Beatles at the Ridge 2018 -- A run down

This past weekend I went to the Beatles festival called "Beatles at the Ridge" in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas.    This event has become my favorite Beatles convention, and I know that many of you might wonder what makes it so great.


What I like about Beatles at the Ridge is that is a much more relaxed atmosphere than at other Beatle conventions.   The people of Walnut Ridge are very kind, and the quaint small town adds to the laid-back vibe of the event. 



The town of Walnut Ridge always has a Beatles theme going on regardless of when you visit.   The "Abbey Road" Beatles sculpture is never removed, so if you are in Arkansas, make sure to stop by the town even if Beatles at the Ridge isn't going on.    But when it is time for the festival, the entire town decorates in peace signs, tye-dye and Beatles decore.    This year some high school students painted the cartoon Beatles on the side of the building.    There are also wooden cut-outs of the Beatles and the Yellow Submarine, which make for great photo ops.    My favorite decoration this year was from the library.  They made the Yellow Submarine entirely out of post-it notes!

Standing with the post-it note Yellow Submarine.  

On Friday night and all day Saturday presentations were going on in the building called "The Studio."  This building also houses the Argenta photo collection, which is full of Beatles press photos that weren't used in a newspaper.   It is a fascinating set of photographs.      This year the main speakers were David Bedford, who spoke about his new book Looking for the Fourth Beatle and Vivek Tiwary who talked about Brian Epstein.       Other speakers included Kit O'Toole (who talked about the White album),  Marti Edwards, and myself (talking about the 1964 Beatles U.S. fan clubs).   For me, the highlight of the weekend was Jude Southerland Kessler's panel discussion with Ivor Davis and Art Schreiber.  Both of these men traveled with the Beatles as journalists on the 1964 N. American tour.  They told the best stories!   I got to hear all about George and John playing monopoly.     Did you know that John liked to be the race car?     The funny stories these two men shared were golden to anyone that loves the Beatles during the touring years.

There was plenty of music from a Saturday morning sock hop to live Beatles music to a variety of bands throughout the day and Liverpool Legends to end the event.   Unfortunately, I missed out on most of the music this year because of other responsibilities, but I heard that the bands were good. 


If you want to come to a fun, free, laid-back Beatles event - I recommend making plans now to visit Beatles at the Ridge in September of 2019. 

Why you need to come to Beatles at the Ridge

I try my best to keep my eyes and ears open to see what Beatle people are talking about on social media.     One topic that has always been a big one that fans  enjoy complaining about is Beatles festivals and conventions.     It seems like more and more fans have jumped on this bandwagon over the past five years.   What do I hear the most?   "It is way too expensive!"   "There isn't enough music."  "There are too many bands and not enough speakers."  


If you are looking for an alternative Beatles festival then you need to seriously consider attending Beatles at the Ridge in Walnut Ridge Arkansas this September 15 & 16.    I really think this festival is the future of Beatles conventions and there is no better time to jump on board than this year.


Here are five top reasons why you need to get yourself to Arkansas next weekend and see for yourself what makes this Beatles festival stand out among the crowd.

5.    The Music 
Of course we who attend Beatles events are ultimately there for one reasons -- to celebrate the music of the Beatles!   So what would a Beatles festival be without music?     The featured musical attraction is Liverpool Legends -- straight from Branson, MO.   They are a very professional Beatles tribute act and I would bet their Sgt. Pepper segment will be outstanding this year.   But they aren't the only music act!   On Friday night Alan Bernhoft will be performing a tribute to John Lennon that those of us who love John won't want to miss.       Also on Friday night two bands will rock the outdoor side stage, so make sure to bring your lawn chairs.      On Saturday Cameron Hicks will host a Beatles sing a long ala "All you need is love."  Everyone is encouraged to wear their favorite hippie gear and sit on the floor like Mick Jagger!      Meanwhile outside on Saturday there will a talnet show competition that everyone is welcome to watch as well as a variety of bands performing.   One of the bands that I am familar with, Jeffery and the Pacemakers play a great set of 1960's British Invasion songs.  



4.   The Authors
"How many Beatles books does a person need?"   Well I guess that depends on who you are!   A vareity of Beatles authors will be on hand with their books for sale and giving presentations throughout Friday and Saturday.    Authors will include:   Lanea Stagg, Kit O'Toole, Terri Whitney, Kenneth Womack and yours truly, Sara Schmidt.     Make sure you drop by and talk to the authors, even if you dont' want to buy a book.    Nothing is worse to me than sitting at a table all alone all day while fun is happening around me.   Please please come and drop by and chat Beatles with me.   No pressure to buy a book, I promise!

3.  Family Friendly and Fun for everyone!

Everyone is welcome at Beatles at the Ridge!   It doesn't matter your age, gender, race, religion, political standings, or ablitiy.    If you love the Beatles--- you need to be there!    If listening to authors speak or bands perform isn't your thing because you have children, do not worry!  There is plenty available for kids.    The theme this year is the "summer of love" and there will be face painting and fun things happening all weekend.    There is a special story and donut time early Saturday morning for the kids as well as an art happening with artist Enoch Jetter just for elementary school kids and a seperate one for middle and high school kids as well.       There is a matatial arts demo and a dance troop that will perform.   Saturday is an outdoor festival atmosphere with food trucks, crafts for sale and plenty of freebies to be had at various booths.    Bring some sunscreen and the whole family!


2.  The Experts

Beatles at the Ridge has some very impressive Beatles experts speaking this year.     Jude Southerland Kessler will be interviewing to of the stewardesses that traveled with the Beatles during the 1964 North American tour.     I can't wait to meet these ladies and hear their memories!       She will also have a preview of her newest book in the John Lennon Series and you will have the opportunity to pre-order it  (something I really need to do!).     The featured guest for the weekend is Bruce Spizer who's new Sgt. Pepper book has really gotten people talking.    There will be a party to celebrate this new book and Bruce will have a Sgt. Pepper presentation afterwards.   Bruce is an amazing Beatles speaker and hearing him talk about the Beatles is always entertaining and educational.  


1.  It's FREE!

I have been telling fans about this festival for years and they always ask, "Alright---so how much are the tickets?"   And I say, "It's free."   They stand there with their mouth wide open in shock.    There aren't any tickets to attend Beatles at the Ridge because everything I mentioned is completely and totally FREE.     No one is paid to be there -- it is all volunteer.    Just let that set in for a moment.


Now there is plenty of great things to spend your money on since there isn't a ticket to buy.   Besides the Beatles books, there are vendors selling Beatles items and as well as crafts and non Beatles things.  There is a great little store called "Imagine" that sells the cutest handmade Beatles stuff plus a variety of other Beatles collectables.  (I bought a vintage Beatles autograph doll there last year---it is awesome!).    


If food tucks aren't for you,  I recommend the local Mexican resturant that is next to the small outdoor stage.    And for dessert, you can't beat the "Dark Side" for frozen yogert.  



I realize that I just spend my Wednesday Review space doing a commerical.   However, I honestly would love for all of you readers to be able to come to Beatles at the Ridge.   It is just such a nice, positive atmosphere that I know you all will appreciate and enjoy.    Beatle fandom has gotten negative over the past few years and you just don't get that at this festival.   I have met Beatles fans at any Beatles event I go to, but I can honestly say that the people I have met at this one are my friends.


I truly hope to see you there.  

10 Reasons why you should not miss out on Beatles at the Ridge this year!

September is here and that means one thing for me--it is almost time for Beatles at the Ridge in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas!       If you have been following this blog for the past few years, you will know that the 2-day Beatles festival is one that I just love to attend.    And here are 10 reasons why you should make your way down to Walnut Ridge, Arkansas yourself and see what the excitement is all about.


10.   It is FREE!   Unlike most other Beatles festivals around the globe, the Beatles at the Ridge festival is completely FREE.   It is free to park, it is free to get autographs from the guests, it is free to hear the bands.    No one can complain about the price of the tickets, because there isn't a price!   Of course you will want to bring along some money because you will want to eat something while you are there (I recommend the Dark Side for sandwiches and ice cream or the dinner that serves 'Beatles burgers and onion Ring-o's) and you will want to spend money on the Beatles goodies and other vendors.

9.   Liverpool Legends.    On Saturday night the Beatles tribute band, Liverpool Legends will perform.  I am not big on Beatles tribute bands, but I do admit that Liverpool Legends are one of the best ones I have heard.      They take you through all of the Beatles periods in music and costumes.   These are the guys that were picked by Louise Harrison herself and they have a permanent gig down in Branson, MO.      The Liverpool Legends aren't the only band.  There are 2 stages with live music being played through the day and night.     There is also a talent contest with all sorts of great talent.   If you like live music, Beatles at the Ridge has got it covered!

8.   Beatles-themed town.     Everything in Walnut Ridge is all done up for the event in Beatles theme for a contest called "Tye-dye the town."    From large cut-outs of the cartoon Beatles, to a big yellow submarine, and every store front painted in Beatles, peace and love---you will want to make sure your camera is working and ready to go!


7.   Good Ole' Freda.    I sure hope that many of you have seen the amazing Beatles documentary, "Good Ole' Freda" about Freda Kelly, the Beatles fan club secretary.    There will be a showing of the film at this festival this year.   There is nothing better than watching a Beatles film in an air conditioned building with other fans.    And afterwards Cameron Hicks will be leading a Beatles sing along!  Fun Beatles times!

6.  Aaron Krerowicz.    Aaron is a Beatles music expert and has a great amount of knowledge about the guys.  He is doing a "lunch and learn"  (bring your lunch and learn something new) about the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.    Come learn more about the music of these two British rockers!

5.  Me!    Yes, I will be at Beatles at the Ridge this year with my book "Happiness is Seeing the Beatles."    There is going to be a book release party for the book, which means that there will be cake!   I love cake!    After the party, I am going to have a presentation about what is in the book that will have audio and a short video.    I am holding a raffle for a 1966 Beatles tour book for anyone that buys the book during the festival.    

4.  Lanea Stagg.    Lanea will have McCartney tea with scones and lemon curd during her "a Day in the life of a Beatle!" presentation.   Lanea is the Beatles food gal and makes great treats that everyone always enjoys.   

3.  Jude Southerland Kessler.    You know that I just love Jude!  She has became a great friend over the years.   She is a true Beatles fans and her love of John Lennon makes me like her even more.    She gives some of the BEST presentations of anyone out there!    This year she is talking on Friday night about John Lennon's Liverpool.    She has traveled to Liverpool many times and her talks takes you right back to the streets of Penny Lane and Lime Street.   I am really excited to hear her again!

2.   Ivor Davis.  Ivor knew the Beatles.   He traveled with them during the 1964 North American tour and was with them in 1965 when they met Elvis.   Ivor wrote as "George Harrison" for a newspaper.     His memories of that time are funny, insightful and makes you want to hear more.    Ivor is speaking on Friday night and you will fall in love with this amazing man. 

1.  Beatle friends!   This will always be my #1 reason to any Beatles event!   Nothing is better than Beatle friends!   I am excited to get together with the friends I met last year and at the Paul McCartney concert in Little Rock.   I am anxious to talk Beatles with others who love the Fab 4 and are just as excited about the new Beatles CD as I am.    If you have never been to a Beatles event and are shy, it is alright.   You automatically have friends when you come to Beatles at the Ridge.   Beatle fans are amazing and we aren't the type of group that doesn't welcome new people.   The more the merrier!    So even if you don't want to buy a book, don't be scared to come up and chat with one of the authors.   We all are just Beatle fans like you and want to talk about John, Paul, George and Ringo because that is the reason we are there!


I hope to see you at Beatles at the Ridge on September 16-17, 2016.  For more information, go to www.beatlesattheridge.com

Listen to the John Lennon Hour tomorrow night!

Last year I went to the Beatles at the Ridge festival in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas and I had a great time!  Well this year I am returning as one of the speakers this year!   I am going to be doing a presentation about the Beatles in the Ozarks that will have all sorts of rare photos and stories and I will be having a Meet the Beatles..for Real session with some of the fans that saw the Beatles get on the airplane in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas in 1964.    It is really going to be fun (more about that later).


Tomorrow I will be on Jude Southerland Kessler blogtalk radio podcast "The John Lennon Hour."  It starts at 9pm eastern/8pm central.   But if you can't listen to it live, it will be archived.    I sure hope you all can tune in!


http://www.blogtalkradio.com/thejohnlennonhour/2015/09/04/beatles-authors-speak-out