Pete, some of us dancing fools need a break from dancing, the fold up canvas lawn chairs are great for that. On Friday night last year while I was sitting in the back of the crowd in my lawn chair, Gary Jacob asked me why I was sitting and not dancing. My answer was that I was pacing myself. I didn't have sore feet last year like I had the previous 7 years!! Looking forward to meeting you and Penny.

Every day gets us closer to the best Beatle event, my daughter and I are so looking forward to a great weekend.

Lawn Chairs Kathy?- do you plan to sit down!!! And Brian, thanks for the promise of a beer, with the exchange rate the way it is £1 = only $1.51, we'll need all the help we can get.See you on the roof.Be good to meet you all, I look very English and my wife Penny is very attractive.Her Grandma was born in Hamburg and we visited the city seven years ago- fantastic

Ellen, great to see you here. It's FABulous that you're finally going to make it to AROTR. Remember all those years ago when I tried to get you to come to AROTR in Cleveland? Looking forward to seeing you again.

Only 6 more weeks until the most fun I have all year AND I get to do it again in September in DC!!

I've started my packing list for the trip...and a notation to put the LAWN CHAIRS in the trunk FIRST! Last year we left them behind due to space.

Wait for it every year and it's almost here!! Bringing a friend in from my home town, so she can play with us! We are going to have a great time. Love Ya Ellen!!!

I too am happy that the Liverpool Stage will be rocking again this year. Nice place to hang out. Good bar with some good drinks and good grub and some great atmosphere.

First time over here to sign in and say this about AROTR. I've been wanting to go to one of these for like what seems like forever. It was because of a good friend of mine, who told me AROTR was happening and when...this was about 3 months ago (heh...she knows me ;)! So I said...I've no plans...I'm there girl!

I can't wait. "I may be over the hill, but what a ride!" © I'm more than sure this is a ride I'll never forget. THANKS to all that I've chated with here about this. And a special "Shout Out" to *NINA*!! Thanks Sweets...peace, love and see you guys there !!

AROTR is closer than ever, can harldy wait to enjoy great music and great company!

Jessica...Rooftop concerts usuall start around noon a few blocks from the Galt House at a place called 4th Street Live in downtown Louisville...from what I can recall only about 5 blocks from the Galt House. If you can make it please do. It is a great way to kick off AROTR. This will be my 3rd year for the rooftop show and the 3rd year they have done it!!!

HOWLIN PETE...Look me up and you got an ice cold Blue Moon draft beer from me!!! Really.

Rock on Deb and Doug...you are going to LOVE Louisville's Abbey Road On The River!!! This will be my 5th.

Does anybody remember what was the first song that Hal Bruce played to officially open up AROTR last year? I do...I always look forward to the official kickoff with Hal!!!

I am so psyched...the pool will be rockin finally again !! I will keep those bartenders busy. What are the chances that I can hear one of the performers do McCartney's Im Carrying?? Hmmm...just wondering what Beatle memory I will take from the event this year. Another Girl with a 45 record in her hair, perhaps a sitar player jammin in the stairwell, or maybe the Jukebox's groupies (you know who you are)...

I just booked my airfare to AROTR 2010.....I'm psyched!!! Time for a family reunion...YEAH YEAH YEAH!!!!! I simply cannot wait to see "EVERYONE"!..come together for the most wonderful five days ever...singing, dancing, laughing, playing in the fountain...hijacking our favorite security guard and bringing him into the ballroom....partying....and sharing the love of The Beatles...and one another. I'm bringing the 'buca....! Olivia....if you are going to bed by 2 AM....YOU ARE GOING TO BED TOO SOON!...why isn't that the time The Jukebox get the Galt House Rockin'!!!!!!....Get ready for some serious lobby parties!!!! THERE WILL BE NO SLEEPING!

Editor: you all are just so great to work/produce for...thanks..it makes it fun for us to see how excited everyone is getting...thanks..my office is very messy..but Im getting excited too

Dear Deb from Connecticut!!!....First of all, WELCOME!!! You are able to come & go all day long..just flash your wrist bracelet!! The Galt House is conveniently on the grounds and a quick walk to the room elevators...food is wide variety ,reasonably priced and yummy. Restaurants inside are pricey but if you win the brand-new "bucks" they speak of, I'll bet they can be used ANYWHERE !! We didn't make room for lawn chairs last year but will pack them FIRST this time!! Hope to meet you, Deb

Eight Days A Week, And The Apples ROCK! Make sure to see them.

I do understand that Eight Days A Week plan to do a few of the earlier Hamburgesqe tracks i.e. Kansas City, Bad Boy and a few more at the indoor Archibald venue. Since both them and The Apples from Cincy are Full Dress Tribs and play one following the other, they are trying to work out lists that don't do too many repeats. Bad Boys that they all are.....

I had a Facebook inquiry about all of our AROTR talk today and thought I'd share my answer here, too, in case you want to welcome Angela when she stops by:
Dear Angela, Have you never been to Abbey Road on the River? If not, you just must come play with us on Memorial Day weekend, in Louisville, & there's another chance on Labor Day weekend in Washington, D.C. I recall that your best ticket deal is coming to an end soon. Be sure to go over to the AROTR site to get your best tickets. We play alongside one another, Beatle Friends Forever, BFFs, while the best Beatles Tribute Bands on Planet Earth play the Best Music played in my lifetime--Beatle music, for our enjoyment--THEN the band members come off the stage and play WITH us when the next band starts it up, all over again. Now, repeat that from about 11am to about 2am daily for FIVE DAYS OF PEACE, LOVE & ROCK n ROLL and you'll understand why, as GJake says, it's the Weekend We Plan Our Year By. If you need more info, let me know, and be sure to find me when you arrive-I'll be the Beatle Freak having a ball by the speakers with about 20,000 of our best friends! Now, I'll go put this on the AROTR Guestbook so you'll check out the site for yourself. Please go see:

http://www.abbeyroadontheriver.com/new_guestbook.php

Very much looking forward to all of the FUN!!!!
Each year keep's gettting Better and Better...Time to get my dancing shoes on!!

Doug and I will be making our first trip to
AROTR in Louisville!!! Yeah
We went to Scranton two years ago and had a great
time but always wanted to trek the 15 hours
to Louisville from Ct but too far...this year
Doug is out of work so has the time to spend
a day driving down and a day driving back!!

See, good things come from bad. Doug is out
of work, but now has the time to attend
AROTR for 5 days!!

We cannot wait to meet you all whose posts we
read weekly. It will be fun to see the faces
that go with the names.

What exactly is the Beatles Bucks thing about,
though? I assume there are food/drink vendors
inside and outside of the Galt?? Is this correct? Can you leave and come back in??

I would appreciate some info from the veteran
AROTR attendee's.

Thanks

DEB (and Doug)

Mike O Rourke, Re. who's travelling the furthest- we're coming from England which I suppose is far enough, and Pen and I were both born about 3 miles from Abbey Road-do I win $10?

Hello everybody!! Wow, I've been so busy doing many things, that I haven't been on here in quite a while! I didn't know if I'd be able to make AROTR this year, again, but I think I'll be able to come, even if for a few days........... Things seem to be be working out that way, but it's still not for sure. Lots of things happening in the family, but for good. I'm actually starting to let myself think about it , and it's an awesome feeling. It is my favorite place to be, because there is nothing like it!!! Peace and love to everyone!!

It's good to see the Message Board busy again, can't wait! is it to early to check the weather?

The Carneys are getting excited already! Alice, the youngest (18 mos.), is learning "Beatles!" from her sisters. We have recruited 3 other sets of friends to attend for the first time (1 family of four and 2 other couples), and we are working on more.

We are so.... looking forward to Louisville. Love AROTR, and have come to love the town as well.
My comment would be to those that may never have attended. It is great to know you really don't need a car. So much within walking distance of the Galt House (incredible hotel!) We have found the people of the town to be delightful.
AROTR has truly become the event we mark our calendar by.

Remember to bring "protection" to AROTR. Bring some for yourself and some for your kids. You can share the protection, but it can be kind of gross.

I like:
http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/profmusearpl1.html

These are good for kids:
http://earplugstore.stores.yahoo.net/radians-eliminator-26-ear-muffs.html

-rob

Hey Denise, nothin up my sleeve but my latest instrument of choice says: my dog has fleas. Will bring some to the river, see how it goes. May even gift some, it's the aloha spirit.

I need a fix cause I'm going down! Bad day at work and it is only Monday! Really looking forward to AROTR to have fun and do nothing but sing along with The Beatles and dance myself silly!

Rob that was Great. Harold are you doing cowbells again for 2010? What's up your sleeve for this year? I guess we bring our bells from last year. Kathy my computer went too slow to answer you back and then you were gone. Hope you got a good idea for your outfit. My dress I hope will be done in time. I've got Blisters on my Fingers!!

Wish we were packing our bags now. I see a lot of familiar faces on here. OOOpps I can put faces to a lot of names here. Brandon and I are SOOOOoo ready!! You Mention Abbey Road on the River and we both just SMILE.
Denise from Milford

Hey there sweet AROTR Family and Guestbook! "....Been away so long I hardly knew the place,,,,gee it's good to be back home"! Had the PLEASURE of spending some Quality time, with Sabrina Lynch and Hubby Paul and I must say BRIT BEAT is HOT HOT HOT! Hotter than MAY and you shall be aMAYzed!!! Love you all. Thanx Gjake, for this special platform.

I have to say i'm glad to see the guestbook up and running again! The Mom and I are excited to get back to AROTR after missing last years!

My group of nine will be representing the great state of Michigan. Who is traveling the furthest?

This will be the first year I can attend on Thursday and I'm wondering how the rooftop shows work. Won't you please please help me?

It's great to know the Tearaways are going to be at AROTR this year! I caught them in Liverpool in 2008. Not only are they a great Beatles band, they're a terrific bunch of guys with a hysterical sense of humor. Can't wait to hang with them by the River! Starting to count the days and eyeball the L'ville weather report!

Good to see the guest book crank up again! The Florida crew is looking forward to Loisville and AROTR. I am bringing three "newbies" to the festival this year and they are more than psyched. I have told them to be ready for four things, great music, the best people, a wonderful venue and a very well run event. See all of you soon. Richard

Shoot,I missed seeing the Simpsons' Beatles tribute,but I did see an episode a couple of months ago which had the voice of Eric Idle as a guest star,and he did a duet with Homer.(I didn't know for sure that it was him till the credits came on, but I thought it was because I could see some Rutle announcer influence).

SO EXCITED ABOUT ABBEY ROAD THIS YEAR! MAY HAVE A NEW ABBEY ROAD GUEST COMING. STILL TALKING TO HER ABOUT IT. SHE WANTS TO COME BUT HAD TO WAIT IF SHE CAN GET OFF THAT WEEKEND. BEEN TRYING TO WIN HER TICKETS BUT IT'S NOT TO BE SO I TOLD HER TO TRY HERSELF AND SEE IF SHE CAN WIN. SHE LOVES THE BEATLES. GOES WITH ME TO SEE LIVERPOOL LADS WHEN THEY PLAY. ANYWAYS WILL BE GREAT TO SEE EVERYBODY AGAIN. I LOVE MY BEATLES FAMILY FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL. PEACE AND LOVE ALWAYS KIM.

Can't wait! Anyone who has not been, you MUST attend!

Hi Lori,

"Bad to Me" is on the set list for sure! It's a band "fave". Thanks for the offer of the sheet music, but we have this one down. So you can count on it being there on both shows. Friday @ 2PM and 10:45 PM in the Archibald...

Cheers!

Dave
UnionJack British Invasion Band

I feel so guilty. I have been a Beatles fan since before they played on Ed Sullivan to celebrate my 14th birthday. I assume that is why they picked that date or maybe it was just karma - not Instant Karma because that came later. But my guilt comes from my failure to make it to the river for the celebration but I will blame that on my significant others at the time. But this year will be different and I will be there.

I am stoked about AROTR this May! Sorry to hear about the past favorites that won't be able to join this year, but realy looking forward to the new bands I haven't heard yet. Long Live AROTR.

Union Jack Bridith Invasion Band: Can I expect to hear "Bad To Me" then? If so.... I have the sheet music and it shall be YOURS!

Were you watching February 9th 1964? How about 2/17, 2/23? Did you see DC5 on March 8th 1964, and again on the 15th? How about the Searchers on April 5th? Gerry & the Pacemakers on May 10th, the Beatles again on May 24th, the DC5 again on 5/31, BJ Kramer on June 7th? The Animals and Stones in October '64...You get the picture...

UnionJack British Invasion Band will be celebrating the History of the British Invasion on the Ed Sullivan Show at AROTR on Friday May 28th in the Archibald Ballroom at 2PM and 10:45 PM! Join us and celebrate the genesis of the British Invasion and all of the great tunes that followed!

Haha - Mr. Burns joins the prison Beatles tribute band on the Simpsons...love it!!!

Oh Yeah, forgot to mention, Abbey Road On The River is a ridicuosuly great time.

I'm getting really excited to attend my third AROTR. I've already started working on my schedule. Trying to see as many bands as I can fit in, including favorites from previous years and many new bands.

To get up to speed I wore my Shea Stadium to work on Thursday and Ramona is cleaning up the go go boots (is Ben the luckiest guy ever or what) Anyone caught texting or talking loudly at a rock show will have flying monkeys sent at them, Hey SubManics get ready to bring the Rutland Vibe again, on a serious note the local police in Maryland were unable to contact the Scottish Police and send extra crowd control for the Itchycoo Park/ Peter Conrad show Ben caught the wave via the air and tried to help the mania go well. Love you all and lets rock

Hello all you Beatle Friends Forever, MY BFFs. There are so many wonderful things that have come about in my life just because of all of you. My view on the world has been expanded to include folks really all Across the Universe. There just is something remarkable about the lovely people who are Beatle Fans, a special mind-set of loving care for each other. Lisa commented that I encouraged her to come on to join us in Louisville for the best time you can have for five days for the price. For my money, it's the best time you can have for five days, period. What is unique about WHAS11 Abbey Road on the River is the "ownership" Gary encourages us to feel in the event itself and the camaraderie we feel with one another AND THE BANDS. Some of my dearest friend who I "play" with regularly are those who I first met right her in my home town at the first AROTR in Louisville--folksies I started dancing with to the best music, The Beatles, by the best bands, AROTR Bands, at the BEST Festival, the one Gary gives us annually. I am so pumped up to see everyone that I get all revved up and have to chat with a few of you to compare notes. Yep; all of us are equally anxious for the Rooftop Kickoff. So, it was easy to encourage Lisa to come "alone" for she just could not find a way to stay "alone" at Abbey Road on the River if she came out of her room. Hurry up, now. Peace, Love and Rock n Roll, Y'All. Olivia Anne

Really excited about the lineup this year. Can't wait for AYNIL's White Album performance. So many more bands this year...will have to come up w/ a new strategy to see them all.

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, lets get this guestbook rockin' again, You meet the nicest people on the AROTR guestbook! Can't wait.

Looking forward to great bands, great people and hopefully great weather

Humm, never used this guestbook thing. I love AROTR so much. I've gone for the past 4 years and every year has fun stuff to do. Hope everyone who wants to can come.

Twas the night before AROTR and all through Galt House.Not a creature was stirring. Not even my spouse.

The banners were all hung by the stages with care.
In hope that the fans, would soon be there.
Harold was nestled all snug in his bed,
while visions of cowbells danced in his head.

My wife in her sweat pants and me in my Beatles cap, had just settled down for a long drunkards nap.

When out on the Belvedere, there arose such a clatter, That I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window, I flew like a flash.
Tore open the curtains. Threw up in the trash.

The spotlight on the grass of the Belvedere, you know. Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.

When, what to my bloodshot eyes should appear,
But a white golf cart with eight cases of beer.
With a little old driver, so lively and merry,
I knew in a moment it must be Gary.

More rapid than Beatles, Gary's performers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and call'd them by name:
Now, Elliots, Now Sun Kings, Now, Gary and George Quinn. "On! Abbey Road Live, On! SSG, On! Mario and Hal;

"To the front of the Lawn Stage! To the back of Archibald Hall! "Now Jam away! Jam away! Jam away all!"

(* At this point in the poem, I sort of lost interest. If you have any good ideas for the rest of the poem you can send them to me at rob@morningwoodacademy.com. *)

PS: I do NOT have one single Cowbell gig this year so I am accepting offers.

Hello to everyone, Just wanted all of you Western Pa. and Cleveland fans to know I just heard a great Tribute band last last night at an American Cancer Society concert. I've been going to as many area Beatle Tibutes whenever I hear about them and this was a first for this particular group. Their harmony is fantastic. I closed my eyes and could hear John on many of their songs. I also loved their interaction and talking to the audience. The concert was 2 and half hours with 2 costume changes. Being at front stage and dancing at AROTR it was a bit hard sitting back watching and listening. (I was in the second row, Handicap first Row) The group did invite everyone up to dance and at one or 2 points, people did. I didn't want to be the only one standing so I more or less behaved my self. If enough of you great people would want an early Beatle fix be sure to plan on seeing this group 2 Saturdays from now (April 24)_ at the Mercer Senior High School Mercer, Pa. Its right off Interstate Route 79, a straight shot from Pittsburgh Pa. and Erie Pa. We could all get together and jam. The other great thing is the price is only $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door. On top of this you would be benifiting a great organization. After I write this I will be checking out their web site Beatlemania Magic.com to learn all about them. Hope to see you in Mercer and if not, for sure in May. Gary, if you are still looking to fill some openings you may want to check them out.

Dumb question of the day.......... Does my posting to Ben and Ramona this morning COUNT????

no, but this one does!

Oh guestbook, how I have missed you!! Hey all!! Can't wait for AROTR this year! It'll be my little guy Collin's first trip and I am so looking forward to his reaction, because I'm sure he'll love it. Btw, anyone on here going to be in the Yellow Submoron parade?

Cannot wait for AROTR! Thought I was gonna miss it due to my Beatle buds' other plans, but THANKS to Olivia and others who have encouraged me to "Come On, Come, On, Come On, Come On."

...i keep reading about all the discord that happens at other beatles fest and wonder what that is all about? other organizers need to attend arotr to get a clear perspective of what the celebration is all about, peace, love and rock'n'roll! cannot wait till may, happy weekend everyone!

Get stoked, all you Abbey Roaders. The Quilt Girls are almost ready! Hope you're as excited as we are. We've "reshaped" our perspectives and have come up with an even bigger, even craftier idea than last year. Now, let's all give Gary J. a huge hand for his awesome work and generosity!

We really want to get the guestbook going strong again, before the event.

So, here's the deal; post a message on the guestbook-get up to six Beatle bucks to spend at the event...while supplies last; one buck per week, 1st 50 to post each week;

Post as often as you like, but you only get $1 buck per week..hey we're giving away $300 bucks...bucks add up..see you soon

Beatles festivals are THE BEST! See you at the Ohio River. Woooooooooooo! Now, where's my $1? And what can I get for a dollar? Not a beer, that's for sure.

To redeem dollars, we will e-mail the first 50 qualifiers each week telling them how to get the buck when you check in...and no, you can't get a beet for a buck, but you can get one for $5, so keep posting

Looking forward to my 5th AROTR. Also looking forward to discovering new bands. See you at the Rooftop Concert!!!

Ready to go to AROTR! Only 45 days to go.
The Jukebox and myself are ready to have some fun Beatles forever.

I am so excited to see the new film that Mark Staycer has made. Just the whole atmosphere of the event is overwhelming and I can't think of a better place to be on Memorial weekend, remembering.

hey ben and ramona, glad you are coming! it will be great to see you again.

Ben and Ramona....AROTR just WOULDN'T be the same without you...for REAL!!!
I'm so happy things worked out for you...
See you soon!!

HUGH CHANCE OF PLANS!!!!We are coming to Louisville Can't wait Don't ever give up because the world is round and turns us on. Get ready to rock because it is time! Yeah Yeah Yeah

Too bad about Band On The Run, They're one of my favorites, Good thing we have Wingsbanned they are also very good! Hope to see BOTR back in the future.

Today we learned Band On The Run who because of too many band personal and personel issues to recount here, will not be at AROTR; their times on the schedule have been filled.

OK it's time I checked in and let you know what sort of sets to expect from me this year. Well, the focus this year at AROTR is '71 to '74 I think.
Anyway I already do lots from this period. However, I thought I'd rehearse a few new ones so today I've been listening to the following albums and working out a few new tunes from them....

Extra Texture, some great underrated songs on this album.

Dark Horse.....oh it's simply shady ( is that a clue? i hear you ask.

33&1/3 oh it's a true love, some great songs on this one.

George Harrison... Where do I start?

Along with All Things Must Pass and Material World, these will make up my first five hour session and then there is the solo Lennon stuff and Paul and Ringo[what, you only get how long? I'd better get over this weekend, I've got so much to sing, I'll never get through it) Oh well!.
we gotta do some party music at the pool and some Ziggy on the Monday. And those all night sessions (will they be the same without the Meanies?)

See you all very soon

Gary

Namaste & Easter Blessings to all!! Here’s some news bits regarding the TRAVELING BEATLEBURYS, PETER CONRAD (solo) and our good friends ITCHYCOO PARK

Itchycoo Park - Live 'In Concert'
When: Sat, April 10, 8pm – 11pm
Where: Cumbernauld Theatre, Kildrum, Cumbernauld
Description: A special 'in concert' night with Itchycoo Park featuring songs by The Beatles and many other acts from the 60's. - with possible contributions from unusual sources!! More details later. Our special guest will be Peter Conrad - an excellent singer / songwriter and performer of George Harrison & Travelling Wilburys' songs. Peter is part of the 'Travelling Beatleburys' who perform throughout America. Hailing from Columbus, Ohio; Peter is on tour in the UK and we are excited to have him be part of our show. - from: www.itchycoopark.net

Peter Conrad (solo)
When: Fri, April 16, 10:30pm – 12mid
Where: The Cavern Club, 10 Matthew St, Liverpool, England
Description: Peter will performing his solo acoustic “Harrisongs & More – Handled With Care” show, featuring songs by George Harrison, the Beatles (group & solo), Traveling Wilburys (group & solo), the British Invasion era, the Summer of Love, Classic R&R and original songs from his 2 solo CD’s. Several European friends of Abbey Road On The River will be in attendance and there may even be a surprise guest or two . . .
- from: www.PCB.freehomepage.com

The Traveling Beatleburys
When: Thurs May 27 to Sun May 30 & Sept 2 -5
Where: Abbey Road On The River, in Louisville, KY and Washington DC
Description: The Traveling Beatleburys (Peter – guitars & vocals, Sam Pellegrino – guitars & vocals, Kevin Ashba – keyboards & vocals, Phil Berube – bass guitar & vocals & Bruce Goll – drums & percussion) will performing 4 of the 5 days @ both AROTR’s. This year they plan on featuring more Wilbury songs than before and songs by all of the individual Wilburys! (Harrison, Dylan, Petty, Lynn & Orbison) And of course they will be plenty of solo George & Beatle songs, along with some British Invasion era & Summer of Love tunes. In addition to of this, there will be several “Solobury” shows by Peter and Frankie-Rae (Sam & his daughter Jessie). - from: Peter Conrad & the Traveling Beatleburys Facebook page

We’re all looking forward to seeing everybody this May & September @ both AROTR’s and many of our European friends in April!
– Peace, Love & Handle With Care 3~

Lori, I would love to sometime see a band to a tribute show to the Hamburg era

I have a 45 record of The Beatles- Red Sails in the Sunset I will give to the first band that I hear play it.