Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) invites the public to experience one of the nation’s leading Beatles tribute bands during a free outdoor concert, Thursday, April 19, from 7 to 9 p.m., in front of the John Spoor Broome Library on the CI campus.

Paperback Writer, critically acclaimed as one of the country’s most authentic Beatles tribute bands, will take the audience on a trip through the musical years of the world’s most successful and popular rock group of all time.

The concert is being held as part of a new course, The Beatles: Music, Fashion and Culture, offered jointly by CI’s Performing Arts and Art programs. The course explores the music, fashion, films and cultural impact of the most influential band in the history of popular music. It also examines how the Beatles both affected and reflected popular music, society and culture from the 1960s to present day.

The concert exposes the students to an authentic Beatles tribute band experience and also enables them to complete a review of the act as part of a class assignment.

“As students learn about the Beatles, they learn about the history and culture of the 1960s,” said Dr. Paul Murphy, Lecturer in the Music program, who developed the course for CI. “The course exposes students to the evolution and social significance of the music of the Beatles and gives them a greater appreciation for the group’s many innovations and their impact on pop culture worldwide.”

First offered in the fall semester, the course became so popular that CI created two sections for spring. With 80 students currently enrolled, there’s a wait list for future semesters.

“It is a class that no one will regret taking, simply because of how much fun it is,” said Laura Pederson, a senior liberal studies major. “It's not everyday you get to listen to the Beatles songs that have influenced and inspired so many. Dr. Murphy provides great insight into the band through Beatles archive footage that features live performances and interviews.”

In addition to attending twice-weekly lectures, taking exams and writing reports, students in the class have the opportunity to hear directly from special guest artists who worked with the Beatles. During an upcoming class on Thursday, April 5, Laurence Juber, a Grammy award-winning guitarist who toured with Paul McCartney, will perform and speak to the students.

“We are truly lucky to have this course offered at CI,” said Ana Flores-Sierra, a senior nursing student. “The course not only covers each album and song, but also society's reactions to their music and the influence that many songs and albums had on later music.”

“The Beatles have contributed more to our culture and society than we really can possibly grasp,” Pedersen said. “Their music brought people together, young and old. Beatlemania swept America in 1964 and, in reality, it never left.”

There will be very limited complimentary parking on campus. To ensure you are able to find parking, the University encourages guests to carpool or take the CI VISTA bus. The CI VISTA bus, which departs from the Camarillo Metrolink Station will be complimentary to all guests who are attending this event. Please inform the bus driver that you are attending the Beatles Tribute Concert event. For more information regarding the VISTA bus schedule please visit: http://www.csuci.edu/parking/alternativetransportationresources.htm.

For more information on the Paperback Writer tribute concert, contact Merissa Stith, Events Coordinator, at 805-437-8548 or merissa.stith@csuci.edu.

For information on the Beatles course, contact Dr. Paul Murphy, at paul.murphy@csuci.edu or 310-804-3581.

To learn more about Paperback Writer, visit www.paperbackwritersite.com.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research.