Every year, there is a celebration of The Beatles with Beatles Fest in New Orleans. It is a tribute to The Beatles - even for younger generations that did not first witness The Beatles arrival in America in 1964. The love and appreciation Boomers and younger generations have for the band is a phenomenon unique to The Beatles.
When The Beatles arrived in February of 1964, a young generation seemed ready to adopt an identity that was different from their parents’ generation - the establishment. The establishment collectively thought The Beatles were musical slackers and nothing more than a passing fad - but a young generation had a different view.
The Beatles are not responsible for creating the anti-establishment movement as much as they came along at a time when a young generation was on a subconscious search for an identity that would distinguish them from the establishment.
Three months before The Beatles hit the shores of America - the President of the United States was assassinated. On November 22, 1963, the seeds of the anti-establishment movement were sown in a young generation that unknowingly had lost faith in the establishment.
The fact that a president could be gunned down during a parade broke a trust that the establishment was a source of security. It was that loss of trust that set the mood for a band with a different sound and a different look to give a young generation a vehicle with which to ride to rebellion.
New Venue:
For years, Beatles Fest was held at The House of Blues in the French Quarter and was usually a sell-out. This year - Beatles Fest 2022 was held at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center in Jefferson Parish. Ticket sales took off at the announcement of the new venue. With free parking, the fear of being the victim of a crime reduced, and a guaranteed seat - fans of Beatles Fest responded recording only the 2nd sell-out in the history of JPAC. “Beauty and the Beast” was the buildings only other sell-out.
"A total labor of love from all involved, " Beatles Fest Producer Chuck Credo IV said. It was a pleasure to have our full festival back on stage in a brand new venue with a sold out show."
As emcee of the event - I enjoyed syncing the bands together with information and perspective on The Beatles. The Molly Ringwalds, The Topcats, and Newspaper Taxi were the 3 bands; and they brought to life the music of The Beatles.
With the theme of “The Beatles Go To The Movies,” the set list ranged from the simple early hits, “Help!,” I Should Have Known Better,” and “This Boy” to songs with colorful and complexed messages like, “Revolution,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” and “The Long And Winding Road.”
And then there was the classic song that has been over-analyzed - “I Am The Walrus.” Interestingly, John Lennon admitted that he wrote that song to mess with the music critics that were busy trying to figure out the meaning of every Beatles song and said the lyrics meant absolutely nothing! Lennon did admit that LSD may have inspired some of the nonsensical lyrics.
The Beatles continue to stand alone as arguably the most influential band in the history of music. The Beatles were together for only 6 years after they arrived in 1964. The Beatles reigned from 1964-1970 and in that short period of time produced 13 albums - nearly 2.5 a year. The diversity of the music from “Meet The Beatles” to “A Hard Day’s Night” to Rubber Soul” to “Sgt. Pepper” to The White album to “Abbey Road” and “Let It Be” - The Beatles set a standard for diversity that may never be duplicated - especially over such as short period of time.
The Beatles live on and continue to be discovered and appreciated by young generations that have an interest in the foundation of rock music today.
A specific date has not yet been announced - but you can start making plans now for Beatles Fest 2023 at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center.
Beatles Fest Saturday night ended with a Beatles song that reflects the band’s view of life - “All You Need Is Love.”
