Liverpool Bound

 

Hello Beatle friends!

Tomorrow, I am leaving for England! I will spend time in Liverpool and a few days in London.  I will be speaking at the Beatles Symposium at Hope University in Liverpool for their 60th-anniversary celebration of A Hard Day's Night.   (So if any visitor of this site will also be there -- please say hello!)

I have been working hard over the weekend to schedule posts as usual while I am gone, so you will still see things as expected.  However, I might not be quick to accept comments.  Please remember that I am 100% alone on this site.  There is no team of moderators or anything like that as they have on a Facebook group or other sites.  It is just me who does everything here, so if you comment and you do not see it posted right away, it does not mean that I did not accept your comment.  It just means I haven't seen it yet because I am a Beatles fan in Liverpool and too busy.   I am sure you all understand that because you would be doing the same things.  Please be patient with me over the next couple of weeks. 

I will return with a report of events in Liverpool and as always I will be keeping my eye out for Paul (because you just never know -- as this site has proven)  

Sara

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.   

Dear Beatle People: The Story of The Beatles North American Fan Club (aka my new book) is available for pre-orders!

 

I have mixed feelings about sharing information about my book on MTBFR.   On the one hand, I think, "People come here for the Beatles photos, and no one needs you to brag about a book.  It makes you look greedy."   

On the other hand, "It is your site, and over 2000 people visit a day to see Beatles content.  You'd be crazy NOT to promote your book!"  

However, since you all are Beatles fans, I want you to know about my upcoming book.  No one HAS to buy it, and please do not complain about the price.  

My new book, "Dear Beatle People:  The Story of the Beatles North American Fan Club," is 378 pages of information about the Beatles Fan Club in the United States and Canada.   There are tons of photos, and many are in color (but it is a Beatles book, so obviously, black and white is more common).   There are some great stories that have never been shared before about fans that met The Beatles for Real due to their connection with the fan club.   This is a story that has never been told before and has taken me 5 years to write.   If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

The book is going to have its premiere at the Fest for Beatle Fans in Jersey City, NJ, on March 31-April 2, 2023.   I will be there to sign books, give a presentation, talk on a few panels, sit at a table, and chat about The Beatles.   Then on April 3, 2023 the book will be available for sale worldwide. 

It is offered now on Amazon for pre-sales. 

Louise Harrison -- Rest in Peace

Me with Louise in Benton, Illinois, in 2013 

 

Sad to hear the news that George's oldest sibling, Louise, passed away yesterday (January 29).   She was very supportive of The Beatles in 1963-64 and tried her hardest to promote them in the United States.   Love to her family during this time.  

It is that time of year!

 

After 3 years, I am happy to say that I am leaving tomorrow for the Fest for Beatle Fans in Chicago!  Yippie!    Unfortunately, that means that this site will not be updated until after Monday, August 15.   With my teaching job starting back up as soon as I return from the Fest, I am not sure exactly when I will be back on my regular posting schedule.

If you happen to be at the Fest for Beatle Fans in Chicago, PLEASE come and talk to me!  I love meeting those of you that visit this site.  I am an introvert, so I will not go up and talk to you, but if you have the courage to come to talk to me, I would love it.    I will be presenting about my upcoming book about The Beatles North American Fan Club on Saturday at 1:30pm and I will be moderating a panel with some great first-generation Beatle fans that have met the Beatles!   That panel will be at 7:00 on Sautrday.   I will be selling my Beatles fan club pins and rare Beatles photograph if anyone is interested.  

I hope to see some of you there!

Peace & Love to you all,

Sara (aka Starshyne) 

Come Celebrate Paul's birthday with Call Me Mr. Broadstreet

 

Everyone come over to Youtube and celebrate Paul McCartney's 80th birthday!   I will be live on Call Me Mr. Broadstreet's Youtube live stream to chat about Paul, his music, and his birthday at 12:00 central time.   I hope to see you all there!  It will be fun.  

Here is the link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MKfABpaK7o

A Women's History of The Beatles - A Book Review

 

Kit, Allison, Susan, Erika, and me (Sara) at The Fest for Beatle Fans in New Jersey 2017

In early 2019, I was contacted by a woman in Australia who was writing something about female Beatles fans.  She wanted to ask me a few questions about my experiences as a female Beatles fan who runs a popular Beatles site online, how I became a fan, and my experiences as a Beatles fan.   I wasn't quite sure what the unknown lady was doing -- was it a book?  A college project?   I didn't know --- but I am always happy to help out, and I answered her questions.   Shortly after this interview, my significant other unexpectedly passed away, and I totally forgot about this interview. 

The things I said now appear in print in the book I am reviewing tonight, A Women's History of The Beatles by Christine Feldman-Barrett.   Thankfully, Christine did show me the quotes from the interview prior to the publication of the book, and everything I said was true and sounded exactly like me.  It is just so bizarre to me that I have no memory of answering the questions.    

This book was extremely interesting, and the topic of women and The Beatles is something no one has ever really written about before.  It examines the history of women that influenced The Beatles and how The Beatles have influenced women.   I especially enjoyed reading about the girls from the early years of The Beatles -- the fans from the Cavern Club,  the female family members of John, Paul, George, and Ringo, and the girl groups that influenced The Beatles musically.  The book also goes into the wives and partners of The Beatles and how Cynthia and Maureen fit into that stereotype of a Northern England wife.   Jane and Pattie were working women, and that was an issue for both Paul and George.   Then Yoko and Linda came, and they directly influenced John and Paul's music and the way both of them lived their lives. 

Christine talked to ladies who are first-generation, second-generation, and third-generation fans. They tell their stories about how they became Beatles fans and how The Beatles have shaped who they are today.   It is interesting to see how The Beatles have shaped so many women's careers, music, and lives.  I found it really interesting that while there are obvious differences between first-generation fans and third-generation fans -  there are a lot more similarities.   The Beatles' music is universal no matter what year it is or where the women live. 

This book is a little more academic than what I usually read, and I will admit that I had to go back and re-read some things to comprehend what I had read.   This is one of those books that you need to spend time reading and not just read on the go.    

https://amzn.to/3IhXvER

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  

Zooming through life

 

Hello, friends of Meet The Beatles...for Real!

If you've been with this site for a period of time, you will know that it is run completely by me, Sara as a hobby.    The job that I get paid for is as an elementary school reading teacher. As we all know, education is very different in 2020 than it has been in the previous 20 years that I've been teaching.   I have taken a new position for just one quarter to be a first-grade remote teacher.  This whole thing just came up suddenly and unexpectedly.   I am to start teaching 7-8 years old using Zoom on Monday.   I have a lot of information to take in at once.     I expect next week to be a very stressful and crazy one and so I need to take some of my other responsibilities off my plate.   Unfortunately, that means my favorite little Beatles site.    Please don't expect for me to update this site the week of October 18.   Once I have things a little more under control, I promise to be back with more Beatles photos and stories.   

Thank you for understanding!

Peace and Love

Sara S. 

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)

In Memory of Shawn Inman

The biggest supporter of this blog wasn't even a Beatles fan.   One month after I started this site, I met Paul Shawn Inman and we started dating.   I was pretty surprised when we first met that he really had no clue who The Beatles were. 


My boyfriend passed away on February 8, 2019, unexpectedly.    I want to take a little time on my blog to honor him.   

Shawn was my #1 fan.  He would have been my #1 fan no matter what I did.  He was the type of partner that was supportive of anything I did.   I wanted to travel to England, he'd help me pack.  If I wanted to be in a play, he would help me memorize my lines.  If I wanted to see Paul McCartney in concert in Iowa but didn't want to drive by myself, he kept me company in the car.  So when I wanted to write a book and had doubts about it, he was my cheerleader and told me, "If anyone could write a book about The Beatles, it would be you!  You have to do it."     So in late 2013, I started writing "Happiness is Seeing The Beatles."    I got discouraged so many times along the way and Shawn was right there telling me that I could do it.    I remember one time he told me, "No -- you are right.  You can't write a book.  You better give up."    I started crying and he felt so bad!  He was being sarcastic because I had been asking him SO MANY times if he thought I could do it.     If you have a copy of my book, you will see that I dedicated it to my parents and to Shawn.   Now you know why.

Here I am selling Beatles stuff and promoting my book at a local event.  See that arm and shirt on the right side of this photo?  That would be Shawn. 

Shawn was my "behind the scenes" guy.   He was helping me load books into cars, pack up books in luggage, get more books out of the garage.   He was helping me find my Sharpie to sign books and carrying packages to the post office to mail.    When it came to this blog, he was the person that would say things like "It's Wednesday, shouldn't you be writing a review?"    The pattern of posting for this blog was because of him.    I post Sunday-Thursday nights, five photo/stories each night and took Friday &Saturday off from the blog to spend the evenings with Shawn.    He sometimes carried my cards with the blog name on it with him in case he met someone that liked The Beatles.   He would tell people he chatted with on the RPG online that he played that his girlfriend "Has the best Beatles blog in the world."  And the one that I always would shake my head, but he said it ALL the time to people, "My girlfriend is one of the top female Beatles historians in the United States."   

He never understood my passion and love for The Beatles.   I guess he never needed to understand it.  He just knew that it was important to me.   However, it was funny that he caught some of the more odd Beatles facts and would repeat them.   He knew that one time Yoko stole George's biscuits during a session, but he didn't know the name any Beatles albums.    He usually listened to pop music on youtube while he was gaming.  One time I heard a familiar sound coming from the speakers.  He had discovered "We Can Work It Out" and really liked that song.   He finally had a favorite Beatles song. 

Without a doubt, I am going to really miss Shawn.   It is going to take me a very long time to accept what has happened and be able to find a new normal.   One thing I know for sure:  one of the ways that I can honor him is by keeping this site going and finishing the fan club book I have been writing.  I am sure that he wouldn't want me to stop doing the things he always encouraged me to do.   It won't be the same without my #1 fan.   

Thank you for taking the time to read this memorial. 

Shawn Inman
May 1, 1981 - February 8, 2019
Always loved, never forgotten. 

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. 

I met a Beatle...for Real!!!!!!

Blog owner, Sara and her mom, Coral with Ringo Starr September 7, 2018 backstage at the Fox Theater in St. Louis
Copyright belongs to Sara and Coral Schmidt.  Do not use the photo without permission.

I met a Beatle...for Real!!!
By Sara Schmidt (exclusively for Meet the Beatles...for Real)


Dreams can come true.  I always knew that I would someday meet one of the Beatles and I ever gave up hope.   It always annoyed me that I ran a blog about people that met one of the Beatles in person and I never had a story myself (well except when Paul read my sign in Memphis in 2013 -- that was pretty amazing).   

How my mom and I got to meet Ringo Starr is all about money and luck.     Here is a short version of how it came to happen.    Several months ago I saw posted on the facebook page for Ringo's art stating that you can meet Ringo during his next tour.    Since I  already had tickets to see Ringo in St. Louis, I contacted the site and was told that I would get an email with details in early September.   Meanwhile, I went to the Fest in Chicago and talked to the someone at Ringo's art room there and learned that the meet and greets only take place in certain cities on the tour and that St. Louis was not on the list of meet and greet cities, but sometimes exceptions can be made, but it is rare.      It costs money to do a meet and greet with Ringo.  It isn't a free thing, which I know I have written about before.    The deal is that you buy a piece of Ringo's artwork that is autographed by Ringo and you get to meet him backstage for a few minutes and get photos taken.    You get one piece of artwork and two people can meet him.   

I got the email and sure enough St. Louis was not one of the two cities on the list.   Only eight groups of people would be able to meet Ringo on this tour and with St. Louis not on the list, it wasn't likely my mom and I were going to get to do it, but I emailed and asked if an exception could be made just in case.   Long story short, Ringo had to be asked more than once if it would be okay to meet some major fans in St. Louis and he usually just likes to stick with the planned cities, but for some reason, he agreed to meet us!      The concert was on Friday and on Thursday, I still wasn't totally sure if it was going to happen, so I kept it a secret (although if you look back on my Thursday post of the young Ringo I said I was "spending some time with Ringo" which was a mini clue).     


That was HOW it happened, but now let's talk about WHAT happened.    My mom and I were told to stand in the line to get into the theater.  So we got in a very long line that was wrapping around the Fox Theater and stood there, expecting to go in and have our tickets scanned, meet up with the person we were to meet and then wait another half hour or so to meet Ringo.     While in line I get a phone call saying to get to the door that has a lady in a Paul McCartney t-shirt standing out front and have the guard let us in because Ringo was ready for us right now, so we better hurry!     So we practically run to the front of the line and low and behold there are several ladies wearing Paul McCartney t-shirts standing outside the different doors.    I start looking inside and the guard is telling me I have to get in line and wait.   I try to explain through the glass that I was told I was going to be let in.    I am sure he thought "yeah right lady...whatever"  but then I saw the man that was going to take us backstage and he vouched for me.   Thank goodness!

We are rushed through the bag check and ticket scan and before I could even comprehend what was going on, we were rushed through the theater and to the backstage area.    I think I can speak for my mom on this -- we were standing backstage and we were so nervous.   I felt like my heart was beating out of my chest.   Was this really going to happen?    I started to worry about how we would act -- would my mom faint?  Would I cry?    What if I have bad breath from the salad I just ate?   

The Ringo appeared from behind a door and my nerves were a lot less.   He was so friendly.   He said, "I am here to meet you!"   First, he gave my mom a hug.    She said "Oh I guess I have to let go" and we all laughed.  Mom had dreamed of hugging Ringo since 1964 and told him how she had been a fan of his since she saw him on the Ed Sullivan Show.   Ringo said, "Oh that can't be -- how old were you then, 6?"   Again we all laughed.   Then he hugged me.   Ringo felt so small, although he was taller than I thought.  I couldn't believe that Ringo Starr gave me a hug.    Then I gave Ringo a copy of my book.    I told him that it was a book a wrote about the Beatles in St. Louis and it talks about all the concerts he has given here as a solo artist as well.    He happily took the book from me and flipped through it.   He saw the photo of his drum kit that I took at the Rock n Roll Hall of fame and said, "there's my old kit."    Then he flipped to a photo of The Beatles playing at Busch Stadium in 1966 and stated, "There I am with the lads."    He really seemed happy.   He put my book inside a trash can.   He must have noticed the strange look on my face because he said, "Oh--there is just towel in there."      I was nervous about giving the book to him.   I didn't want to seem too crazy of a fan, but now I am glad that I did it.   I mean how many Beatles authors can say that one of the Beatles looked at their book in front of them?   Even if Ringo let it behind in St. Louis, at least he flipped through it!

Ringo Starr looking at "Happiness is Seeing the Beatles" book written by Sara Schmidt
Copyright by Sara & Coral Schmidt DO NOT USE THIS PHOTO!

After that, we got our photographs taken with Ringo.    He told us "peace and love" and we said, "Peace and love Ringo."  I told him that we are looking forward to the show tonight and he said something like "enjoy it" and gave us another "peace and love" and left.   

We were then rushed out of the backstage area and out into the lobby where we saw our friends and were freaking out that it all really happened.    We showed them our photographs and gave them both a hug so that they could be the next people we hugged after hugging Ringo. 

It happened fast but yet it was so memorable and is the new highlight of my life.

Lastly, I want to say that I wish each of you were there and could have met Ringo too.  He was so nice to agree to meet up and was just so nice to us.    You read that Ringo isn't very nice and all sorts of stuff about his personality, but for the five minutes or so we spent with him -- he couldn't have been nicer.    I think he really loves his fans, but gets tired of the fame.     

I will review the concert on Wednesday and share my concert photos then.    If you have any questions feel free to ask, although I don't really want to talk any more about how I got to meet him.   I would rather focus on meeting him, because that is a much more exciting thing to talk about.

PEACE AND LOVE!

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. 

Peter Asher and Albert Lee Concert: A review

Photo by Sara Schmidt 

Last week I was in Ohio, doing research for my book and I not only got to meet up with the girls that once ran the "With a Little Help from my Friends" fan club, but I was also invited to join them in Kent, Ohio to see Peter Asher and Albert Lee in concert. 

I wasn't quite sure if I knew who Albert Lee was, but as soon as I saw him, I recognized him.   He is the white-haired guitarist that plays in the Concert for George!    Come to find out, I have heard him many times and just never realized who he is.

Photo by Sara Schmidt 

Peter and Albert have a very laid-back set where Peter (and sometimes Albert) share the stories that go along with the songs they performed.    A lot of the show was a time-travel back to when they were teenagers and they played songs by the Everly Brothers, Elvis, etc.      Albert is an outstanding guitarist as well as keyboard player and Peter plays rhythm guitar and sings harmony.     The setlist was heavy on these songs from the 1950's but Peter did include three songs from Peter and Gordon and Albert performed an amazing version of Greenday's "Time of your Life."

Peter Asher by Sara Schmidt 

The best part of the night was hearing Peter Asher talk about being in Peter and Gordon and his experiences in the U.S and the U.K.    The stories about managing James Taylor was also interesting.   Unfortunately, Peter's voice isn't very strong.   He needed to talk-sing through "I go to Pieces" because he voice just isn't able to sing it.      Peter sounded good when he was singing harmony on a song, but his voice just didn't seem like it could handle taking the lead.

Peter Asher playing banjolele on "Lady Godiva"  by Sara Schmidt 

The concert was quite enjoyable and a calm evening out.     As I listened to the performance, I couldn't help but think how blessed we are right now that so many of the Beatle people are still alive and able to share their stories and music with us.    The group that falls into that category is getting smaller and smaller every year and so that is why you should not miss a chance to see Peter Asher and Albert Lee if you get the chance to see him.

Albert, Peter, mom and me 

Tune In!

Today only -- November 7, 2017 an inteview I did with "The Author Show" will be available for anyone in the world to hear for 24 hours.     I talk about about "Happiness is Seeing the Beatles:  Beatlemania in St. Louis"  and I even read a little from the text. 

https://wnbnetworkwest.com/



If you still haven't gotten a copy of my book, you are running out of time because I am running out of books!     I have less than 50 books left total and when they are gone -- they are gone.   It will not be re-printed.     I have marked the books down to $20 each (plus shipping), which is the cheapest you will find it online -- plus I will sign the book myself.      They make awesome Christmas gifts. 



Thanks everyone for your continued support.

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.  

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.