On Feb. 21, downtown Kent was filled with the sounds of Beatles music as people gathered to celebrate the return of everything Beatles, such as live music and art.
It’s been many years since the Beatles last recorded, but Mike Beder, the co-director of Crooked Arts Council, and other council members have decided to continue sharing their music at Beatlefest.
Beatlefest consisted of 20 performers in 17 locations around downtown Kent including: The Loft, Zephyr and Water Street Tavern. The event was free to the public and no tickets were needed. Fans were able to listen to the Beatles’ music between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Erin Vaughn, a music professor at Kent State Stark, explained that the Beatles have an extensive history and reach for all people, not just those who were around in the ‘60s when the band got popular worldwide.
“Even though they were together for a very short time, the catalog is super extensive in terms of studio output and was actively played for about 70 years,” Vaughn said.
Vaughn also believes that the Beatles have made a name for themselves that will continue to impact generations of artists and musicians all over the world.
“Considering the Beatles themselves, if their music is not something for you, you probably listen to somebody that was influenced by the Beatles,” Vaughn said. “It’s inescapable. The threads of influence from the Beatles just go on.”
To this day, the Beatles continue to have a huge influence on people. This is reflected in the diversity of age at Beatlefest, showing great popularity, especially considering how long it’s been since the Beatles have been around.
“Eighty-year-olds to grade school kids, with college students and everyone in between,” Beder said. “There’s just a great atmosphere around for everyone.”
Even though the Beatles were known for their rock ‘n’ roll and pop music, they were still producing experimental music with many beat styles and genres, making them relatable to a variety of listeners.
“The amount of diversity in the Beatles’ catalog of music really knocks me out,” Vaughn said. “Even if there’s not something that immediately you latch on to, I promise you there is some Beatles’ stuff out there that you would like.”
Adding to the band’s appeal are the many elements they pioneered. They were one of the first bands to have their own production company, Apple, and take control of their career following the death of their manager, Brian Epstein.
“People may have begun to play their music because of all the young women and fans who loved them, and they left a lasting impression,” said Bradley Keefer, a history professor at Kent State Ashtabula. “A whole generation and the ones that came after it are enamored with these guys.”
The Beatles have produced many different styles and genres of songs throughout the years of recording and touring together. This made it easy for modern day cover bands to find Beatles’ music they like to play, Keefer explained.
“There’s fun with people in cover bands who do the accents and dress up,” Keefer said. “They play their music with the ‘60s loveable mom tops and the suits with matching outfits. People will pay to see it because people still like the music.”
The history of the Fab Four
The Beatles made their debut in 1963 with their studio single “Love Me Do,” which made it to the top 20 on the charts in the United Kingdom.
The band started playing at pubs and clubs around larger cities, such as Hamburg and Liverpool. They signed a new studio deal and recorded their debut album “Please Please Me,” which helped them gain popularity due to their energetic performances.
Their first tour led them to Sweden, where they were met with screaming fans for five days. Their album skyrocketed to top three in the charts.
Ed Sullivan, the host of a popular Sunday night variety TV show in the United States, had been impressed with the crowds that greeted the band and brought them to perform on his show in February 1964.
The Beatles’ debut on “The Ed Sullivan Show” was a huge success and set records, such as the most watched television event at the time with about 73 million viewers.
“It’s pretty crazy to think that about 60% of us Americans were watching them perform on TV that night,” Beder said. “I don’t think you can appreciate music without appreciating the depth and reach of Beatles’ work. I’m definitely a fan of that and their impact.”
Amelia Sapienza is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].