It Was 60 Years Ago Today!

Imagine… it’s 8pm on February 9, 1964 and you’re gathering around your small RCA television set with your family waiting for what would be one of the highest-rated television events to ever happen with 74 million Americans (34 percent of the population) tuned in.

Ed Sullivan walks on stage and announces… “ladies and gentlemen… the Beatles!” and after that, you can’t hear anything but the roar of the crowd in the theatre and people in the room cheering. But you are still watching the four fresh-faced lads from Liverpool, all dressed identically in tight fitting dark suits and mop top haircuts in awe.

It was 60 years ago The Beatles performed for the first time on The Ed Sullivan show and the phenomenon known as Beatlemania began to take root in the United States.

Still today, The Beatles are regarded as the most influential band in modern music history and their popularity and success continues to be unmatched. This milestone and The Beatles will be celebrated with events worldwide, including at the world's largest Beatles-inspired music festival, Abbey Road on the River (AROTR).

AROTR has been celebrating The Beatles for more than 20 years. The 5-day festival that showcases the legacy of The Beatles and classic rock music, moved to from Cleveland where it began in 2002 to Louisville in 2005 and then to Jeffersonville, IN in 2017.

Gary Jacob, founder and producer of Abbey Road on the River, shares his enthusiasm for the festival, stating, "We are thrilled to commemorate two decades in Louisville and Jeffersonville, bringing people together through the timeless music of The Beatles. Their influence knows no bounds."

In recognition of this significant milestone, Abbey Road on the River proudly announces a new partnership with WHAS 11 and plans to extend its lease at Big 4 Park through 2025, ensuring the continuation of its mission to bring The Beatles' spirit to both local and national audiences.

Since its inception, Abbey Road on the River has consistently attracted renowned bands such as The Beach Boys, America, Peter Noone, Micky Dolenz, Denny Laine, The Rascals, Jefferson Starship, and The Zombies, all paying homage to The Beatles' unparalleled musical legacy.

Abbey Road on the River will take place May 23-27, 2024, at Big Four Station Park in Jeffersonville, IN, and will highlight unique performances by 50 bands from all around the world on six stages. The festival will feature incredible performances by the best Beatles tribute band in the world including The Fab Four, the legendary Jan & Dean’s Beach Party, Tony Kishman’s Live and Let Die: the music of Paul McCartney, and tributes to Queen, Joe Cocker, Bruce Springsteen, The Monkees, Chicago, CSNY, Buddy Holly, and Elvis Presley.

Among these talented performers are beloved local acts such as renowned harpist Erin Hill, Louisville School Of Rock, The Rigbys, CMN Trio, Louisville Brass and Electric, The Get Down, Doorway, Nick Peay, The Kukes, Paulie Felice, Laren Rapp, and many more.

Attendees can also enjoy food and beverage options, explore interactive art displays, play yard games, shop Beatles merchandise and artist booths, and find entertainment for children at the playground.

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased with a $20 discount through February 29 by using code LOVE at arotr.com.

Abbey Road on the River is sponsored by the City of Jeffersonville Parks Department, Southern Indiana Tourism, WHAS 11 TV, Budweiser, Smirnoff Pink Lemonade, Captain Morgan, and WAKY Radio.

To purchase tickets, make a hotel reservation, or get more information, visit www.arotr.com.