A Night with Ringo and Friends

Up in the Catskill Mountains, very close to the footprint of where Woodstock was held in 1969, there now is one spectacular venue to see a show. Winding paths lead to various concession stands, eating areas, and other fun things. The architecture blends perfectly with the countryside. The pavillion where the stage is set, sits halfway down the hill with seating rising up around it. The view is so serene, it's not hard to understand how half a million people peacefully cohabited here for three days in less than ideal conditions.

The event for the night was Ringo Starr's All Starr Band. Fun.

The All Starr Band this year consists of Steve Lukather (lead guitarist,vocals Toto), Richard Page (bass,vocals Mr. Mister), Todd Rundgren (a little bit of everything), Greg Rolie (keys,Santana/Journey), Mark Rivera (keys,sax), and Greg Bissonette (drums).

Starting the show was Ringo singing "Matchbox" and next going into "It Don't Come Easy." As this was my first time seeing Ringo, I was happily surprised how well he commands the stage. Light on his feet, he uses the whole stage and enjoys a really nice rapport with the crowd. Throughout the set, he would bounce between center stage and behind the drums.

Originally I had thought the All-Starrs would each do a few songs, but instead they each did one of their own songs, then handed it over to the next. First up was Todd Rundgren who asked "Have the drugs kicked in yet?" Assuming the old vibe from the Woodstock days might still be evident...it wasn't far from the truth. Although this time, I think the drug of choice might have been Prozac. This crowd was just a little too mellow for this rockers' liking...people, you're at a rock show...it's time to boogie. Rundgren began his night with "Hello, It's Me," ...nice.

Greg Rolie took over next with "Evil  Ways" and mentioned it was 43 years ago, in that summer of '69, that they first played it at this site. Steve Lukather, one guy who really seems to love his job, said this was "the best summer vacation of my life." He then launched into "Rosanna," helped out by Mark Rivera on the upper range of the song. Richard Page did a fine job on "Kyrie" then bringing the circle back to Ringo.

It was a good mix. How can it not be enjoyable when you are going to hear the hits from each member of the band.  From the fun songs like "Yellow Submarine" and "I Don't Want To Work" to the memorable hits "Africa" and "Broken Wing" to the 'just don't stop' songs like "Everybody's Everything" and "Hold the Line.", the music just got better.  

There were not a lot of surprises at this show. Except for the songs Ringo decided to highlight off his new CD, every other song was pretty much expected. And that was a good thing. All hits, all the time....what's the problem there?  Was it one of the best shows I've ever seen...not at all.. But I never expected it to be.  It was a lot of fun for me and I think for the band. If you like at least two members of the All Starr Band...you'll have a enjoyable evening.

Because after all...we'll get by with a little help from our friends.

Peace.
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Road Trip Destination: An All-Starr Night

Another Saturday, another night of live music, another road trip..albeit a short one.

Tonight we take a drive from the weekend house in eastern PA and cross the Delaware into New York. Upstate NY that is. Seeing a show at a venue we haven't been to before...Bethel Woods. Home of Woodstock...the real one in 1969.  The show: Ringo Starr's All Starr Band.

Now as much as The Beatles were my first musical influence, I have never seen a Beatle live. Who would have thought that Ringo would be my first. Over the years, I have heard how every incarnation of his All-Starr  Band is so much fun. Tonight I find out for myself...looking forward to it.

This show was a last minute decision, fueled a lot by the tweets of one of the All-Starr Band...Steve Lukather.  Steve is a great guitarist, known primarily as the lead guitarist of Toto.  Steve is also a great tweeter, very personable...very human. His tweets over the past two weeks have covered his anticipation of playing with the rest of the band, and as the days progressed, his excitement in the progress of rehearsal.

Since it doesn't take much to get me pumped to hear new music, those tweets were enough for me. Also the prices at this venue were so much more reasonable than in the NY metro area. So, in a few hours a party of three will jump in the Sabaru for about an hour's drive.

Time for a little traveling music.

Little Feat "Let it Roll" ...one of the best travelin' tunes
War "Low Rider" ....add a little funk to the trip
Stevie Wonder "You Haven't Done Nothing" ...keep it going
ZZ Top "I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide" ...well, just because.

Won't be long before we hit the road...the review of the show tomorrow on the music blog.

Windows down, volume up...and drive.

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