The Beatles 1964 to 2014
We're three weeks away from the 50th anniversary of The Beatles coming to the United States. Their first tv appearance was February 9, 1964, on the Ed Sullivan Show. Their first U.S. concert was two days later in Washington D.C. For my generation, our lives were never the same.
The above Sun-Times photo is of The Beatles arriving in Chicago, in September 1964. The girl with the dark hair is Leah Polk. Her daughter and my two daughters are long time close friends. Yesterday I asked Leah what she was thinking while watching the scene.
" Hmmm....I was never asked that question and now it's 50 years later. When they walked off the plane, two things happened initially and simultaneously. First was a massive gasp and sigh multiplied by several hundred people, immediately followed by a very strong force as the masses pressed forward, It was so powerful the the pressure pinned me into the fence, pushing the air out of my lungs. More emotion than thoughts. I was completely in awe of them."
This scene and those reactions had been occurring all over the country. Memories of those days will be played out in events happening in the next few weeks.
The next few weekends will be all about The Beatles as we get close to the Feb. 9 anniversary. Today, I'll start by looking at some of the events that are happening in Chicago, sprinkling in some of the memories they bring.
On Sunday, January 26 at Space, in Evanston, "American English Celebrates: 50th Anniversary of The Beatles invading the U.S."
American English is one of the top Beatles tribute bands and Space is a small and intimate venue. Affordable tickets start at $16.
On February 9th at 4;30 pm, The Liverpool Legends perform at The Arcadia, in St. Charles. The band is managed by George Harrison's sister, Louise. She'll also be there.
My favorite Chicago event happens on Friday, January 24. The downtown Harold Washington branch of the Chicago Public Library is having Beatles karaoke. They'll have music and lyric sheets. Just pop on stage and sing your favorite Beatles tunes. Sounds like a blast. I'm working on my set list and costume changes!
It also reminds me of a Beatles moment from about 50 years ago.
Our family would occasionally go on little three or four day trips to this place in Wisconsin, called Oakton Manor. There were a few of these type of resorts in Wisconsin but this was the one where we always seemed to go. If you remember the resort in the movie "Dirty Dancing", you've got the picture.
This trip must have taken place in the Spring of 64. Beatlemania had already struck America hard. One night the entertainment was a children's talent show. My brother and I got up and sang "I Saw Her Standing There." The crowd and the Oakton Manor house band loved iit. They asked for an encore. We did "She Loves You." It's still the musical highlight of my life.
So next Friday, fifty years later, I get a chance to relive that moment. Who says you can't go back in time!