The Beatelles Get Back to the Cavern!

An iconic venue, the magic of Beatles music and an added touch of glamour.

Photo: Cara-lee Paterson

It can only mean one thing: the Beatelles, Liverpool's all-female Beatles tribute act are back in the Cavern!

The band -- Catherine Cook on rhythm guitar, Louisa Roach on bass guitar, Stephanie Kennedy on lead guitar and Sian Monaghan on drums -- entertained an  appreciate and enthusiastic crowd yesterday with three sets of fabulous music.

The sets covered the full range of the Beatles repertoire, from the early years to songs from the rooftop, with songs from the White Album featuring strongly.  Original arrangements were mixed in with songs played 'straight' and when you add this to some fun choreography and a handful of other musical classics from the 60s to the 80s, you get three hours of outstanding musical entertainment that had the Cavern Club rocking.  The set concluded with a wonderful version of “Helter Skelter”, combining both the Anthology interpretation with the White Album version.

The Beatelles are not only all wonderfully talented musicians, but also really lovely people who perform with grace, dignity, and sheer professionalism. It is always a pleasure and a privilege to watch them play.

And luckily, we have lots to look forward to!  The Beatelles will be back in the Cavern on August 12 and 19 (times to be confirmed; check the Cavern website, www.cavernclub.org nearer the time), and will be performing at various venues throughout International Beatles Week in Liverpool.

They are also performing at the Scarborough Beatles Festival in September (click HERE to buy tickets at a special rate).

For more information on the Beatelles, click here

Review: RAM, Paul McCartney

Review by Catherine Cook

The Beatelles

http://www.beatelles.co.uk/

Artist/Album title: RAM by Paul MCCARTNEY 2012
Label: Apple, EMI

Genre: Rock

RAM is an album that was originally released in 1971, the only album credited to Paul and Linda.

It is set against the backdrop of the legal action taking place with regards to the dissolution of The Beatles partnership and following their break-up. It is also an album that reflects a very important chapter in his life with his love, Linda.

Listening to this album you can hear that the lyrics clearly convey Paul's various emotions throughout.  The accompanying music is a memorising, undulating fusion from early Rock and roll influences through to the open, soft rock sounds of his later work. 

With instruments like the Ukulele appearing more and more in the charts today, and used predominantly on 'Ram On', RAM could almost certainly be a modern day album. It is made up of an array of songs designed around the small pleasures in life, accompanied by huge enjoyable melodies. 

Remastered for renewed enjoyment, It certainly will capture a range of new fans.

It is an album that makes me wish I was with Paul and his family during the writing and recordings due to its personal, and sometimes unofficially controversial, (3 Legs), lyrics.

Recommended for the more established McCartney fan is my particular favourite, Uncle Albert.  The melodic harmonies echo memories of times gone by and this is highly reflected in this Number 1 single.  Popular for its sound effects, it was also remembered for its appearance on the classic British series 'Only Fools and horses'.

As a recommendation for McCartney Virgins, I would select Monkberry Moon Delight, Eat At Home and Smile Away. Full of humour, hints of Sir Paul’s rock and roll foundations and intensely tuneful. 

Rating:

Shamefully this is my first time listening to this album, but I cannot wait to upload this onto my i-pod, so that on a rainy day in this British summer time, I have something to brighten my day. This album is a must-have classic and emotionally beautiful. My verdict is 10/10 and how could it not be? 

Track Listing

Too Many People 4:11
3 Legs 2:48
Ram On 2:31
Dear Boy 2:15
Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey 4:55
Smile Away 3:53
Heart Of The Country 2:24
Monkberry Moon Delight 5:26
Eat At Home 3:23
Long Haired Lady 6:05
Ram On 0:55
The Back Seat Of My Car 4:31
Another Day 3:42
Oh Woman, Oh Why 4:35

Beatle5 - Ulverston, August 10

RECORD BREAKING SING-A-LONG IN LIVERPOOL TO MARK THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF ‘LOVE ME DO’

Thousands expected to attend mass participation event at the city’s Albert Dock

Fans of The Fab Four will flock to Liverpool from all over the world this October to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the release of The Beatles debut single ‘Love Me Do’ by becoming world record breakers!

Organised by the award-winning Beatles Story attraction and Albert Dock Liverpool, the mass participation event will take place on Friday October 5th 2012. The spectacular stunt is expected to attract thousands of people to the city - all eager to play their role in creating a moment of Beatle history.

Organisers are currently finalising the specifics of the mass participation world record-breaking attempt that will be officially adjudicated on the day by Guinness World Records©.

Fans and participants can register their interest at www.lovemedoweekend.com.

The world record attempt will kick start the Love Me Do Weekend at Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock where bars and restaurants will offer diverse musical entertainment, bespoke food and drink offers as well as a unique Love Boat experience taking place on the water.

The weekend will take centre-stage in a year-long season of events that have drawn hundreds of thousands of people to Liverpool for a series of groundbreaking Beatles-themed cultural shows and concerts. These events include a special Merseybeat tribute as part of the 20th Mathew Street Music Festival, an exclusive 50th anniversary party at The Cavern Club, and a newly commissioned one man play about the life of Brian Epstein at the newly named Epstein Theatre.

Jerry Goldman, MD of Beatles Story says:

“This is a unique opportunity to mark the 50th anniversary of the recorded debut of the greatest group the world has ever seen. And no self-respecting Beatles fan will want to miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity to be a part of Beatle history.

“It stands to reason that here in Liverpool we would attempt something bold and exciting to mark the exact day ‘Love Me Do’ was released – a new World Record!

“But we can’t do it by ourselves. We need fans from all over the world to come to the city of Liverpool on October 5th 2012 and be part of a fantastic project that we hope will smash a world record and tell the world once again what a great, fun city Liverpool is.”

Liverpool City Council is supporting the record breaking attempt.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said:

“Liverpool is known world wide for making and breaking musical records, and Guinness World Records© even named the city world capital of pop, so it is fitting that this latest world record attempt should be held here.

“This is a great way to launch the Love Me Do weekend and I urge all music fans young and old to head to the Albert Dock and take part in what promises to be an exciting weekend.

“I hope everyone involved has fun and I wish them every success in their record breaking attempt.”

Peter Cronin, Business Development Manager at Albert Dock Liverpool said:

“The Beatles and Albert Dock Liverpool both play huge parts in Liverpool’s heritage and cultural offer. This makes Albert Dock Liverpool the perfect backdrop for this record breaking event and we look forward to hosting it." 

'Playing at Trains' - copyright Paul Berriff

NB: all images are used here with the permission of the copyright holder.  Please do not download or use any images without the express permission of the copyright holder.

To learn more about The Beatles Hidden Gallery by Paul Berriff at The Beatles Story, click here

Competition: Can you find Ringo in time for the Olympic Concert?

To download a pdf of the competition, go to http://issuu.com/bbfc/docs/olympics_2012_bbfc_contest

Danbury Fields Forever

THIS SATURDAY it's finally here: "Danbury Fields Forever" Beatles Fans Music Festival! The world's greatest music which will "Come Together" this Saturday, July 28, at Ives Concert Park, 43 Lake Avenue Ext. in Danbury, CT featuring 10 bands over 10 hours.

Featured acts include The Beatles Forever Band, One Sweet Dream, Fools On The Hill, MerseyBeatMania, Genetic Control, Pat Horgan & Thunder Road, Roger Lipson's sitar show, Carlo Cantamessa's "In My Life" tribute to John Lennon plus more. Just added: Pete Santora's "Harrisong" tribute to George Harrison. This world-class music festival is a family-friendly event open to all ages, and will attract music lovers spanning the generations.

Gates open at 10am and music continues until 8pm. Entire-day "ticket to ride" admissions are only $15 in advance, $20 at the door for lawn area (bring your lawn chairs or blankets) or $20 advance, $25 door for reserved area seating. Tickets are on sale from http://danburyfieldsforever.eventbrite.com, and there are limited VIP packages available. There will be food and beverages available for purchase, and face-painting, inflatables and other attractions for kids. Bring the whole family! Ives Concert Park is a non-profit organization.

ALSO ADDED: Also appearing is world-famous rock & roll artist Shannon, plus vendors with souvenirs, memorabilia and collectibles. The event is hosted by Charles F. Rosenay!!! of Liverpool Productions.

NEWLY ADDED: After the festival ends, the party continues! Fellow fans and rocking revelers continue the fab four fun and festivities at Liverpool Productions' official Post-Festival Party at 9pm in the ballroom of the Maron Hotel on 42 Lake Ave. Ext. in Danbury, just minutes from Ives Concert Hall. All ages welcome but you must be over 21 to drink. Cover is $10 or only $5 with your "Danbury Fields Forever" ticket stub. There is a cash bar, pool tables and more, including live DJ, singalongs and other surprises.

Don't miss out on this BEATLEful day of music, arts and much more. As The Beatles sang, "...it's guaranteed to raise a smile!"

For further info call (203) 795-4737, email LiverpoolTours@aol.com or visit www.BeatlesMusicFestival.com.

Macca Gets Back to Liverpool!

c. The Mersey Beatles (www.themerseybeatles.com)

Paul got back to where he once belonged, as he does every year, for LIPA's annual graduation ceremony. 

c. The Mersey Beatles (www.themerseybeatles.com)

He drove himself to the Philharmonic Hall, the venue for the ceremony, with Nancy sitting beside him in the passenger seat. 

c. The Mersey Beatles (www.themerseybeatles.com)

c. The Mersey Beatles (www.themerseybeatles.com)

Despite running a bit late, Paul took the time to sign a few autographs, and give the famous 'thumbs-up' to the assembled fans before hurrying inside.

c. The Mersey Beatles
(www.themerseybeatles.com) 

c. The Mersey Beatles
(www.themerseybeatles.com) 

After the ceremony, Paul drove back to Liverpool airport, via the Penny Lane roundabout and Mather Avenue.  Maybe he wanted to show Nancy around some of the places where he grew up!