WAUKESHA — When 716 Clinton St.’s doors open, guests will be transported back in time and across the pond as they take in the sights and sounds of legendary rock band The Beatles in the club where they got their start ... kind of. Modeled after Liverpool’s Cavern Club, Beatles-themed bar Let It Be will welcome tribute band American English as part of a fundraiser benefiting the Waukesha Parade Memorial Fund on May 4.
Since Let It Be owner Dave Meister won’t be able to get the original band to his downtown Waukesha business, hosting the top-notch performers who mastered their style is a welcome alternative.
"It’s one of my dreams to have one of the best Beatles tribute bands in the world — American English — performing in the (Waukesha) Cavern Club that took so long to put together," he said. "It’s going to be just like being in Liverpool back in the ‘60s when The Beatles were playing."
The night of the event, American English will be introduced by the man who dominated Milwaukee’s airwaves for decades — Bob Barry. This year marks the 60th anniversary of The Beatles making their American debut, and Barry was the DJ who introduced the British band to Cream City back in 1964.
Other special guests will highlight the true purpose of the evening: fundraising for the Waukesha Parade Memorial Fund. Mayor Shawn Reilly and Waukesha County Community Foundation President Melissa Baxter will both say a few words about the significance of the tragedy and the forthcoming Grede Park memorial. Parade tragedy survivor Father Patrick Heppe of the Catholic Community of Waukesha will also offer a prayer and a blessing.
Meister says the evening’s attire will be "respectful," with men in a coat and tie and women in a cocktail or evening dress. Individual tickets are $250 and 100% of ticket sales benefit the memorial fund. Group tickets are available, but seating is limited.
The bar owner says there’s a variety of reasons to secure a ticket for next weekend’s event. Not only will it be a lively evening, but it will support a cause that’s near and dear to the community’s heart.
"It helps all the individuals that were involved, especially the ones who lost loved ones," Meister explained. "... And, if you will never get to Liverpool to see 10 Matthew St. and the Cavern Club, you can see it through your own eyes here. It’s going to be a unique experience."
Although the city announced last week that the Waukesha Parade Memorial Fund reached its initial goal, additional donations will help cover any unforeseen construction costs and establish a maintenance fund. That way, the community can enjoy the memorial for years to come.
Though construction on the Beatles-themed bar is complete and it plans to welcome guests on May 4, Let It Be isn’t quite ready to open to the public. Meister says he’s still on the hunt for employees, but is hopeful that he’ll find service industry professionals who appreciate the business’s environment and philosophy.
The owner won’t be rushing the process, however, as he wants both employees and customers to have a positive experience. So, Meister doesn’t have an exact opening date in mind.
In the meantime, he plans to continue hosting events until he can get a permanent team in place. Meister notes that the people who have stopped by for previous gatherings have expressed enthusiasm for the business, thanks to its ambiance and the opportunity for connection it provides.
"That’s what Let It Be is for," Meister said. "It’s not just strictly entertainment or a bar or restaurant, it’s a place to come together and share humanity with each other."
Doors open for Let It Be’s May 4 fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit .
