The 1960s came alive last week at the Roslyn Duck Pond Park as Liverpool Shuffle, a popular Beatles tribute bands, entertained a large crowd with classics from the Fab Four’s golden era.
The concert was sponsored by the Roslyn Chamber of Commerce and represented that organization’s annual summer concert in downtown Roslyn.
This year’s band couldn’t have been a better choice as 2014 is the 50th anniversary of The Beatles’ spectacular conquest of America, capped that year by a performance on The Ed Sullivan Show and in 1965 by the historic outdoor concert at a jam-packed Shea Stadium. If The Beatles had a home outside of their native England, it would certainly be New York. During the concert, band members expressed their affection with New York. Referring to Revolutionary War battles fought on Long Island, they joked that “the last time we saw you we were fighting in ugly red jackets.” Later, “John Lennon” introduced the mid-1960s hit, “I’m A Loser” by joking that he too, was a Mets, Jets and New York Knicks fan. (In the future, that declaration may have to be clarified.)
In all, the weather cooperated beautifully and the crowd of up to 300 fans enjoyed renditions of such classics as “Please Please Me,” “Eight Days A Week,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” “It Won’t Be Long,” “Act Naturally” and many more.
The evening also represented a homecoming for band member Joe Refano, who is a native of Roslyn Heights. Liverpool Shuffle recently performed in New Hyde Park and with summer in full swing, they continue to play before large crowds all throughout the New York area.
Chamber members expressed their satisfaction that the show represented another successful event for the benefit of Roslyn residents.
“I just got home from the Gerry Park concert and have to say it was excellent,” said one member in an email to the chamber website. “Liverpool Shuffle was amazing, the crowd was amazing and a giant hats off to the park people who had the park immaculately cleaned of all the geese droppings and was well groomed. Kids were playing by the gazebo, and the sitting area was just great. Thank you all involved and I hope the ones responsible hear about what a great job they did.”
Before the concert, Chamber of Commerce President Lonnie Goldman promised, Ed Sullivan-style, a “really big shew” for Roslyn residents. And that’s how it turned out as The Beatles music continues to unite the three generations of fans as no other band can accomplish.
