The “Tribute to George Harrison” (A.K.A. GHT) is a yearly fundraising event currently held at Whites of Westport, in Westport MA.  This annual “George Fest” is a night filled with live music from the 60’s, focusing around George Harrison and the Beatles.  It features some of the best tribute acts in the New England area.  Also, as part of the evening, Beatles memorabilia and artwork is available for purchase as well as raffles.  Everyone in the production (with the exception of the sound company, which gives the event a substantial discount) donates their time, effort, equipment and facilities.  All proceeds are donated to aid those with cancer (recent recipients being, the American Cancer Society, St. Jude’s Hospital and Bristol County Hospice). 

The first GHT was held in February of 2004 at the at the Waterstreet Café in Fall River featuring eight musical acts.  It continued to be held there for three years before outgrowing the venue and moving to it’s current location, Whites of Westport.  The idea for this fundraiser was the brainchild of Rachel (Lambert) Cabral of Westport, MA, who continues to produce the event today (now with her company, Rayne Promotions).  After George Harrison’s untimely death from cancer, Rachel got the idea of bringing together some of the best local tribute talent to raise funds to aid those with cancer.  In that first year, the event raised $1500.  Over the years, the event has become very successful, raising a grand total of over $24,000.  The first year at Whites, the event had the famed Beatles memorabilia collector, Jim Cushman and his Beatles exhibit.  In 2007 GHT was emceed by Cha Chi Loprete, host of “Breakfast With The Beatles” on WZLX radio (Sunday mornings at 8:00 AM). 

Along with BeatleTracks (New England’s FAB Beatles Tribute Band), this year’s line up included The British Yankees, Sherman & the Waybacks, Psychedelic Relics, Wayne Cabral (former member of Octopus’s Garden, a John Lennon Songwriting Contest semi-finalist and performer at the 2011 New England Pop Festival), the Oh Nos, a plastic sporko band! (featuring members of the band GIRL, the first all female Beatle Tribute band to play the Cavern Club in Liverpool), The Mockers (Fred Grady and members of  CBNE and Stacy Pedrick of THE FOOLS and from New Jersey, The Cryers (backing band for Denny Laine of Wings  and Terry Sylvester of the Hollies) with the opening acoustic act being 10 year old guitarist Thatcher Harrison.