60′s
Medley’s get righteous at Thunder Valley Casino
Bill Medley – Click for more images
Photo: Randy Miramontez
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and legendary Righteous Brother Bill Medley along with daughter McKenna Medley, performed at Thunder Valley Casino Resort on Saturday.
Bill was backed by the very talented 3 Bottle Band, who has been playing together with Medley for over 35 years. Band members were Gabe Rabben (drums), Jamie Browning (bass/vocals), Tim Lee (keyboards), and Larry Hanson (lead guitar).
This year marks the 51st anniversary of the Righteous Brothers. The second half of the duo, Bobby Hatfield, died of a heart attack back in 2003; Medley now tours with the 3 Bottle Band and his daughter Mckenna.
McKenna Medley – Click for more images
Photo: Randy Miramontez
Kicking off the show was a video showing Medley as he made appearances in various shows throughout his career, including the David Letterman Show and the hit TV series, Cheers. As the video ended, Medley started to sing “A Song for You” while he was still offstage. After about a minute he started to make his way to the stage, providing for a nice dramatic entrance.
The audience was mesmerized with Medley from the start as he continued with “Show Me” and “Soul and Inspiration.” In between songs he would talk about life and joke with the crowd.
Jamie Browning
Photo: Randy Miramontez
The 72 year old Medley’s voice was rough at times, but had a nice coarse sound to it. He even made fun of himself after singing “Unchained Melody,” saying he knew everyone was waiting to see if he could hit the high note, but didn’t. He did follow the joke with a quick high note, which sounded great.
For his hit song, “Time of My Life,” from the movie Dirty Dancing, Medley brought out Mckenna to perform Jennifer Warnes’ part. McKenna did an awesome job and has a very melodic voice with a bit of a country/blues flavor.
Tim Lee (R) and Larry Hanson
Photo: Randy Miramontez
McKenna went on to perform solo, singing “Silk Flowers” and “Give Me One Reason.”
After McKenna completed her set, Medley sat down at the keyboards and called on band member Jamie Browning to sing a few songs with him and McKenna. This is where Medley shined, providing the audience a glimpse of what it’s like to jam with one of the best.
Gabe Rabben
Photo: Randy Miramontez
Mckenna has just recently started a blog called “A Righteous Fit,” chronicling her daily struggles and successes to keep fit. McKenna says, “Staying in shape is a constant struggle for me. I’m not here because I have all the answers, even though I may have a few tricks- especially when it comes to traveling,” she goes on to say, “But I just want to inspire good health, and have a place to be accountable for my own health.” It was fun following her posts on her trip to Thunder Valley.
Tower of Power amps up New Year’s
Tower of Power – Click for more images
Tower of Power electrified a sold out crowd at Thunder Valley Casino Resort’s New Year’s celebration on Monday night, concluding the casino’s four day countdown to the New Year.
The band started around 10:30 p.m. and the crowd immediately responded by clapping and jumping to their feet, with a number of couples spilling into the aisles to dance.
The San Francisco Bay Area based band got their start in the late 60’s when founding members Emilio Castillo (tenor sax/vocals) and Stephen “Doc” Kupka got together. Joining the two founding members onstage were long standing members Francis “Rocco” Prestia (bass) and Dave Geribaldi (drums), along with Larry Braggs (lead vocals), Roger Smith (keyboards/vocals), Tom E. Politzer (lead tenor sax), Adolfo Acosta, (trumpet/flugelhorn), Jerry Cortez (guitar/vocals), and Sal Cracchiolo (trumpet).
Stephen Kupka – Click for more images
Starting their set with “I Like Your Style” and “Ain’t Nothing Stopping Us Now,” the horn section is obviously the cornerstone of Tower of Power’s musical style, as Castillo, Doc, and Rocco started flexing their horns causing the audience to cheer even louder.
When TOP, as their fans refer to them, started playing their slower songs like “Just When We Start Making it” and “Me and Mrs. Jones,” droves of fans left their seats and headed to the aisles to slow dance.
As the New Year arrived, the band struck up “Auld Lang Syne,” as everyone donned their hats and noise makers (compliments of Thunder Valley), as hundreds of balloons started tumbling to the floor.
It was quite a sight to see, and hear, as some people popped balloons, while others were hitting them back up into the air.
Balloon drop – Click for more images
Once things settled down, Tower of Power continued with “Young Man” and “Soul With a
Capital S,” leaving many of their fans wanting more.
Those with any energy left headed to the casino for their 1:30 a.m. drawing, where someone won a share of $25,000, including the grand prize of $10,000.
Tower of Power still has a lot of energy left after all these years. Couple the two founding members with the younger members of the band and they still have a recipe for success.
Set-list:
I Like Your Style
Ain’t Nothing Stopping Us Now
Having Fun
Oil in the Ground
Can’t You See
Come Back Baby
Funkafize
Just When We Start Making it
Maybe It’ll Rub Off
So I Got to Groove
Me and Mrs. Jones
Jame Brown Medley of songs
Hard to Go
Souled Out
Auld Lang Syne
What is Hip
Young Man
Soul With a Capital S
The King of the Accordion
The King of the Accordion – Click for more images
Yes!! There is a king of the accordion and his name is Ramon Ayala.
Ayala, a four-time Grammy winner packed Thunder Valley Casino Resort’s summer amphitheater for the second year in a row on Friday night.
The 66 year old Ayala is a legend of norteño music and is one of the most recognized and best-selling artists of the genre.
Ayala played to norteño and tejano fans from both sides of the border, with fans singing along to every song. While I have no idea what the hell he was singing, I found it thoroughly entertaining as he worked his magic on the mostly older crowd.
Ayala arrived on stage with his trademark green, white and red accordion. The crowd erupted in cheers and several individuals made their way up to the stage to pay tribute to the man.
Ramon Ayala – Click for more images
Now as anyone who knows me will tell you, I am NOT a fan of the accordion, but I have to say when Ayala is playing its pretty spectacular to listen to.
Ayala was joined on stage by his band, known as Bravos del Norte. Band members were Mario Marichalar (bajo sexton and vocals), Fidencio Ayala (bass), Jose Luis Ayala (drums and vocals), David Laure (percussion) and Raul Rosales (emcee and percussion).
Lorenzo and Ayala
Ayala played a number of his hits including “Mi Piquito de Oro,” a Latin version of “Cotton Fields,” and “Un Puno de Tierra,” which had the entire audience on their feet.
Since I didn’t understand what was being said it was interesting watching the crowd’s reaction to, not only the music, but the dialog as emcee Rosales shouted out to the crowd. Apparently they were taking requests from audience members.
Midway through the performance Thunder Valley Casino gave away an autographed accordion signed the legendary performer. Audience member Lorenzo won the accordion and he was able to go onstage to collect his prize and meet the man himself.
Smokey Robinson
Smokey Robinson – Click for more images
Over 4,500 fans braved the 100 plus temperatures to see the legendary Smokey Robinson at Thunder Valley Casino Resort‘s outdoor amphitheater Saturday night ““ you could say it was a smoking show due to the heat, but that would be a lame joke.
Despite the heat, the 72 year old Motown legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee arrived on stage decked out in a white suit and tie, as the audience jumped to their feet welcoming Robinson to Thunder Valley Casino.
Robinson, known for his high tenor voice, has accumulated more than 4,000 songs to his credit, so his set-list for the evening was anyone’s guess.
Smokey Robinson
He kicked it off with “Going to a Go Go” and “Second that Emotion,” both hits made famous by the Miracles in the mid-sixties, with Robinson as lead singer.
The audience was in full participation mode as fans sang along with songs like “You Really Got a Hold on Me,” “Ooh Baby Baby,” “Tears of a Clown,” and “Tracks of My Tears.”
After hearing the audiences response as he finished singing “Ooh Baby Baby,” he said he probably should have started the show with that one.
Gratuitous dancing hotty
Throwing a bit of local humor into the show Robinson said he really appreciated everyone taking the time to come out and see him, especially in a town like Lincoln, where there’s so much to do on a Saturday.
Robinson talked about a show called the Motown Review, where you could see the likes of The Temptations, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and others, all for a $1.60. This lead into a medley of Temptation hits.
At one point he brought audience members Lisa and Porsche onto the stage and assigned sections of the audience to each one. The goal ““ Cheer their section on to be the loudest. I believe Porsche’s group was the clear winner, but I’m sure Lisa would have something to say about that.
Robinson is a true entertainer and after over 50 years of performing he still knows how to put on a great show and keep the audience entertained. It was a smoking good show ““ I just had to.
Checkout the remaining outdoor concerts at Thunder Valley Casino. Next weekend is ZZ Top and Diana Krall.
Bad Moon Rising Over Thunder Valley Casino
Creedence Clearwater Revisited - Click for more imags
With the recent annular eclipse of the sun, the lunar eclipse of the moon, and mercury working its way into yet another retrograde (just to mess things up), it’s only fitting that Creedence Clearwater Revisited (CCR) performed their hit song “Bad Moon Rising,” at Thunder Valley Casino Resort on Saturday night.
Local radio personality Kat Maudru, with FM 96.9 the Eagle, introduced the band after she went through the long list of concerts coming to Thunder Valley (see below).
Kat Madru with 96.9 the Eagle
Storming the stage armed with their instruments and a long list of hits, CCR kicked the evening off with “Born on the Bayou” and “Green River,” as 4,500 screaming fans joined in.
Leading into their third song, original member, Stu Cook gave a shout out to Lodi, letting everyone know the town was still special to them after all these years. Then they started playing ““ you guessed it – “Lodi.”
In between songs Cook introduced the band members, singling out original band member, 67 year old, Doug “‘Cosmo’ Clifford, who he’s been performing with for 50 years. Cosmo jumped up behind his drum set and ran around the stage, looking like quite the athlete, as he made his way center stage with Cook.
Cosmo - Click for more images
Cosmo talked about how they met back in El Cerrito High 54 years ago. As he was wrapping up he added;
“There are billions of dreams to choose from, so if you’re a dreamer you know what I mean. If you’re not it’d be a good idea to start looking because dreams are about hope and hope is a good thing to have.”
Amen.
As the band continued playing hits like “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” and “Midnight Special,” I could hear audience members all around singing the lyrics. It didn’t matter where they were ““ standing in line for drinks, dancing in the aisle, even in the bathrooms (yes that was me).
The Original group, Creedence Clearwater Revival, had their hay day during the late 60′s and early 70′s with original band members John Fogerty (lead singer/guitar), Tom Fogerty (rhythm guitar), Stu Cook (bass), and Doug “‘Cosmo’ Clifford (drums). The band broke up in 1972 with each of the band members going their separate ways. In 1990 Tom Fogerty passed away.
Stu Cook - Click for more images
Surviving band members Cook and Cosmo got back together in 1995 to form Creedence Clearwater Revisited with new members Kurt Griffey (lead guitar), Steve “The Capitan” Gunner (guitar/keyboard/harmonica), and John “Bulldog” Tristao (lead singer). CCR now plays up to 100 concerts a year.
I have to admit I was reluctant to attend a CCR concert due to the lack of John Fogerty and his unique vocals, but the similarities between Tristao and John Fogerty’s voice is enough to give you the goosies – Yes I said goosies. However, it was strange listening to Fogerty’s voice come out of this huge tattooed biker dude. Regardless, it was simply an amazing show.
John 'Bulldog' Tristao
Griffey spent the majority of his time center stage pounding out flawless riffs lending to the original sounds of CCR.
If you haven’t been to a concert at Thunder Valley Casino’s Summer Concert Series, you should seriously consider it. They have a new and improved layout with great seating no matter where you sit, bars, and great entertainment on tap ““ and some beer.
Thunder Valley Casino’s Summer Concert lineup:
Super 70″²s Soul Jam Friday, June 8 ““ 7:00 pm
Filipino Entertainment Festival Saturday, June 9 ““ 5:00 pm
Brett Michaels w/Night Ranger and Slaughter Friday, June 15 ““ 7:00 pm
Trace Adkins Friday, June 29 ““ 7:30 pm
Gabriel Iglesias (aka Fluffy) Saturday, June 30 ““ 8:00 pm
Foreigner Friday, July 6 ““ 8:00 pm
Steve Miller Band Friday, July 13 ““ 8:00 pm
Earth Wind and Fire Saturday, July 14 ““ 8:00 pm
Creed Friday, August 3 ““ 7:30
Jeff Dunham (aka Jeff fa fa Dun Ham) Saturday, August 4 ““ 8:00 pm
Smokey Robinson Saturday, August 11 ““ 8:00 pm
ZZ Top Friday, August 17 ““ 8:00 pm
Diana Krall Saturday, Aug. 18 ““ 8:00 pm
REO Speedwagon Saturday August 25 ““ 8:00 pm
Styx Thursday, September 6 ““ 8:00 pm
Ramon Ayala Saturday, September 15 ““ 8:00 pm
Legends of Soul – Playing it Old School
The Dramatics - Played by James Hill, Stan Lockwood, Rodney James, Douglas Stepney, and Chase Ruffin
The Legends of Soul Tribute Show is a group of individuals who impersonate ““ well ““ legends of soul.
This very talented group of guys and gals, put on nothing short of a true Las Vegas style show, with each impersonator in full character during their entire set, and many performers playing multiple characters.
As droves of young and old crowded into Thunder Valley Casino Resort‘s Pano Hall on Saturday, radio personality, and the evenings emcee Nick Harper thanked everyone for coming out to the show, as well as Thunder Valley Casino for providing such a great venue.
The Legends of Soul kicked off their 2+ hour extravaganza with the legendary Sam Cooke played by Elijah Sterling (Get it? Legends of Soul ““ legendary Sam Cooke. I know, it cracked me up too.) Cooke dressed in a powder blue suit with matching hat, sang “Cupid” and “Twist the Night Away,” easily two of Cooke’s greatest hits from the early “’60s.
Marvin Gaye - Played by Chase Ruffin - Click for more images
Following Cooke was Jackie Wilson, played by John Hampton. Wilson was known as Mr. Excitement due to his dynamic dance moves while onstage. Hampton didn’t disappoint as he took the stage by storm, dancing much like Wilson. Singing “You Keep Lifting Me Higher” and “Baby Workout,” Hampton delivered a high energy performance.
Wilson Pickett, played by Dwayne Thompson, delivered a soulful performance of “Mustang Sally,” followed by “In the Midnight Hour,” two of Pickett’s biggest hits.
The Legends of Soul wouldn’t be complete without the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, played by Samantha Richardson. A gentleman, accompanying Franklin on stage, removed a white fur she had draped around her neck and left the stage as she belted out “Chains of Fools” and “Rock Steady.” Franklin finished off her set with an extremely well done rendition of “Respect.”
The O’Jays arrived on stage singing “Love Train” and “Back Stabbers.” The trio was in perfect synchronization their entire set and sounded eerily familiar to the original O’Jays.
The Stylistics and The Dramatics also performed later in the show. Both groups performed flawlessly while they danced in-step with each other, lending to their credible performance.
Needing no introduction due to the silky tone and song choice, Lou Rawls, played by Russell Branch, came out singing “You’ll Never Find Another Love Like Mine,” followed by “Lady Love.” I believe I saw a woman or two faint, he was that good.
Al Green - Played by Lionel Burns - Click for more images
So the show continued with one legend after another. Some audience members were lost in the moment, as I’m sure they were thinking back to those long forgotten memories, or maybe they were just dosing ,as some folks in the crowd were just a tad on the old side.
Other stars that shared the stage were Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Patti Labelle, and Stevie Wonder.
Most notable was John Hampton coming out as Stevie Wonder. Lending to the credible performance was Producer Rudolph Peter’s as he guided Wonder to his keyboard, taking Wonder’s hand and guiding it to the keyboard and microphone to ensure Wonder knew where they were. Complete with the sound of Wonder, Hampton’s performance included all the mannerisms of the legend.
Every performer did an excellent job staying in character and singing just like the real thing. The real standouts of the show, and mostly forgotten in the background, was the band, as they played a wide variety of hits throughout the night.
Stevie Wonder - Played by John Hampton - Click for more images
I wouldn’t be surprised to see this group of talented individuals performing in Las Vegas at some point in the future. They pack in the people, they love what they do, and they do it well.
Complete Cast in order of Appearance:
Master of Ceremony: Nicholas Harper
Sam Cooke: Elijah Sterling
Jackie Wilson ““ John Hampton
Wilson Pickett: Dwayne Thompson
Aretha Franklin: Samantha Richardson. Background Dee Johnson and Dewanna Slaughter
The O’Jays: Charles Boomer, David Lige, and Lionel Burns
Lou Rawls: Russell Branch
Curtis Mayfield: Elijah Sterling
Marvin Gaye: Chase Ruffin
Al Green: Lionel Burns
The Dramatics: James Hill, Stan Lockwood, Rodney James, Douglas Stepney, and Chase Ruffin
Patti Labelle: Dee Johnson ,background – Samantha Richardson, and Dewanna Slaughter
Stevie Wonder: John Hampton
The Stylistics: Ralph Greene (lead vocals), background- Elijah Sterling, Rodney James, and David Lige
Michael Jackson: Thurman Conners
Band: (Lead Guitar) Richard Cravalho, (Drummer) Rich Aguon, (Bass Guitar) Darrel Broadnax, (Keyboard Left) Archie White, (Keyoard Right) Earnest Nation, and (Congo) Glen Austin
Producer: Rudolph Peters
Getting Righteous at Thunder Valley Casino
Bill Medley - Click for more images
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member and legendary Righteous Brother Bill Medley brought a crew of extremely talented individuals to Thunder Valley Casino Resort Friday, including daughter McKenna.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Righteous Brothers. The second half of the duo, Bobby Hatfield, died of a heart attack back in 2003; Medley now tours with 3 Bottle Band and McKenna.
Kicking off the show was a video showing Medley as he made appearances in various shows throughout his career, including the David Letterman Show and the hit TV series, Cheers. As the video ended, Medley started to sing “A Song for You” while he was still offstage. After about a minute he started to make his way to the stage, providing for a nice dramatic entrance.
The 71 year old Medley’s voice has taken a beating over the years. While sounding coarser and a bit rough at times, he was able to make it work. The audience was enthralled with Medley from the start as he continued with “Ready, Willing and Able” and “Soul and Inspiration.” In between songs he would talk about life and joke with the crowd.
For his hit song, “Time of My Life,” from the movie Dirty Dancing, Medley brought out Mckenna to perform Jennifer Warnes’ part. McKenna did an awesome job and has a very melodic voice with a bit of a country/blues flavor.
McKenna went on to perform solo, singing “Silk Flowers” and “Give Me One Reason.”
- McKenna and Bill Medley – Click for more images
When McKenna completed her set, Medley sat down at the keyboards and called on band member Bob Gulley to sing some songs with him and McKenna. This is where Medley shined, providing the audience a glimpse of what it’s like to jam with the best.
3 Bottle Band has been playing together with Medley for over 35 years, and it shows. This is a very talented group of musicians including Gabe Rabben (drums), Bob Gulley (bass), Tim Lee (keyboards), and Larry Hanson (lead guitar). Also a member of the band is America’s Got Talent winner Michael Grimm. However, Grimm was not present at Fridays show.
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British Invasion Causes Riot at Thunder Valley
Herman's Hermit with Peter Noone - Click for more images
Herman’s Hermits with Peter Noone played to a full house of old diehard Herman’s Hermits fans at Thunder Valley Casino Resort’s Pano Hall Sunday night. That’s not to say everyone in the audience was old, just older than most.
The Noonatics, those who carry around vinyl albums and old Herman’s Hermits 8-tracks, may have known what they were in for, but I sure as bloody hell didn’t.
The 64 year old rocker joined the British band as the lead singer (Herman) at the young age of 15. That’s ““ let me see ““ oh forget it, you do the math!
I went to see Herman’s Hermits to relax and enjoy some oldies but goodies, so when Noone took the stage and started singing, “I’m Into Something Good,” I was thinking, “Ahhhh, this is perfect.”
Then the bloody bloke started yapping and from that point on there was no relaxing for anyone. All we could do was laugh at the bugger. He’s completely bollocks!
He explained to everyone that a friend told him that Sacramento, Yuba City and Clarksburg were way out in the country and if he wanted to make us happy he had to play some country music. He started singing Johnny Cash’s, “Ring of Fire,” resulting in the audience laughing throughout the song.
Noone was all over the map, singing songs from Johnny Horton, Tom Jones, Mick Jagger, and of course Herman’s Hermits hits as well.
At one point, one of the noonatics in the front row pulled out an old vinyl album cover from years and years ago. Noone, the mad hatter that he
Peter Noone - Click for more images
is, grabbed the album and stuck it over his face, displaying the old photo of himself. He then started singing and marching across the stage. It was quite comical.
Another rant was about looking like Nick Nolte. He said as he was coming through the casino someone stopped him and asked about the show. They got all excited, screaming as they pointed at him, “Hey! You’re Nick Nolte.”
In between jokes he actually did sing a hit or two. This guy has a great voice and as soon as the band started up any of their past hits, the audience erupted in cheers and clapping.
Those that could still stand did.
Noone sang most of their hits including “Mrs. Brown, You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter,” “I’m Henry the Eighth, I Am” and “There’s a Kind of Hush.”
Prior to the show Noone went out of his way to engage people, shaking their hands and saying hi. You could tell he lives for this stuff and thoroughly enjoys it as much as the fans.
After the show, a path was cleared by the ever so diligent security staff at Thunder Valley to make way for Noone as he made his way to the exit. There he started signing autographs and chatting it up with anyone who would listen. The guy just can’t help himself ““ It’s who he is. After all, what do you expect from the son of an accountant!
Peter Noone is the real deal. Not only does he sing, but he entertains too ““ with a smile. He’s quite the riot.
Ramon Ayala at Thunder Valley Casino
Click for more images
The “King of the Accordion” and four-time Grammy winner Ramon Ayala played to norteño and tejano fans from both sides of the border, with most fans singing along to every song. A mostly older crowd jammed into Thunder Valley Casino and Resort to watch their old favorite perform. There were a few younger fans peppered throughout, enjoying the music just as much as their elders.
Ayala arrived on stage with his trademark green, white and red accordion. The crowd erupted in cheers and several individuals made their way up to the stage to pay tribute to the man.
Ayala was joined on stage by his band, known as Bravos del Norte. Band members were Mario Marichalar (bajo sexton and vocals), Fidencio Ayala (bass), Jose Luis Ayala (drums and vocals), David Laure (percussion) and Raul Rosales (emcee and percussion).
Ayala played a number of his hits including “Mi Piquito de Oro,” a Latin version of “Cotton Fields,” and “Un Puño de Tierra,” which had the entire audience on their feet.
I’m used to seeing Thunder Valley Casino’s outdoor stage packed with instruments, amps and gear of all shapes and sizes, but when I looked at the stage there was a set of drums, congas and some microphones. I thought for sure they hadn’t finished setting up. The band performs with a minimum amount of gear which consists of a set of drums, congas, two accordions, bajo sexto and a bass.
It was fun watching the crowd react to each and every song. You could see couples looking into each other’s eyes. I’m sure some were remembering when they first met, others their first kiss, all to the music they were listening to at the time. Some songs had people swaying in their seats, while others brought them to their feet. It was obvious they knew each and every song.
Ramon Ayala has been singing, composing and playing his accordion for over 45 years. He has recorded over 100 albums and has been featured in thirteen movies. He is considered a legend of norteño music and is one of the most recognized and bestselling artists of the genre.
