RIVER FALLS – From 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1 the River Falls Public Library (140 Union St.) will host the 12th annual musical and poetic tribute to John Lennon and the Beatles. Not an impersonation act, this show by local musicians, singers and poets attempts to capture in an acoustic setting the spirit of fun and change Lennon and the Beatles represented in their heyday.

Formerly held in early December, the program has been moved up to October to avoid holiday and weather conflicts.

The musical line-up includes Thomas R. Smith and Doug Wilson on guitars and vocals, Ken Thatcher on percussion, Chris TerMaat on piano, and a trio of singers, Bev Sellie, Krista Spieler and Kathy Ward.  

Organizer Smith said, “Because everyone loves these songs, audience members are welcome to sing along. You could call our (mostly acoustic) approach a hybrid of rock and roll, jug band, country and folk, all of which influences helped form the Beatles’ music.”  

Beatles-inspired poetry rounds out the program.

This program is free. Every year proceeds from sales of Smith’s poetry books are donated to a humanitarian charity the group believes John Lennon would have approved.

Submitted by Thomas R. Smith