Glad to Be Back!

Posing with some of Eric Cash's Beatle art at Beatlefest NYC 2024

 Hello Beatle Friends!

You were not aware of it, but I have not been live posting on this site for the past 3 weeks.   I had scheduled photos and a review to post daily because I was out of town for work, went to the Beatlefest in New York City and then back on the road for work.    

I am back to posting live, and it is great to be back.   I wanted to thank everyone who came to me with the kind words about this site at the Beatlefest last weekend.  One of the most touching moments for me was on Friday night when I was on the "Meet the Authors" panel on the main stage and said, "I'm Sara Schmidt, and I run a site called 'Meet the Beatles...For Real.'"  And the people started to applaud.  I thought I was going to cry.   Thank you so much for all of the support and love.    

March 9 will mark the 15th anniversary of MTBFR.   Does anyone have any good ideas on how we can celebrate?  

I have collected many first-generation fans' stories, and I have not forgotten about the article I planned on writing.  It is just going to happen later in 2024.  

Meeting Debbie

photo taken by Linda (Eastman) McCartney 

 

Paul McCartney met Debbie on October 25, 1968 at the Cavern Club.  I met Debbie on April 1, 2023 in New Jersey.   

Come see me at the Fest!

 

Hello everyone!

I will be at the Fest for Beatles Fans in Jersey City, New Jersey, this weekend (March 31 - April 2, 2023), trying my best to sell my new book, Dear Beatle People:  The Story of The Beatles North American Fan Club.   I will give a presentation on the book at 9pm on March 31 in the video room.  

This is the world premiere of my book, so it is pretty exciting!

But even if you aren't interested in my book, please come and say "hi" to me at my table and tell me that you are a viewer of Meet the Beatles...For Real.    

As I always say, I am an introvert, and things like Beatles Festivals are very fun but also very overwhelming.  I am not going to go up to anyone and start a conversation with them, but I am happy to talk to people if they speak to me.   There is NO pressure to buy a book, but if you are interested, just let me know!

I hope to see some of you there. 

Sara S.  (aka Starshyne) 

The virtual Fest for Beatles Fans -- was it worth it?

 

My mom, Coral, and I at the virtual Fest For Beatles Fans

This past weekend was the Fest for Beatle Fans (known far and wide as "Beatlefest").   This was the first Fest held in person since 2019.  I thought about going to the Fest in New Jersey in person, but there weren't any rooms available.   So I decided to give the virtual ticket a try.   For the first time ever, they were doing what we in education call the "hybrid method."    It is both live in-person and online through Zoom. 

If I am honest, I didn't have very high hopes for the virtual Beatlefest.   I figured there would be a lot of technical problems and confusion, and some of it would be boring due to dead airtime.   And I am very happy to say that I was wrong!

My mom and I always attend the Fest together and so we decided to have our own Fest at my new condo.  My mom spent the weekend with me and we wore our Beatles t-shirts.   We rearranged the room, ordered food, and as usual, went into the event with the attitude that we would have a good time. 

There were two Zoom rooms available to watch.  The first one was the Main Stage Zoom.  This was the one that showed all of the concerts and interviews with the main guests.   The other Zoom was the interactive room.   This room had a variety of things going on.   I enjoyed the "virtual hub."  Roland was the guy in charge of grabbing various guests and interviewing them on the fly for us virtual fest-goers.  Roland was amazing at interviewing and keeping things alive and positive.  The virtual hub also showed some live recordings of different Beatles-themed podcasts.   At the times when the virtual hub was not going on, the camera would switch over to the room where they had panel discussions. 

The highlight of the entire event was the Zoom discussion between Peter Jackson and Michael Lindsay-Hogg.   This is the one area where I feel that those of us with the virtual ticket got the best part of the deal.   We were able to watch this amazing discussion without the instruments from the bands or that annoying tall guy in the front row blocking part of our view.  It was quiet and you could actually hear and concentrate on what was being said.  Having watched films at Beatlefest in person in the past, I know seeing and hearing can be a challenge at times.   This discussion was amazing to say the least.  

There was a lot of disappointment with the virtual attendees because Mark Lewisohn was listed as being a special guest and we were led to believe that we would be able to hear his two presentations on The Beatles in India.   Unfortunately, due to copyright material being shown, we were unable to see these presentations.   This was not known until we logged into the Main Stage Zoom to watch it and saw random fans jamming to Beatles songs.   And while I do agree, that Mark should not have been listed as a guest on the virtual ticket originally, I do believe that he made up for it.   Mark Lewisohn took the time to go to the virtual hub and spend a good amount of time answering questions directly from the hundreds of fans that were there.   So while we couldn't see the presentations, we did get a private Q & A that those in person missed out on. 

Roland interviews Mark Lewisohn in the virtual hub 

Another virtual event that in-person attendees missed out on was the interview via Zoom with Michael Lindsay Hogg.  That was not something that was publicized at all and I am so glad that we stumbled into the interactive zoom room and saw most of it. 

The music over the weekend was also really great.  I especially enjoyed the band, The Black Ties.  They performed on Friday night and sang songs The Beatles covered during the  Cavern/Hamburg days.  Laurance Juber (from the later years of Wings) as always did a wonderful set, Don from the Cyrkle's interview was so great!  And I was happy to hear him perform a few songs on Sunday night.   I have not always been a big fan of the Beatlefest house band, Liverpool -- but I really enjoyed the final Sunday night concert. 

Don (with the cap on his head) sings "Red Rubber Ball."

The one thing that I thought I would miss out on the most by having a virtual ticket and not being in person was the connection with other Beatles fans.   And while I really did miss seeing all my Beatles friends in person (especially when I was seeing them on my screen), I also enjoyed chatting in the Zoom chat with some new Beatles friends.   A big shout out to Edward, Ruthie, Nancy, Chris, George, and Annette!   It was great to make new Beatles friends!   

If I was asked for any improvements, I would say that three Zoom links needed to be provided instead of the two.   One for the Main Stage, one for the interactive room, and another in the room where the panel discussions are held.   I missed out on a lot of great discussions because they were not showing that room.    I also think there needs to be a virtual schedule that is different than the regular schedule. Not knowing what they were going to show next, made it difficult to decide what to watch. 

I also recommend that people attend The Fest for Beatles Fans and if you can go in person that is the way to go.  However -- I now will recommend that you get a virtual ticket if you cannot go in person.  It is well worth the money spent PLUS you get a week to watch it all over again and catch the things you missed. 

www.thefest.com  

Rest in Peace Ron

 

"Beatlemania" by Ron Campbell 

Mitch Axelrod interviews Ron Campbell at The Fest for Beatle fans in NYC 2014

Showing one of Ron's artwork at the Fest for Beatle Fans NYC 2014

I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the passing of Ron Campbell this weekend.   If you aren't familiar with Ron, then I am sure you are familiar with his work.   Ron was a cartoonist.   He was one that worked on some really big-name shows:  Scooby-Doo, The Jetsons, The Flintstones, George of the Jungle, Rugrats, The Smurfs and so many others!

He also worked on the Beatles cartoon in 1965 which lead him into becoming one of the head animators on the Yellow Submarine movie.   Ron's work is some of the best scenes in the film.   He did most of the stuff with Max and the Cheif Blue Meanie and I believe all of the "Nowhere Man" song with Jeremy.   

While I don't believe he ever met The Beatles, his work on their animated projects should not be forgotten.   Ron made the Yellow Submarine into the classic film we love today.  

Once he retired, he spent time traveling around the country, displaying his artwork.  He was a frequent visitor at Beatle conventions where he showed himself to be a very kind and talented man who would happily sketch a cartoon Beatle for you.    

He will be missed.  

The Virtual Fest For Beatle Fans Chicago -- A Review

 

Usually on the Wednesday following the Fest for Beatle Fans in Chicago I would write up a review of my weekend.     Since we live in  a crazy time right now, the Fest was canceled.   Then a virtual Fest was scheduled.  

I had my doubts about having a virtual Fest.  I will be honest with you all.  I thought spending $44 (actually $48 when you added in the fees) was ridiculous.   I had watched other virtual events, including the NKOTB virtual cruise, and it didn't cost a thing.    I wasn't sure if I could justify spending that much money on something online.   And even now I am not sure about the price, but I will overlook that for now. 

The virtual Fest went above and beyond my expectations.  There were five different Zoom rooms.  The "Main" room was a webinar room.  This is where the headline people such as Peter Asher, Denny Laine,  Jenny Boyd, Donovan, etc spoke and performed.   You couldn't see anyone but the person doing the interviewing and the interviewee in this room.   There was a room for authors and panels.   Here you could see the others in the Zoom.   You listen to the presenter and can ask questions at the end. 

There was also a room where people were playing music and chatting.   Here are a few of my favorite highlights from the weekend.

• Ken Womack talking about his new book about John Lennon's music in 1980
• Learning that Lord Woodbine's nickname was NOT given to him after the cigarettes he smoked, but rather about a song he wrote about the cigarettes. 
• Jenny Boyd talking about her time in India with the Beatles 

• Donovan's bizarre puppet show
• Terry Crain's discussion on Beatles memorabilia
• Slide shows about Beatles art 
• Mark Lewisohn --- yeah just everything about Mark and his two presentations/ talks.  I could listen to him talk about The Beatles all day long. 

• Unboxing of Flaming Pie box set
• Jude Southerland Kesslers talk about John Lennon in the Bahamas during Help (using a story she originally found on this very site!)
• The panel I moderated with the Three Beatle Babes
• Seeing Beatles friends from literally around the world!
• The ability to re-watch the things that I missed in the Main room after the fact (I still need to watch what I missed on Sunday, which includes Freda Kelly and Klaus Voorman)

Things I did not like

• All of the tech issues.   Oh, so many tech issues!   Yes, I know that is to be expected when you are doing a live event online.   I tried to be alright with it all,  but yet it was so annoying!
• Donovan's long grey hair and the fact he didn't sing a single one of his songs but had his guitar with him the entire time.
• I couldn't hear Denny Laine
• I didn't really get to talk to my friends.  I saw them, but things were so hectic, that I never got to just chat with anyone.   Besides the fact that I simply miss being there in person with everyone.
• Seeing Liverpool on my computer isn't nearly as fun as seeing them in person.  I just couldn't get into it. 

As you see -- the good far outweighed the bad.   There some great discussions and speakers.  And surprisingly to me, I had that good Beatles feeling of peace and love and connection with others even though it was all virtual.   

I think it was worth my time, but I wouldn't recommend it unless you have the entire weekend free.  If I had to, I would go to another virtual Fest in the future.   However, I do not want Beatles conventions to become just virtual.   Nothing can compare to hearing the Beatles' music in person, talking to friends in person, and going to discussions in person.   I do think some virtual things s should happen during the live Fest so that more people from around the globe can get involved.   It would be nice if you couldn't make it there in person to have the choice to watch things happening live on your computer at home.   It is an exciting prospect as we continue to see Beatles conventions and festivals change to the times. 

Remembering Funny Man, Neil Innes

Neil Innes at the Chicago Fest for Beatle Fans in 2008
The photo was taken by Sara Schmidt
Do not copy without permission

I am sure that many of you were as surprised as I was this morning when I read that Neil Innes passed away on December 29, 2019.    Neil was a friend to Beatle fans around the world and his personality and humor, as well as his music, left an impact on all of us. 

Neil's biggest Beatles connection would be his performance with the Bonzo Doo Dah Band of "Death Cab for Cutie" in the Magical Mystery Tour film.    Neil's association with the Fab 4 did not end there.    For many of us, Neil is best known as "Ron Nasty" the John Lennon figure in the Rutles movie.   I for one LOVE the Rutles.   The movie is hilarious and Neil's portrayal of Ron Nasty is spot on and amazing.   Plus the songs in the Rutles films that Neil mostly wrote are the best.  Some of my favorites are Ouch, Hold my Hand, Cheese and Onions and Get Up and Go.  

Neil knew all four of The Beatles.  I have heard that John Lennon really thought the Rutles was funny and especially enjoyed Cheese and Onions.   However, he was friends with George Harrison.   Neil spent time with George at Friar Park and he appeared in the Crackerbox Palace video as the lady that pushes the pram.   Both Neil and George were avid ukelele players. 

Neil was part of the Monty Python's and as one of the members, he sang at the Concert for George in the much-needed comedy portion of the show. 

In recent years, Neil Innes had been hitting the Beatle fan conventions.   He amused everyone with his songs and stories.   He was a crowd favorite guest for certain.   One of the most moving performances he would do was the George song "Isn't it a Pity," which he would sing in dedication to the memory of his friend. 

Personally, I saw him at least four times at various Beatlefests over the year.   One of my favorite memories was when I saw him and three of the other Rutles in 1997.  They gave a great concert as well as a press conference in character.   It was great!   That is when I got their autograph.  I was so nervous because I just love the Rutles.   Neil asked me my name and I looked over at my mom and said, something like "She named me."  LOL!   What was that about?    When I dug through my past Fest photos, I didn't see a photo of me and Neil, so I guess I never stood in line to get one.   I did, however, take several photographs of him performing.    All I can say is, "Isn't it a Pity."

My autographs of the three Rutles 

Neil Innes performing at the 2008 Fest for Beatle Fans in Chicago
Photo taken by Sara Schmidt
Do not use without permission 

Almost Time for the Fest!

Hello, my fellow Beatle Fans!

It is almost that time once again.  The most wonderful time of the year --   Beatlefest!!!   I am super excited to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Abbey Road with friends old and new.   I will be speaking about the U.S. Beatles Fan Clubs on Friday night in the video room at 8:15pm.  Everyone that attends will receive a FREE BEATLES UNSEEN PHOTOGRAPH!!!!!!     So please please me and come hear me talk.

The Fest is going to a great one for no other reason than the great Mark Lewishon is going to speaking.  I think I am going to turn into a groupie and listen to all of his talks. 

As always, if you are at the Fest and you see me do not be shy.   Come and say hello.   I am always happy to chat and get a photo taken or whatever.     I do not have a table set up, so I will be around here there and everywhere.    While you are there, make sure you stop by and say hello to any of my fellow Beatle author friends.

I will not be updating this blog until after the Fest because I am gearing up for the upcoming events. 

Peace & Love,

Sara S. (aka Starshyne)

Harry lends a hand (or a set of lips)

Report from Beatlefest -- top 5 highlights of the weekend.

I am here for my annual report back from the Fest for Beatle Fans in Chicago.    2018's Fest was a great time.   I was on four panels and gave a presentation -- so I was pretty busy.    I did not have a table set up to sell anything, so I was still able to see a lot of great things.    It was AWESOME talking to so many of you at the Fest!     A special hello to Kristine, Lola, and Kaeli who I met for the first time at this year's Fest and to all the people that stopped me and said "hi."   It really made me happy to see so many blog visitors in person.   You guys are really out there! 

Here are my personal top 5 best things about the Fest this year....


5.    Jude Southerland Kessler's Book Release Party

Before the Fest got going on Saturday morning, there was a special party to celebrate the release for Jude Southerland Kessler's 4th book in the John Lennon series called Should have Known Better.     What a great party that was!   Scott Erickson played John Lennon songs on the guitar,  there were donuts, door prizes, and lots of mingling and chatting about the Beatles and John Lennon.     

4.  Little Nicola

Remember the adorable Little Nicola from the Magical Mystery Tour film?   Well, she is now all grown up and was a delight to hear speak at the Fest.    Her memories were so cute!  It was a treat listening to her and meeting her after her talk.

3.  Seeing the next generation of fans

No need for more cowbell on this great rendition of "Everybody's Got Something to Hide Except for Me and Monkey" by the Chicago School of Rock 

I can't tell you how much I love 3rd generation Beatles fans.   You guys are amazing!    Let's just stop and think about the fact that The Beatles have three generations of die-hard major fans.    I love the fact that places like The Fest for Beatle fans, all three generations can gather together and express the same passion for the guys.     The third generation fans made a big impression on me at the Fest this year.   The Chicago School of Rock did an amazing job on songs from the White Album and Hey Bulldog on Sunday morning.    If this is how we are going to hear Beatles music performed live in the future, then we have nothing to be concerned about because they play music that rocks!     I also enjoyed talking to several third gen fans.       These are the ones that will keep the Beatles legacy going, so more power to them!

2.  Tea and memories

On Friday night there was a nice session called "Tea and Memories" where those of us who regularly attend these conventions came together and shared our favorite Fest memories, photographs, programs along with a lot of laughs.    The Fest has become a sort of family reunion among all of us that go and it is a great time to spend with each other.   We have made so many wonderful memories and so many unforgettable things have happened over the years that it was so great to share those memories and be reminded of things forgotten.    Wally was a wonderful host. 

1.  Jack Douglas

John Lennon's producer, Jack Douglas was one of the best guests the Fest has ever had.    He really was the star of the weekend.    He told so many stories about John while making Imagine and during Double Fantasy.    His stories really brought out John's humor and personality.    Jack showed some photos and then he played the songs "Watching the Wheels" and "Woman" starting with the demo, then the rough mix and the final mix.    Hearing those songs like that was really emotional for everyone, but it was so appreciated that Jack brought them for us.     He was such a nice man.  He met with every one after his talks and his line was really long because he spent time telling more stories at the table.    He signed the book "Starting over" for me underneath a photo of him in the book and he told me all about when the photo was taken.    Such an unforgettable moment, especially since I am such a John lover.   

Honorable mentions go to All of the panel discussions, Geoff Emerick, late-night sing-alongs, singing "Hey Jude" on the stage, the artwork in memory of Nicole,  Ringo's drum kits,  and the brownies at the staff party.         It was great and I hope to do it again next year.     Attendance was noticably low, but it was pretty crowded on Saturday and everyone I spoke with was having a great time.   

I hope to see you at the Fest!

It is that time of year again!   Time for the Fest for Beatle Fans in Chicago!    If you are going to be at the Fest, I would love for you to stop me and say "hi!"     At times I feel like I am doing this site and no one is out there watching me, so I love it when someone that is a regular visitor says "hi."   

I am going to be on several panels that you all might be interested in hearing.

On Saturday I will be on a panel about Beatles Fan Clubs (this one is going to be a lot of fun!),   The White Album, and 2nd-3rd generation Beatles fans.     On Sunday at 6:00pm I will be doing a presentation about the history of the Official Beatles Fan Club.    I really hope people show up for these.   I guess that is my biggest nightmare is that I am there talking to an empty room.   


I will have copies of my book that I will be selling for $20.    These are the last copies of the book, so if you were wanting to get one, now is the time.    They won't be available at a later date.     Also -- mention that you are a blog reader and I will give you a FREE rare Beatles photo of your choice with each book.     How can you pass up a deal like that?


I hope to see you there.  And for those of you that can't 'make it, I will report back on Wednesday. 

Why I still love going to the Fest for Beatle fans

I have been going to the Fest for Beatles fans (also known as Beatlefest) in Chicago since 1994.   When I started going in the mid 1990's--- it was the boom years of the Fest.   Between  8,000 - 10,000 fans were there over the three day weekend.   It was so crowded!     There were two large rooms that sold Beatles memorabilia, including bootleg Cds.   This was right before Ebay took off and so Beatlefest was the only place to see most of these items.


Over the years, things have changed.   Many of the special guests have passed away, and  attendance has dropped way down.   I would guess about 3,000-4,000 people come over the weekend.   There is almost nothing left to buy in the vendor area.   The prices of the ticket to the Fest and the hotel have gotten very expensive.   And yet the Fest weekend remains my favorite time of my whole year and I wouldn't miss it for anything.   Why?


Before you roll your eyes at me and mumble something about "Oh -- she is a Beatles author now, so she gets paid to say this."   Let me make this clear.   None of the authors get paid to be at the Fest for Beatle fans.    If you buy a table to sell your wares at the Fest, it will cost as much as a 3-day ticket.   You do not get free hotel rooms or free meals or even a free t-shirt.    This year at the Fest I gave a presentation and was on two panels.    I still had to buy a 3-day ticket and wait in line just like everyone else.


So while so many people are on Facebook complaining about how the Fest isn't what it once was and vowing to never return---why do I enjoy it so much??


5.   The special guests are still pretty special.

It was a Wings reunion -- well sort of!

Leon Wildes -- I just love that man!

While the list of guests that are possible to speak at a Beatles convention is sadly getting smaller and smaller, the people that are left still have great stories to share about the Beatles.    They still have funny antidote and they still have music to share.      This year I loved hearing Leon Wildes talk.   I did get to hear him in New Jersey, but I didn't get to hear his whole talk because I was trying to sell books and couldn't leave my table for very long.    

 Wings (Denny Seiwell, Steve Holly, Denny Laine, and Lawrence Juber) was fun to watch perform.   Denny Laine's voice didn't sound very good on several of the numbers and maybe someone else should have sang a few of the songs in stead of Denny.  But---- it was still really awesome.


4.  Beatles sing alongs

With social media being such a big part of the Beatles fandom these days, the need to physically be around other fans isn't as dire as it was 20 years ago.     But there is one thing you can't do on social media that you can do at a Beatles convention:   join in a group Beatles sing along.     I can't explain how thrilling it is to sing along to the B side of Abbey Road with people that also know all the words.  To sing B-sides of Beatles or solo singles and everyone there is smiling, dancing and enjoying it.   The Chicago Fest is known for the large groups of people sitting around the hotel with every instrument you can think of singing Beatles songs into the wee hours of the morning.  



3.   Beatles art work 

Brian Epstein by Allison Boron

Every year there is a big art contest at the Fest for Beatle fans.    I can't get over how creative and imaginative Beatle fans are!    I think as fans, we express our love for the guys in different ways and I am also super impressed by the artwork fans submit into the art contest each year.     I love going into the art room and looking at each piece up close.   Eventually before Sunday comes, I will vote for my top three favorites, but honestly--- they are all winners!


2.  Letting my Beatle geek shine

Panel about 2nd and 3rd generation Beatle fans 

I really think it is fun being on a Beatles panel, but I also enjoy hearing the other  panels and AV presentations.     It isn't every day that I get to hear people talk  about the importance of Sgt. Pepper or the origins of Penny Lane.    I think about this geeky Beatles stuff every day, and finally when I get to the Fest, I get to let it all spew out with other people that have had similar thoughts (or opposing thoughts--that's fun too).     I get to learn new Beatles things and my appreciation for the band grows even more.


1.  Beatle friends

When I was in high school, I was made fun of for dressing in tye-dye and loving the Beatles.   When I went to my first Beatlefest, I finally found other people that were like me!    Luckily, with the internet, our world has gotten smaller and it is easier to find other Beatles fans out there.   But--- it is not the same as spending some in person time with other fans.   And where else can you go to meet new friends than at a Beatles convention?   You know that you have something in common with everyone there, so you are starting out on a common ground.     I often think of Beatlefest as going to summer camp.    You go there to see your old friends that you only see once a year.     I often wonder if the guys in the Beatles have any clue about the amazing friendships that have happened because of their music.  




And so that is why I keep going to the Fest for Beatle fans and why I will keep going until they close the doors on the event.     I hope there will always be events for those of us who love the Beatles can gather to share thoughts, creations, music, and stories with each other in person.    Beatlefest has a lot of flaws, but the spirit of the Fab 4 is alive and well in those of us that still go -- and that makes it worth the money for me.

See you at the Fest!

I will be at the Fest for Beatle fans (aka Beatlefest) in Chicago (aka Rosemont), Illinois for all three days this weekend.    If you are going to be at the Fest, PLEASE say hello if you see me around.   I am always happy to talk to viewers of this blog.   Sometimes I forget that real people actually visit this blog, so it is actually pretty amazing anytime I meet someone that says they visit the blog and like it!


I am not going to the Fest this time as an author.   So I did not pay for a table to sell books.  I bought just a regular ticket and I will be around having a good time.   However, I am going to be on two panels and doing one presentation.     This is where I am will be:


Saturday:
2:30pm in the Paperback Writer Room-  Beatles Historians Panel on "Who was the 6th Beatle?"
Moderated by Susan Ryan with panelists Sara Schmidt (that's me!), Dr. Kit O'Toole, Allison Boron, Erika White & Tina Kukla

8:50pm in the A/Bbey Ballroom-   Presentation on "The Beatles in St. Louis."    I will give my audio/visual presentation based on my book, "Happiness is Seeing the Beatles:  Beatlemania in St. Louis."    As far as I am concerned, this is my last time to do this presentation.  So if you haven't ever seen it (or even if you have) PLEASE come and see it!   I am worried sick that no one will come see this presentation because I am do not have a table.    My biggest fear is giving this presentation to an empty room.      Also at the end of the presentation, I will ask a few easy trivia questions and the winners will get a set of Beatles in St. Louis  8 x 10 photos!   These photos were taken directly from the original negative of a press photographer that was up close.   So come to my presentation and hopefully you will win a photo!   I have been selling these for $8 each, so that is a $16 value!



Sunday:
3:30 in the Paperback Writer Room -  Panel discussion on "Beatles Fandom:  The Next Generation"
Moderated by Allison Boron with panelists Sara Schmidt (again--that's me!),  Erika White, Vivek Tiwary, & Tess Yarbrough.       This is a new panel discussion abot 2nd and 3rd generation Beatles fans.   It should be pretty interesting!


I also want to announce that I will have a few copies of my book "Happiness is Seeing the Beatles:  Beatlemania in St. Louis" with me in my bag.   I have marked the price down from $25 to $20.    Since you will be getting it directly from me,   you won't have to pay for taxes or shipping (I will cover the taxes out of my pocket).    So you can't beat this deal.    I only have 90 books left and when they are sold, they are gone forever.      Don't miss out!     You might think my book is just for people from St. Louis, but I have heard over and over again from people from around the world that they enjoyed it.     I also will have what is left of my stock of Beatles photos (ones you haven't seen before--I promise!) for $3 each.    



No pressure to buy anything from me---if nothing else---please just stop me and say hi.  

Sara's 10 Best things of the Fest for Beatles Fans 2017 (A review)

This past weekend I had a great time at the Fest for Beatle fans in Jersey City, NJ.    I spent most of my time behind a table where I was selling my book and photographs.    I want to say "thank you" to all of the people that stopped and said that they enjoy this blog.   You have no clue how good that was to hear.    While I have always done this blog for my own enjoyment, it is really amazing to see the faces of the people that actually share in this adventure with me.  

It was a thrill of a lifetime to see my name and photograph in the Fest program and to go up on stage and sing along with the "Hey Jude" finale.  

I had a great time at the Fest.   If you haven't been to one or haven't been in a long time, I really want to encourage you to give it a try, if even for just one day.    Yes, the Fests are very expensive and sort of commercialized; however it is really one of the few chances you get to talk in person to other Beatle fans.   There is a real feeling of peace and love and just a great vibe that you won't find anywhere else.     Think about it and I hope to see you there!

Here are my 10 favorite things about the 2017 Fest for Beatles fans in Jersey City, NJ.


10.  The hotel and the view from the hotel.
This year the Fest was held at the Hyatt Regency in Jersey City, which is located on the Hudson.   From one side of the hotel, you could see the Freedom Tower and the New York skyline and from the other side you could see the Statue of Liberty.   This was only my 2nd Fest on the East coast, but from what I have been told, this hotel was a huge stop up from the previous venues.    The staff was very accommodating and I really enjoyed the hotel overall.

The nighttime skyline taken from the window of the hotel

9.  Fabcast live

I listen to a lot of Beatles podcasts.   There are so many that are excellent and it is hard to choose just one to call a favorite.   However, one of my top 5 Beatles podcasts is "Fabcast"  with Howie Edelson, Stephen Bard and David Morrell.   It is a pretty deep podcast and is worth checking out.    In the past, the live podcast discussions have always been one of my favorites to watch and the "Fabcast" session I went to was no exception.      Howie and Bard were on hand and discussing Paul and John in 1980 and how they inspired one another.   It was a really good discussion.  

Howie Edelson and Stephen Bard of "Fabcast"

8.  Sgt. Pepper Party (honoring Brian Epstein)
On Saturday night, there was a party and everyone was encouraged to come dressed in their "Swinging '60's" garb to celebrate the life of Brian Epstein.     It was a little bit "out there" for my taste, with some strange poetry being read, but it was all in good fun.    The best part was the reading of the "5th Beatle" script.

7.  Meeting Facebook Friends
I lost track of all of the people that came up to me and said, "We are friends on facebook."    Some of them I  have had really long conversations with over facebook messenger and others I barely knew.  However, it was awesome to meet everyone in person.

6.  The unexpected mini Wings reunion.
Wings drummers Denny Siewell and Steve Holly as well as guitarist Laurence Juber were all announced to be guests this year at the Fest.    Once the weekend got underway, Denny Laine showed up unannounced!   I am not sure if he was a surprise planned guest or if he just appeared on his own and decided to join in.   However,  the four Wings members sang a few songs and it was really awesome and unexpected.

5. The stories I heard!
As I said, most of my weekend was spent behind a table.    So many fans came up to me and started telling me the funniest and wildest Beatles stories!    I spoke with a woman who went to middle school with Nancy Shevell,  a woman who saw the Beatles in concert in Boston and after their limo drove by, she saw a cup sitting in oil on the driveway and she figured that oil came from the Beatles limo and so she scooped it up with the cup and took it home with her, and a man who hung out at the Dakota in the 1970's and one time with John and Sean returned home from the circus the driver of the car gave this fan popcorn kernels from John's popcorn from the circus.     And so many more little things----it was really fun for me to hear because I just love those stories.

4.  Panel discussions
I was on two panels and gave one presentation.    One of my favorite panels was a discussion on "who was the 6th Beatle."    Now in order to be considered a "Six Beatle" person, that means you aren't ever considered in the "fifth Beatle" category.  Therefore folks like Brian, George Martin, Pete Best and Stu are out.    Who did I ague for?  Can't you guess?  Mal Evans.

The Sixth Beatle Panel discussion

3.  Meeting Klaus Voorman
I actually met Klaus at a Fest in Chicago in the early 2000's.  He signed my Revolver album.   I always had regrets that I didn't get a photo taken with him, and so I fixed that this year.  I purchased his Revolver book (and had him sign it) and sat down next to the one and only Klaus Voorman for a photo.  

Klaus Voormann and me!

2.  Finding Lennon documentary

On Friday night, we had the amazing opportunity to see the world premiere of the new documentary about John Lennon called "Finding Lennon."    The film isn't quite finished yet, but let me tell you---whenever it is, you have to see it!    I wasn't expecting to be blown away by this film because---ANOTHER John Lennon documentary?     But this really was a fresh and fair look into John's life from birth to teenager.   Interviews with friends that John went to school with were shown and they told stories that none of us had ever heard before.    I am going to do a full review of this film once it is official available.


1.  Leon Wildes
I can't speak for anyone else, but the single best thing of the Fest for me was hearing Leon Wildes talk on Sunday afternoon.   I actually left my table and stopped trying to sell books in order to see Leon talk.    As you will remember, Leon Wildes was John Lennon's immigration attorney.    He single handedly was the person that got John Lennon his green card and allowed him to stay in the United States.   I was able to shake the man's hand and tell him thank you for all he did for John and Yoko.     Hearing Leon speak was very emotional for me.    

Me with Leon Wildes and his son Michael (and as luck would have it---my flash didn't go off so the photo is super dark)

Overall I would have to give this year's east coast Fest an 8/10.     I personally enjoy the Chicago area Fest a lot more, but that could be simply because it is the one I have attended for over 20 years and I am familiar with the faces of the people.