Nearly 30 years ago musician John Lennon was gunned down in New York City, and 10 years ago an Athens festival featuring covers of the late artist's music began.
Lennon Fest was founded by Eric Leighton, who performs as Junebug, and will take place at 8 p.m. Saturday at Jackie O's Pub and Brewery, 24 W. Union St. The suggested donation for cover is $5, and all proceeds benefit the Johnny B Fund.
The fund's namesake is musician Johnny B Bartlett, who died 15 years ago, and it provides support to young musicians for music lessons. The Johnny B Fund was set up by Dave Baer, Doug Rat Brooks and Leighton.
It made sense to turn this into a benefit for the Johnny B Fund and so it has been
raising several thousand dollars over the years Leighton said. Johnny B was a musical cheerleader that encouraged people of all stripes and skill levels to embrace and create music.
Scheduled bands for Lennon Fest include Coolville Hotclub, Dropdead Sons, Catfish & Joey Hebdo, Poppycock, Broken Ring, George Hartley, The Kid & Friends, Old Fashioned Doll and the Lennon Orchestra.
The Lennon Orchestra is a product of Lennon Fest, Leighton said.
Catfish and I were sitting with practically every band so we decided it would be easier to have a band and bring the different singers to us
he said, adding that the band has amassed 73 songs to its Beatles, Lennon and George Harrison catalogue.
Although there was an all-Lennon cover concert in 1999, Lennon fest was officially established in 2000.
I wasn't trying to start an annual event with the first show
Leighton said. It was just so well received
the reaction was so strong
it was so much fun
we decided to do it again and again and again.
IF YOU GO...
What: Lennonfest
When: 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: Jackie O's, 24 W. Union St.
Admission: $5 (Proceeds benefit the Johnny B Fund)
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