UPDATE: Monkees Convention/Peter Tork Memorial in CT February 8, 2020 Announces Guest Speakers

North Haven, CT: The one-year anniversary of Peter Tork’s passing will be commemorated with a celebration of the former Monkees’ life and music at The Peter Tork Memorial Convention for Monkees Fans on Saturday, February 8, 2020 at the Best Western Plus Hotel in North Haven, CT. The convention is from 1 PM until 8 PM with an early-bird noon VIP option, so serious collectors can have first access to the vendors/dealers marketplace. The Best Western Plus Hotel is conveniently located at 201 Washington Avenue in North Haven, CT (directly off Exit 12 via I-91). Parking is free  

There will be live concert performances, special guest interviews, autograph and photo opportunities, question and answer sessions, a mammoth Monkees & 60s Music/Memorabilia Marketplace + Rock n Roll Flea Market, rare film and video screenings, charity auction, an historic Peter Tork Memorial Tribute, and much more.

There is a very good reason why the event is being held in February. It’s the one-year anniversary of Tork’s passing, but, more importantly, it’s Peter’s birth month. He would’ve turned 78 years old on February 13th, 2020. There is also a very good reason why the event is being held in Connecticut. The state was Peter Tork’s home. He not only lived in Connecticut, it’s where his Dad H. John Thorkelson was a college professor (at UConn, from 1950-1983), and it’s where most of his family once lived or currently resides. Also, in 1982, Peter Tork was the Special Guest of Honor at the Monkees Convention which was held in Bridgeport, CT. It was quite an historic event – the very first time a Monkee was actually a guest at a Monkees convention. Peter met fans, signed autographs, was interviewed and participated in a question & answer session. Fans will never forget his reminiscences and also his powerful words about John Lennon’s passing. Additionally, he jammed with the Monkees tribute band MonkeeMania. (1982 Convention Photo below)

Speaking of Monkees music, live performances will be a highlight of the day with concerts by The Blue Meanies, Zilch, Loose Salute and John Sheridan. Renowned Monkees tribute band The Blue Meanies, from Staten Island, NY, headline the convention. Although their live catalogue normally encompasses classic rock from several decades, they are best known for their Monkees sets, having been invited to play numerous Monkees conventions and also chosen to be the official band for the Davy Jones tribute at BB Kings in New York. The beloved musicians have also played at such heralded festivals as “Danbury Fields Forever” and “Abbey Road on the River.” Zilch, based in Rhode Island and named after the novelty Monkees track, bring a completely different vibe to the day. Their infectious, high-energy versions of Monkees rockers have stolen the show at such high-profile events as “Harrifest” and the “Fab 4 Music Festival.” Formerly known as David Tessier’s All-Star Monkees Band, Zilch will certainly have the crowd dancing in the aisles. Loose Salute is fronted by Mick Lawless, who also operates the Nevermind Record Shop in Upton, MA. His band performs Monkees songs in a unique style, occasionally with a country twang. Loose Salute was the back-up band for both Peter Tork and Micky Dolenz at the Super Mega-Fest conventions. John Sheridan is a seasoned musician with quite the pedigree. He was a solo performer at some of the earliest Monkees Conventions in Trenton, NJ, that were produced by Maggie McManus, he played Mike Nesmith in the band MonkeeMania, and performed with Peter Tork nearly forty years ago at the 1982 Monkees conventions in Trenton, NJ, that were produced by Maggie McManus, he played Mike Nesmith in the band MonkeeMania, and performed with Peter Tork nearly forty years ago at the 1982 Monkees Convention.

The initial Special Guest speakers have been announced:

Reinhard Straub, LCSW, LADC

Peter Tork’s Friend/Confidante

Electric Violinist in the New Monks

Reinhard Straub was a friend and confidante of Peter Tork, and a member of Peter’s early eighties band The New Monks. He played electric violin on the band’s live dates, and added the violin parts on the only single released by Peter Tork & The New Monks in 1981, their version of “(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone” and “Higher and Higher.” Both songs were staples in Peter’s set-list for ages. Reinhard has many fascinating stories to share about the New Monks and about playing and recording with Peter.

Wendy Erdman-Surlea

Recording Artist and Life-long Friend
 

Wendy Erdman-Surlea knew Peter Thorkelson since early childhood. As their birthdates were close together, they celebrated birthdays together.  Growing older, they stayed friends and enjoyed many combined Erdman and Thorkelson family gatherings.

In 1970, Peter’s brother Nick and Wendy were both in New York City. Wendy was performing with a small band and living in a rehearsal loft on West 30th Street where friends would gather for jam sessions. Nick, like Peter, was a gifted musician. He played piano with Wendy and her guitarist loft-mate on a regular basis.  As the recording dates approached for Wendy’s album, Peter came into the city from L.A. and played on the record. 

Peter became famous through his work as one of the Monkees, but Wendy noted that his performance talents were a mark of his effervescent personality throughout his life.  Wendy considered him to be a brother and has many fond memories of their times together. 

She writes, “I know he is singing with the angel choir now, but his time on earth left a profound footprint on the American musical fabric.  Boogie on, Peter.”  

DANNY GEE, PETER TORK SOUNDMAN

In early 1983, Jerry Renino brought the Peter Tork Project to Danny Gee’s studio to rehearse the musicians. There, the band solidified. Danny recorded some tunes as well in the studio. From that point on, Danny was the band’s stage manager and sound engineer commencing in June 1983 at Great Gildersleeves, NYC.

Danny and Jerry Renino also went to Japan with Peter to perform the historic dates there that were recorded for posterity. In 1984, Danny formed a band with Jerry and Derek from the Peter Tork Project with another musician, Bobby. They played out as “Amtrak” and recorded some 45s.

Danny, whose real name is Danny Giorlando, later did stage management and sound for Davy and Micky, along with many other acts. Pictured below is Jerry Renino, Peter Tork and Danny Gee. 

The Official Charity of the event is Peter Tork’s favorite cause: IMA – The Institute for The Musical Arts in Massachusetts. All VIP Tickets purchased in advance include a donation to IMA, and portions of the auctions will also benefit the IMA. The organization, a 501.c non-profit, will have a display table at the show. A limited number of vendor/dealer/exhibitor spaces are still available.

The Peter Tork Memorial Convention for Monkees Fans is proudly presented by Charles F. Rosenay!!!, whose company, Liverpool Productions, is best known for their Beatles promotions. However, Rosenay!!!, a first-generation Monkees fan, has been involved with producing Monkees celebrations for many years, and he had a long and memorable relationship with Tork dating back to when Peter was the Special Guest at the aforementioned 1982 Monkees Convention in Connecticut, which Rosenay!!! produced with Monkees Business Fanzine editor Maggie McManus. Charles interviewed Peter at that show, and numerous times thereafter, including at the epic 1987 National Monkees Convention, which famously boasted guest appearances by three Monkees (Peter, Davy and Micky) along with their esteemed songwriters Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart. Charles also interviewed him at the 2010 BeatExpo in Stamford, CT (see photo below) and at the 2013 Davy Jones Memorial Monkees Convention. Along with booking Peter for concerts and guest spots, he and Rosenay!!! appeared together on TV.

The Convention Schedule is below (Special Guests To Be Announced):

NOON: VIP Early Admission and Sneak Preview. Marketplace opens

1:00 PM: General Admission

1:15 PM: Welcoming Remarks and Introductions

1:30 PM: Live Music: Singer/Songwriter JOHN SHERIDAN

2:00 PM: Special Guest Interview #1

2:30 PM: Live Music: MICK LAWLESS & LOOSE SALUTE

3:30 PM: Special Guest Interview #2

4:00 PM: Live Music: ZILCH   

5:00 PM: Special Guest Interview #3

5:30 PM: Charity Auction

6:00 PM: LIve Music: THE BLUE MEANIES

7:15 PM: PETER TORK MEMORIAL TRIBUTE

7:45 PM: Gala Finale

Convention Ends at 8:00 PM. There is an after-convention party in the hotel’s Sports Grill for convention attendees.

Advance general admission start at only $29, and there are VIP options available. Tickets are limited, so there is no guarantee tickets will be available at the door. The link for advance tickets is https://petertorkmemorial.ticketleap.com/2020/.

For further information, visit www.MonkeesFanConvention.com, email MonkeesFanConvention@gmail.com or phone (203) 795-4737. The Facebook Event page is https://www.facebook.com/events/1463743380440674/

Join fellow fans and music lovers (and even your Auntie Grizelda) from all over the country and overseas as they take the Last Train To Clarksville (actually to Connecticut) to be a Believer! The convention promises family-friendly, fun-filled activities and attractions for all ages with Monkees music, Monkees memories, Monkees magic and much more.

The Peter Tork Memorial Convention for Monkees Fans is a celebration of Peter’s life and music, a special event for fans put on by fans. As Peter wrote and sang, “We Will Make The World Shine.”

PETER TORK MEMORIAL CONVENTION FOR MONKEES FANS Saturday FEB 8, 2020

(We waited until the Maryland Peter Tork Celebration was over to make this announcement.) 

So excited and honored to announce the PETER TORK MEMORIAL CONVENTION FOR MONKEES FANS Saturday FEB 8, 2020 at the Best Western Plus in North Haven CT. Concerts, vendors, guests, and memorials. 
Celebrating the Life & Music of Peter Tork
& Convention for Fans of The Monkees
“We will make the world shine”

IN CONNECTICUT, where PETER and his family lived. 
IN FEBRUARY, commemorating his one-year passing, but more importantly, his birthday month.

Featuring Live Concerts by John Sheridan, Mick Lawless’ Loose Salute, Zilch & The Blue Meanies
with Monkees & 60s Music and Memorabilia Vendors/Dealers, Rare Video Show,
Special Guests to be announced, and a Very Special Tribute to Peter.
Official Charity of the Event is the one Peter designated: IMA – The Institute for The Musical Arts in Massachusetts. 

Website: www.MonkeesFanConvention.com
Facebook Event: www.Facebook.com/events/1463743380440674
Info: (203) 795-4737

Hope to see you there in February. 
#Wewillmaketheworldshine
#petertork
#monkees
#monkeesconvention