Show Topic: 60s & 70s Classics – Abbey Road on the River Preview Special

This Thursday, April 2nd, 2026, we’re turning the spotlight on the unforgettable sounds of the 1960s and 70s—two decades that forever shaped the landscape of rock and pop music.

From the explosion of the British Invasion to the rise of glam rock, surf music, and classic pop, this episode brings together a powerful mix of styles that defined a generation.

It’s a vibrant journey through the music that continues to inspire artists and captivate audiences around the world.

This show also serves as a special preview of one of the most anticipated music festivals of the year—Abbey Road on the River, taking place May 21st through 25th, 2026, at Big Four Station in Jeffersonville, Indiana.

Known for its incredible celebration of Beatles music and beyond, the festival brings together world-class performers and fans for an unforgettable experience filled with live music, nostalgia, and community.

Joining me are several outstanding musicians who will be part of this year’s festival, each bringing their own unique connection to the music of the era.

From tribute performances that honor legendary bands to artists who have shared the stage with icons of rock history, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Abbey Road on the River such a special event.

We’ll explore their musical journeys, their connections to the artists that defined the 60s and 70s, and what audiences can expect when they take the stage this May.

It’s a celebration of timeless music and the performers who keep it alive today. Mark your calendars for this exciting episode—and for the festival itself. Don’t miss it!

Guest(s) for our show:

Date: Thursday, April 2nd, 2026

🎤 Joan Burton

Musician from South Carolina known for her dynamic performances across multiple tribute and live music projects. Joan performs solo throughout the Carolinas and is part of Heart Breaker – A Tribute to Heart and Led Zeppelin, where she represents Nancy Wilson.

She has also performed with Craig Chaquico, original founding member of Jefferson Starship, and appeared in the California-based variety show Reunion – A Tribute to the 70s. Joan toured in the multimedia production This Is The 60’s and will discuss her upcoming appearances at Abbey Road on the River, including performances tied to This Is The 60s and Super 70s Radio.

thisisthe60slive.com

🎸 Joe Orlando

Musician, singer, songwriter, and bassist from New Jersey, Joe Orlando is a member of The Cryers, a band that has been a staple of Abbey Road on the River events since 2007.

Joe and The Cryers have performed alongside an impressive roster of legendary artists including Denny Laine of Wings, Ian Mitchell of The Bay City Rollers, Terry Sylvester of The Hollies, Geoff Britton and Steve Holley of Wings, Laurence Juber, Joey Molland of Badfinger, Eric Burdon & The Animals, and many more.

Their performances have become a defining part of the AROTR experience, bringing authentic energy and deep musical heritage to the stage.

thecryers.com

🌊 Chris Cron

Singer and musician featured in Pet Sounds Live, a Beach Boys tribute production that celebrates Brian Wilson’s groundbreaking masterpiece.

This live experience presents the complete Pet Sounds album along with The Beach Boys’ greatest hits, including “Good Vibrations,” offering audiences a powerful and authentic recreation of one of the most influential albums in rock history.

petsoundslive.com

🥁 Dave Lempke

Drummer and musician with the Union Jack British Invasion Band, Dave Lempke brings the sights and sounds of the 1960s British Invasion to life on stage.

Union Jack recreates the music of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, The Dave Clark Five, The Hollies, and many more. The band has opened for legendary acts including The Band, Bo Diddley, Richie Havens, The Fifth Dimension, and The Commodores, and has performed with artists such as Billy J. Kramer and Steve Holley.

unionjackbib.godaddysites.com

My latest podcast episode, aired on Thursday, December 5th, 2024, explored the California Sound. It featured great music from the '60s and '70s by various artists based in California, particularly from the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas.

This episode delved into rich genres like rock, surf music, sunshine pop, folk rock, and psychedelic rock that flourished in vibrant neighborhoods like Laurel Canyon and Haight-Ashbury.

We showcased a lineup of iconic artists who defined this sound, including the Beach Boys, The Mamas and The Papas, The Byrds, The Doors, Buffalo Springfield, The Monkees, Crosby, Stills, and Nash, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell, Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead, Flying Burrito Brothers, Poco, Frank Zappa, and a few others. Each artist or band contributed uniquely to the diverse tapestry of music that has come to be known as the California Sound, encapsulating the spirit and innovation of their era.

The Influence of California Sounds

California in the 60s and 70s was more than just a place! It was a cultural movement. The music that came out of this era reflected the ideals of freedom, experimentation, and a laid-back lifestyle.

Genres like surf music, popularized by bands such as The Beach Boys, captured the sun-soaked vibes of the California coast.

Folk rock and psychedelic rock, with artists like The Byrds and Jefferson Airplane, mirrored the counterculture movement, while sunshine pop added a layer of optimism to the California dream. These sounds shaped the music industry and influenced fashion, art, and the broader societal shifts of the time.

Don’t miss this incredible exploration of the California music scene and its lasting impact on society and culture. Be sure to tune in when we upload the recording of this podcast—it’s a journey you won’t want to miss!

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