When Beatles on the Beach returns in 2026, it’ll be headlined by none other than the voice of God.
Morgan Freeman, one of the most prolific actors of the 20th and 21st centuries, is also a longtime proponent of the rich legacy of the Delta Blues. He’ll bring that passion to the stage with his live show, Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience, at Mizner Park Amphitheater on Saturday, March 14. The exclusive performance is one of myriad concerts and festivities associated with the annual Beatles-centric festival, which moves from Delray Beach to Boca Raton for the first time next spring (March 12-15).
“Boca Raton is the perfect setting for this next chapter of Beatles on the Beach,” said Daniel Hartwell, the festival’s founder, in a statement. “It’s vibrant, creative, and full of heart—just like the music of The Beatles. This year’s theme, From the Blues to the Beatles and Beyond, truly reflects the universal spirit of connection that music brings.”
The “blues” aspect will be covered in spades by Freeman’s touring outfit of ace players steeped in the Mississippi Delta tradition, including guitarist Anthony Sherrod, drummer Lee Williams and vocalist Adrienne Ervin, with their contributions enhanced by lush arrangements from a regional symphonic orchestra. Freeman, who owns the Ground Zero Blues Club in Mississippi, will be on hand to introduce the performance and participate in a meet-and-greet, and throughout the concert, he’ll appear in video projections in which he addresses the history of his favorite genre. Set lists usually include defining cuts from Son House, Robert Johnson, B.B. King, the Staple Singers, Ray Charles, Albert King and other blues legends.
The preceding night, March 13, will be headlined by the festival’s returning favorite, Tony Kishman, and his “Live & Let Die: A Symphonic Tribute to Paul McCartney.” Kishman, who has earned praise from Sir Paul himself, will perform hits from McCartney, Wings and the Beatles, supplemented by live orchestral musicians under the baton of Maestro Luis David Aguilar.
Other scheduled acts include Old Time Sailors, a comedic band of more than 30 musicians who combine Fab Four tunes with an Irish brogue and sensibility; Gregg Bissonette, drummer in Ringo Starr’s All Starr Band since 2008; the Peakles, a Portuguese Beatles tribute; and Delray’s own homegrown Beatles performers, Strawberry Lane.
All music will take place at Mizner Park Amphitheater, but as with previous renditions of the festival, spots throughout the city’s downtown will play host to Beatles-themed activities throughout the four days of the festival, including a BeatleCon, with costumes encouraged; a Beatles Bar Crawl at Mizner Park’s top night spots, a Beatles art exhibition curated by Starr’s personal art curator, Neal Glaser; as well as Beatles-themed yoga, bowling and celebrity symposium events.
For the full schedule and to order tickets, which go on sale Nov. 18, visit beatlesonthebeach.com.
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