Page 54 - ION Indie Magazine SeptOct 2018

Lots of love filled the stage. Roses were tossed into the crowd and sexual themes were visited
that were almost chaste by today’s coarse music standards. There was plenty of impromptu
participation and unsolicited audience sing-alongs. Several women from the audience even
danced on stage. The show ended with a short rendition of “Twist and Shout,” with the dancers
sporting their Tina Turner outfits. No encore was offered, but the show ended with the song
“Shout,” with an Isley twist. This version was played slower, almost in half time. When I heard
the song, it brought a huge smile. For no reason, this song always reminds me of beer and
baseball.

After the concert, I was invited to meet both groups. Backstage, I saw The Commodores talking
to people, so I didn’t intrude, but I did have the need to shake Ronald and Ernie’s hands…which
is the closest I’ll ever get to meeting Jimi Hendrix.

The Commodores and The Isley Brothers…true staples in the music industry. Their music is a
gift that continues to give, and tonight they gifted us all a magical evening that was as
memorable as the music itself. However, much like anything that is good, my time with The
Commodores and The Isley Brothers flew by much too fast. However, as great music is
intended to do, it left a mark – much like the many fond memories we store in the recesses of
our minds, to be later revisited and savored.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isleybrothers
Video “Contagious”: https://youtu.be/-qnSz6Lh5pY
Video “Shout”: https://youtu.be/nEjLFpU2pJ4