Beatles Fans…It’s for YOU!

               

In the arts district of Louisville, KY – in a two-story, turn-of-the-century home, nestled beneath sheltering elms – the only brick and mortar Beatles store in America (except the gift shop at Las Vegas’s Cirque du Soleil “Love” show) waits for you. It’s your dream shop. There are licensed Beatles standees, T-shirts, key chains, tennis shoes, flip flops, magnets, bumper stickers, and light switch covers. There are Beatles tables and chairs…Beatles DVDs, CDs, ties, jewelry, books (and did I mention T-shirts?). There are Beatles umbrellas, watches, pins, baby clothes, business card holders, socks, cards, and oh yes, T-shirts. In room after room of a most interesting old home, The Beatles reign supreme.

                Your Beatles destination is called, “Octopus’s Garden.” And for an English teacher like me, it was utterly delightful to find someone who understood the use of apostrophe denoting ownership, employing it correctly. I was happy when I saw their sign, let alone stepped inside.

                Of course, owners Judy and Dan Singleton (who have saved for years to own this wonderful store in lovely Louisville) have music playing. Beatles music. And Dan, who is the real Beatles fan, can talk nuances of Beatles music and history with the best of us. In fact, Dan has taught classes on The Beatles and welcomes fans who just want to stop by, share “a cuppa,” and talk about the lads.

                Judy, who likes the Beatles and just experienced her first Fest for Beatles Fans in Chicago, is the PR lady. She’s quick to welcome visitors, ask if she can help, and then leave them alone to enjoy, if they choose. And because she’s so amenable, if you don’t see the one item that your little heart desires, ask Judy about ordering it for you. The Singletons want you to be happy.

                However, besides offering moderately priced – and licensed – Beatles gear (tie tacks, bracelets, notepads, etc.), Octopus’s Garden is making a name for itself as the place for “Beatles Happenings.” Beatles music scholar, Aaron Krerowicz, has spoken here. Beatles cookbook author, Lanea Stagg (co-founder of The Recipe Records Series) shared the secrets of Liverpool’s famous Scouse with fans in July. And in September, Stagg returned to Octopus’s Garden with me to debate “Beatles vs. Stones: Who WAS (and is) The Greatest Rock Band of All Time.” Just recently, the Beatles tribute band, The Rigbys, performed in the Singleton’s groovy store.

                If you can’t get to Louisville, however, don’t despair. Octopus’s Garden has a newly updated website where you can view many of their items and write to Dan and Judy requesting others. Check it out here: http://www.octopusgardenky.com/ And join them on Facebook as well at: https://www.facebook.com/BeatlesCollectibles/ They post great Beatles facts and photos and keep their customers updated on coming speakers, bands, and events.

                Having a brick and mortar store, a classic American “Mom and Pop shop,” isn’t easy to do in today’s online market. But Dan and Judy want to be more than purveyors of Beatles goods. They want you to know that “There’s a Place” for you to come and hear the songs, talk about the lads, enjoy a great speaker or two, and make memories. As Paul and John lovingly wrote for Cilla, “It’s for you!”