Got your mind set on Beatles-themed fun? Harrifest is something to see
Harrifest isn’t just a celebration of George Harrison’s music, or The Beatles’ impressive catalog of songs. The yearly event has also evolved into a “family” reunion of sorts, of friends united in their appreciation for John, Paul, Ringo and George, said organizers Rachel and Wayne Cabral. Westport resident Rachel Cabral started Harrifest in 2004. Over the years, it’s evolved into a two-day celebration highlighted with an array of live bands, seminars, yoga, Beatles-related artwork and items, and Beatles experts.
“It’s become a kinship... people who are like family who go year after year,” said Wayne Cabral. “There’s a great vibe in the room of people who love The Beatles and George Harrison.” This year’s Harrifest, marking 15 years since Harrison died from cancer, will be held Friday, Oct. 21 and Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Seaport Inn in Fairhaven. The proceeds are donated to the Southcoast Visiting Nurse Association.
The Cabrals — who are both in The Oh Nos, one of the bands that performs yearly — have a few special guests lined up lined up for this year including Greg Hawkes, of The Cars, and Erik Taros, who worked on Ron Howard’s “Eight Days a Week” film as an archive specialist. WZLX’s Cha Chi Loprete of Breakfast with The Beatles is the host for The Night Before Party on Friday, which will feature some musical performances and an array of Beatles/Harrison experts. Taros will discuss working on the film with Howard and is also slated to premiere a 10-minute tribute film to Harrison, “Around the World in a Box.” Also slated is David Gallant, who teaches a Beatles course at Suffolk University; and Tom Kelley, an expert with connections to Liverpool.
By: Linda Murphy
Source: Hearld News
