The longest running Beatles celebration on Earth since 1974 makes its Vegas return June 29-July 1


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Beatles fans from across the universe will come together for the second annual Las Vegas Fest for Beatles Fans at The Mirage, June 29 through July 1, 2008. The three-day festival will feature all things Beatles, including music, guest speakers, art, photo and fashion exhibits, contests and games, memorabilia and much more. Each night, The Fest will culminate with concerts from artists that performed with, worked with or were great friends of the Beatles.


"We're so excited to return to Vegas and The Mirage for the second annual Las Vegas Fest," said creator and co-producer Mark Lapidos. "We had some great participants at last year's inaugural event and this year is going to be even better. We can't wait to 'Get Back' to Vegas!"


The 2008 Las Vegas Fest is bringing several notable celebrities to discuss their years with the Beatles and showcase their artistic talents. Among them is model/actress/photographer Pattie Boyd, who was married to George Harrison, followed by rock legend Eric Clapton; she will be speaking with attendees as well as holding book signings and a photography and fashion exhibit. Legendary singer, songwriter and guitarist Donovan will also be at this year's Fest for his first ever public Las Vegas performances on both Monday and Tuesday, playing such classics as "Mellow Yellow," "Sunshine Superman" and "Season of the Witch," among many others. Donovan will be speaking all three days about his friendship with the Beatles and his visit to India with them, of which 2008 marks its 40th anniversary.


Also performing is Billy J. Kramer, who, along with his band The Dakotas, was also managed by Beatles manager Brian Epstein and had four big hits written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, including "Bad to Me," "Do You Want to Know a Secret" and "I'll Keep You Satisfied." Spencer Davis, founder of The Spencer Davis Group, will also be performing, including his hits "Gimme Some Lovin'" and "I'm a Man." Davis was a large part of the music scene of the '60s, often hanging out with the Beatles. He currently has a new album out called So Far. Performing alongside all of the guests is the world's premier Beatles tribute band and Fest regulars, Liverpool.


Additional participants include Ringo Starr's former producer Mark Hudson and Ken Mansfield, former U.S. manager of Apple Records who recently released his memoirs "The White Book: The Beatles, The Bands, The Biz- An Insider's Look at an Era." Nancy Lee Andrews, accomplished photographer and former girlfriend of Starr, will be showcasing her work as well as signing copies of her coffee table book "A Dose of Rock 'n' Roll." Jude Southerland Kessler will be showcasing her book "Should Been There," an 800-page look at the life of Lennon from 1940 to 1961. Photographer Ian Wright will be attending the Las Vegas Fest for the second year with a photo exhibit and his new book "On the Brink of Fame." On Monday, performers from The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil at The Mirage will be speaking about their experiences in the show that celebrates the musical legacy of the Beatles.


The Master of Ceremonies for the event will be leading Beatles scholar, humorist, writer and producer Martin Lewis. Other announcers include Las Vegan Dennis Mitchell host of radio show "Breakfast with The Beatles," Tony Perkins formerly from "Good Morning America," and Joe Johnson from the nationally syndicated radio show "Beatle Brunch."


Additional highlights include the Giant International Beatles Marketplace; photography from Paul Saltzman who took photos of the Beatles in India and produced a corresponding book; Bruce Spizer, the leading expert on Beatles U.S. recordings; A Beatles museum and art contest; and a Battle of the Beatles Bands, sound-alike, trivia, art and "Name That Tune" contests, among other activities.


The Las Vegas Fest will be held in the Grand Ballroom complex at The Mirage Sunday, June 29 through Tuesday, July 1. Show hours will be from 2 p.m. to midnight each day. Advance tickets are priced at $52 per day and are available through June 13, 2008. Special combination advance prices are available until June 13, at $90 for any two days or $125 for all three days. Tickets purchased at the door cost $60 per day. Tickets are half price for children 12 years and younger and entrance is free for children 6 years and younger. All tickets ordered by credit card are subject to a $4 processing fee. The Fest has partnered with American Airlines for 2008, which is offering a five percent discount to attendees flying to and from The Fest.


For more details on the 2008 Las Vegas Fest, including activities, ticketing and special rates, please visit www.thefest.com or call 1-866-THE-FEST.


About The Fest for Beatles Fans


The Fest for Beatles Fans first began in 1974 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Beatles arrival in the United States. Creator Mark Lapidos met with John Lennon about his desire to produce a Beatles fan fest, and to his excitement, Lennon said, "I'm all for it. I'm a Beatles fan, too," and donated a signed guitar. He also got his fellow band mates to donate items for a charity raffle. That year, The Fest landed the cover of Rolling Stone magazine and the wheels were set in motion for what will now be the 108th national fest with its Las Vegas return. Lapidos, along with his wife Carol, remains the driving force behind the festival, which takes place three times a year in New York, Chicago and Las Vegas.


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