Went to a concert tonight...

[Ken aka Oil Burner]

and was pleasantly surprised. 

I find myself usually seeing bands in smaller venues lately. Not that I go to a lot, mind you. I'm married, and have an 8 year old son. Time and money are two things I don't have much of these days. The last concert I went to was Blackberry Smoke at the House of Blues in Boston a couple months ago. BTW, I highly recommend you check them out if you are unfamiliar.

Well, today was my birthday, and the wife had purchased tickets as a gift. They were for Lynyrd Skynyrd, along with 38 Special and Marshall Tucker. I hate to say it, but I wasn't expecting much. I've seen Lynyrd Skynyrd a handful of times. The last time I saw them, Billy Powell was still alive and playing keys. After he passed, I sort of told myself I wasn't going again. Actually, that last show I saw wasn't too great, either. Low energy and lots of sloppy playing.

Well, tonight, they blew me away. High energy show, and seriously tight playing. Heavy, intense drumming almost seemed to drive the rest of the band harder. Truly, a fine show. They're calling it their farewell tour, so we'll see. I've been to many bands "last tour", only to see them again at a later date. If you'd asked me before the show, I'd have said they're probably tired and ready to retire, but now I'm not too sure. They had more energy tonight than I've seen out of them in years.

Don Barnes may be the only original member of 38 Special, but they were awesome as well. Played a well-rounded mix of the radio favorites and the songs that only us long-term fans know. And they played them well.

Not unlike 38 Special, I think Doug Gray is the only one left of the original Marshall Tucker band, but their set was pretty damn good, too.

A fine show, and I'm really pleased that I went. There are worse ways to have spent a birthday, that's for sure. If you get the chance, you might not get it again.

[The emperor has no clothes]

3 excellent bands 

[Rams]

Hell, I'm just happy to see another birthday roll around.

Sounds like you got icing with the cake.   Only one way to make it any better.........

Congrats and hoping you have many more!   

Rams

[shape]

Friends of mine saw that tour last week in The Rochester NY area, Charlie Daniels was also there. Have had many a drink-a-thons listening to those bands in the 70’s. I saw Kenny Wayne Shepard a couple days ago in Buffalo, Excellent Show! Highly recommended if you like stevie ray vaughan type music.
     Shape

[gordonv]

Our annual amusement park hosts nightly concerts during it's opening of the PNE (Pacfic National Expedition) for the price of admission (and expensive parking).

https://www.pne.ca/summer-night-concerts/

Last years 2017.
The PNE unveils its 2017 Summer Concert Series lineup

    Saturday, August 19 – Mother Mother.
    Sunday, August 20 – Billy Currington.
    Tuesday, August 22 – The Pointer Sisters.
    Wednesday, August 23 – High Valley.
    Thursday, August 24 – ZZ Top.
    Friday, August 25 – Chicago.
    Saturday, August 26 – Colin James.
    Sunday, August 27 – Huey Lewis and The News.

[shortleg]

   Wife and I just saw Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers.
It was a little like the old days.
   Both bands were very tight and am glad to say they were great.