I just got back from my little trip to see Mr. Stills play at this biker fest -- 10,000
Harley guys!
I couldnt find out what time the darn thing started, but we figured we'd get there about 3 on Sunday, having stayed at Avila Beach the nite before (about 120 mi. up the coast) to catch some rays. Well, we get to the parking lot, and this guy tells me that the concert is over, that Stills had played around 1 PM. I just about lost it, but my friend Suzanne calmed
me down, and we figured we would check out the booths selling biker paraphernalia and
tattoos. Imagine my joy as I park the car next to about 7000 bikes, and hear the familiar strains of "Love the One You're With."
The guy had been messing with my head! So we got over to the show area, moseyed our
way through the bikers, who, by the way, were VERY nice, courteous, funny, flirtatious,
all good things, and made it to the front of the stage.
Here's my take on the show. I think Stephen overall is in very good form. He looks great.
He was wearing green shorts, tan loafers, and a shirt with palms on it, yellow background and green and pink palm trees. And by the way, if any of the ladies on the board are interested, Stills has GREAT TOES!
He had the band with him -- Gerald was there, wiggling his butt, but no sequined cap this time. He had on this great t shirt -- a picture of Ann Margaret, from the movie, Kitten With a Whip! I think that was an early movie of hers. Gerald is great! He seemed really happy to be there. Finns was there, Vitale on drums, and Doug Hamlin on guitar. I dont think I've seen Hamlin before -- he is a very good guitar player.
The audience was very psyched for this show, and very appreciative. Stills said they hadnt seen each other for three months, but you wouldnt know it. They played a very tight set.
I had a great time.
Here is the set list. He played for about an hour and a half.
Love the One You're With
Marrakech Express
Change Partners
49 Bye Byes
No Tears Left
Southern Cross
Treetop Flier
Just Want to Get Next to You (Finnegan sang this Temptations' song)
Long Time Gone (No comment!)
Dark Star
For What It's Worth
Woodstock
Carry On
I got to meet Hamlin and Finnegan and told him that before I got to old to enjoy going to concerts, I'd like to see him sing "Barrel of Pain" live.
That's it. Just found out today that Venice is playing in Berkeley on the 24th. I'm there.
Who else can go?
Joyce
Stephen Stills played the local gambling house here last night,
to a sold out house. A great 95 minute show, that included 3 songs with
Finnigan on lead vocal. I believe that that the slide guitarist was Doug
Haywood ????, and he was very good.. The high point in the show was a
blistering version of Mr. Soul !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Had a chance to talk to Gerald Johnson,
who confirmed that CSN will be out on the road this Fall. We did get to the
show early enough to sit front row center. My ears are still ringing. A great
show-------------------------------------------Dick
Well, I am back from Chicago and my ears are still ringing!
It was a GREAT night!!!!
This is the first time that I have seen Stephen minus C/N since the early 70's. I have always loved Stephen's talent as a singer/songwriter and his guitar playing ability. Last night validated my feelings even more. He played nearly a 2 hour set in front of a packed House of Blues.
Stephen came out on stage with lotsa smiles and high energy...he looked like he was truly happy to be there. He started out by saying hi to the groups up in the "Box Seats" and then looked at us down on the dance floor and said "And you all in the cheap seats -- you and I are what is going to make this show." He then proceeded to play what seemed to be a 10 minute "Love the One You're With"... The crowd went crazy and was very interactive
throughout the whole show!
Joe Vitale and Mike Finnegan were fine!!! Yea!!! Mike contributed three very fine bluesy tunes to the list - Bad Sign, Can't Get Next To You, and Death Letter (?). And Gerald Johnson... LOL!!! He was being himself.
Highlights of the night for me were 49 Bye Byes, Southern Cross, FWIW, and Tree Top Flyer. Disappointments were: no Change Partners and nothing from Manassas... And I really didn't care much for the new song.
Stephen wore light blue jeans, a yellow shirt with pink, green, and blue palm trees and houses, and black loafers -- and he also had a great smile!!!
Last night was a total treat!!! Thanks Stephen!!!
Be "Stills" my heart!!!
Smiles, Wanda