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.