It was a long and winding road Thursday for “The Beatles Celebration” band from London to The Villages.
All four members of the band — Karl Lornie, Paul; Pete Mitchell, John; James Hender, George and Brad Brunsdon, Ringo — are from the Beatles’ hometown of Liverpool, England. They performed two sellout shows in the Savannah Center to benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Watch a clip of last night’s performance here:
The Beatles Celebration set was tight, fresh and laced with a Liverpool sound and accent. From “I Want to Hold Your Hand” to “Get Back,” they provided authentic Beatles music throughout the concert. It made you feel like you were back in the Cavern Club.
The lads Villages journey was like a magical mystery tour in the air. The Beatles Celebration started out yesterday in Singapore, went to Hong Kong, then Dubai. From there it was a hop-skip-and-jump to Iceland and then England. Finally, they caught a flight to Florida.
“It’s been a crazy day, we got in at 2 o’clock,” said Karl Lornie (Paul) in a Liverpool accent as thick as a fish and finger pie on Penny Lane. “We’re tired but we’re happy to be here to help St. Jude.”
Traveling in The Villages can also be an adventure.
“One of those little golf buggies almost hit us in one of those big circles,” Lornie added. Translation: a wayward golf cart almost rammed them in a roundabout.
“One thing I know about The Villages, is that people love to have a good time and they love the Beatles,” Lornie added.
Villager Bob Ziarko and his wife, Mickey, are the reason the band came here. Bob Ziarko met them on a recent ocean cruise. He was impressed by the band.
“Bob came up to us at the bar,” Lornie said, adding with a smile: “He had a couple of drinks so I knew he was from The Villages. He told us about St. Jude and how people here support the hospital. So here we are.”
The Beatles Celebration band did not take any money for the performance. “This means so much to us, and these guys are great to donate their time and talent” said Ziarko, who volunteers to raise money for St. Jude. He said this year The Villages will raise over $200, 000 for the hospital that helps sick children, without any cost to their families. Those wishing to help can go to stjude.org or call 1-800-877-5833.
During “Hey Jude,” the show’s finale, the band had the huge crowd standing up, waving hands and singing along. Then the boys ripped into a hot version of “Get Back” to end the show and people were still on their feet clapping and singing along.
“We thank you for coming tonight and we thank for supporting St. Jude,” Lornie said. “I’d like to say thank you on behalf of the group and myself, and I hope we passed the audition,” said Mitchell, quoting John Lennon from the famed concert on the roof scene in the film, “Let It Be.”
The concert opened with some vintage early Beatles, including “All My Loving,” and “She Loves You.” Then came “Roll Over Beethoven” and “I Wanna Be Your Man.”
The band hit its stride midway through the concert. Lornie stood on stage alone with an acoustic guitar to sing Paul McCartney’s classic, “Yesterday.” He gave it just the right, soft emotional flavor.
Pete Mitchell took on the John Lennon role. “I know you like Paul’s songs but I hope you like mine better,” Mitchell cracked in his best Lennon voice. Then he played acoustic guitar on a folky, smooth version of “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away.”
James Hender as George also picked up an acoustic guitar for a tender and stirring, “Here Comes the Sun.”
Slow songs are nice, but these Liverpool lads rock.
They shook loose on such numbers as “I Feel Fine,” “Help,” “Eight Days A Week” and “Long Tall Sally.”
The fans in the packed house loved it and spent much of the evening singing along.
“I was raised on the Beatles,” said Villager Joe Mattioli who attended the show with his wife, Linda. “I remember seeing the Beatles on Ed Sullivan and I still follow them today.”
“We listen to them all the time,” added Linda Mattioli. “My favorite song is ‘Yellow Submarine,’ it’s got that Beatles sound.”
Many members of The Villages Beatlemaniacs Club attended the show. Also in the crowd were Patrick Fross and his brothers, Thomas and Robert Fross. They not only sponsored the show, but dig the Beatles.
“A night like tonight makes you feel good,” Robert Fross said. “The music is great but this is really about helping St. Jude.
“We all know someone who has had cancer. It’s hard enough for an adult but when cancer strikes a child, it’s really tough – not only for the child but his family. We want to help and I’m proud that so many people in The Villages want to help.”
Thomas Fross was also moved by the generosity of the band and the audience.
“St. Jude is about helping kids and helping families. Many families have no health insurance. St. Jude doesn’t ask them for money.
“We wanted to be a part of this night because we live and work in The Villages. We’ve been blessed and we want to give something back. I think everybody here tonight feels the same way.”
