Beatles tribute to get back to Springfield rooftop on Friday

Food trucks and beer stations will add to downtown experience.
Hundreds of people gathered in National Road Commons Park in downtown Springfield for the Come Together Springfield 2023 - A Rooftop Beatles Tribute Friday, June 16, 2023. The Beatles tribute band played from the top of the city parking garage over looking the sea of music lovers that covered the park in their lawn chairs and blankets. The event, sponsored by Skyline Chili in conjuction with the Greater Springfield Partnership, also featured a variety of food trucks and refreshments. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

Hundreds of people gathered in National Road Commons Park in downtown Springfield for the Come Together Springfield 2023 - A Rooftop Beatles Tribute Friday, June 16, 2023. The Beatles tribute band played from the top of the city parking garage over looking the sea of music lovers that covered the park in their lawn chairs and blankets. The event, sponsored by Skyline Chili in conjuction with the Greater Springfield Partnership, also featured a variety of food trucks and refreshments. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

It was 60 years ago that The Beatles ushered America into a brand-new era of pop culture, with some people saying it wouldn’t last. In 2024, the Fab Four is as popular as ever.

While there will never be another Beatles reunion, people can’t get enough of the music, showmanship and energy. That’s where “Come Together: A Rooftop Beatles Tribute” gives fans that yeah, yeah, yeah experience.

The group will get back to Springfield for the second consecutive year on Friday evening at National Road Commons Park, 50 W. Main St. Entry will begin at 5 p.m., and the performance will start at 6:30. The event is presented by the Greater Springfield Partnership (GSP) and Skyline Chili.

Admission is free, and attendees should bring a lawn chair or blanket. Set up can be done on Friday morning and throughout the day anywhere there is space other than the VIP section.

VIP tickets are available for $22 and includes a better view of the stage, a provided seat and shorter lines for a dedicated bar.

People have been asking GSP when they can expect another British Invasion, according to Kristina Jarrell, downtown events programmer. Around 3,000 people attended in 2023.

“There’s been a lot of interest, and this is a great kickoff to Father’s Day weekend,” she said.

Come Together will perform from the top of the 99 Parking Garage, inspired by the Beatles’ last performance on a London rooftop in 1969, and play songs from all eras of Beatles history.

Hundreds of people gathered in National Road Commons Park in downtown Springfield for the Come Together Springfield 2023 - A Rooftop Beatles Tribute Friday, June 16, 2023. The Beatles tribute band played from the top of the city parking garage over looking the sea of music lovers that covered the park in their lawn chairs and blankets. The event, sponsored by Skyline Chili in conjuction with the Greater Springfield Partnership, also featured a variety of food trucks and refreshments. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Credit: Bill Lackey

icon to expand image

Credit: Bill Lackey

The festival atmosphere will be complemented by 10 food trucks and multiple beer stations featuring several beverages.

Come Together merchandise will also be available including the popular tie-dye t-shirts that sold out last year. Those will also be for sale on the group’s website.

Jarrell said those wanting to attend should plan to get a place early for the best view as a large crowd is expected. She looks forward to the experience as she’s only been back in Springfield for a few months, having lived and worked in Argentina.

“I didn’t get to go last year, but have heard nothing but great things. I can’t wait to see this and for the atmosphere,” she said. “Who doesn’t like the Beatles?”

Even after the band says good night, there will be more to come with two events. Come Together will do a meet-and-greet with fans around 9:45 p.m. at Mother Stewart’s Brewing Co. where there will be more live music and admission is free.

The State Theater will host Grateful Dead tribute Dead Centric at 9:30 p.m. Admission to that show is $9 advance and $12 at the door.

HOW TO GO

What: Come Together: A Rooftop Beatles Tribute

Where: National Road Commons Park, 50 W. Main St., Springfield

When: 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 14

Admission: Free; VIP tickets available for $22 in advance

More info: www.cometogetherband.net/

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