'Minnesota Beatles Project Vol. 4' offers new twist

The “Fab Four” are at it again. Although new music is not being made by the icons, a collection of the Beatles’ most loved songs have been covered and are benefiting not only nostalgic connoisseurs but are also enhancing music education programs for students in Minnesota public schools.

The “Minnesota Beatle Project Vol. 4” features musicians with ties to the region including nationally renowned artists Trampled By Turtles, DeVotchKa, Haley Bonar, Astronautalis, Caroline Smith and The Goodnight Sleeps, Halloween Alaska, Chastity Brown and even Ellsworth’s Reed Grimm.

Available in CD, digital and limited-edition white vinyl LP formats, the album was released in early December and is now available at Target stores throughout the Minnesota and at independent record stores.

Vega Productions produced the record with a limited quantity: only 5,000 CDs and 500 LPs are available.

All net proceeds will support and expand Vega Production’s newest resource for public school music programs “Instruments in the Cloud,” a website that allows schools to organize, catalog and share their musical instrument inventories.

“Music education teaches students about the power of creativity and dedication and enhances their overall learning experience. But many Minnesota public schools are being forced to make difficult budgetary decisions, which often means classes in the arts are the first cut,” said Mark Gehring, executive director of Vega Productions. “’Minnesota Beatle Project Vo1. 4’ is the unique result of artists in the Minn. music industry coming together to strengthen music programs across the state to ensure that we are growing and nurturing the next generation of great artists and musicians.”

Vega Productions established the Minnesota Beatle Project in 2009 in partnership with presenting sponsor 89.3 The Current. The first three volumes have provided grants to 30 Minnesota schools.

”Minnesota Beatle Project Vol. 4”

“A Day in the Life” John Mark Nelson

“Mean Mr. Mustard” Haley Bonar

“Girl” DeVotchKa

“For No One” Chastity Brown

“Baby’s in Black” Trampled by Turtles

“Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!” Van Stee

“Misery” Halloween Alaska

“Think for Yourself” Molly Maher and her Disbelievers

“You Never Give Me Your Money” Big Trouble

“Back in the U.S.S.R.” Astronautalis

“Cry Baby Cry” Caroline Smith and the Goodnight Sleeps

“Baby, You’re a Rich Man” Mark Joseph featuring Reed Grimm

“She Loves You” Bloomington Jefferson High School

Tags: arts and entertainment, lifestyle, entertainment, arts, minnesota