Bruce Spizer, a New Orleans lawyer and internationally recognized expert on The Beatles, will discuss the visit The Beatles made to New Orleans on Sept 16, 1964, at 12 p.m., Monday, Sept. 13, via video conference online. Visit www.jplibrary.net/adults for more details, including how to join the discussion.

The Beatles’ only performance in New Orleans occurred at City Park Stadium, now known as Tad Gormley Stadium. They played before a capacity crowd of 12,000 and were in the city for less than 24 hours.

Once they landed, The Beatles and their small entourage were driven to the Congress Inn. They were initially accompanied by a police motorcade, but became separated during the journey. As their limousine neared the hotel, it was spotted by fans who surrounded it.

During the afternoon, Mayor Victor Schiro arrived at the hotel to give them a key to the city, and proclaimed 16 September 1964 ‘Beatles Day’ in New Orleans.

The group had one major request in the city. They wanted to meet Fats Domino. He visited them in their dressing room at the City Park Stadium before their performance.

Around 200 fans collapsed through excitement and exhaustion. One girl broke her arm, but refused hospital treatment until the show had ended.

The Beatles performed their standard 12-song set: “Twist and Shout,” “You Can’t Do That,” “All My Loving,” “She Loves You,” “Things We Said Today,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “If I Fell,” “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Boys,” “A Hard Day’s Night,” and “Long Tall Sally.” The performance lasted just thirty minutes.

For more information regarding this presentation, contact Chris Smith, Manager of Adult Programming for the library, at (504) 889-8143 or wcsmith@jplibrary.net.