Pat DiCesare Day and Beatle Mania

September 14 is now recognized across the state of Pennsylvania as Pat DiCesare Day thanks to Pittsburgh Mayor, Bill Peduto and State Governor, Tom Corbett.

We take today as a day to recognize this music industry icon for his hard work and dedication. Someone who hasn't stopped working even though his dreams have far been accomplished. The man who brought The Beatles to the Steel City 50 years ago, today, for their one and only performance here. Mr. Pat DiCesare. A legendary man who is the face of the saying "hard work pays off."

(Photo By: Tori Lee- Mr. DiCesare signing copies of his book "Hard Days, Hard Nights)

Mr. DiCesare put together an event at The Benedum Center in downtown Pittsburgh last night to relive that monumental day when The Beatles were here in 1964. This celebration opened with acts that represented the music that influenced The Beatles. Tribute acts for Eddie Cochran, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Chuck Berry and Little Richard took the stage before the main event of BeatleMania Now.

(Photo By: Tori Lee- Marquee outside The Benedum Center)

The event was so surreal. Every tribute artist dressed, sang and performed the way the real ones would have. Little Richard seemed to be a favorite among many of the guests in attendance because he was so close to the real thing.

When BeatleMania Now came on stage, the only thing missing was the mob of screaming young girls. They even had their haircuts perfected.

Tootie Dischner, worker at The Benedum, was at the original Beatles concert here in Pittsburgh 50 years ago.

"I was 12 years old and I remember how shocked I was that my parents let me go. I must have been pretty insistent. I remember thinking, 'there's no way The Beatles are in my hometown and I can't go.' Tickets were about 6 bucks but then that was A LOT of money," Tootie recalls with a reminiscent smile on her face.

"What I remember most was that the young girls in the crowd, including myself, were screaming so loud during the entire concert that you couldn't hear them singing anyway but boy was it worth it," said Tootie.

(Photo By: Tori Lee- Merchandise table- Get your copy of Hard Days, Hard Nights)

This special event at The Benedum not only had some original Beatles fans but young children as well. That is the beautiful thing about their music. It still allows people of all ages to come together.

Mary Zeis was in attendance at The Benedum last night and was so thankful to relive some of these amazing memories. "I was the President of The Beatles Fan Club here in Pittsburgh in the 60's and through that I met so many amazing people thanks to Chuck Brinkman. Tonight I get to remember those wonderful times," Mary stated.

The event was spectacular and it ended with an inspiring message from Mr. DiCesare himself on stage. He reminded us all that it wasn't the bands he got to meet, the money he made or the fame he gained but the fact that his parents believed in him that got him to where he is today.

We thank you, Mr. Pat DiCesare, for such a memorable experience and the city of Pittsburgh and the state of Pennsylvania is happy to celebrate today as Pat DiCesare Day.

Relive The Beatle's '64 Concert- TONIGHT!

50 years ago legendary concert promoter, Pat DiCesare, was able to bring The Beatles to Pittsburgh for their only appearance in the steel city. The story of how he got them here is rather awe-inspiring. Without ruining any of his new book, "Hard Days, Hard Nights" that details his hard working years in the music industry, let's just say a lot of motivation, dedication and a paper bag full of cash is what got The Beatles to cross the pond and come to the place where the three rivers meet.

Monday night at The Hard Rock Cafe, we honored Mr. DiCesare and not only did his family, fans and friends show up but official documents from the governor and mayor's office were presented to him and declared September 14 "Pat DiCesare Day" all across the state of Pennsylvania.

The Semi-Supervillains, the winners of the Penn Rock Scholarship, kicked the night off by covering some Beatles classics and playing songs of their new ablum "Tricks" that's available for purchase now.

(Photo by: Tori Lee- The Semi-Supervillains)

Sean McDowell of WDVE hosted the night and brought Mr. DiCesare on stage to share some of his inspiring stories.

SuperMonkey ended the night by playing some hard-rockin Beatles covers and some songs of their own as well.

This wasn't a motivational speaking event, but I sure took it that way. I am just now starting my career in the music industry and to hear his stories gave me the push to continue to do this.

"...Then finally I got a job in the music industry and I was the best... The best floor sweeper and shelf stocker the business had ever seen," Pat joked about his beginnings in the business.

He went from a young man sweeping floors in an office to going door to door promoting bands that he thought were worthy to taking a huge chance and wiring money to New York City to bring The Beatles to Pittsburgh. Since that monumental event, acts as big as Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and more came to our city.

TONIGHT- The Benedum Center is hosting a very special tribute concert event in recognition of this pivotal event in Pittsburgh music history. Pat DiCesare will be selling his book, "Hard Days, Hard Nights" and staying around to sign each copy. Tickets are still available at www.concertpat.com!

ONE WEEK UNTIL BEATLES WEEK!

In one week, we will be able to go back to a time when a gallon of gas was around 25 cents and the Addams Family first premiered on our black and white television sets. Cigarettes were smoked by 60% of the population and probably included your doctor when you went into his office for a checkup. Colonel Sanders empire booms and Kentucky Fried Chicken begins popping up all over the country. The top singles in the country were "I Get Around" by The Beach Boys and "Can't Buy Me Love" by The Beatles.

Welcome to 1964, the year The Beatles first cross the pond for their screaming fans and truly began the beginning of the British Invasion of rock and roll. 

50 years ago on September 14, 1964, The Beatles made their only appearance in Pittsburgh thanks to entrepreneur and concert promoter, Pat DiCesare.  

Beatles Week begins Friday September 5 and the kickoff party is Monday Sept. 8 at the Hard Rock Cafe in Pittsburgh. SuperMonkey Recording Company present a free all ages event at 8:00 pm honoring the legendary DiCesare for bringing The Beatles to the Steel City. 

(SuperMonkey Recording Co. present BEATLES WEEK)

The main event is on Sept. 13 at the Benedum Center featuring Beatlemania Now. DiCesare asked the group to stick to the 1964-1965 Beatles catalog. Tribute acts that DiCesare feels influenced The Beatles will also be performing. We'll hear some Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Little Richard and more. Get your tickets here!

(Marquee outside Benedum Center; Photo by Pat DiCesare)

Other events going on for Beatles Week include a film festival, a Rock Art Show that highlights the animator of the "Yellow Submarine" movie and much more.

Check out DiCesare's memoir, "Hard Days, Hard Nights" that details the ins and outs of his years as one of the greatest concert promoters. He not only brought The Beatles here but acts as monumental as Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones too. 

(Pat DiCesare's Memoir. Buy it on Amazon today!)

Let's COME TOGETHER for this special event.