Abbey Road on the River 10th anniversary celebration Louisville, KY 5/26-5/31/2011
Abbey Road on the River is the top rated Beatles festival in the US. It is put together by the outstanding work of Gary “Jake” Jacob and a wonderful team of associates. Although the event lasts only 5 days, like a multifaceted theme park, it is impossible to see it all in one visit. Nevertheless no matter what you choose “it’s all good.”
Abbey Road on the River began in Cleveland, Ohio and then eventually moved to Louisville, Kentucky to stage that annual Memorial Day event. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the festival and perfect attendance individuals were given special recognition.
As a preview to the event the Beatles’ famous rooftop concert is performed on the visitor’s center low rooftop. This year however, it had to be moved to “4th Street Live” under cover from the rain. Free concerts were held back to back by Drew Harrison, Jukebox Beatles, and the Steve Sizemore group.
The event is staged at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville and nearby 
Belvedere Festival Park. Multiple stages are set up both inside and outside. The premier stage was held on “the lawn” that featured a jumbotron. It gave the feeling you were in a rock concert.
The bands ranged from solo artists to group who may or may not have resembled the Beatles. Special tribute concerts were held. Drew Harrison presented an outstanding rendition of “Lennon Legends” that focused on his solo career and the Plastic Ono Band. Several solo artists did tribute to the work of George Harrison including Rex Van Zant, Jimmy Pou, and Gavin Pring. Local bands such as the Rigbys and teenage band Whiplash did amazing work recreating not only the music but the awesome sound with the Gretch guitars. The “Yellow Submorons” got everyone involved walking around in a “Yellow submarine” and wearing funky clothes. They also held a parade where one could dress as a “Blue Meanie” or any song character.
The music was not limited to the Beatles. Concerts included songs from the sixties groups such as the Rolling Stones, Dave Clark 5 and groups that were influenced by the Beatles. Some of the groups featured were Cream, Led Zepplin and the Who. The final day was devoted to the “1967 Summer of Love” which included the work of Simon and Garfunkel, Motown, Eric Clapton, and Bruce Springsteen. There was also a special tribute to Elvis.
Abbey Road on the River presented special concerts that totally brought the house down. “1964-the tribute” was a special concert recreating the music of the Beatles’ touring years. It was so authentically reproduced that it was like seeing them “live” again. The “Beatles Love” soundtrack list from Cirque du Soliel was performed by five cover bands and musicians as a Sat night premier event to a standing room only group.
New to Abbey Road on the River this year was album reproductions. Various bands performed the British release version of each album exactly as it was heard on the soundtrack with the humor of the Beatles thrown in. Abbey Road Live performed a funny but awesome show to “Abbey Road” each time adding more instruments as well as the great jam sessions. Also a post Beatles album was performed by Wingsbanned to “Band on the run.” The group Union Jack British Invasion band reproduced the first Beatles Washington DC. Concert held in Feb. 1964 BritBeat recreated both the radio introductions to and the humor to the Budaka concert and the Beatles Anthology series.
Abbey Road on the river was no just music
only. Guest speakers such as Bruce Spitzer discussed the creation the albums. Various movies were shown. My husband and I got to see Seth Sevirsky’s “Beatles’ stories” film that dealt with people and celebrities who recall their meeting with members of the “Fab Four.” Merchandise featured Gretch guitars, Beatlesuits, various artworks, photos, Tee shirts, as well as everything “Beatles” one could think of.
Other special moments took place when Fred Gretch gave a replica of George Harrison’s Ed Sullivan guitar as a gift to a special needs boy. Auctions of paintings, recreated album covers, and a Gretch guitar were made to help Gary’s charity for a cancer related organization that affected a member of his family as well as the Red Cross and the Boy Scouts. Close to $5000.00 was made at these auctions and raffle sales.
The food was plentiful and delicious. There was no need to go anywhere. Local restaurants had stands set up include one for Gary entitled “Eat at Jakes.” All types of food were available from B-Bque ribs, peanut butter banana sandwiches, delicious sweets and drinks. I had the chance to indulge in a vegan hot dog!
A 5 day pass to Abbey Road on the River cost less than what you would spend to see a famous rock star where you would probably be seeing him on a jumbotron from your seat. Here however, you get more bang for your buck. Abbey Road on the River is held yearly at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Ky and is now in its 2nd year at its 2nd venue the Gaylord National Resort in the National Harbor of Washington D.C. over Labor Day weekend.
Come on out! As John sang “a splendid time is guaranteed for all”
Submitted by Arlene Murphy attendee
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