laine. One of our all time favorite guitarists, you will hear why once Laurence picks up his guitar and plays. Over the years, Laurence has released three albums of acoustic Beatles tunes and one of Wings tunes. His first project in the Beatles world was as a session musician with Cleo Laine, produced by George Martin. Laurence has also worked extensively with Al Stewart. If we counted correctly, this is Laurence's 38th FEST and he keeps getting better! FESTS ATTENDED: 1982 - Los Angeles, Chicago, New York Metro, Houston 1990 - Los Angeles 1991 - New York Metro, Chicago 1992 - Los Angeles 1993 - Chicago 1994 - New York Metro 1995 - Los Angeles, Chicago 1996 - New York Metro, San Francisco 1997 - New York Metro, Chicago, Los Angeles 1999 - Chicago, Orlando, California 2000 - New York Metro, Chicago, Los Angeles 2002 - Boston 2005 - Chicago, Las Vegas 2010 - Chicago 2011 - New York Metro 2014 - Chicago, Los Angeles 2017 - New York Metro, Chicago 2019 - New York Metro, Chicago   OFFICIAL FEST VIDEOS:   Performing "Johnny B. Goode" with Mark Rivera and Liverpool at the 2014 Chicago Fest -     Performing "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" at the 2012 Chicago Fest -     Laurence Juber on the web: laurencejuber.com Laurence Juber on Facebook: Facebook.com/laurencejuber Laurence Juber on Twitter: @OM28LJ

Chris O'Dell

Worked at Apple, was at Rooftop Concert

Chris O'Dell The former Apple secretary and one of rock’s first female tour managers, was in the studio when the Beatles recorded The White Album, Abbey Road, and Let It Be, and sang on the chorus of the final cut for “Hey Jude.” Chris worked at Apple Records and was at the historic Rooftop Concert on Jan. 30, 1969. At the Fest, the documentary on the life and career of Chris, titled "Miss O'Dell," will be screened. She’s George Harrison’s “Miss O’Dell”, the famous B-side to “Give Me Love,” his No.1 single from 1973. Chris' memoir from 2010, Miss O'Dell, is the remarkable story of an ordinary woman who became a part of rock royalty’s trusted inner circle. Miss O’Dell is a backstage pass to some of the most momentous events in rock history, and is the ultimate fly-on-the-wall rock memoir. We look forward to welcoming Chris back to The FEST.

The Weeklings

In Concert

The Weeklings (JEM recording artists) are America’s most unique celebration of the music and muse of The Beatles, The band performs and records explosive renditions of Beatles album and Top 40 classics, uniquely arranged nuggets, 60s classic remakes, and brilliant Beatles-inspired power-pop originals. The Weeklings bring their music to life through their extraordinary energy and musicianship, exceptional vocals, and charming stage presence. They have a brand new album out called Raspberry Park and we think it is their finest one yet. We offer signed copies of the album.

The Taxmen

In Concert

The Taxmen, a new, Milwaukee-based band of young musicians, are bringing their enthusiasm and passion for the Beatles to Generation Z fans and beyond! Band members include Will Maher (24) rhythm guitar, Anthony Kopczynski (23) bass, Jeff Dziadulewicz (23) lead guitar, and Will Martin (20) drums. Playing Beatles tunes since the fifth grade, The Taxmen have been hitting the local Milwaukee music scene, giving rise to a new generation of raving Beatle fans! Their performances encompass classics from the 1950’s to the present day. The Taxmen are carving out their unique space, captivating audiences with their diverse repertoire of covers, as well as their own original songs. They are currently working on recording their first album, featuring original songs with a unique style, influenced by the greatest band of all time. You can find them on Instagram @TAXMEN.MKE

Jay Bergen

Author of Lennon, The Mobster & The Lawyer

JAY BERGEN was John Lennon's attorney in late 1975 into 1976 for the lawsuit that John and Capitol Records filed against Morris Levy, who released an incomplete version of the Rock 'n' Roll album under the name Roots for sale via TV advertising without any permission. Jay became friendly with John and Yoko and tells this unique story in his book, Lennon, The Mobster & The Lawyer. He tells how John was in court every day and was very involved every step of the way. This court case did not get all the notoriety of the immigration case (Lawyer Leon Wildes was a special guest six years ago), but it was extremely important to John.

Terri Hemmert

Master of Ceremonies Since 1978

Terri will be here all weekend as usual and heading those wonderful talks and sessions on the main stage with our Special Guests as only Terri can!

The Pepperland Rockestra

On the Apple Jam Stage

The Pepperland Rockestra has grown in size over the last few years, and they keep getting better and better. We can't wait to see what surprises they have in store for us this time around.

Wally Podrazik

Panel Discussions

Wally Podrazik has been the Discussions Room host at almost all of our Chicago FESTS (and numerous other cities) since 1977.  Wally is one of the most respected Beatles historians in the world and from 1976-1983 wrote three books (with Harry Castleman) that became an early part of a journey to delve deeply in The Beatles history. Wally's insights make his contributions to the daily discussions with our guest authors invaluable.

Kenneth Womack

Author of the Mal Evans Biography

Kenneth Womack has written the definitive story about Mal Evans. This book has been almost 50 years in the making and Ken has the full cooperation of the Evans family. Ken gave us the world's first sneak peek at last summer's Chicago FEST. For those who may not know, Mal's only public appearance ever was at our second NYC Beatlefest in September, 1975. It was a true honor. Ken is a literary critic and award-winning author who has written five books about the Beatles. Ken is the Dean of the Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences at at Monmouth University in New Jersey. 

Piers Hemmingsen

Author of The Beatles In Canada

Author of The Beatles In Canada: The Origins of Beatlemania! Piers' book offers a whole new perspective for U.S. fans. We certainly did not know that She Loves You made it to No. 1 in Canada in December, 1963, before we ever heard of the Beatles! Piers has created the standard for Canada's Beatles history, much as Bruce Spizer has done with his series of U.S. books.

Laurie Kaye

Author of Confessions of a Rock N Roll Name Dropper

Robert Rodriguez

Author of 'John, Paul, George, & Ringo, Solo In The 70s'

Robert Rodriguez' book John, Paul, George & Ringo, Solo in the 70s, puts the decade in perspective with a 30,000 word day-by-day timeline, following rock's evolution through the decade, and giving the reader a better perspective. He interviewed solo Beatles producers, engineers, friends, musicians, and associates. Robert's previous book, Revolver, was one of the best books in recent years, giving reasons why the album was the Beatles' height of creativity as a band. Robert is a Chicago native.

Ethan Alexanian

Host of 'Fans On The Run' Podcast

Host of "Fans On The Run," the podcast made by, for and about Beatles fans!

Lonnie Pena

Podcaster

Podcaster