Considered by many to be the greatest band of all time, The Beatles have left an indelible mark on music and culture. Though they disbanded more than 50 years ago, references to the Band and its members are still found in current movies, television, and fashion. For those fans who can’t get enough, the Aurora Public Library District (APLD) will be host to an in-person program on the evening of Tuesday, April 12 at the Eola Road Branch in Aurora, entitled The Beatles: Their History in One Hour.
Presenting on The Beatles will be Chicagoland’s foremost Beatles expert, Gary Wenstrup who is a widely-respected lecturer and offers a wide variety of music history programs. He has presented programs at many Chicago-area libraries, and we are happy to have him at APLD to share his popular Beatles history program. Attendees can expect to cover a remarkable amount of the group’s history in just an hour.
Wenstrup describes how he touches on each musical phase of their expansive musical career. “With performance and interview clips we’ll trace the arc of the Beatles’ career from their development in Liverpool, through Beatlemania, into their psychedelic phase and finally their dissolution.” Hopefully even the biggest fans in attendance will learn some facts and new insights about The Beatles.
Although it’s hard to argue against their impact on music, when it comes to The Beatles, everyone and their dog have opinions on albums, members, why they broke up. With such a long career, the music industry is constantly celebrating the anniversary of this album or song with a new release or remastered version. Great for fans! Overrated for critics. The Library hopes this program attracts both Beatlemaniacs and those who only know one song (Yellow Submarine?) but want to learn more.
The Beatles: Their History in One Hour will not be recorded, so make sure to register at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/events. Those interested in more information about Gary Wenstrup and his musical history background can visit his website, garywenstrup.com. Good thing you don’t need money to buy our love, because this program is free to attend. Come together at the Eola Road Branch at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 12 because all you need is love…and the Library. So, get it into your life or just let it be.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.