McCartney Times

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – The forecast promises rain, but “Here Comes the Sun” nevertheless on Friday, June 1, as the historic St. George Theatre and Where to Turn co-present the annual “Beatles Blast,” highlighting the talent of local musicians while commemorating the 50th anniversary of the release of The White Album.

(Yes, we know George Harrison’s iconic “Sun” serenade was actually on Abbey Road, but cut us some slack for pun’s sake, please.)

“Building on the success of the previous three years, we are excited that Where to Turn has returned to the St. George Theatre once again for this event to celebrate local music, exceptional volunteerism, and the Beatles!,” says Doreen P. Cugno, President and CEO of St. George Theatre Restoration Inc.

Tickets for the 8 p.m. concert are $20 and $30 (10 percent discount for students, seniors, and groups of 12 or more) at Ticketmaster.com or via the box office at 35 Hyatt St. or 718-442-2900.

Proceeds from the concert benefit Where To Turn’s local crisis relief programs. Note: Admission is free for active military men and women. Plus, in partnership with Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar, patrons who present a ticket to the show are offered a free appetizer at any of the four S.I. locations.

The night is headlined by Beatles tribute band The Blue Meanies, as they perform the entirety of the album from start to finish. Also known for paying homage to British invasion bands and classic American rock groups such as The Monkees, Kinks, The Who, and Rolling Stones, The Blue Meanies are a mainstay at the annual night of Beatlemania.

“It is great getting the community together every year with the Beatles Blast. Working with the St. George Theatre, Ed Burke, The Blue Meanies and great local talent we hope to introduce the Beatles to a whole new generation,” said Dennis McKeon, executive director of Where to Turn.

Released on Nov. 22, 1968, The White Album is the ninth studio album by The Beatles and the follow-up to 1967’s Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. This double album contains 30 songs including classics “Helter Skelter,” “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da,” “Blackbird,” “Back in the U.S.S.R.,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Birthday,” “Rocky Raccoon,” and many more. The album spent nine weeks at #1 on the Billboard charts and went 19-times platinum, making The White Album the Beatles’ most-times-certified album by the Recording Industry Association of America.

“This music has been a life-long part of our lives and it’s an absolute honor and a privilege to be able to present The White Album on its 50th anniversary for all generations of Beatle fans,” said Gary Owen of The Blue Meanies.

Source: St. George ‘Beatles Blast’ celebrates 50th anniversary of ‘White Album’ | SILive.com