Annual "Beatles" Benefit

Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead, 28 Mugford St, Marblehead, MA | Get Directions »
$20.00

Fans of the Beatles, young and old alike, will be elated that the Unitarian Univeralist Church of Marblehead is once again hosting a benefit concert that includes an eclectic mix of talented musicians all singing everyone’s favorite Beatles songs. This year’s benefit is called “Come Together.” The benefit takes place on Saturday, June 23 at the UU Church of Marblehead on Mugford Street. Part of the proceeds from this concert go directly to a special fund to send musicians into local schools for workshops and concerts as well as to benefit programs at the UU church.

The Greg Hawkes Ukulele Trio will be the special guests at this year’s musical event. Hawkes is one of the founding members of The Cars. Greg is probably best remembered as the synthesizer player for the Cars. He has long appreciated the Beatles as well as the ukulele and has recorded a CD called The Beatles Uke, which includes 15 classic Beatles songs using multi-tracked recordings to create a ukulele orchestra. Hawkes will play with bandmates, Tim Mann and Greg Allison at this benefit. The CD is testament to the influence that the Beatles had on Greg and his work with the Cars and all his other musical endeavors over the years.

Raised in the south, classical musician turned singer-songwriter Ashley Wells will be adding her talent to the benefit. She has a special combination of rich and captivating vocals, strong melodies, and insightful lyrics when she sings her own songs on her CD Mama’s Skirt. We can’t wait to hear how she interprets the Beatles. Sam Chase, a Berklee School of Music grad is part of this year’s show as well. His new CD,Every Time I’m Home, has garnered much critical acclaim; Sam has won numerous music awards and has opened shows for Lori McKenna and Jonathan Edwards among others.

It’s been said that Patti DeRosa revels in diversity. She’s comfortable singing her original contemporary acoustic music which is peppered with soft finger-picking ballads or jazzy grooves, or even an island rhythms and edgy rock. Patti has three CDs which reflect many facets of her talent. She’s also known for unique cover songs, so Beatles fans will be in for a treat.

Marbleheader Kat Quinn is a returning Beatles benefit musician. Kat (aka Katherine Feeley) graduated from Marblehead High in 2006 and has recently relocated to New York after a stint in Nashville. She’s recently released her first CD, Exhale, which was produced by Carly Simon’s long-time musical associate, Peter Calo. She had a successful record release party at Rockwood Music Hall in New York City and also opened for Ari Hest at the me&thee coffeehouse this past spring.

Two young Marblehead singers will be making their Beatles Benefit debut — Addy and Julia. Addy Sleeman and Julia Taliesin have been gaining attention all around the North Shore since their appearance in the “Marblehead’s Got Talent” show. It’s always interesting to hear young musician’s take on classic Beatles tunes and this will be no exception.

Scrambled Eggs (Mike Birch, Grady Moates, Lin Sprague, and Kevin Wall) have perfected their well-crafted harmonies and spot-on interpretations of Beatles songs. They had such a good time last year that they’re coming back this year to entertain with some selections from the Beatles’ Help album. Come find out why they’re called Scrambled Eggs — yes, there’s a Beatles reference

Just added to this year’s line-up is Heartsville, a small group who formed after The Grendels toured with Todd Rundgren on part of his Todd/Healing tours in 2010 and 2011. Heartsville is made up of a trio of vocalists who were part of that tour, Kimberly Andersen, Matt Holley, and Dee Dee Miles, along with Rick Pressler (guitars) and Marc Pfeiffer (percussion). In the last year, Heartsville has performed in a variety of venues and opened for The Motels at Newton, NJ. Heartsville focuses on harmony-rich pop/rock music in a variety of styles.

All are welcome to come out on Saturday, June 23 at 8:00 p.m. to support the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead as well as all of these wonderful musicians who have donated their talent and their valuable time on a “gig night” to help with this benefit. Last year the UUCM sponsored an amazing fiddle workshop with Jay Ungar and Molly Mason for many North Shore students. Not only did they get some special time with Ungar and Mason but they got to perform two songs with them on the me&thee stage.

Tickets are available at Arnould’s Gallery, Spirit of ’76 Bookstore, our secure online ticket vendor or at the door.