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Beatles' Pal to Play Fab Four Cover Show for Autism in St. George

By Nicholas Rizzi | July 30, 2013 7:50am
 British Invasion star Billy J. Kramer will perform The Beatles songs at Staten Island's second annual "The Beatles Blast" free concert to raise awareness for Autism.
The Beatles Blast
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ST. GEORGE — The sounds of The Beatles will be coming back to Staten Island on Friday, this time with a little help from their friend.

Borough President James Molinaro’s second annual “Beatles Blast” concert of fab four covers to raise awareness for Autism will feature a performance by British Invasion star Billy J. Kramer, a friend of the Beatles who had several hits written for him by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, including “Bad to Me.”

“I just feel it’s amazing to be able to still do this stuff after 50 years,” said Kramer about the show, where he’ll perform Beatles songs and a few of his own. “I still get as much fun out of it.”

Kramer will share the stage at the Richmond County Bank Ballpark with 11 bands playing covers of Beatles songs. Some of the bands will have members as young as 12.

“The borough president wanted to give young performers on Staten Island the opportunity to come on a stage and show everybody what they can do,” said Deputy Borough President Ed Burke. “The whole first part of it will be young bands.”

On Monday, Kramer toured the ballpark with local cover act London Fog, Molinaro and Staten Island Yankees director Jane Rogers.

“It’s a great venue,” Kramer said.

The concert will be emceed by Q104.3 DJ Ken Dashow and will feature an appearance by Garrett Gardner from NBC’s “The Voice.”

“The Beatles Blast” will be at the Richmond County Ballpark on Friday, August 2, starting at 6 p.m. For more information, or to reserve free priority seats, call 718-816-2133 or visit the borough president’s website.