Band Shines at the Northern Lights Theater
By Catherine A. Carr
HLN Today reporter
Milwaukee, WI - 18 & 19 November 2003. The weather for this time of year in the midwest was exceptional just like Huey Lewis and the News. (Pictured here at a recent Michigan show by Norm Tanner.) The temperature was in the upper 50's and the guys dressed for the occasion: casual.
As Huey says: "Let's get the party started."
Tuesday's set list was:
- We're Not Here For A Long Time
- Heart of Rock and Roll
- Thank You #19
- Power of Love
- Plan B
- If This Is It
- 60 Minute Man - a cappella
- Bad is Bad - a cappella (updated version)
- (Too) Hip To Be Square
- He Don't Know
- (But) It's Alright
- I Want A New Drug
- Do You Believe In Love
- Doing It All For My Baby
- Working For A Living
During the shows Huey impressed the audience with is knowledge of Wisconsin sports. He also polled the audiences to find out how many 1st timers were in the seats. Tuesday's show had more than Wednesday's. Each night, Huey complimented the "regulars" on their good taste.
Wednesday's set list:
- So Little Kindness
- Heart of Rock and Roll
- Thank You #19
- The Power of Love
- Plan B segued to My Other Woman
- (Too) Hip To Be Square
- 60 Minute Man - a cappella
- Bad Is Bad - a cappella (updated version)
- I Want A New Drug transitioned to
- Small World Part 2
- (But) It's Alright
- We're Not Here For A Long Time
- Do You Believe In Love
- Hope You Love Me Like You Say You Do
- Back In Time
At some point in the show, both nights, Huey wandered onto the tables that circle the front of the stage to the delight of the cheering crowd.
During "Plan B," Huey introduced the horn section consisting of Ron Stallings, Rob Sudduth, and Marvin McFadden. The song allowed each to exhibit his expertise. The core of the band was introduced as follows prior to the a cappella set:
- Sean Hopper - keyboards. Likes to ride high powered European motorcycles very quickly on curvy California coastal roads.
- Johnny Colla - saxophone, guitar. "Does It All!" A very caring person who likes long walks on golf courses.
- Bill Gibson - drummer. 'Mr. Solid' holds it all together.
- Stef Burns - lead guitar. Fills out Northern California "funky sound"
- John Pierce - bass guitar. Nearly overlooked in the 2nd show until the audience piped up. Huey then explained that JP was in a witness protection program.
Both shows started around 8PM and ended before 10PM. Huey informed the crowds that this wasn't their first trip to Milwaukee and it won't be their last!
