In anticipation of the Aug. 9-11 Chicago Fest for Beatles Fans, Lanea Stagg, author of The Recipe Records Series and Jude Southerland Kessler, author of The John Lennon Series, sit down with Tom Frangione of Sirius XM's Beatles Channel. For years, Frangione has been the host of the Fest for Beatles Fans Trivia Contest and Name that Tune Contest, but in recent years he has become the official Emcee for the Fest and assists founders, Mark and Carol Lapidos, with the many aspects of the 3-day festival. Frangione discusses with Kessler and Stagg the distinguished Guest Speakers for the upcoming weekend, including Beatles Guru, Mark Lewisohn; iconic drummer (for John Lennon, George Harrison and YES), Alan White, and the former head of Apple Records, U.S. and author of the best-seller, The Roof, (documenting details of The Beatles' rooftop concert at which he was present), Ken Mansfield.

But since the Fest isn't just a symposium, Frangione also highlights many of the other fun events for the upcoming weekend at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago. He touches on the Saturday night concert with 3 members of Wings, the performance of Jeremy Clyde (of Chad and Jeremy), the art contest, and exciting events in the Faboratory.

Kessler and Stagg also talk with Frangione about his weekly radio show on Sirius XM's Beatles Channel, the "Fab Forum" with Dennis Elsas and Bill Flanagan. Being part of the ONLY live radio show on The Beatles Channel, Frangione shares some of the most exciting highlights of the past year or so, including interviews with Julian Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr. And he also talks about some of the most intriguing articles he's penned recently for Bill King's respected Beatles journal, Beatlefan magazine. This episode is a great guide to the upcoming Fest for Beatles Fans as well as a wonderful intro for listeners to Sirius XM's Beatles offerings. Frangione is witty and tons of fun. Don't miss this great episode!