Beatlemania swept across North America when John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr appeared on 'The Ed Sullivan Show' in February, 1964. The decade of the 1960s seemed to change overnight from black and white to color as a generation fell under the influence of the group's music, style and personalities. Hot on the success of their film 'A Hard Day's Night,' the Beatles 1964 summer tour filled auditoriums with screams of delight and excitement - and in some cases, full-blown fan hysteria. This was the case on September 15th in Cleveland, Ohio when police stopped the show in mid-performance and ordered the Beatles off the stage. The next year, they were banned from appearing in the city that is now home to The Rock'n Roll Hall of Fame. In August 1966, the group launched their final tour, but the innocence portrayed in 'A Hard Day's Night' only two years earlier was missing. Controversy raging over Lennon's remarks about Christianity and the group being more popluar than Jesus made their safety more of a concern than ever before. A scheduling change brought the Beatles back to Cleveland on August 14th for the tour's first outdoor show at Municipal Stadium. The results were the same, but on a much larger scale. The uncontrollable hysteria of Beatlemania reached a fever pitch as thousands of fans poured from their seats and crashed over police lines to be near their British Idols. It was obvious they could no longer be protected in front of audiences and the first murmurings were overheard that it would be the last tour. 'The Beatles In Cleveland' brings to life both these special moments in time: two of the wildest, out of control concerts in Beatles - and rock - history. Go behind the scenes to bring John, Paul, George and Ringo to the city, then grab a front row seat for back stage and on stage excitement through eyewitness accounts from the promoters, concert MC's, deejays, journalists, opening acts and fans. The story is also told through rare, never-before published photos, video stills and memorabilia. A concert by The Beatles was not just about the music, but also the emotions stirred by the most influential group in the history of popular music. Foreword by Bill Harry, Founder and Editor of the legendary 'Mersey Beat' newspaper.
Dave Schwensen is the author of "How To Be A Working Comic: An Insider's Guide To A Career In Stand-Up Comedy," "Comedy FAQs And Answers: How The Stand-Up Biz Really Works," "The Beatles In Cleveland: Memories, Facts & Photos About The Notorious 1964 & 1966 Concerts," and "Father's Days... And Nights: Humorous Tales from the Frontlines of Fatherhood."
His credits include Talent Coordinator for the television show "A&E's An Evening At The Improv," the Hollywood and New York City Improv Comedy Clubs, and Assistant to Improv founder, Budd Friedman. He has coordinated talent showcases for major television networks and film studios including "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "Late Night with David Letterman," "The Today Show," The Montral "Just For Laughs" Festival, Disney, Paramount, ABC, NBC, FOX, HBO, Showtime and more. As owner of DSEntertainment, he has extensive experience as a college and corporate booking agent, talent manager and publicist.
A nationally recognized comedy / humor coach, his workshops are sold-out events from New York and Philadelphia to Hollywood and San Francisco. Dave has been featured on PBS Television and Radio, Chicago Tribune, Hollywood Reporter, InsiderBiz.com Magazine, U.S. News and World Report and many others.
Dave is a corporate trainer, consultant and keynote speaker specializing in using creativity and politically correct humor as communication tools. He has designed and instructs courses in communications and presentation skills for numerous universities and colleges. Yes, he really can be called "The Nutty Professor!"
As an award-winning humor columnist and entertainment journalist, Dave has had articles published in the United States, Canada and Japan. His reviews, interviews and behind the scenes exclusives have included entertainers such as Paul McCartney, Bill Cosby, Jerry Seinfeld, Ray Romano, Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks and Britney Spears. Selected articles from his weekly humor column, "Something To Laugh About," are available in the eBook "Father's Days... And Nights: Humorous Tales from the Frontlines of Fatherhood."
His book, "The Beatles In Cleveland," is truly a labor of love. His parents took him to see The Fab Four and his combination of research, interviews and memories - along with many rare photos and memorabilia - have landed the book on numerous best-seller lists including Top 25 on Amazon.com for Biographies & Memoirs, Composers & Musicians, and the No. 1 position for Items Sold In Northern Ohio.
Dave brings the experience of seeing The Beatles live to his multimedia author presentation, "Beatlemania on the Northcoast." Included in this event are rare and historic films of The Beatles performing in Cleveland, Ohio during their 1964 and 1966 tours. Beatlemaniaonthenorthcoast.com.
Coming in 2012 - "The Beatles at Shea Stadium" by Dave Schwensen and Philip Kamin. A pleasant time is guaranteed for all...
