The half filled Arena Theatre was a perfect venue for this musical treat.  What a shame   so many people missed the chance to enjoy the experience.  I know there are way more ex-hippies in the Houston area than came out to witness these five hard working acts who, through the ages, sold over 100 million records worldwide. Not too shabby! I thought they were due way more respect from the Houston music community.

The line up was Felix Cavaliere , formerly of the Rascals, Rick Derringer, Gary Wright, Mark Farner, Grand Funk Railroad  fame and Traffic Legend Dave Mason.

Felix Cavaliere, on his keyboards, started the show ON TIME.  I’m impressed that consideration was given to the number of performers on the slate for the night.  Wow, what a refreshing change!

Cavaliere, a Rock and Roll Hall Of Famer, went through the first set with considerable ease.  He played all the Rascals classics including   People Got To Be Free and of course Groovin’ which was his closer.  He also sang a medley of other 60s classics that were easily familiar to anyone who lived them.  The highlight for me was his rendition of  The Temptations’  My Girl,  I song that always touches my heart.   I think I also recognized some Sly and maybe a little Wilson Pickett.  Well done Felix!

As Cavaliere was heading to his dressing room after the set he spotted me with my BIG LENS and asked if I would share some of my images.  I handed him my business card and said ‘you bet!’ I’ll be curious whether I hear from him. For those of youreading this you can see some of them right  now at the HMR Photo Gallery.

Next up was Rick Derringer. Probably not the best known of the performers but has loads of talent and an impressive resume.  Derringer’s roots connect closely to Edgar Winter, a performer I have photographed many times and a personal favorite.  Derringer and Winter co-wrote several songs and have toured together.

Derringer also started a musical group, The McCoys, in the mid-1960s. He played their hit song Hang On Sloopy.  This song went on to become the state of Ohio’s official Rock and Roll Anthem, the only state to designate this kind of honor to a song and artist.

Rick showed his exceptional guitar skills throughout the set, song after song.  By the end of the set it was clear why he was chosen to open for Led Zeppelin on their last North American Tour and for The Stones when they toured America.

Next to hit the stage was Gary Wright, on a mission to show the audience he was no ‘one hit wonder’.   Dream Weaver had brought him his fame and he set out to prove the accolades were deserved.  Now based in California, Wright filled the room with his energetic and powerful keyboard play and vocals.   He also did some name dropping, reminding the audience that he played piano on his buddy George Harrison’s classic album, All Things Must Pass!

Grand Funk Railroad’s former front man and lead guitarist Mark Farner was next up. Farner was not to be out performed.  He was high energy and put it all out there for the crowd.  The ‘hippies’ responded by getting on their feet, dancing and shouting!  As the occasion commanded, Farner played GFR’s I’m Your Captain (Closer To Home) and We’re An American Band, pleasing the audience and me!   Mark, and all the performers, paused during their performances to pay tribute to all the men and women who defend our country and it’s freedom.  Each tribute was sufficiently different and equally moving.  I don’t think patriotism and these expressions of gratitude can ever be over done!

The Brit from Worchester England, Dave Mason, was last to take the stage.  Mason was  a founding member of Traffic (along with notable Steve Winwood ).  Another Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, he is just rock solid!   Mason will not try to engage you with a lot of chatter, which I consider a good thing, but he will play you some mean guitar. He was a big buddy of Jimmy Hendrix and it’s easy to imagine the connection. And when you’re able to take your eye off of him and his smokin’ guitar, you will definitely take notice of Gerald Johnson.  Johnson is simply one of the best bass guitar players in the industry.  Animated and soulful, Johnson is worth the price of admission on his own!

Take note.  I have had the pleasure of seeing Dave Mason and his colorful band mates previously at Dosey Doe in The Woodlands.  Watch for the next performance at this great venue, they will not disappoint! Until next time try keeping it ‘Between The Navigational Beacons’.

david w.clements
photographer/writer