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“FAB 4 @ 50” is happening this Sunday night at 7 at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro. It’s a celebration of the Beatles’ first appearance in America on February 9th, 1964, on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Local musicians and others from all over North Carolina will perform in a joyous celebration of the impact the group had on music and our lives. I witnessed that television appearance, and you may have too, and I can tell you firsthand that everything changed that night. I was obsessed with all the music from these four Liverpool chaps, and my enthusiasm has never waned. I know a lot of fellow music enthusiasts who will tell you exactly the same thing.

Danny Gotham of Chapel Hill is the curator for the show, and one of the talented musicians who will take the stage. The show will feature two house bands playing the Beatles’ wide array of music. There will be a variety of guest vocalists, singing the songs they’re so passionate about. The program starts out with songs from the early days, and then after a quick break, the second act features the Beatles’ later, more innovative and experimental music. All the performers love the Beatles, so I would imagine it must have been really tough to decide on the songs they wanted to sing! I consider myself fortunate to be there to emcee the show, and I hope you’ll join me.

It’s a family-friendly event and it also serves as a fundraiser to benefit Kidznotes, an orchestral music education program for high-risk kids. I had the opportunity to speak with Gotham and fellow performer Jefferson Hart about Sunday night’s show, and I hope you’ll take a few minutes to hear what they had to say about it.

And tune in to Monday’s Morning News on WCHL for special Beatles programming all morning long.


Admission is $10, and you can find out more by going to the Cat’s Cradle website.