The Beatles at Shea Stadium

I meant to post this a couple of weeks ago on the 50th anniversary of the historic August 15th, 1965 concert at Shea Stadium. I'd never seen the film of ‎The Beatles's concert at Shea Stadium until I saw this video.

The concert was groundbreaking in the sense that it was the very first time a band performed at such a large venue. It was such a huge success that everyone else copied it ushering in   in the age of stadium rock. I was also amazed that the concert lasted a mire 30 minutes and there was no encore!

There's no way an act today could get away with playing such a short set, the crowd would go crazy after paying upwards to $100 per ticket to attend.

It really was a different time and an age of innocence. You wouldn't have know from this concert that 5 years later the greatest rock -n-roll band of all time would go through a bitter break up. They looked so happy and seemed to really enjoy playing together.



The Beatles - Live At Shea Stadium 1965 (Show Completo) from The Beatles Brasil on Vimeo.

Middletown Free Summer Concert Series

The Middletown Summer Concert Series is presented by the Middletown Township Cultural & Arts Council and the Middletown Township Education Association. Concerts are held 7:00-9:00 p.m. every other Tuesday evening from July 15th through August 26th, additional sponsorships are needed.

For Immediate Release:


Middletown, NJ (June 24, 2014) – The Middletown Arts Center located at 36 Church Street in Middletown will host the Middletown Summer Concert Series every other Tuesday beginning on July 15th through August 26th from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Presented annually by the Middletown Township Cultural & Arts Council, this year’s series is sponsored by the Middletown Township Education Association, but additional sponsorships are needed. The free performances are widely-anticipated by visitors from across the region.

This year’s talented lineup of musical acts will perform a series of four family-friendly, outdoor concerts on the MAC's Northern Lawn. There will be a musical style for everyone to enjoy from New Orleans blues to The Beatles and Pat Benatar rock classics. The public is invited to bring their lawn chairs, blankets and refreshments. Alcohol is prohibited. Free parking is on-site. In the event of inclement weather, concerts will be held in the Middletown Arts Center's air-conditioned theater. Call the Middletown Arts Center at 732-706-4100 or visit www.middletownnj.org and www.middletownarts.org for more information.

Middletown Summer Concert Series Lineup

July 15th: Goldenseal

Goldenseal (Credit: Pamela Hughes)

The strength of the original rock band Goldenseal is the experience and versatility of its players coupled with the desire to play live. Founded in 1999 by frontman Joe Hughes, the band has been building a loyal fan base by consistent and dynamic appearances in clubs all over New Jersey and New York. The band has garnered nominations in the top rock, top pop, top local release and top bassist categories and has appeared with national acts including Rick Springfield, Better Than Ezra, Bobby Bandiera, Southside Johnny and Chris Barron of The Spin Doctors. Their style of music is cutting edge pop/rock and roll and the lyrics are positive and uplifting. Songwriter Joe Hughes cites influences such as Coldplay, Train, Creed, U2, Soundgarden and The Who. The band includes songwriter and singer Joe Hughes, drummer Pat Martucci, lead guitarist and songwriter John Bongiovanni, and bass player Jesse Kessler. Goldenseal has developed a reputation as a high energy, high quality band and has received favorable reviews from music critics and journalists. Visit www.Goldensealtheband.com for more information.

July 29th: Slim Chance &The Gamblers

Slim Chance & The Gamblers (Credit: Randy Koslo)

Slim Chance & The Gamblers is a progressive blues, rock band similar to the sounds of Gary Clark Junior, Robert Cray, Bonnie Raitt, The Mavericks and Delbert McClinton. Slim Chance &The Gamblers push the boundaries of Blues and R&B into new fields of sound and emotion. Soul is at the root of everything they do. Their original music is well constructed, melodic and danceable. The band plays regularly at The Stone Pony and Wonder Bar in Asbury Park as well as festivals and concert openings across the NY/NJ region. For more information visit www.slimchanceandthegamblers.com

August 12th: Burtnik & Burger: Beatles Tribute

Burtnik & Burger (Credit: Reily Imagery)

Burtnik & Burger will perform Beatle classic songs in an authentic “note for note” presentation that captures the sound and mood of the original recordings and live concerts. The band is comprised of Glen Burtnik on bass and vocals, Bob Burger on rhythm guitar and vocals, John Merjave on lead guitar and vocals, and Dave Anthony on drums and vocals. Burtnik is a singer, songwriter, entertainer and multi-instrumentalist, best known as a former member of Styx. He has appeared in the Broadway production of Beatlemania as Paul McCartney, and continues his love of The Beatles playing a variety of tribute shows nationally at Beatle Fest shows and with the Fab Faux. Bob Burger is a singer/songwriter who also has long-performed Beatle and other tribute shows with Glen Burtnik and Bobby Bandiera, Bon Jovi and Southside Johnny. John Merjave has played the George Harrison lead guitar role for ten years in the Beatle tribute band “Liverpool” as the official house band for “Fest for Beatle Fans” annual shows in New York City and Chicago. Dave Anthony is an extraordinary musician that has replicated the Ringo Starr drumming style at many of the Burtnik Beatle tribute shows, and is widely known as a session player throughout the New York/New Jersey area. Visit www.GlenBurtnik.com and www.BobBurger.com for more information.

August 26th: Little Paradise: Pat Benatar Tribute

Little Paradise: Pat Benatar Tribute (Credit: Jessica Wagner)

Since 1979, Pat Benatar has been mesmerizing fans with her incredible songs and top notch vocals. The Pat Benatar tribute band, Little Paradise invites you to watch as they create an unforgettable stage show paying homage to one of the greatest female rock vocalists of all time. Rock along to your favorite hits as each member fills the stage with their high energy performances. Close your eyes and be brought back in time as lead singer Cathy DaPrato amazes with her impeccable vocal timing. Band members include lead singer Cathy DaPrato, guitarist Sacha Lange, drummer Vic Ruiz, pianist Kiri Curbelo and bassist Jake Asbury. Visit www.littleparadiseband.com for more information.

About the Middletown Arts Center

The Middletown Arts Center (MAC) is an award-winning, state-of-the-art facility run by the nonprofit Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council and is dedicated to bringing quality arts programming and events to Middletown and surrounding communities. The MAC offers enrichment programs and entertainment for all ages and abilities. Visit www.middletownarts.org for more information. The MAC can also be found on Facebook at Middletown Arts Center and Twitter @MiddletownArts.



Saturday Morning Cartoons: In honor of the "Taxman" Himself Gerry Scharfenberger; The Beatles's "Taxman"

It's Saturday once more, time for a cartoon.

While the Beatles might have dreamt they were back in the time of Merry Olde England, and tried to pay Ringo's whopping tax bill with the aid of Robin Hood and Little John, Middletown residents aren't so lucky.

Middletown has its own "Taxman" in Gerry Scharfenberger, who has risen the local tax rate by more than 39% over the past 5 years and if you don't pay up your home may be taken.

Instead of my usual bowl of Cheerios, I think I need some Pepto Bismal.

Saturday Morning Cartoons: The Beatles

Do you remember a time when all we worried about on a Saturday morning was waking up to watch our favorite Saturday morning cartoons.

For those of you who reminisce fondly about these times, do you remember this one. The first episode of the popular Beatles cartoon from 1965on ABC :

The Beatles Cartoons - A Hard Day's Night

Happy Valentine's Day: All You Need is Love

                                                        All You Need Is Love