We've had a cold front move in, causing Fort Myers humidity to drop to zero. It's been low 60s overnight and mid 70s during the day. I suppose it's to match the ages coming back for winter, as the snowbirds are slowly flocking down. Haha.
As per my last post saying "I might have another trick up my sleeve", I rolled my long sleeves down and went to "Child's Anthem: The Music of TOTO" at the local event center (Barbara B Mann). Since it was in the low 70s during the day and stayed close to that at night, the facility was colder. It was just as well that I wore long sleeves and pants, especially since I was working all day anyway.
Just like Thursday, I had great seats. I was on the opposite side of the auditorium for Child's Anthem. This time, I had the row to myself, whereas the Strangelove concert, I was sharing seats with partiers (people drinking and dancing in the aisle) and a couple who opted for the "we're not moving an iota because we're doing something we shouldn't).
Last night's empty row might have been a sign that tickets didn't sell so great because half of the row in back of me was also missing people. However, the center section was jammed packed with bodies. There were a couple empty seats in front of me, but not enough to make it really noticeable. It seemed like either people moved up once they got in, or these were just the more popular seats. I know ticket prices were reduced at one point but it still didn't pack the house.
Looking around at the humans who were there, I may have been the only one under 60 at this performance. It's not a bad thing, but it certainly doesn't bode well for my generation. I mean, sure, the common TOTO songs are "Africa", "Roseanna" and "Hold The Line" (which the tribute band played), but there were (and are) other songs I didn't realize the real band played.
For example, there's a groove (funk) song called "Georgy Porgy". When Child's Anthem played it, it sounded really familiar. Like I've heard it before, but I don't know where. It's one of those random songs that you know it's playing in the background at a store or bank or you've hit a one off radio station and it stays in the background at a low lull. It's not bad; it's just one song I am partially familiar with.
I guess you could kind of say it's similar to when the band played "99". That's an unheard of song for me; even though it was originally recorded in 1979. Considering all the songs are older than I am, it's amazing I know any of them! Like I said, I may have been the only "kid" there last night and it's not necessarily a bad thing.
The band itself was great. They kept everyone active and singing along, even though this was a crowd who stayed planted in their chairs. Seriously; the majority sat and bobbed their heads, clapped their hands. Only a small amount of people got up to randomly dance - not enough to make it a wild night. There were a few people in front of me who randomly took their phones out for still photos (and videos of Africa and Roseanna being played), but for the most part, the grey hairs were pretty relaxed. They sang along and they hooped and hollered at the right times. There wasn't a rush to the stage or a crazy amount of weirdness. It was getting to be close to their bed times, I'm sure; I know I was getting tired. It's been a long week and I'm glad this concert was only 90 minutes. #oldtoo
I did feel weird taking my phone out because this definitely wasn't a show where everyone in every seat was recording. That's why I don't have a super large amount of "visual memories" for it. Plus, I was on the center side aisle of my section, so I didn't want to just stick my hands out and take photos and videos. Those in front of me who kept their smart phones out, did it sporadically as well, so I couldn't be stupidly greedy. The video I uploaded is a mix of some of the songs. I know it's a long video (clocking in at close to 7 minutes), but it shows the range of songs performed. I also know it proves I need to seriously update my computer. Pinnacle crashed on me about 4 times when I was editing last night. That's why it exported with those grey arrow circle images in a few places. It couldn't process everything 100 per cent. Slowly more signs are telling me the end is nigh for this HP laptop....
One of the interesting parts of this tribute band was how they're all doing something in the music scene. They all are working out of Nashville at the moment, but have come from all over the USA. Their backgrounds include the lead male vocal having toured with TOTO during the 1980 Hydra tour. The other band members have recorded or worked with musicians such as Reba McEntire, Kenny Loggins, Amy Grant, Alice Cooper, Willie Nelson, and the list goes on. These are people who know their stuff. Band info here (they also made the introduction during the show of who they were and where they've played).
Another thing they explained during talking points was that TOTO were studio musicians in their early days. Child's Anthem put together their own medley of songs to perform to the audiences they meet. They said something to the effect of "these are songs where two or more TOTO members had worked with a specific artist for multiple sessions". I could have misheard that. It might have been a song or multiple sessions that each individual TOTO member was a part of. I don't remember. However, the medley included Michael Jackson's "Beat It", Olivia Newton John's "Physical", Don Henley's "Dirty Laundry", Michael McDonald's "I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near)". There were a few more songs, but I don't remember them all, nor did I get a video of it.
Overall, it was a good show; it went by quickly and the band did a meet and greet at the end. I didn't stay for that, as people were milling around to talk to individual band members, so there was no such thing as a "group photo". Everyone was separated, talking various things. The performers seemed super nice - they didn't push anyone away and actually let the conversations flow. This is their generation, so they're used to having long talks. Haha.
Oh, and another thing, the screen in the back: you'll notice in the photos and videos, there's stuff in the background. I want to say (tech talk) that's a rear projector that was casting album covers, live (previously recorded) tour videos of TOTO, various still pictures of the real band. There were some music videos shown as well. Child's Anthem was so good, that when a video was playing, the audio was syncing rather nicely. It was hard to focus on everything, especially since the female lead was wearing a sparkling blouse under her blazer, so the lights occasionally flickered off her. She had to adjust the blouse a few times, as I think she realized the lights were hitting her too often and reflecting everywhere. The men wore jeans and button down shirts so they were non descript. The person in front of me made it hard to see the keyboardist who was straight on, so I had to get photos when that man got up (to walk away for a minute).
Would I do this again (see this band)? Perhaps. There were songs I definitely knew and sang along to, and there were songs I didn't know and am glad I learned then. I do feel like they were a good cover band and kept the energy going throughout the duration of the performance. It's almost like "who had an energy drink and who had a couple cups of coffee before walking on stage??". There was no merch table, so I couldn't get a shirt or anything afterwards.
Until the next round of "I did something..." appears, stay weird.
Cheers;
See Also
* All photos and videos taken on an iPhone 11.
* Photos edited in Photoshop.
* Videos edited in Pinnacle Studio
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Thanks for sharing!