Decades after the famous rooftop jam by John, Paul, George and Ringo marked the farewell of the Beatles, their fab music will reverberate in local barns as musicians and fans "come together" Saturday to help replenish supplies at the NWI Food Bank.
The all-ages event is aptly called, "Beatles In The Barn," and takes place at County Line Orchard (200 S. County Line Road) in Hobart with music starting at 6 p.m.
It has been a hard year on the nation and especially hard in our region with unemployment on the rise, salaries frozen and the economy in chaos.
More people than ever have turned to local food pantries to keep their families fed and get them through tough times.
"The NWI Food Bank distributes over 3.5 million pounds of food per year to over 100 various agencies in Lake and Porter County that help to feed local folks," said event promoter Tom Collins, Jr. FYI: foodbanknwi.org
With the added need for food during the past year, supplies are running short, so Collins has stepped up to do his part "with a little help from his friends" in area bands. Saturday's "Beatles In the Barn" concert will be a night of music, food and fun aimed at helping to feed hungry Hoosiers in local neighborhoods.
"The whole idea is to have some fun listening to some good music and help out a great organization that helps feed Northwest Indiana," continued Collins. "This (event) will feature three different bands playing all of your favorite Beatles tunes. Performing our favorite Beatles classics will be Chris & Lou (6 p.m.), The Dan Holmes Group (7 p.m.) and The Crawpuppies (8 p.m.)."
There will also be a raffle for three Beatles-themed prizes -- Ludwig Liverpool Legacy drums ("The Ringo Set"), an Epiphone J-160 John Lennon guitar, and a DVD gift pack full of Beatles film and video products.
Admission is $10. FYI: (219) 947-4477 or countylineorchard.com
Music notes
* The Homewood-Flossmoor Park District's 24th annual "Starry Night Concert Series" has been announced for the coming summer months.
While in the past, "Starry Nights" presented national talents like Micky Dolenz of The Monkees and Jefferson Starship, this year's series will be "Tribute" themed.
Dates and artists scheduled: June 11, Piano Man, a hit-filled salute to the music of Elton John and Billy Joel with full costumes, set designs and props; June 25, Elevation, a U2 tribute bringing the music of Bono and the boys to life; July 23, Pink Houses, a 10-piece ensemble that plays the songbook of John Mellencamp. All concerts are presented at the Marie Irwin Bandshell in Homewood's Irwin Park at Ridge Road and Highland Avenue. Advance tickets are $7 adults/$5 children (ages 3-15). Day of show tickets are $3 additional. FYI: (708) 957-PARK
* Early Warning: Chicago's eclectic orchestral pop/rock sextet, Canasta, are gearing up for two May 8 concerts at Shuba's in Chicago to celebrate the release of their second full length album, "The Fakeout, The Tease and The Breather." The CD will be in stores and online for purchase May 18.
The opinions expressed are solely the writer's. Reach him at beatboss@aol.com.
