Ob-La-Di, La-La-La

Back in 1997, Jimi Bernath wanted to warble some Beatles songs to commemorate the December 8 anniversary of John Lennon's death — and he wound up doing so with a little help from his friends. Nine years later, Bernath's annual Beatles Sing-Along has become a December tradition that continues today. "We have a different program every year," notes Bernath, "and we always have lyric sheets so everyone can join in." Rather than tackle the material chronologically, Bernath says he does so "emotionally," by separating upbeat numbers such as "Help!" from the introspective likes of "Norwegian Wood." But the program always ends with "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)," as a nod to what Bernath calls "the holiday spirit" — and to the man whose passing originally inspired the get-together.

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• Jimi Bernath
• The Beatles
• John Lennon
• Food and Cooking
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Gather for the sing-along at 2 p.m. at the Mercury Cafe, 2199 California Street; admission is free. For more information, call 303-263-0176 or visit www.mercurycafe.com.
Sun., Dec. 10, 2:30 p.m.