Photos and Review by Rebecca Clark
The concert at CMAC on August 9th was a masterful fusion of classic rock, country, and nostalgia, with each band delivering astonishing performances that left the audience craving more.
The evening kicked off with the Robbie Davis Band, who made a strong impression during their debut at a major venue like CMAC. Despite it being their first big show, they sounded like seasoned veterans of amphitheater stages. Their Southern rock and country vibe hit home, especially for those who favor the timeless, classic country sound over today’s trends.
Their set included standout tracks like “Sell It,” “The Mexico Song,” and “Free Rider,” showcasing their big, full-band sound. They wrapped up their set with a crowd-pleasing cover of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison,” setting a great tone for the night.
Next up was John Ford Coley, who took the stage with just a keyboard and a guitar. Known for his time in the musical duo England Dan & John Ford Coley, he brought a charming mix of humor and nostalgia to the evening. His solo renditions of hits like “Gone Too Far,” “It’s Sad to Belong,” and “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight” were met with enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. Despite the minimalist setup, Coley’s stage presence was captivating, and his witty banter kept the audience laughing throughout his set.
Firefall followed, bringing the crowd back to the classic rock sounds of the 70s. Lead vocalist Steven Weinmeister’s warm interaction with the audience added an intimate feel to the show, while founding member Jock Bartley’s passionate guitar playing and heartfelt vocals were a highlight. John Bisaha on bass was engaging and visibly enjoying himself, while drummer Sandy Ficca kept the energy up with his tight drumming.
The band’s set included hits like “You Are The Woman,” dedicated to Upstate New York, “Livin’ Ain’t Livin’,” “Just Remember I Love You,” and they closed with a rousing rendition of “Mexico.” Jim Waddell’s flute solo was a particular crowd favorite, earning a standing ovation.
Headlining the night was Little River Band, who kicked off their set with “Long Way There,” immediately getting CMAC rocking. The addition of a mini orchestra added depth to their live performance. Lead vocalist and bassist Wayne Nelson served as a charming tour guide for the evening, mixing humor with heartfelt thanks to the crowd for their support over the years. He even joked about job security when he saw how many first-timers were in the audience.
The band played a mix of hits and newer tracks, including their brand-new single “Window to the World” and “First Time,” a standout track with a modern Southern rock/country vibe that tugged at the heartstrings.
Guitarist Colin Whinnery also shone, particularly during “The Night Owls,” where he played a custom guitar that matched the mini versions being sold at the merchandise booth.
As their set neared its end, the band invited all the women in the audience to the front of the stage for their song “Lady,” sparking a lively and interactive moment. The sight of so many enthusiastic fans dancing and singing along was truly remarkable, adding an extra layer of joy to the show.
They closed their set with a spirited performance of “Lonesome Loser,” featuring keyboardist Chris Marion stepping out from behind his keyboard to play a keytar. It was a treat to see Marion take center stage, adding an extra burst of energy to the finale.
After the show, the band stayed on stage to sign autographs, showing just how much they appreciate their fans. The entire evening was a testament to the enduring power of live music, with each band bringing their unique style and energy to the stage.
Little River Band Photo Gallery
Firefall Photo Galley
John Ford Coley Photo Gallery
Robbie Davis Band Photo Gallery
