Picture Perfect Evening in Southern California
By Donna Stanley
HLN Today reporter
Viejas Concerts At the Park, Alpine, CA - July 13, 2002 - A "picture perfect" summer evening with a marvelous desert sunset became the backdrop for a night of great sounds by one of the tightest bands in the music business today. When Huey Lewis and The News took the stage, they took control of the 1,500 concert attendees never letting go until the last note was played an hour and forty minutes later. Starting with the opening bars of "We're Not Here For A Long Time (We're Here For A Good Time)" and continuing through the last notes of "Workin' For A Livin'" the band had the crowd captivated with their infectious vocals and rousing instrumentals.
Huey's vocals were right on the money all evening and each of the band members took his turn at demonstrating the "master musicianship" for which the band has become so well known.
The evening's set list contained old favorites such as "Doin' It (All For My Baby)," "Heart of Rock 'n' Roll,"Power of Love," "If This Is It," "Jacob's Ladder," "(Too) Hip to be Square," and "Heart and Soul." Additional songs from the latest cd, Plan B, were "My Other Woman," "Plan B," and "Rhythm Ranch".
Included in the evening's festivities was a guest artist, Stacie Sullivan, brought in to sing a duet with Huey on "Crusin'" from Huey's last movie "Duets." Huey mentioned that John had done some work on her new album. Ms. Sullivan had a very clear strong voice, but had a bit of difficulty with the lyrics. This was the only mark in an otherwise (to the audience) flawless performance by the band.
The view of a quarter moon (with Venus shining brightly below it) could be seen behind the band, making a dreamy setting for the three song encore from the band's second album Picture This. The new arrangement of the band's first hit "Do You Believe In Love," was dedicated to all the longtime fans in the audience. This was followed by the smoothly done "Hope You Love Me Like You Say You Do" and closing with the audience favorite and hard rockin'"Workin' For A Livin'."
Huey Lewis and The News once again proved to a sell-out crowd that the "heart of rock 'n' roll is still beating in eastern San Diego County!
Additionally, the fortunate few early arrivals and mall shoppers were able to hear soundcheck prior the show and were treated to a rousing live version of "Thank You #19" from the Plan B cd.
