BeatleTracks performs at the 9th Annual “Tribute to George Harrison”

BeatleTracks — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 00:39:51 GMT

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.

Whites of Westport, is a local favorite known for its history of quality service and great food. Whites is right off Route 195 and includes free parking, on-site restaurants, and adjacent hotel, the Hampton Inn.

BeatleTracks at GHT 2012

Tribute To George Harrison email: GHTribute@aol.com

For more information on the Tribute To George Harrison check out:

Harrison Tribute page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/109452272470640/

Whites of Westport website: www.lafrancehospitality.com

Pictures & video of previous Tributes on MySpace: myspace.com/officialsiteoftributetogeorgeharrison

BeatleTracks would like to thank Rachel for having us at GHT this year (and in previous years) and we are looking forward to participating again to help this very worthy cause. Also a big thank you to those who donate the merchandise for the merchandise tables and raffle. Mentioned by Rachel as information provided for this article... Thanks to: Kathy Joyce for selling and donating "For You Glue" items for many years. Mick Lawless from Nevermind Show for selling his merchandise. Joe Militello from the Mockers for always donating items to be raffled off and to Joe Minville from Peppertown for the same.

By Ken Sandler, BeatleTracks Band, www.beatletracksband.com