George Harrison Tribute Concert – Sat Feb 26, 2011 – Cat’s Cradle – Chapel Hill, NC (concert review) Icon Fetch writer Jessica Hamrick gives us her take on a really cool show in NC: The doors opened at 8 p.m. and already a line had formed outside the Cat’s Cradle in Chapel Hill, NC. Beatles fans and more importantly, George Harrison fans, couldn’t wait to get inside to see the who’s-who of local talent take the stage for “If Not For You: A Celebration of George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass.”

What had started out as a “wouldn’t it be cool” sort of idea during a conversation between organizers Toby Roan and Jeff Hart, was now a reality and was set to raise money for the Caring Community Foundation. The venue and volunteers had done their part and the cancer benefit sold out before most of the 40-plus musicians had their turn to honor the memory of Harrison, who would have celebrated his 68 birthday on Feb 25th.

The collaboration between the musicians took the audience through emotional moments of tears and smiles. Loved ones who had battled cancer were remembered and the more joyful moments in life recalled as “All Things Must Pass” and “Wah-Wah” were heard.

Hart stayed on stage most of the night, singing, playing harmonica and guitar in turn,  while accompanied by Steve Eisenstadt on bass and Pete Gamble on guitar. Joining them on stage were too many talented people to mention including Rob Abernethy, the SnoCones, Dewey McCafferty on guitar, and Chris Chamis on drums. Taking their turn at the mic, the vocals of Jane Francis of Velvet, Clay Howard of Stratocruiser and Janet Place of the Great Big Gone added to the night.

By the end of the show, it seemed a pretty sure thing that most of the crowd would be back for next year’s event. Those interested in learning more about “If Not For You” can visit http://allthingsmustpasstribute.wordpress.com. – Jessica Hamrick