Image used with permission from GLVMA, Board of Directors Chair: Geno Barron. Copyright of Greater Lehigh Valley Music Association.
Date: 10/20/13
Place: Artsquest / Musikfest Cafe
I was curious about this one. I am familiar with the Greater Lehigh Valley Music Association. I know Geno Barron. Wondering how it started and why the Beatles were chosen. I contacted Geno and he made time for this interview. We met at Top Diner for the interview.
Starting with the obvious and beginning...
How did the Beatles Showcase start? Geno: Well, it was my creation. An idea I have had in the works for about 10 - 15 years. Once I became involved with the Greater Lehigh Valley Music Association; it gave me more of a vehicle to do it.
Geno: My original thinking was to do something like a "Beatlesfest". It's been going on up in New York since 1974. I got all these ideas while I was up there. I have been wanting to do that (a Beatlesfest) in the area for, probably, about 20 years. I just never got around to it. When I got on the board of the GLVMA's; that afforded me the opportunity to create this thing / put it together.
Answering another question, Geno let's us know how the event evolved from that idea.
Geno: I started off, just kind of feeling out a couple of bands. I think the first one I went to: James Supra, believe it or not. I was at a benefit. Talking to their drummer and bassist (at that time). "I know you guys are blues. Do you think you would ever want to do the Beatles?" They jumped all over it. Now, I went to Bev Conklin at another benefit. She was interested in doing it. To this date, she has not been able to. Every time I went to a benefit / concert / local show; I started asking. Everybody immediately said "yes". I started putting it together. It came together pretty quick and Boom!
I could not avoid asking this one.
Out of all the bands, why the Beatles? Geno (smiling and laughing a little): I love all the bands. I grew up with that music (classic rock).
Here Geno also gives us a little glimpse into his personal side and love of music. This does continue answering the question.
Geno: When I was about 6, I got into my grandfather's car and heard: "I want to hold your hand". Keep in mind, I was 6 1/2 years old. Until that point, the only music I knew was: Christmas / Alvin and the Chipmunks / my mother played Wayne Newton. I didn't know there was other music. Hearing that song in my grandfather's car sticks in my brain, clearly, until this day. I immediately became a fan. Then, the whole explosion of music in the 60's happened.
Geno: The Beatles just ended up being my favorite! The Beatles Showcase was more of a labor / passion of love for the Beatles. That made it easy to put the showcase together. This fact and everybody loves the Beatles. You don't have to like them to attend the show! The Beatles Showcase is a benefit.
This part surprised me. The show is mainly about helping people and giving back to the community.
Geno: We (the GLVMA) put the money into the youth. Local youth music programs / disadvantaged youth / kids and families who can not afford music lessons are some examples. The first year, we could not do this due to not having the finances available. Second year we gave 3, $500.00 scholarships. These are matched by the organizations (total: $3000.00). They are matched by the music programs.
Geno: For instance, last year one of the programs was School of Rock. The received the $500.00 and matched it. The scholarships are presented right on stage during the show. It will be $4000.00 we raised which is matched by the programs ($8000.00 total). It will be 8 different scholarships. Jennifer Miklus at Easton School of Rock is running a program called "Little Wing". We are going to help them out this year.
Here is another reason Geno and the GLVMA organization is doing this. Especially helping out the youth:
Geno: We are all getting older. I want to keep the music alive in the Lehigh Valley. If we can influence just one kid and they keep playing after we are gone; I know it was all worth while. Especially with schools constantly cutting back on the arts / music programs. Geno: I agree. I think what we are doing is just in time!
You probably want to know if the showcase has grown and evolved since year 1. Right now, we are going to find out and get a little idea about the mechanics and more detailed history.
Has the Beatles Showcase grown (number of bands) and evolved? Geno: Yes. The first year, we only had 6 bands. One of the things I learned very quick: When I am at the show; I spend the entire time planning the next year. I am already planning Beatles Showcase IV. The first year, too much downtime between bands. I still received very few complaints. Last year, there was a side stage. Between bands (main stage), there will be an acoustic act playing on the side stage.
Geno: One thing I love about Musikfest Cafe? You can walk around, get a drink, etc. without ever leaving the venue.
Geno: Last year, we pretty much doubled it. Lou Franco Project (kind of my house band); we bring up towards the end of the show. A couple of extra guests can go on stage with them. Last year, Sarah Ayers did a song (Horse to the Water). This year, there is 15 acts total in 4 hours.
Geno: Lou (Franco) and Moe (Large Flowerheads) are the stage managers. They understand all the (technical). The show would never run as smooth as it does without them. The Large Flowerheads / Lou Franco Project are, very much, a part of it.
Time to find out one of the hardest parts of doing the Beatles Showcase.
You, basically, see this as constantly evolving over the years? Not only in terms of amount raised but number of bands. Geno: No one has complained about the 4 hour time frame. I would not want to go over it. The hardest part, for me, putting this show together is saying I can't do it to people. That breaks my heart.
Geno: I constantly get calls and requests to play this all the time. Everybody wants to come back and do it the following year. In the spirit of trying to mix up, at least part of the show. I have to say: "You did a great show! You can't do it this year." That part is very hard for me. It literally breaks my heart doing this.
If you are thinking this show is exact covers, your second guess is???
Geno: I tell the musicians "You can do any version you want! Create your own arrangements. Do a song exact, if you want". I give them total, artistic freedom. (Geno referenced the movie "Across the Universe" for examples of variety).
Final question: Obviously, you avoid the summer for the show. Geno: You can't do it in the summer! The season is just too busy. I discovered there is really no good time (of the year) for it. The Lehigh Valley has so much going on.
I, originally, thought this was just about music. Interviewing Geno, there is more to it than music. The Lehigh Valley Beatles Showcase is mainly about 2 things. 1) Having a great show with local bands for you to enjoy for a few hours. 2) Giving back and supporting the community. Giving young and young potential musicians a chance at going after their dreams.
Will I be at the Lehigh Valley Beatles Showcase? Yes! Will there be a few, live, updates? Yes!
If you live in or are planning on being in the Lehigh Valley, Pa area on Oct. 20 2013: maybe this event will be added to your calendar. Thanks Geno for taking time out of your busy schedule for the interview. A special thanks to you for reading this interview!!!!!!
Interested? Check out the bands for this year and Greater Lehigh Valley Music Association:
https://www.facebook.com/events/265626166911312/
http://www.glvma.org/
How did the Beatles Showcase start? Geno: Well, it was my creation. An idea I have had in the works for about 10 - 15 years. Once I became involved with the Greater Lehigh Valley Music Association; it gave me more of a vehicle to do it.
Geno: My original thinking was to do something like a "Beatlesfest". It's been going on up in New York since 1974. I got all these ideas while I was up there. I have been wanting to do that (a Beatlesfest) in the area for, probably, about 20 years. I just never got around to it. When I got on the board of the GLVMA's; that afforded me the opportunity to create this thing / put it together.
Answering another question, Geno let's us know how the event evolved from that idea.
Geno: I started off, just kind of feeling out a couple of bands. I think the first one I went to: James Supra, believe it or not. I was at a benefit. Talking to their drummer and bassist (at that time). "I know you guys are blues. Do you think you would ever want to do the Beatles?" They jumped all over it. Now, I went to Bev Conklin at another benefit. She was interested in doing it. To this date, she has not been able to. Every time I went to a benefit / concert / local show; I started asking. Everybody immediately said "yes". I started putting it together. It came together pretty quick and Boom!
I could not avoid asking this one.
Out of all the bands, why the Beatles? Geno (smiling and laughing a little): I love all the bands. I grew up with that music (classic rock).
Here Geno also gives us a little glimpse into his personal side and love of music. This does continue answering the question.
Geno: When I was about 6, I got into my grandfather's car and heard: "I want to hold your hand". Keep in mind, I was 6 1/2 years old. Until that point, the only music I knew was: Christmas / Alvin and the Chipmunks / my mother played Wayne Newton. I didn't know there was other music. Hearing that song in my grandfather's car sticks in my brain, clearly, until this day. I immediately became a fan. Then, the whole explosion of music in the 60's happened.
Geno: The Beatles just ended up being my favorite! The Beatles Showcase was more of a labor / passion of love for the Beatles. That made it easy to put the showcase together. This fact and everybody loves the Beatles. You don't have to like them to attend the show! The Beatles Showcase is a benefit.
This part surprised me. The show is mainly about helping people and giving back to the community.
Geno: We (the GLVMA) put the money into the youth. Local youth music programs / disadvantaged youth / kids and families who can not afford music lessons are some examples. The first year, we could not do this due to not having the finances available. Second year we gave 3, $500.00 scholarships. These are matched by the organizations (total: $3000.00). They are matched by the music programs.
Geno: For instance, last year one of the programs was School of Rock. The received the $500.00 and matched it. The scholarships are presented right on stage during the show. It will be $4000.00 we raised which is matched by the programs ($8000.00 total). It will be 8 different scholarships. Jennifer Miklus at Easton School of Rock is running a program called "Little Wing". We are going to help them out this year.
Here is another reason Geno and the GLVMA organization is doing this. Especially helping out the youth:
Geno: We are all getting older. I want to keep the music alive in the Lehigh Valley. If we can influence just one kid and they keep playing after we are gone; I know it was all worth while. Especially with schools constantly cutting back on the arts / music programs. Geno: I agree. I think what we are doing is just in time!
You probably want to know if the showcase has grown and evolved since year 1. Right now, we are going to find out and get a little idea about the mechanics and more detailed history.
Has the Beatles Showcase grown (number of bands) and evolved? Geno: Yes. The first year, we only had 6 bands. One of the things I learned very quick: When I am at the show; I spend the entire time planning the next year. I am already planning Beatles Showcase IV. The first year, too much downtime between bands. I still received very few complaints. Last year, there was a side stage. Between bands (main stage), there will be an acoustic act playing on the side stage.
Geno: One thing I love about Musikfest Cafe? You can walk around, get a drink, etc. without ever leaving the venue.
Geno: Last year, we pretty much doubled it. Lou Franco Project (kind of my house band); we bring up towards the end of the show. A couple of extra guests can go on stage with them. Last year, Sarah Ayers did a song (Horse to the Water). This year, there is 15 acts total in 4 hours.
Geno: Lou (Franco) and Moe (Large Flowerheads) are the stage managers. They understand all the (technical). The show would never run as smooth as it does without them. The Large Flowerheads / Lou Franco Project are, very much, a part of it.
Time to find out one of the hardest parts of doing the Beatles Showcase.
You, basically, see this as constantly evolving over the years? Not only in terms of amount raised but number of bands. Geno: No one has complained about the 4 hour time frame. I would not want to go over it. The hardest part, for me, putting this show together is saying I can't do it to people. That breaks my heart.
Geno: I constantly get calls and requests to play this all the time. Everybody wants to come back and do it the following year. In the spirit of trying to mix up, at least part of the show. I have to say: "You did a great show! You can't do it this year." That part is very hard for me. It literally breaks my heart doing this.
If you are thinking this show is exact covers, your second guess is???
Geno: I tell the musicians "You can do any version you want! Create your own arrangements. Do a song exact, if you want". I give them total, artistic freedom. (Geno referenced the movie "Across the Universe" for examples of variety).
Final question: Obviously, you avoid the summer for the show. Geno: You can't do it in the summer! The season is just too busy. I discovered there is really no good time (of the year) for it. The Lehigh Valley has so much going on.
I, originally, thought this was just about music. Interviewing Geno, there is more to it than music. The Lehigh Valley Beatles Showcase is mainly about 2 things. 1) Having a great show with local bands for you to enjoy for a few hours. 2) Giving back and supporting the community. Giving young and young potential musicians a chance at going after their dreams.
Will I be at the Lehigh Valley Beatles Showcase? Yes! Will there be a few, live, updates? Yes!
If you live in or are planning on being in the Lehigh Valley, Pa area on Oct. 20 2013: maybe this event will be added to your calendar. Thanks Geno for taking time out of your busy schedule for the interview. A special thanks to you for reading this interview!!!!!!
Interested? Check out the bands for this year and Greater Lehigh Valley Music Association:
https://www.facebook.com/events/265626166911312/
http://www.glvma.org/