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January 13, 2020

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A triple bill of ‘70s Yacht Rock acts graced the stage of the newly renovated Robins Theatre on Saturday night.  Pure Prairie League, Orleans and Firefall brought their soft rock sounds to the nearly sold-out audience.

 

Pure Prairie League kicked off the show with some great country-rock.  The band dedicated “I’ll Change Your Flat Tire, Merle” to who bassist Michael Reilly considers “the best singer in country music,” Merle Haggard.

 

Before the band played “Let Me Love You Tonight,” Reilly quipped, “This next song made us tens of dollars!”  Which brought laughter from the crowd as most knew it was a Top Ten hit for the band.

 

Drummer, Scott Thompson did a fine job taking over the vocals on  “Two Lane Highway.”

 

The fun, nine song set came to a close with the classic rock staple, “Aimee.”

 

Orleans was the second act on the slate and they started their set with the aptly titled “Let There Be Music.”

 

Although Lance Hoppen was the only original member on the stage,  the band sounded fantastic. This was due to the fact that two members Lane Hoppen (keyboard) and Dennis Asero (vocals, guitar) joined the band in 1980.  Forty years of experience will do that.

 

Co-founding member, John Hall was absent from this gig.  However, when I asked Lance Hoppen about John between sets, he said that John will be returning to the band later this year.

 

“Dance With Me,” “Dancing In The Moonlight” and “Juliet” had the audience members swaying in their seats.

 

Their set ended with the sing-a-long classic “Still The One.”

 

Firefall was the last act of the evening.

 

The Colorado based band still features three original members, Jock Bartley (guitar), Mark Andes (bass) and David Muse (keys, flute, sax) as well as long time drummer Sandy Ficca and vocalist/guitarist Gary Jones.

 

Bartley said the band was happy to be playing in the brand new theatre and noted that it was the group’s first show of the year.

 

“Livin’ Ain’t Livin’” kicked off their set and was quickly followed by their #11 hit, “Just Remember I Love You.”

 

The familiar sounds of “Cinderella” and the Top Ten hit, “You Are The Woman” were sprinkled throughout the eight song set.  

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The true highlight of the show was "Strange Way" where David Muse played an impressive, extended flute solo.  That's right, I said flute solo.  It was fantastic!

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The on stage Yacht Rock party came to a close with "Mexico."

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However, the party wasn't over when the music stopped.  After the show, each band met fans, signed autographs and took pictures with anyone that wanted to hang around after the show.

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For no additional fee or "VIP" package!

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These bands get it, and they truly appreciate their fans. 

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Just like the good ol' days. 

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Review and photos by Greg Drugan