Entertainment | Fab Over Fifty Style Blog

10June

Going to be in New York City this summer? Don't miss the hilarious production of Ann, a new play written and performed by FOF, Emmy Award winner, and “Two and a Half Men” star, Holland Taylor. We have a special for FOFs too-- read on!

2013 TONY AWARD NOMINEE * HOLLAND TAYLOR * BEST ACTRESS
SAVE OVER 30% ON TICKETS
$55 - Loge Row D-E
$85 - Orchestra/Loge Rows A-C

Don’t miss this unforgettable performance The NY Times calls, “Frank, funny and warm. As Ann Richards, Holland Taylor is a FIERY DYNAMO.”

“HILARIOUS!” -Entertainment Weekly
“MASTERFUL.” -New York Magazine
“SPLENDID!” -The Village Voice
“FUNNY & DEEPLY AFFECTIONATE.” -USA Today
“WITTY & PASSIONATE.” -WNBC

This season, a true original comes to Broadway at Lincoln Center.

ANN is an intimate, no-holds-barred portrait of Ann Richards, the legendary governor of Texas. This inspiring and hilarious new play brings us face to face with a complex, colorful and captivating character bigger than the state from which she hailed. Written and performed by Emmy® Award winner Holland Taylor (“Two and a Half Men”), ANN takes a revealing look at the impassioned woman who enriched the lives of her followers, friends and family.

ANN is launching the Great American Women Talkback Series, featuring post-show discussions.
All talkbacks are complimentary with ticket purchase to ANN.

On Tuesday, June 11th following the 7pm performance, ANN welcomes Tony winning playwright, performer, and activist Eve Ensler (The Vagina Monologues) for a post-show discussion.

Following the 7pm performance on Tuesday, June 25, 2013, feminist activist and writer Gloria Steinem will lead a post-show talkback titled "More about ANN - And the Future." Ms. Steinem will lead a discussion about women in politics, both the history and the future, and her work campaigning for Ann Richards and as a colleague.

Whether you want to ask questions or suggest answers, come and join us for a lively discussion that carries on Ann Richards' spirit.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE: Tue 7pm, Wed 2pm & 8pm, Thu 7pm, Fri 8pm, Sat 2pm & 8pm, Sun 3pm

3 WAYS TO BUY YOUR TICKETS:
1) Online CLICK HERE or visit www.Broadwayoffers.com and use code ANNLSP1
2) Call 212.947.8844 and use code ANNLSP1
3) Bring a printout of this offer to The Lincoln Center's Vivian Beaumont Theater Box Office, 150 West 65th St - Box Office Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun Noon-6pm

Groups (15+): Call 718-703-2260
TheAnnRichardsPlay.com Facebook Twitter

*Offer valid for performances thru 8/18/13. Additional blackout dates may apply. Offer subject to availability and prior sale. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. Offer may be modified or revoked at any time without notice. All phone and Internet offers subject to normal service charges. Offer available for select seats and performances. Limit 6 tickets per order.

1 comments

27February

{What do you think of this look?} 2013 Oscars Edition

The third time was not the charm for some of our FOFs at the Oscars. A few of our stars shined through, but many crashed and burned.
What do you think: Which FOF takes the award for best dressed? Which gown was an FOFlop?

Gloria Cooper (Bradley Cooper's Mother)

It was really sweet of Bradley Cooper to bring his mother, Gloria, along to the Oscars. What’s not so sweet is her choice of metallic Keds instead of statement stilettos. Her black lace dress has gorgeous detailing, which you might actually be able to see if it wasn't obscured by her faux feather shrug. What do you think of her look?

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Helen Hunt

We love an FOFrugalista! When we found out Helen’s navy blue dress was from retail chain H&M we were stunned. She looks like a million bucks but perhaps it has something to do with the $700,000 worth of jewelry she had on? What do you think?

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Jane Fonda

While some of us though Jane Fonda looked ravishing in her canary yellow retro redux dress from Versace, others thought its polygon pattern and yellow color was a bit reminiscent of a Star Trek uniform. What do you think?

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Catherine Zeta Jones

We think Catherine Zeta Jones looks like a golden goddess in this stunning Zuhair Murad gown. The gold tones make her complexion look even more FOFlawless, and we love the intricate detail. Gold stars all around for CZJ! Do you agree?

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Sally Field

Third time’s a charm? After two “almosts” with her gown choices at the Golden Globes and then the Sag Awards...Sally Field has finally nailed it with her red organza layered dress by Valentino Couture. It fits like a dream and the color is delicious. Agree?

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Jacki Weaver

Wrong color, wrong shape...Jackie Weaver didn’t take home an Oscar, nor will she take home our accolades for this oxblood Rana Salam dress. The sequin-patterned top of the dress looks like it fell off a gymnastics costume and the criss-cross waist on this dress don't flatter her FOFigure at all. What do you think?

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Sandra Bullock

In an Awards Show FOFull of misses, Sandra is truly a diamond in the rough with her sheer black lace and bedazzled Ellie Saab Gown and diamond hair barrette. Are you a fan?

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Barbra Striesand

Beautiful “memoriam” performance, but sorry Barb--your gown is a miss for us. The neckline scoops too low and the choker doesn’t do any favors for it and is looking, well--dated (yeah...we said it.) Add chunky sequins, layered necklaces and flowing fabric for a look we’d rather forget. What do you think?

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19 comments

29January

{What do you think of this look?} 2013 SAG Awards

Two weeks ago, we featured our FOFashion faves and flops from the Golden Globes. Last night, they had a chance to dazzle us again...or in some cases to redeem themselves!

What do you think: Were their fashion choices fab, or should we wish them better luck at the Oscars?

Julianne Moore

We thought Julianne wouldn’t be able to top her stunning Golden Globe getup...and we were right. Did she take the concept of SAG awards a little too literally? It’s hard to pay proper attention to her white, haute couture Chanel gown with its lovely navy flower applique details. While beautiful, she’s FOFalling out of it, but nothing a little double sided tape can’t fix...right?

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Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman’s navy and black Vivienne Westwood gown with its revealing side slit FOFlaunts her best assets--her uber-toned legs and fab Manolo Blahnik shoes! However, with the intricate detailing on her navy and black Vivienne Westwood gown, we just don’t know where to look first. We’re undecided on this one.

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Sally Field

Sally: You chose such a stunning shade of purple for your SAG awards gown. Bra-va! However, we really wish you selected a better bra! Your J. Mendel gown, while beautifully delicate, is just a bit too sheer for your undergarments. Better luck at the Oscars?

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Edie Falco

Thumbs up for Soprano’s matriarch and Nurse Jackie star, Edie Falco’s new dark ‘do. As for her marine blue Chantilly lace Chagoury gown, well, it really makes her baby blue eyes stand out, but doesn’t do much for her FOFigure. What do you think?

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Alfre Woodard

Last night, Alfre Woodard, received a SAG award for “Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor” in the all-black remake of Steel Magnolias. We also think she deserves an award for this stunning chartreuse, off-the-shoulder Kevan Hall gown. It’s flattering, forgiving and just, plain FOFabulous. If we are being nitpicky, then we might suggest she have a tailor take it up a few centimeters on the bottom, but all in all, one of the best in show. Do you agree?

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Jessica Lange

We think American Horror Story star Jessica Lange looks stunning in navy blue, but we wish her J.Mendel dress wasn't so sheer and revealing, especially around her waistline! She didn't take home the award for best female actress in a drama series, but did she win your vote for best dressed?

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Helen Hunt

We give Helen Hunt two-thumbs up for this sizzling strapless gown by Romona Keveza. However, her choker and chunky bangle bracelet by Neil Lane add superfluous sparkle to a gown which already shines. What do you think?

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Sigourney Weaver

Sigourney Weaver's shapeless black satin dress is so poorly made that it's designer remains unnamed. Not only does this dress make the actress look wider than she really is, but her lack of undergarments leaves her looking like she has a uni-boob! There's plenty of room in Sigourney's dress, but it’s such a miss that it doesn’t leave much room for debate. What do you think?

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Jackie Weaver

We think that the cut of Jacki’s Tadashi Shoji dress is super FOFlattering, but it’s gunmetal color is a bit of a letdown after she sparkled in a gorgeous-colored but ill-fitting emerald dress at the Golden Globes. Here’s an idea, Jacki: mix and match the shape of this gown with the gorgeous green hue from the Globes and then maybe you’d have a winning ensemble...What do you think, FOFs?

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Jane Lynch

Glee star Jane Lynch ditched her signature pant-suit for this black satin studded signature gown from David Meister. We love seeing her all glammed out in smoky eye makeup and a full-length gown, but we think that the studded harness makes her look a bit FOFreaky.

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images: Intro, Julianne Moore, Nicole Kidman, Sally Field, Edie Falco, Alfre Woodard, Jessica Lange, Helen Hunt, Sigourney Weaver, Jacki Weaver, Jane Lynch

14 comments

23November

{Movies} Lessons learned about FOF men from the new movie, About Fifty.

In the upcoming comedy, "About Fifty," Adam (played by Martin Grey Gottlieb) turns fifty and finds himself with a broken marriage and a dead-end career. To cheer him up, his best FOFriend, Jon, suggests they take a weekend trip to Palm Springs to re-live their younger days. At a steakhouse the first evening of their trip, Jon and Adam meet two FOFs. Despite setting out to meet younger ladies, they end up having a great time. When Jon and Adam cut the night short, Peggy, one of the FOFs, becomes furious. “They just stopped in for the steak; now they’re going to go out and see if they can get some real meat,” she says. “You don’t think I know what’s what? Believe me, your day is coming...”

Peggy is right, Jon and Adam’s day is more than just “coming”... it has arrived. Both men experience midlife crises on the trip. What ensues is a hilarious “coming of age story about coming of age,” and also an interesting look into the feelings and fears FOF men. Here are the top lessons we learned about FOF men from "About Fifty." Take notes and then, go see this laugh-out-loud movie for yourself!

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Topping Jon and Adam’s list of worries about getting older: colonscopies, bad backs and prostate cancer. They panic when their golf swings slow down. (Adam is horrified when the golf pro suggests he try the “senior shaft” golf club). They also worry about the new guys in their office out-performing them. (“Thanks for the swoosh!” says Jon’s 20-something-year-old co-worker Dan when he wins the Nike account, Jon’s former client.)

Almost every other scene Adam gets a call from his forgetful father. “Did you check in the freezer?” Adam asks his dad who loses his television remote control. “The TV’s not broken. You probably just hit the wrong button on the remote like last time,” he says to his dad in another scene. Sound familiar?

Instead of a tub of ice cream and a shoulder to cry on after a breakup or bad day, FOF men console each other with steak dinners and tough love. When Jon suggests to Adam they go on a golf outing for the weekend to cheer him up, Adam rejects the idea and continues to wallow in his sadness. “Want to hang yourself in the closet? Go ahead...” says Jon. “All you ever tell me is how miserable you are...this is an opportunity--you, me, a holiday weekend doing it the way we did it in the old days.” Adam grudgingly obliges and Jon lavishes him with a steak dinner, rounds of golf and even tries to set him up with an ex-fling’s best friend. When Jon finds out he has prostate cancer, Adam brings him his medicine and stocks his refrigerator but jokes, “I don’t give a sh*t about you. I stocked your fridge because I’m coming back in the morning for food.”

We don’t want to give too much away, but after landing a date with two FUFs, Jon likens it to “a gift from God” and Adam puts it best, when he says it’s more like “an episode of ‘To Catch a Predator.’”

FOF men don’t always have their dream careers figured out at 50, either. Towards the end of the movie, Adam, a struggling writer, comes to the conclusion that maybe he was never really meant to be a writer. “A key to life isn’t figuring out who you are, it’s figuring out who you aren’t,” he tells Jon.

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"About Fifty" is now playing in Palm Springs, Calif. and will be playing in select theaters in South Florida in December. It will be released on DVD and VOD on February 14, 2012.

In the upcoming comedy, "About Fifty," Adam (played by Martin Grey Gottlieb) turns fifty and finds himself with a broken marriage and a dead-end career. To cheer him up, his best FOFriend, Jon, suggests they take a weekend trip to Palm Springs to re-live their younger days. At a steakhouse the first evening of their trip, Jon and Adam meet two FOFs. Despite setting out to meet younger ladies, they end up having a great time. When Jon and Adam cut the night short, Peggy, one of the FOFs, becomes furious. “They just stopped in for the steak; now they’re going to go out and see if they can get some real meat,” she says. “You don’t think I know what’s what? Believe me, your day is coming...”

Peggy is right, Jon and Adam’s day is more than just “coming”... it has arrived. Both men experience midlife crises on the trip. What ensues is a hilarious “coming of age story about coming of age,” and also an interesting look into the feelings and fears FOF men. Here are the top lessons we learned about FOF men from "About Fifty." Take notes and then, go see this laugh-out-loud movie for yourself!

—————————————————————————————————–

Play Prev|Next

Topping Jon and Adam’s list of worries about getting older: colonscopies, bad backs and prostate cancer. They panic when their golf swings slow down. (Adam is horrified when the golf pro suggests he try the “senior shaft” golf club). They also worry about the new guys in their office out-performing them. (“Thanks for the swoosh!” says Jon’s 20-something-year-old co-worker Dan when he wins the Nike account, Jon’s former client.)

Almost every other scene Adam gets a call from his forgetful father. “Did you check in the freezer?” Adam asks his dad who loses his television remote control. “The TV’s not broken. You probably just hit the wrong button on the remote like last time,” he says to his dad in another scene. Sound familiar?

Instead of a tub of ice cream and a shoulder to cry on after a breakup or bad day, FOF men console each other with steak dinners and tough love. When Jon suggests to Adam they go on a golf outing for the weekend to cheer him up, Adam rejects the idea and continues to wallow in his sadness. “Want to hang yourself in the closet? Go ahead...” says Jon. “All you ever tell me is how miserable you are...this is an opportunity--you, me, a holiday weekend doing it the way we did it in the old days.” Adam grudgingly obliges and Jon lavishes him with a steak dinner, rounds of golf and even tries to set him up with an ex-fling’s best friend. When Jon finds out he has prostate cancer, Adam brings him his medicine and stocks his refrigerator but jokes, “I don’t give a sh*t about you. I stocked your fridge because I’m coming back in the morning for food.”

We don’t want to give too much away, but after landing a date with two FUFs, Jon likens it to “a gift from God” and Adam puts it best, when he says it’s more like “an episode of ‘To Catch a Predator.’”

FOF men don’t always have their dream careers figured out at 50, either. Towards the end of the movie, Adam, a struggling writer, comes to the conclusion that maybe he was never really meant to be a writer. “A key to life isn’t figuring out who you are, it’s figuring out who you aren’t,” he tells Jon.

—————————————————————————————————–

"About Fifty" is now playing in Palm Springs, Calif. and will be playing in select theaters in South Florida in December. It will be released on DVD and VOD on February 14, 2012.

0 comments

23February

{Movies} Best FOF movie performances of 2010

“There are three stages for actresses: babe, district attorney, and Driving Miss Daisy,” says Cindy Pearlman, 46, arts and entertainment columnist for the New York Times syndicate. “That’s a very funny line from First Wives Club, and it’s been true. But these days, Hollywood is waking up. There were great, juicy parts in 2010. Not just the put-upon wife who’s watching her husband go off with some twenty-year-old.” Here are Pearlman's picks for the best FOF performances of 2010:

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15 comments

23February

{Fashion} My Hollywood style icon: Elizabeth Taylor in “A Place in the Sun”

"To achieve that look today I wear a vintage “New Look” dress by Dior, accessorized with a vintage parure [set of matching jewelry] by one of my favorite designers: Miriam Haskell, Weiss, Hobe, Kramer or Elsa Schiaparelli. My favorite places to shop for “New Look” dresses are Couture Allure, Antiquedress.com, TheFrock, Vintage Textile, Woodland Farms, Vintage Martini and Past Perfect Vintage. Sometimes I wear vintage heels. Sometimes I wear new shoes by Stuart Weitzman or Cole Haan because they are classic and comfortable. Zappos carries both those labels and has the best customer service and free shipping!"

1. Vintage Gigi Young Dress via Antique Dress / 2. Miriam Haskell Pansy Statement Necklace / 3. Miriam Haskell Pansy Cuff / 4. Stuart Weitzman Cachet Heels

11 comments

23February

{Fashion} My Hollywood style icon: Lauren Bacall in “To Have and Have Not”

"My style is very much 'classic with a twist.' Last year, for my sons’ graduations I wore a white, Versace, scoop-necked, sleeveless dress that hit just a little above my knee. I wore it with a long necklace by Van Cleef and a great brown-and-beige, kitten heel shoe by Manolo Blahnik (“The Carolyn”). It was so classic. The twist? A nubby, green jacket by Lanvin that hit at my waist."

1. Versace Cotton Pique Sheath Dress / 2. McQ Tweed Jacket / 3. Van Cleef Necklace / 4. Manolo Blahnik "Carolyn" Heels

1 comments

23February

{Fashion} My Hollywood style icon: Jennifer Beals in “Flashdance”

"To achieve a masculine-inspired evening look today, I’d wear the jacket with as little underneath as possible (a black strapless bustier from Wolford or Agent Provocateur are good choices.) Stella McCartney and Brooks Brothers make great women’s tuxedos that blend satin and cotton. I’d add a fabulous, kick-ass, take-no-prisoners heel by Manolo Blahnik, the female version of a classic men’s patent leather shoe: pointed, closed-toed and shiny."

1. Wool Stretch Tuxedo Jacket / 2. Gold Rhinestone Shoulder Dusters / 3. Manolo Blahnik Leather Pump / 4. Classic Corset

1 comments

11November

{Style Expert} Retro not ridiculous: How to achieve a “hippie chic” look

Two FOF style experts, Gail Garramone and Marilyn Kirschner, share secrets to looking hippie chic--not hippie dippy.

“The 60s had some great looks," says Gail. "But it is important to know how to bring them back without looking like Joan-Baez-Gone-Bad or like you should be carrying around a lava lamp.”

Both experts agree that FOFs shouldn't be limited to cliche fashion rules ("I am a firm believer that one can basically wear anything if one knows how to do it," says Marilyn.) They offer these ideas--not commandments--for working Woodstock into your wardrobe.

6 Fab Hippie Chic Pieces and How to Wear Them

Examples: Laguna Cuff by Soft Surroundings (left), $94.95 and Turquoise Buckle Leather Belt (right), $599 from Ralph Lauren

“Turquoise jewelry, whether in the form of a statement necklace or a cuff, makes for beautiful accessories." says Gail. "Cinch a white button-down blouse with a turquoise belt. A big piece of jewelry slung low on the waist can make an unexpected statement--and hide a pooch!”

Foolproof pairings: A monochrome palette; shirt and pants or a dress in either brown, white or black.

Examples: Autumin in Philadelphia Tie Dye Silk Fringed Scarf from Etsy seller, WarmFlashes (left), $29, Nepal Bag by Flora Bella from the FabOverFifty Shop, $412

“Tie-dyed accessories are fabulous because one piece can incorporate so many colors. A brightly tie-dyed pashmina shawl becomes a neutral that you can wear with just about anything," says Gail.

Foolproof pairings: Dark jeans and a dark-colored top.

Example: Declarative Peasant Blouse from Anthropologie (left), $58. Julietta Blouse by Trina Turk (right), $73.99

“Peasant blouses are great way to show a little skin without having to show your arms," says Gail.

"What you don't want is for it to resemble a maternity top, worn loose and unbelted," says Marilyn.

Foolproof pairings: Wrist jewelry or slightly dangling earrings. Sophisticated high-waisted trousers or skirt.

Example: Suede Tassel Boots in Brown from Soft Surroundings, (left) $159.95, Tessa Fringed Boot by House of Harlow (right), $350

“Hippie-style, over-the-knee boots in brown are just a fabulous essential," says Gail. "They can have a hint of fringe but don’t overdo it.”

Foolproof pairings: A skirt that just skims the top of the boots or pants such as cords in brown or black or dark jeans. A slouchy leather or suede bag.

Example: “Karelia Coat” from Anthropologie, $248

“If you are FOF-fearless, a patterned coat is the ultimate,'' says Gail.

"If you opt to wear a statement-making patterned coat, make that the one thing that is special," says Marilyn. "Keep everything else solid, lean, clean and simplified."

Foolproof pairings: A neutral monochromatic palette; off-white pants or narrow cords, army green cargos or indigo jeans. A knitted cap or fur or faux fur hat, suede boots (either flat or low wedge), and a timeless tote, satchel or shoulder bag (that are more sporty or casual than dressy).

Example: Faux Fur Vest from Eddie Bauer, (left) $99, Fur vest from Ebay, (right) from $20

"Fur vests may be a bit funky but are also classic enough so that it's easily workable into a wardrobe," says Marilyn. "It could easily add pizazz to basic separates. While they are always in style, they are even more so this season."

Foolproof pairings: Neutral-toned (off white, ivory, cream, camel, brown) underpinnings such as a chunky turtleneck and narrow jeans or chino-type pants. Tall, brown, flat- or low-heeled boots.
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Marilyn Kirschner has been Editor-in-Chief of the Internet Magazine Look-on-Line since 1995. She has appeared multiple times in Bill Cunningham's 'On the Street' columns in The New York Times, and in February 2000, she was the subject of an 18 picture profile. Marilyn started her career at Seventeen magazine before landing at Harper's Bazaar, where she remained for 21 years. She collects vintage fashion and is a personal shopper and wardrobe consultant. For more information, contact her at marilyn.kirschner@yahoo.com.

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Gail Garramone has 15+ years experience in the fashion industry. She is a veteran V.P. at Liz Claiborne Inc. where she traveled around the country with Tim Gunn producing fashion events and fashion workshops.
--

Image of Ali MacGraw via I'm the It Girl

12 comments

10November

{Timeless Style} Beatlemania!

"Doesn't it seem like just "yesterday" that the Beatles played their first U.S. concert? In fact, they made their U.S. debut on February 11, 1964, at the Washington Coliseum in front of approximately 8,000 fans. It was just two days after they premiered on the Ed Sullivan show. The day after the concert, U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson said to the British Prime Minister about the Beatles: “I like your advance guard. But don’t you think they need haircuts?”

"A family friend had given my teenage daughter, an avid fan of the Beatles, an old book about the band. She found it while cleaning out her attic. Tucked inside the old book was this 8X10 photo! Curious about the photo, I zoomed in on the officer's (in the photo) arm patch, it said "Washington," which was when I realized this photo was from their first U.S. show!" -FOF Shelagh Duffett.

Set List from the Beatles' First U.S. Show
via PopHistoryDig

Washington, D.C.
February 1964

Roll Over Beethoven
From Me to You
I Saw Her Standing There
This Boy
All My Loving
I Wanna Be Your Man
Please Please Me
Till There Was You
She Loves You
I Want to Hold Your Hand
Twist and Shout
Long Tall Sally
--

Image via FLICKR
Source: PopHistoryDig

2 comments

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