Tony
La Russa's Animal Rescue
Foundation.
ARF receives more than 200 calls per day for animal
recue, medical care, and
food. This
caring support allows ARF to save animals'
lives.
ARF ROCKS Benefit Concert
Featuring:
Jeff Scott
Soto
Neal
Schon
Jonathan
Cain
Ross
Valory
Marco
Mendoza
Dave
Dzialak
Marc
Russo
Marc Russo and his all
star band began the evening with an eclectic set of
jazz/rock tunes that encompassed the various talents
of accomplished musicians such as Stef Burns, Dennis
Chambers, Myron Dove, Terry Miller, Karl Perazzo,
Frank Martin, Tim Hockenberry and Chester
Thompson.
Comedian Dennis Blair took the stage and entertained
the audience with his quick wit, focusing mainly on
Rock n’ Roll including hysterical ad libs
thrown in for a few good laughs. Everyone
seemed to enjoy his humor.
Former ‘Rockstar INXS’ contestant, Marty
Casey & the Lovehammers gave an energized
performance. Marty reminded me of Iggy Pop in
comparison.
When Neal Schon & Friends began their set, you
knew the show had truly begun! The set
list consisted of 1) a Jonathan Cain song, from his
solo album, 2) Papa Was A Rolling Stone, 3) Sly &
the Family Stone Medley, 4) James Brown Medley, 5)
Purple Rain/Faithfully, 6 )Don’t Stop
Believin’, and 7) Separate
Ways.
Starting off with a solo, Neal Schon gave a great
performance throughout the show. Jeff Scott
Soto appeared out of the wings and the audience went
wild. As usual Jeff whipped the crowd into a
frenzy with his stage presence and constant
energy. Marco Mendoza and JSS were having fun
with dance moves on stage. Ross Valory joined in,
replacing Marco on bass during the last two Journey
songs. Jonathan Cain had a nice keyboard and
harmonica solo, and Dave Dzialak (of the JSS Band)
rounded out on drums. Marc Russo sat in on
saxophone for the James Brown Medley. Snipits
of Soul SirkUS were thrown in as a teaser.
There was no encore much to everyone’s
dismay.
Despite variousl technical difficulties, the band
still put on a great performance and showed true
professionalism, leaving their audience wanting
more. Jeff sure knows how to work a
crowd! Not the set list that was expected, but
a nice conglomeration of material to say the
least. An event that won’t soon be
forgotten!
Pam
Picciotta
Mechanicsville, M
Melissa
Merritt added...
...Jeff did make mention
that he is an animal lover and appreciated the
opportunity to support the cause.
The caliber of musicianship was impressive.
Marco Mendoza was in top form; hammering away at the
bass. His unique style is soulful and engaging.
Neal never disappoints. He puts forth so much enery
and enthusiasm into each performance. He is notably
accomplished and his extensive experience and talent
are apparent. Jonathan Cain is versatile and
creative. His presence on stage compliments and is
worthy of many praises.
A good time was had by all!!
Melissa
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it? 
Thanks
for these reviews Pam and Melissa. If anyone else out
there has anything to contribute to this or any other
reviews, please let us know.
