This is a true story
In 1971, five hundred reels of priceless Beatles rehearsal tapes were stolen. Thirty years later, they were recovered by police. What was discovered was a goldmine of rare and abandoned Beatles music - including more than sixty original songs - as featured in the 2021 Get Back docuseries.
Almost Songs is a live experience that tells the untold saga of the stolen tapes and reimagines these newly unearthed songs as part of the Beatles canon in a ‘what-if’ live show, fusing bold new arrangements with a compelling narrative about the theft and recovery of the tapes.
Featuring today’s emerging artists, immersive visuals, lush soundscapes, and vivid storytelling, Almost Songs pays homage to a trove of lost Beatles songs - published yet left unfinished - and the decades-long journey that brought these hidden treasures to light.
About the artists
Meet some of the creative minds behind Almost Songs, a Los Angeles and Altadena-based ensemble dedicated to reviving and reimagining unfinished Beatles compositions:
BRETT LYDA - DIRECTOR/CREATOR/WRITER
As the creator, storyteller, and musical director of Almost Songs, Brett Lyda (aka Elvis Orbison) delves into the Beatles' archives to uncover and reimagine rare and abandoned music from the Get Back sessions. Beyond his musical endeavors, Brett has an extensive career in television editing, contributing to acclaimed docudramas such as Deadliest Catch, Swamp People, Ice Road Truckers, and Storage Wars. His expertise in crafting compelling narratives, whether through music or film, brings a unique depth to the Almost Songs project.
JULI CROCKETT - WRITER/COLLABORATOR
An Alabama-born artist, Juli Crockett is a multifaceted talent: theater director, playwright, singer, songwriter, retired (undefeated) professional boxer, and ordained minister. She leads the alt-country/Americana band The Evangenitals and is known for her adaptations of classic literature and philosophy in theater. Juli's diverse pursuits reflect her dynamic approach to art and storytelling.
DARCY LEE - PRODUCER
Darcy is a rare Los Angeles native who started her professional career in the arts at age 17 as a working actor and dancer. She worked in television, commercials and theatre projects. Falling in love with the collaborative aspect of these projects, she became impassioned by producing theatre, running theatre companies and coordinating workshops. She served as the Managing Director for a prestigious Los Angeles theatre; The Met Theatre, working with some of the movie industry’s greatest talents. She went on to become an Independent Producer working on several projects of all kinds at numerous LA Theatres. In recent years, Darcy became a producer with Padua Hills Playwrights. They ventured into Theatre projects as well as Film Projects. Darcy obtained her master’s degree in Positive Psychology as it relates to the well-being of Artists and Creatives and facilitates Artist Support Groups.
ANITA LEE - PUBLICIST
Anita Lee Publicity is a boutique publicity agency in Los Angeles specializing in press representation, marketing and media campaigns for theatrical productions, authors, music artists and independent filmmakers.
GAL MUSETTE - VOCALS, KEYBOARDS
A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Southern California, Gal Musette has opened for renowned artists such as Macy Gray, Suzanne Vega, Rufus Wainwright, and Donavon Frankenreiter. Her performances showcase unique interpretations of unfinished Beatles songs spanning various genres and eras, from classic standards to modern gems.
ETHAN LAVENSTEIN - HORN/KEYBOARDS
A versatile jazz horn player and keyboardist, Ethan Lavenstein is known for his dynamic performances and improvisational skills. Based in Los Angeles, Ethan has collaborated with numerous local bands and artists, contributing his rich, melodic lines to a variety of rare Beatles songs.
ANDREA BAKER - VIOLIN
Andrea is a Los Angeles-based violinist and educator whose artistry bridges the traditions of classical music with the energy and diversity of contemporary styles. Equally at home in rock, blues, Americana, Scottish fiddle, and Middle Eastern music, she brings a unique versatility to every performance. Andrea’s career has taken her around the globe, collaborating with bands and ensembles across a wide range of genres, including a national television appearance on America’s Next Great Band. Her work has also been heard on NPR, and for several years she was a featured performer with The Moth Mainstage storytelling series, blending music with the art of narrative. Driven by a passion for using music as a vehicle to explore and express the shared human experience, Andrea believes that music not only entertains but also connects, inspires, and tells the stories of who we are.
GRANT JORDAN - DRUMMER
Grant is a drummer and singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles. With over a decade of professional playing, he has shared the stage and studio with some of the greatest players in LA, pursued his original music, and mentored young musicians. Grant's love of music has been prominent since childhood; some of his earliest memories include playing his brother's Pearl Export drum set and listening to Beatles and Stevie Wonder records. Throughout his youth, he performed in the school orchestra, jazz ensembles, and numerous local bands. Music became his primary focus during his four years at the University of Redlands, where he studied jazz performance, earned a BS in Music Business, and juggled multiple original projects.
ROBERT GUTIERREZ - GUITAR, LAP STEEL, HANDPAN
Robert is a versatile multi-instrumentalist based in Sierra Madre, California, with over three decades of experience bringing music to life. His journey has taken him across genres, from the rich traditions of Mariachi to the raw edge of indie rock, always blending cultures and sounds with authenticity. Today, Robert is exploring the expressive possibilities of the handpan and lap steel guitar, weaving each instruments meditative tones into new musical landscapes and discovering fresh ways to connect with audiences.
JASON CHESNEY - BASS
From honky-tonks to theaters, dive bars and festivals, San Gabriel Valley native Jason Chesney has been a working bassist since the age of 16. Well versed in rock, country, funk and jazz (just enough to be dangerous), he has had the pleasure of working with Michael Nesmith’s First National Band, Wilshire, Susan James, Old Californio, Lynda Kay, The Paul Chesne Band, and Circe Link & Christian Nesmith, to name a few. He has toured nationally, internationally and has appeared on TV shows such as “Justified,” “The Sharon Osbourne Show,” “The Wayne Brady Show,” “The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn,” and “Pepsi Smash.”
EVAN ARNOLD - ACTOR
Evan is an L.A. native, UC Berkeley graduate and Actor. He played Richie on Growing Pains, Gavin Doosler on Just the Ten of Us, Ned Carlson on The West Wing, Jeffrey Ambor on Close to Home, Chef Alan on Suburgatory, Dr. Ditmer on Masters of Sex. He also gained attention for the brief role of Leonard in the series finale of Mad Men. Recently seen on Chicago Med. Arnold is married with two children. His father, Newt Arnold, won a Directors Guild of America Award for his work as assistant director on The Godfather Part II. His mother, Judy Arnold, was a theatrical producer. He misses them both.
Together, this ensemble brings a unique blend of talents and experiences to Almost Songs, offering audiences a fresh take on the Beatles' unfinished works.