Saturday 27 September 2014

Let It Be DC - Tickets on Sale Now!


Let It Be DC is back again and promises to be even better the second time around!  This fantastic event is not only  amazingly fun, but it also benefits the musical community making it a win-win for everyone.  
The British Beatles Fan Club interviewed organizer Neal Green to find out more about this event and we think you will agree that it promises to be a fabulous night of fun.  The full interview is below.

The BBFC will be attending so if any BBFC members also come, please send us a message to let us know you'll be there or wear your lapel pin on the night so we can meet up and say "hello".  


Find out more:
Event Website
Let It Be DC Facebook Page
The Musicianship.org website
Get your tickets (Early bird pricing ends Oct 15)

Interview with Neal Green, Let It Be DC Organizer

BBFC: This is the second Let It Be DC event you’ve organized. What prompted you to develop this event? 
Neal: This idea, was born a year ago from a conversation with some friends around a dinner table. We were discussing the different ways the Musicianship was looking to raise funds. I was discussing the need for a concert to celebrate the music of the British invasion. I made the statement we should put the together a British Invasion concert to benefit the MusicianShip, and from there the rest was history. Let It Be DC was born. 
BBFC: Have you done this sort of thing before? 
Neal: Last years Let IT Be DC event was the first time I had ever worked in the music field. I jumped in with both feet and with a little help from many of my friends in the local music industry we successfully pulled it off. If you build it they will come. 

BBFC: This event supports a charity called The Musicianship. How and why did you select this particular organization to support? 
Neal: What better choice than an organization that provides all facets of training in the field of music to children that are at risk and in areas where music education has been budgeted out of the public schools. We are providing for our future by supporting these children with opportunity. Summer music camps, after school music activities and more. 
BBFC: How did you select the three bands that are schedule to perform? 
Neal: Let It Be DC is very blessed to have three local bands, The English Channel, The Apple Core, and The GoodFellas, they have been performing for a wide variety of audiences from small intimate venues to large international audiences. 

The GoodFellas, has even been invited to Liverpool for Beatles week and played the Famous Cavern Club. The English Channel will be playing at the 2015 Abbey Road On The River Festival in Louisville, Kentucky. A five day event that rivals all Beatle festivals. We will be raffling off at Let It Be DC a five day “Ticket to Ride” to the festival to raise money for the MusicianShip. 
BBFC: There are different ticket price levels available. What does a VIP ticket include? 
Neal: Our VIP guests will get early admission to the event and the opportunity to meet the bands and our amazing MC, Hillary Howard. Our VIP’s also get reserved seating at the front of the Ballroom and a complimentary beverage. 
BBFC: Is there accommodation available for people who might want to come from outside the immediate area? 
Neal: Lansdowne Resort has really gone the extra mile for our guests and us! Lansdowne is offering rooms that normally go for $200.00 or more for an incredible $129.00! You have a choice between a king bed room or two twin beds. The rooms are beautiful! 
BBFC: I see on the website that there will be a Late Night Band Jam and a sing-a-long? What exactly is that? Will all three bands be playing together? 
Neal: We have a wonderful group of musicians who love the fans and fans that love our musicians. We are “family”! The Band Jam brings us all together at the end of the event and lets us celebrate that togetherness that is the music. It’s a fantastic experience! The sing-a-long is another tradition at these types of events. Having the event at Lansdowne Resort gives us the ability to continue the fun after the concert. Its for those who love to sing and those who love to play instruments to come together and go to the wee hours getting to know each other and enjoy. 
BBFC: What else do you want our readers to know about you, the bands or the event? 
Neal: This event Let it Be DC is an expression of what music of the British Invasion is all about, LOVE! Let It Be DC lets us come together and celebrate, while we afford the next generation the opportunity to do the same. Music, all music, brings us together, and together we can accomplish great things! 

Find out more:
Event Website
Let It Be DC Facebook Page
The Musicianship.org website
Get your tickets (Early bird pricing ends Oct 15)

 




Wednesday 17 September 2014

Epstein Theatre Open Day to Celebrate Brian Epstein’s 80th Birthday


On Friday 19 September the Epstein Theatre once again throws open its doors to the public for a now annual Open Day in honour of the late Mr. Brian Epstein’s Birthday, marking what would have been his 80th Birthday.
The public can come along and enjoy a free cup of tea or coffee and for a small donation, a delicious range of sweet treats and cakes. To celebrate the occasion the theatre are asking any budding bakers to bring a cake with them that can then be sold, with all proceeds going to Statue 4 Eppy, a project that is raising funds for a statue of Brian Epstein to be erected in Liverpool. 

On the day, the Epstein will be open from 10am to 4pm and will also feature tours of the theatre where the public can explore the beauty of the venue, which is now also available to book for a variety of occasions including corporate events, conferences, weddings and special occasions.

This will mark yet another event in what has been a very special year for the former Beatles manager; 2014 has already seen Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles, a fascinating window into the much speculated private world of the music entrepreneur have a successful 6-week run in London’s West End; a prestigious Heritage Foundation Blue Plaque unveiled outside the London NEMS office in his honour, and was also posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of fame following a campaign from fans.

Always proving to be a popular event, hundreds of people from all over Liverpool and beyond attended in 2012 and 2013, paying tribute and celebrating the life of one of Liverpool’s most-loved sons and theatre management are expecting an even better turn out this year!

The theatre’s brand new Autumn/Winter season brochure will also be hot off the press and the first copies will available to pick up on the day.

For full details and to join the theatre mailing list visit www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk
For further details on how to donate to Statue 4 Eppy please visit www.statue4eppy.com


Friday 12 September 2014

Paul urges Scotland to vote NO to partition

Hot off the presses from The Guardian | The Observer:
 
Paul McCartney has become the latest celebrity to call for Scotland to stay part of the United Kingdom ahead of the independence referendum.
Paul made the declaration as the Let's Stay Together campaign sought support in Liverpool.
The campaign said about 50,000 people, including celebrities like Sir Paul, have put their names to an open letter to voters.
Sir Paul added his name to an open letter to voters which says: "The decision on whether to leave our shared country is, of course, absolutely yours alone. Nevertheless, that decision will have a huge effect on all of us in the rest of the United Kingdom. We want to let you know how very much we value our bonds of citizenship with you, and to express our hope that you will vote to renew them. What unites us is much greater than what divides us. Let's stay together."
Sir Paul's signature and those of tens of thousands of people from all over the country, shows that English, Welsh and Northern Irish people hope passionately that the Scottish vote to renew their bonds of citizenship with us. "The decision is for the Scottish voters alone. Let's Stay Together simply want them to know that we hope that they will stay part of our shared country."
Scottish Labour MP Anne McGuire, speaking of behalf of the pro-Union Better Together group, said: "It is hardly surprising that Sir Paul wants us to Come Together: "Maybe rather than trying to take us all on a Magical Mystery Tour Alex Salmond should just Let it Be."

The tiny little station that hosted The Beatles

Back in 1964 when the Beatles were filming "A Hard Day's Night" they chartered a train from Paddington for filming the first twenty minutes of the film which take place on board a train.

They also filmed a chase scene outside of Marylebone station.

But a lesser known station in Somerset also had a role to play in this film and it recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of the film and their participation in its making.

The train from London stopped in Minehead and the locals went wild to find the Beatles in their midst. Read about this momentous moment in Minehead history (including some amazing photos that most of us have not seen before) written by Timothy King here.

Woolton Baths Open for Visitors as Part of Liverpool's Heritage Weekend!

WOOLTON BATHS (1893)
Restoration Project
WILL BE OPEN
13th & 14th SEPTEMBER FOR VIEWING DURING NATIONAL HERITAGE DAYS 
ENTRY IS FREE
(Children must be accompanied by an adult)


Woolton Baths, Allerton Road, Woolton Village L25 will be open to members of the public for viewing on 13th & 14th of September staffed by volunteers from 10am to 3pm each day.

There is no charge for entry, but memorabilia will be on sale including collectible dedicated Tea Towels and shoulder bags, and we will be seeking donations for the project. Visitors can see a selection of the congratulatory 120th birthday cards donated by schools / local individuals, Woolton Swimming Club history, displays of engineering work being undertaken and view the pool as well as the rear courtyard where the former UDC fire station was located.

There is an historic link to John and Paul's formative years where both swam in the pool, especially John, who was a regular swimmer. 

Should any visitors have enquiries about opening details etc, please contact Jane Eustance on 0151 428 8128.


WOOLTON VILLAGE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION, WOOLTON SWIMMING CLUB, SAVE WOOLTON POOL FUND, & THE WOOLTON SOCIETY www.wvra.co.uk

Special 2 for 1 Offer as Let It Be moves to Blackpool

Let It BeYesterday we told you that Let It Be is ending its run in London at the end of the month.  The good news is that it will continue in Blackpool.

Even better news is that the producers are offering a special 2 for 1 special. 

This offer is for Sunday through to Thursday performances only for the top two price bands when ordering tickets via Ticketmaster.  When ordering use the code SUN.  
Link to the Blackpool performances 


Thursday 11 September 2014

Last Chance for Let It Be at the Garrick

Let It BeDid you get to see "Epstein - The Man who Made The Beatles" before it ended last week? Well don't miss your last chance to see "Let It Be" at the Garrick Theatre. Its run is ending on 20 September so you have a few opportunities left to catch it.

Even if you did see it, you might be interested in reading this interview with the Let It Be cast from a few months ago.

Monday 8 September 2014

Mark your calendar: Dublin Beatles Festival Nov 7-9 2014

Following the huge success of the Dublin
Beatles Festival last year Beatlemania returns
to the city from November 7th — 9th

GIGS • FILM • THEATRE • FREE EVENTS • TABLE QUIZ
PUBLIC INTERVIEW • ART • MERCHANDISE
MEMORABILIA... AND LOTS MORE!












PLEASE NOTE
Dublin artist GEORGINA FLOOD will be taking part in the Festival. Details TBA. The Liquor
Rooms on Wellington Quay will be the place to go for a late drink during the Festival.

TICKET INFORMATION
Festival tickets go on sale from September 5th. There is a 10% booking fee. There are a
limited number of Creme Tangerine Early Bird Tickets. They cost €50 each and cover entry
to all the Festival’s events (except the Table Quiz).

Visit the website for the event to find out more and about accommodation.

Sunday 7 September 2014

Review: Fab Four Taxi Tours - Beyond Fabulous!

Ernie, Ian our guide and his taxi "Dear Prudence"

Fab Four Taxi Tour
August 2014

Having been coming to Liverpool since 2005 for Beatle Week, we only took this tour as our webmaster had made the trip from the USA. Terry and I had seen most of the sites such as Mendips, Forthlin Road, Strawberry Fields, which Michele hadn't seen before. However, we were all pleasantly surprised as we were also shown a number of sites Terry and I had never seen.

Ian, our guide was great, and is a huge fan himself and very, very knowledgeable.

When we said we were from the British Beatles Fan Club, Ian went out of his way to take us to more obscure sites.  We started with the usual ones, the registry office where John married Cyn, John's birthplace, Penny Lane, Newcastle Road, Admiral Grove, Madryn Street and more.

Then however; we were taken to the house Ringo bought for his parents on the outskirts of Sefton Park, George's house in Mackets Lane and to John Lennon's Uncle Norman and Aunt Harriet's house.

None of us knew of this house and then Ian produced some amazing photographs of John and Yoko visiting the house in 1969 while on their way to Scotland. This was the trip where John crashed the Austin Maxi and the pictures show John and Yoko on the street and the maxi in clear view on the drive.
George's Parent's house. Girls used to camp out in the garden

Having booked a 3 hour tour, we were now approaching 6 hours when we reached St Peters Church in Woolton. We were due at an event there that night and Ian said he had a couple more places to take us to, but agreed to drop us near the church where we found somewhere to eat.

Anxious to show us everything, he arranged to come back on Tuesday and take us to these remaining places.

True to his word on Tuesday he returned and took us to Huyton to see the grave of Stuart Sutcliffe and then to the Sefton Park Hotel, which were previously flats where Stu lived.
On the site of Stu's flat is a bar in the hotel called Astrid's bar. This lovely bar is modern but decorated with photos of the band from the Hamburg days and a gig list written in Stuarts hand on the walls.

We all had a great time seeing sights new to all of us.
Stuart Sutcliff's grave with Ian's guitar & mementos from fans

If you only have 3 hours to spare, the 3 hour tour is great value and you will be both informed and entertained; however, it is well worth it if you have more time to grab 4 friends (the taxi holds 5) and go for the longer tour. You won't regret it.

We couldn't have asked for more, Ian was fantastic and we can highly recommend this as the best taxi tour in Liverpool.  If you do book a tour, don't forget to tell them the BBFC sent you!

- Terry, Ernie and Michele


Saturday 6 September 2014

Review: Visiting Liverpool? This flat is Beatle Heaven!

Liverpool is full of lovely places to stay, but on my recent visit for Beatles Week I struck gold with a place I think is the best place to stay in the whole city.  The Daytripper Apartment is a Beatles themed self-catering flat in the city centre  in a quiet neighbourhood, but you have to see it to believe it. It is perfect in every way.

The flat is spacious, bright and comfortable with a fully equipped kitchen and every modern convenience including a washer, dryer and dishwasher. The bathroom has a deep tub and a lovely powerful shower above.

The lounge is huge with three comfortable sofas, a big TV and lots of light.

The bedroom which is up one step and separated from the living area by a 3/4 dividing wall has plenty of storage, a comfortable bed and a second TV.


Every room in the flat is tastefully and artfully decorated with Beatles prints, memorabilia, books and records.  There is music system including a CD player and iPod dock including a  huge array of CDs to play as well as guitars to strum.  After a week's stay, I was still discovering little treasures in the flat to examine.

In addition, the owner provides those little touches that you just don't find anywhere else.  When I arrived, Beatles music was playing on the sound system, and a welcome card along with a bottle of chilled wine and a box of chocolates were on the kitchen table.  Inside the fridge I found milk, juice, water and gourmet cheese. 
 
The flat's location couldn't be better either.  We could walk to Mathew street (in about 5 minutes), Liverpool 1, the town centre or the docks.  The station is walking distance too but may be too far for those with heavy luggage.

The guest book was nearly filled and I read it from cover to cover.  There was nothing but praise for this flat in the book from visitors from around the globe.

If you are interesting in staying in this lovely flat,  here is the link to the website to learn more.  If you end up booking it, please tell Jacqui that you saw this review on the BBFC website.




BBFC Magazine - Issue 52 Available Now

The latest issue of our quarterly magazine has been mailed to all active members.  This issue includes:
  • Beatles A Day in the Life
  • Media Watch
  • Paul McCartney at LIPA Awards
  • Coming Up - Forthcoming Events
  • Ringo Starr All-Starr Tour Press Conference
  • Ringo Starr Live at Casino Rama Concert Review
  • Ringo Starr Live at Wolf Trap Concert Review
  • Ringo Starr Live in Chicago
  • A Hard Day's Night in Leeds
  • A Hard Day's Night in London
  • Try Some, Buy Some—New Releases
  • Paperback Writers
  • Epstein - The Man Who Made The Beatles
  • Beatle Boots
  • BBFC Offers & Merchandise
  • As I Write This Letter

To get the magazine, join the BBFC today or visit our shop to buy just this issue.

Wednesday 3 September 2014

EPSTEIN’S CELEBRATED SIX WEEK LONDON RUN TO END THIS WEEK!



Bill Elms & Jen Heyes Productions Ltd present

Final few performances – must end Sat 6 September
_________________________________________________________________________________

Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles - the critically acclaimed play by Andrew Sherlock, about the legendary music manager Brian Epstein opened at London’s Leicester Square Theatre on the 30 July and has thrilled audiences for the past five weeks, with many audiences members returning a fab four times or more to see the show. Now in its final week, it is London’s last chance to see the show which has received 4 and 5 star reviews from critics and must end Saturday 6 September.
Celebrities have attended in their droves to see the show including Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe of the Pet Shop Boys, singer and radio presenter Elaine Paige, TV personality Matthew Wright,  Frankie Goes to Hollywood singer Holly Johnson, record mogul Seymour Stein, Coronation Street actors Philip Lowrie, Gwen Taylor and Charlie Condou, musician and photographer Mike McCartney, Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, Merseybeat singer Beryl Marsden, and Everton chairman and theatre producer Bill Kenwright, along with actress Jenny Seagrove.  Many member of the Epstein family, friends and his work colleagues have also been to see the show.
Stars of the show Andrew Lancel and Will Finlason have received standing ovations since the first performance for their portrayal of Brian Epstein and fictional character ‘This Boy’ both returning to the roles after the show premiered in Liverpool as part of the city’s official Beatles 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2012.


Actor Andrew Lancel who plays Brian Epstein said “The reactions to this play have been incredible and humbling. From members of Brian's family to people attending from all over the world. It’s been a pleasure also sharing the stage with Will Finlason every night and we cherish every performance. It's a challenge and an honour playing Brian and there are plans in place to see that continue... I thank my director, writer, producers, crew and the wonderful team at Leicester Square Theatre, but mostly the audiences for taking Brian Epstein to their hearts.”
The show opened hot off the heels of The Beatles 50th Anniversary celebrations happening all around the world, Brian Epstein posthumously inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and also the unveiling of a commemorative blue plaque at the London offices of Epstein’s company NEMS on 29th June. There was even a special performance on the anniversary of Brian’s death on Wednesday 27th September which included a Q & A with the cast. Brian would have celebrated his 80th birthday this September.
Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles is the untold story and window into the private world of the gay, Jewish, music entrepreneur whose stellar career as Beatles Manager made him a household name yet whose controversial personal life remained very much in the closet. Brian died in 1967 of a concluded accidental overdose at the age of 32.
This two-hander play imagines this brilliant but troubled man’s drug-fuelled final days whilst looking back upon his illustrious adult life and meteoric career from his drama school days to managing the world’s biggest pop group - a must-see opportunity to discover a previously unexplored story and celebrate a true icon of 1960’s popular culture – a man who shaped music and style across the world.
What the media said…
“Do. Not. Miss!”
Whatsonstage.com *****

“A diamond of a show”
London Theatre Guide

“A wonderful performance”
Sunday Mirror

“Andrew Lancel as ‘Brian Epstein’ is mesmerising
Londontheatre.co.uk

“Will Finlason excels as This Boy, filling the stage with energy and charisma”
Liverpool Echo 9/10

“Pitch-perfect performance”
The Stage ****

“His performance is a must see”
Entertainment Focus

“Lancel as Epstein is a revelation”Digital Spy
“In every part it has the recipe to be a huge success.”whatsupwhatson.com

“An acting masterpiece”
Sardines Magazine

“Superbly written by Andrew Sherlock…
Andrew Lancel was born to play the role of Brian Epstein”
The Examiner

Now in final week at London’s Leicester Square Theatre until 6 September 2014, Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles is brought to you by Bill Elms & Jen Heyes Productions Ltd, written by Andrew Sherlock and directed by Jen Heyes.
More information on Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles can be found at www.epsteintheplay.com.

LISTING INFORMATION:

Epstein: The Man Who Made The Beatles
Leicester Square Theatre
6 Leicester Place, London, Greater London WC2H 7BX
Must end Sat 6 September 2014
Mon – Sat Evenings: 7.30pm I Sat early shows 4.00pm
Ticket Prices: £30-£42.50

HOW TO BOOK:
Book in person at the venue, online at www.leicestersquaretheatre.com or via telephone on 08448 733433. Booking fees may apply

Writing co-commissioned by Homotopia. 
Supported by Arts Council England, Orange Amplification, Liverpool Vision and Liverpool Echo.
Production partners: The Beatles Story (Liverpool), Hard Day’s Night Hotel (Liverpool), Hard Rock Cafe (London), The Beatles Coffee Shop/Beatles Walks (London).
Media Partners: Absolute 60’s Radio, Waterfront Magazine and Beatles Magazine.
The official hotel partner is Radisson Blu Edwardian, London.
The official production charity partner is CALM www.thecalmzone.net.
Running Time 2hrs approx
Suitable for age 14+

BBFC Members at Beatles Week

Hard to believe that it's been more than a week since this year's Beatle Week in Liverpool already. It was a busy time for the BBFC especially on convention day at the Adelphi. The day was great for lots of reasons but the best thing is when BBFC members stop by to say hello. It is such a thrill to meet you for the first time or reconnect again.

This year, we tried to take a photo of everyone who stopped by to see us. If we missed you, we are very sorry. We'll try harder next year. The ones we "caught" are below. Thanks again for stopping by and watch this space because we have some ideas percolating for some fun new things.

Speaking of new things, in addition to our website shop, we now have a BBFC eBay shop where we will be selling things that are running low and we only have a few of them and some other special items. We will be adding new stuff over time, but check us out here.

Richard
Dave
Dave
Rocco
Jonathan
Dana
Steve
New members Tom & Christian
Tony
Carl
 
Special friend Glyn