Wow was the house rocking – or should I say the lodge – Sunday night in Applegate, Oregon, literally.
The evening kicked off with Big Steve announcing his candidacy for the presidency of the United State on a free marijuana ticket and imploring Oregonians to vote for the legalize marijuana initiative in California, then Californians would then turn around and vote for Oregon’s legalize marijuana initiative.
To set the stage, the band set up shop in the lodge’s two story lobby. The band, playing in front of the fireplace, and front row dancers were downstairs. People hung over the railing on the second floor, where there were tables and chairs, to watch the show below.
About three quarters into the show, the band broke into Pete’s Fair to Even Odds, and the lodge literally came to life. Not just the people, but the building itself too. Lead by Pete’s boogy woogy piano and Barry’s stinging guitar, everybody got dancing, even the people looking over the rails on the second floor. Of course the crowd gave the band what amounted to a standing ovation (everybody was already standing) when the song ended, and Big Steve announced to the crowd that Fair To Even Odds would be his Inauguration song.
Roger and the band finished the night on a high note – I forgot the song (someone help me here) – again bringing the crowd to its feet. The song was highlighted by a local – Seth I think - who sat in with the band on saxophone and getting a solo. The crowd called for an encore, which happened after management approved a delay in the 11 p.m. curfew.
The band then broke into I Ain’t Ever Satisfied; those who stayed to the end were treated with another rock and roll ride into heaven. Roger let the local saxophone player get in his licks, and the smile on his face at the end of the concert could be seen in Ashland.
The band has matured since GE’s departure (although he left on friendly terms, Roger said other management positions were let go), and gotten tighter. I knew Barry could pick up the slack, but he also appears to breaking new ground in his solos.
Hell Roger even admitted to Blue Moon he made a mistake - the first time in 30 years she said. The times, they are a changing.
