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• JourneyMusic.com • Heart-Music.com • CheapTrick.com • PiercingMetal.com • BethelWoodsCenter.org
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Classic Rock Trio Triumphs in New York! A Kweevak.com Rock Report by Rich and Laura Lynch Double and triple bills have become popular in recent years for attendees and bands. Concert-goers get more value for their money and musicians fill arenas with a cross-section of fan bases. One of the hottest tickets in the summer of 2008 was Cheap Trick, Heart and Journey. All three bands formed in the 70's, have sold millions of records and have loyal followings.
 Journey rocked Yasgur's Farm in Bethel, New York! On August 30, 2008 the three played a sold out engagement at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in New York. The venue is close to the original field of the historic 1969 Woodstock concert and the legacy of great music lives on in this lovely location. Journey in particular has enjoyed a resurgence with their new lead singer Arnel Pineda who brings animation and ardor to the Journey catalogue. Journey's set was chock full of classics such as "Send Her My Love", "Separate Ways", "Lights", "Open Arms" and "Don't Stop Believing". "Faithfully" was fabulous with people in the crowd swaying and singing along. Yet, the three new songs from the band's recent Revelation CD held their own as they incorporated the legacy Journey sound in modern contexts. The hopeful, upbeat "Change For The Better" rocked and is perhaps a prophecy of sorts for Journey. Pineda has a compelling stage presence and was often smiling as he stalked the stage. His energy and enthusiasm was contagious and the other members of Journey were often smiling and executed their songs with playful professionalism. Journey is standing the test of time with classics that people still cherish and new compelling compositions. Journey has a broad fan base as we discovered when we ran into our friend Ken Pierce of PiercingMetal.com. Ken - whose site focuses more on Metal music - also appreciates the bold ballads and raucous rockers that Journey is known for. It was great to see Ken and we looking forward to his spin on the triple bill concert. Fans arrived early on Saturday to cook and socialize before show time. Many were in big groups with music streaming from car stereos. Cheap Trick promptly took the checkered theme stage at seven. This American Midwest band is known for edgy, melodic pop songs and usual instruments. They lived up to expectations playing catchy classics such as "The Flame and "If You Want My Love".
 (Photos by Ken Pierce/PiercingMetal.com) The band chatted a bit between songs but kept their set moving with rocking rhythms, gushing guitar licks and happy harmonies. Rick Nielsen played a number of strange shaped guitars including a rectangular one, a five neck axe and a more traditional shape with the Beatles painted on it. Tom Petersson was bold on his signature 12-string bass. "I Want You To Want Me" was well executed and the crowd enthusiastically clapped along. "Surrender" - also another highlight - was stellar and the audience was very responsive. Dean and Jonathan from Journey joined Cheap Trick for their energetic encore - "Dream Police". Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson are constant members of Heart and the current lineup is filled with proficient players. Ann was generally in good voice and commanded attention and Nancy provided rhythms and her vox with style and steam. Heart delivered their edgy hits with zeal. Their set was solid with "Magic Man", "Never" and "Straight On To You". Lead guitarist Craig Bartock's solo's added flash and flair to the hard driving rhythms provided by Ben Smith on drums and Ric Markmann on bass. Most of Heart's set rocked but they slowed down for a soft, succulent "These Dreams" which featured Nancy on mandolin and Ann on acoustic. "Alone" was strong allowing the colorful keys from Debbie Shari to float to the forefront. In addition to their own classics, Heart played two covers that were quite cool - The Who's "Love Rain o'er Me" and Led Zeppelin's "Going To California". Heart was heartily received by the capacity crowd and they ended strong with a bold and biting version of "Barracuda". Cheap Trick, Heart and Journey were an effective combination that complemented each other and provided fans with a solid evening of entertainment. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is a ideal location for an outdoor concert, although traffic can be an issue. The Pavilion stage at Bethel Woods is surrounded by rolling hills and lush, well landscaped grounds. There are 4,500 covered seats and a lawn that can hold 10,000. We found the staff at Bethel to be friendly and helpful. Also, on the grounds is a Woodstock monument overlooking the original festival site and an interesting and informative museum about the 60's and Woodstock.
 (Photos by Ken Pierce/PiercingMetal.com)
Related Links Originally Published: 09/03/2008 on Kweevak.com |
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