Facebook, social networking, cloud computing, smart phones, Basecamp.com, Sched.org, 99 Designs.com, Craigslist, Google Docs, mouse over ticket page, web flash, new e-blast formats, blogosphere marketing, are the tecnological breakthroughs we have learned to use these last 8 months. We are truly in the midst of a whole new way of doing business.

If in fact change is a constant, these last 8 months have been a whirlwind of new and exciting changes and breakthroughs for Abbey Road On the River.

Opening Washington DC as a new market for AROTR is at the top of the list. This was an unexpected and accidental opportunity sparked by an e-mail from a customer.

The remodeled Archibald Ballroom and new doors leading to the Fountain stage, which will vastly improve the fan experience in May, is a close runner up.

But what is driving our ability to improve the event is technology.

When we began thinking things through in June, I said that 2010 would be the year of Facebook, but little did I know that between June and today, cloud computing, new software platforms, and new ways to reach fans would trigger a whole new way of doing business.

It's all very interesting and exciting.

I'd like to share a few things with all of you.

My focus, 7 days a week, 14 hours a day is AROTR. Nothing else, ever.

No complaints, that's what you expect. On a daily basis, I deal with the logistics of 2 markets, one new, over 50 bands, many from other countries, trying to sell critically needed sponsorships, keeping the website and FB information fresh and cool, and of course, selling tickets.

Even as we try to control and foresee all the variables, we cannot control the variables when life changes for bands. And when life changes for bands, we know that you, the fans, take that personally, and that's one of the reasons AROTR is so cool.

Because of the personal relationships you all develop with many bands.

But, the primary reason AROTR is so cool is because the music created by The Beatles is spectacular.

I won't complain because the economy is weak, or sponsorship for events like AROTR are still looking for a bottom. We will always, alway, always, present an event we are proud of, and if it means working harder, longer hours, so be it.

But, if a band or two changes their mind, maybe because they cannot afford to fly from somewhere far away, or they moved, or joined another band, please understand we cannot fix these issues by throwing more money at it..especially not in a down economy.

And if an act gets a better offer, even this late in the game, who can blame the act for taking it. I can't. I just move on.

I have said it before a hundred times or more; the event is about The Beatles.

Since we began 9 years ago, there has been an exponential increase in the number of bands around the world performing the music of The Beatles. When we began we knew of 30 or 40 really good bands; now we know over 300.

In recent days, I have been contacted by young bands in the UK, Chile, Netherlands, Canada, and USA.

You see, new generations of performers are playing The Beatles...you don't have to be a certain age to want to play The Beatles.

And they are all great. So, just so you all know. I am not done booking, and I am not finalized with 3 or 4 of your favorites. If they cannot confirm this week, we will move on and add some more new acts.

If a band leaves for money, that's fair..it is an open economy, and we respect that, and we respect your choice to attend or not based on these factors.

Meanwhile, we will do our best to keep it fresh, new, and young, just like the lads did.

Before you start to digest this, please keep in mind that today is not our day, and we only want to release a few things we think you want to know. Our summer was spent negotiating our new Wash. D.C event, and lining up bands for both events.

Remember full details, Sept 21st

Information about AROTR 2010;

Event dates: Louisville; May 27-31, Wash. D.C/National Harbor, Sept 2-6, 2010

On Sale Date: Sept 21st; Best Tickets only, single day or 5-day; general admission on sale in February

Ticket Prices: Full weekend BEST tickets, both events, $199.95, includes service, shipping handling, tax; this is the same price as last year. 50% deposits will be available.

21 and under free with this ticket thru Dec 31st. After Dec 31st, 21 and under Best Tickets will cost $49.00 with purchase of a full priced Best ticket. If you purchase Louisville, you may add Washington for only $119.95. Or vice versa.

Best Tickets will include: VIP lawn seating & dancing section (both locations), after 6pm, plus all special indoor and late night Concerts.

Hotel Information
Galt Hotel, Louisville, rooms start at $119.00 ($10 less than last year!)
Gaylord Hotel, Wash DC/National Harbor, rooms start at $139, and includes the resort fee, and what a resort it is!

You will need a special code to book at either hotel to take advantage of our special block. Only 3 day or longer BEST ticket purchasers will be given the code thru March 31st. After then, based on block availability, 2 day and general admission ticket holders , based on availability, will be able to book hotel rooms.

Concerts and Bands: We wish we could reveal more today, but promise that before Sept. 21st, you will see a comprehensive list of bands and artists.

What we can tell you today is we are planning the following:

Louisville:
A reprise of Love is planned
Hal Bruce and his new band Hard Dazed Knights, performing every Beatle song in the order they were released
The long awaited returns of;
The Jukebox, James Paul Lynch, and a very, very popular young George act (we think)
Many, many international bands including Backwards, Repeatles, Norwegian Beatles , & two new bands from Norway and Germany
Big Rock Band contests, and so much more

Washington DC
All of the above plus, the very long awaited return of

The GreekBeats

Please keep in mind that Louisville is still 9 months away, and Wash. D.C a full year. You have our guarantee that both events will provide the very best entertainment and the very best in fun we have ever offered.