80′s
New acts added to TVCR’s 2013 Summer Concert Series
In a press release today Thunder Valley Casino Resort announced several new acts for their upcoming Summer Concert Series for 2013 and it appears this is going to be a great series.
Thunder Valley will welcome back several popular artists like Huey Lewis and the News, Peter Frampton and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
This Summer Concert Series will include the ‘Under the Sun’ tour featuring Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray, Gin Blossoms, Vertical Horizon & Fastball. Look for tickets for this show to sell out early.
This year joining the legendary Peter Frampton in his ‘Guitar Circus’ tour will be the equally legendary B.B. King. Another show you won’t want to miss.
“We are thrilled to add these big name entertainers to our fourth annual Summer Concert Series lineup,” said Dawn Clayton, Acting General Manager of Thunder Valley Casino Resort. “Our outdoor amphitheater is second to none in the region and as always, we will have a very well-rounded series of big name entertainers.”
Check back here for the latest updates!
| Frankie Vallie and The Four Season | Saturday, June 1 | |
| Pat Benatar w/Neil Geraldo and Cheap Trick | Friday, June 7 | |
| Super Summer Soul Jam click for full line up | Saturday, June 8 | |
| Doobie Brothers | Friday, June 14 | |
| Jeff Dunham | Friday, June 21 | |
| Lynyrd Skynrd | Saturday, June 22 | |
| Under the Sun w/Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray and more | Friday, July 12 | |
| Huey Lewis & the News | Saturday, July 13 | |
| Larry Hernandez | Saturday, July 20 | |
| Chicago | Saturday, Aug 3 | |
| Gladys Knight and The O’Jays | Friday, Aug 9 | |
| Bill Engvall | Saturday, Aug 10 | |
| Chris Isaak | Friday, Aug 16 | |
| Frampton’s Guitar Circus w/ B.B. King | Friday, Aug 30 | |
| Beach Boys | Friday, Sept 6 | |
| Heart | Saturday, Sept 22 | |
| Bad Company | Friday, Sept 27 |
Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 15 for Thunder Club Members at the casino. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, March 16 and can be purchased online at http://thundervalleyresort.com/entertainment or at the Thunder Valley Ticket Sales Office between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
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.
Adam Ant releases new album after 18 years
Adam Ant is the Blueback Hussar in Marrying the Gunner’s Daughter
Today Adam Ant released his first new album in 18 years. The 17 song album, “Adam Ant is the Blueback Hussar in Marrying the Gunner’s Daughter,” is semi-autobiographical, according to Ant, with a few songs dealing with his mental illness.
The 58-year-old made dressing like a pirate sexy back in the ‘80s, and brought us a string of hits like, “Stand and Deliver,” “Prince Charming” and “Goody Two Shoes.”
Adam Ant by Andy Gotts
In an interview with Reuters Ant says he has no television and loves to read, particularly historical books. He sports a number of tattoos with one on his left arm of Admiral Lord Nelson’s inspirational last prayer before the infamous battle of Trafalgar, and below that an image of his grandfather who served in the navy during World War One.
Another tattoo on his right arm is an Oscar Wilde quote: “Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes.” Telling Reuters Adam said, “I can certainly say I have had that experience.”
After dropping out of the music world in 1995 battling exhaustion and mental illness, Ant spent most of that time raising his daughter while being treated for bipolar disorder. He finally emerged in 2010 performing concerts around London and beyond.
Adam Ant, Blueblack Hussar, pc, Courtesy of Adam Ant
Ant, still sporting his signature eye liner, goatee beard, and bandana over his greying ponytail, says he missed music during his years out of the industry and started writing songs about three years ago. Telling Reuters, “It felt like the right time. I had missed it a great deal … It is almost a blessing to work in rock ‘n roll and play live.”
Reviews have been mixed with The Independent saying, “It’s sprawling, overdue and not for everyone, but at least it’s not a play-it-safe comeback.” One reviewer at The Guardian gave it only two stars saying, “one has to question the wisdom of a 58-year-old man singing: ‘Punky young girl needs a middle-aged man whose midlife crisis you began’.”
Ant is planning a tour in the UK and a return to the United States. He’s also working on his autobiography, “Stand and Deliver” and planning a fashion line.
V101’s Big Valentines Jam
Club Nouveau
Photo by: Randy Miramontez
Thunder Valley Casino Resort did it again Friday night as they packed them in for V101’s Big Valentine’s Day Jam with a stellar lineup including Sacramento’s own Club Nouveau, Zapp, and The Bar-Kay’s.
Thunder Valley Casino’s Pano Hall was at capacity as droves of fans crowded in to see their favorite bands from the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Starting off the show was Club Nouveau performing a number of their hits including “Situation #9,” “Jealousy,” and their No. 1 hit “Lean on Me.” The crowd met them with wild applause as fans were jumping to their feet.
The Zapp Band
Photo by: Randy Miramontez
A couple of their songs fell flat for me, but the audience didn’t seem to mind since the majority of the room remained on their feet for most of their performance. Closing with “Lean on Me,” the instrumentals were lacking with the piano getting lost in the mix of things. Founding members Jay King and Vallerie Watson were joined by original member Samuelle Prater.
The logistics for this show were difficult at best with Zapp and The Bar-Kay’s bringing in a large number of instruments with everything from drums and keyboards to Zapp’s Peter Frampton style Talkbox. This may have contributed to the less than stellar performance by Club Nouveau.
The Zapp Band
Photo by: Randy Miramontez
Zapp followed Club Nouveau with many of their hits which included “More Bounce to the Ounce,” “Dance Floor” and “Computer Love,” just to name a few. Founding members and brothers Lester Troutman, Terry “Zapp” Troutman and Vontel Troutman were joined by Gregory Jackson and Thomas Troutman.
What can I say about the Zapp band other than they simply killed it. Great colorful props, bright clothes, bright lights, and wonderful sounds, this group of guys had the crowd on their feet during their entire set.
As Zapp finished their set a large number of people headed for the doors. While some came back in for headliner The Bar-Kay’s many didn’t. Apparently a small portion of the fans were there to see Zapp.
The Bar-Kays
Photo: Randy Miramontez
As The Bar-Kay’s took the stage the crowd was re-energized and back on their feet. The crowd seemed more subdued for The Bar-Kay’s than for Zapp, but that evaporated mid-way through their set.
Onstage was Larry Dodson (lead singer), James Alexander (bass), Tony Gentry (guitar), Ezra Williams (keyboards), Carlos Sargent (drums), Mark Bynum (keyboards), Darrel Stanley (background vocals), Archie Love (background vocals) and Mike Anderson (guitar).
The Bar-Kays
Bringing on the funk, The Bark-Kay’s performed many of their hits including “Soul Finger,” “Let’s Have Some Fun” and “Hit and Run.”
While The Bar-Kay’s had a stellar performance, at the end of the day Zapp stole the show and clearly should have had top billing.
For a complete listing of upcoming shows visit Thunder Valley Casino Resort.
Thunder Valley announces Summer Concert Series
Thunder Valley Casino announces 2013 Summer Concert Series
C.J. Graham General Manager
Photo: Randy Miramontez
General Manager of Thunder Valley Casino Resort, C.J. Graham, announced at a recent press conference the first acts of its much anticipated Summer Concert Series.
“We are thrilled to announce the first round of acts for our fourth annual summer concert series at Thunder Valley,” said Graham, “Our outdoor amphitheater is second to none in the region and as always, we will have a very well-rounded series of big name entertainers.”
Graham added that the amphitheater will be expanded to include 4,800 seats, taking two months to build. He also confirmed that their wildly popular H20 pool party on Sundays will be back and better than ever.
The Doobie Brothers
Photo: Randy Miramontez
Click for more images
UPDATED February 21, 2013 – in bold
The first acts announced are:
| Frankie Vallie and The Four Season | Saturday, June 1 | |
| Pat Benatar w/Neil Geraldo and Cheap Trick | Friday, June 7 | |
| Super Summer Soul Jam click for full line up | Saturday, June 8 | |
| Doobie Brothers | Friday, June 14 | |
| Jeff Dunham | Friday, June 21 | |
| Chicago | Saturday, August 3 | |
| Bill Engvall | Saturday, August 10 |
Thunder Valley Club Members will have the exclusive chance to purchase tickets on-site at Thunder Valley on Feb. 8. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Saturday, Feb. 9.
This year Thunder Valley is introducing a “comprehensive” season pass, with Friday, or Saturday night concert passes, these will be available for purchase on Feb. 8.
You can visit Thunder Valley Casino’s website for a complete list of upcoming shows.
We will continually update this page, so check back for future shows coming to Thunder Valley this summer.
Ohio Players frontman Sugarfoot dead at 70
Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner – Click for more images
I am extremely sad to report that Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner, the colorful and flamboyant lead singer for the Ohio Players, died yesterday at the age of 70.
UPDATE: In an official family statement released by Scott Hanover the family said, “Yesterday, Leroy ‘Sugarfoot’ Bonner passed away quietly in his hometown of Trotwood-Dayton, OH. While his family, friends, colleagues, and fans mourn his passing they celebrate fondly his memory, music, and legacy.”
The statement continued, “Humble yet charismatic, soft spoken and of few words, the weight of his thoughts, lyrics, and music has influenced countless other artists, songs, and trends. He will be missed but not forgotten as his legacy and music lives on. More details and an official historical perspective of his career will soon be forthcoming.
His Facebook page is available to all to post comments, reflections, and testimonials of this wonderful and gifted man: https://www.facebook.com/sugarfootsohioplayers.”
The Ohio Players were originally formed in Dayton, Ohio in 1959, and were known as the Ohio Untouchables. After a brief breakup the band regrouped in 1963 adding Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner on lead guitar and eventually he went on to front the band.
The band’s first big hit single was “Funky Worm”, reaching #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and made the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the spring of 1973, selling over one million copies.
The band had seven Top 40 hits between 1973 and 1976 including, “Fire,” “Love Rollercoaster” and “Who’d She Coo?”
Recently the master of funk brought the Ohio Players to Thunder Valley Casino Resort (read review). Sugarfoot was helped onstage and appeared frail. However, backstage he was jovial and very friendly to the staff and fans as they lined up to meet the ‘70s icon.
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
Air Supply in demand at Thunder Valley
Graham Russell (L) and Russell Hitchcock
Crap it happened again.
Last year Air Supply stormed into Thunder Valley Casino Resort playing all their hits from the ‘70s and 80’s, pretty much nothing but love songs, and I liked it. It was after that show, back in December of last year, that I started questioning my maleness. Was it time to turn in my man-card?
To prove to myself that I wasn’t playing for the other team, I decided to take in a Chippendales show (review) followed by a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight (review). That didn’t go so well. You can read those reviews and decide for yourself, but in my mind, I think I failed – not that that’s a bad thing, at least that’s what my wife keeps telling me.
Russell Hitchcock and Jonni Lightfoot – Click for more images
Well I got a do over as Air Supply came back to Thunder Valley Casino on Sunday night playing to another sold out crowd.
It all started out quietly enough as founding members Russell Hitchcock (lead vocals) and Graham Russell (guitar/vocals) took the stage with fellow band members Jonni Lightfoot (bass/vocals), Aaron McLain (guitar/vocals), Aviv Cohen (drums), and filling in for Amir Efrat on keyboards Davy Nathan.
Hitchcock wading through the crowd – Click for more images
They kicked of the night with “Even the Nights are Better” and “Just as I Am,” as their fans greeted them with deafening applause, mixed with the occasional scream.
Midway through the show, Russell went unplugged with “Me and The River,” as Nathan accompanied him on keys. All the other band members, including Hitchcock left the stage.
As Russell finished “Me and The River” he was handed another guitar for his next song, only it wasn’t working. As Nathan, the guitar guy, not to be confused with Nathan the keyboard guy, worked on the problem, Hitchcock came back out on stage and told a joke about an elephant and something about a stocking over his head. It was quite funny, but you had to be there.
Taking a bow
Once Russell had his guitar functioning again, Hitchcock appeared stage left, walking straight into a sea of fans. He was handing out hugs and kisses to a number of fans, as he sang “The One That You Love,” with Russell wading into the crowd as well.
That’s when everything changed.
As the crowd was worked into a frenzy Hitchcock and Russell made their way back onstage to play “Lost in Love” and “Making Love Out of Nothing at All,” with the crowd still going wild.
Pandemonium broke out as the band left the stage, with the crowd on their feet clapping and screaming for more. After the requisite wait, the crew jumped back onstage to finish with “Goodbye” and “All Out of Love.”
By the time Air Supply finished their 90 minute set I was passing out hugs and telling everyone I loved them, like there was no tomorrow – Obviously the Mayans were wrong. It was then I realized I’d failed again.
Goodbye man-card.
These guys are pure entertainers and make for a great night out.
Set-list:
Even the Nights are Better
Just as I Am
Every Woman in the World
Sweet Dreams
Here I Am
Chances
Dance with Me
Power of Love
Me and the River
The One That You Love
Lost in Love
Making Love Out of Nothing at All
Goodbye
All Out of Love
Thunder Valley gets Naughty
Kool Moe Dee – Click for more images
Thunder Valley Casino Resort along with World One Presents, Maita Honda, and local radio station V101.1, brought Naughty by Nature, the Sugar Hill Gang, and Kool Moe Dee to Thunder Valley’s Pano Hall for a hip hopping Halloween Friday night. Emcee for the night was V101′s Big Al.
A number of fans dressed up for what turned out to be an awesome show as Bay Area artists Rory and Reed opened the show with a brief 10 minute set.
The crowd went crazy when Kool Moe Dee took the stage. Moe Dee brought along Special K and L.A. Sunshine as they sang hits like “They Want Money,” “Rise & Shine,” and of course “Wild, Wild, West.”
Sugar Hill Gang – Click for more images
By the time Sugar Hill Gang took the stage the crowd was in full party mode with most fans gathering around the catwalk and dance floors.
Sugar Hill Gang consisted of original band members Wonder Mike, Master Gee, and Big Bank Hank. Keeping the audience completely engaged with their past hits “Apache,” “Eighth Wonder,” and “Rapper Reprise,” they seemed to just be hitting their stride when they finished their set.
Naughty by Nature – Click for more images
As Naughty by Nature stormed the stage the crowd went wild as they all started bouncing up and down to the beat of the music. Original band members Treach, Vin Rock, and DJ Kay Gee, put on a great performance as they played “Everything’s Gonna be All Right,“ “O.P.P.,” and “Hip Hop Hooray.”
Checkout Thunder Valley Casino’s upcoming winter concert schedule!
Outlaws Take Over Thunder Valley
The Outlaws
Southern rock band The Outlaws performed in Thunder Valley Casino Resort’sPano Hall on Friday.
The Outlaws formed in 1967 and have been playing off and on since that time.
Founding members Henry Paul (lead singer/guitar) and Monte Yoho (drums), were joined by Chris Anderson (guitar), Randy Threet (bass), Dave Robbins (keyboards), and Bill Crain (guitar).
Kicking off their set with “Tomorrow’s Another Night” and “Love Song” it was evident that most of the audience was made up of diehard fans as they started singing along with the band.
They played quite a few new songs from their latest album It’s About Pride.From my past experience when older bands start playing their newer “stuff”, they tend to lose the audience, but that was not the case. Their fans remained engaged throughout their set with most of them on their feet.
The Outlaws
There was a problem with Crain’s amp when halfway through “Love Song” his guitar shutdown. After several frantic minutes of changing out the amp, he was able to resume once they started “Hurry Sundown”, one of their newer songs.
Checkout Thunder Valley Casino’s upcoming winter concert schedule!
Setlist:
Tomorrow’s Another Night
Love Song
Hurry Sundown
Hidin’ Out in Tennessee (new)
Freeborn Man
Born to Be Bad (new)
Grey Ghost
Main Street
Gunsmoke
Last Ghost Town (new)
Right Where I Belong (new)
Waterhole
Knoxville Girl
It’s bout Pride (new)
Trail of Tears (new)
Green Grass
Encore
Ghost Riders
