Being in a band of my own now for over 20 years and playing the local venues and private parties, I always find time to catch any live music I can — especially when it’s free.
From the musical acts that the City of Derby put on at the Derby Green, to local establishments displaying local musicians.
On Friday, July 29, my wife and two close friends attended a free concert put on by Hamden’s Parks and Recreation event.
The Guess Who, a band with many hits from the late 60’s and 70’s was the main event of the night.
With songs like “American Women,” “These Eyes,” and “Share The Land,” it was sure to be a great night.
The rain had subsided and the enormous oak trees provided shelter.
We propped up our folding chairs, cracked the wine and sat back for the show to begin.
To my amazement a local band called “Might Purple” opened for the Guess Who. I had met these great guys years ago in a recording studio back in 1995 as they were making their debut CD. I couldn’t have been more proud.
They sounded great and had their own original songs.
But then the Guess Who hit the stage — with only two original members. The bass player and the drummer.
The “new” lead singer was a young chap with long blonde hair (think hair bands of the 80’s).
Though the effort was there, the singer just couldn’t hit the notes of the famed original lead singer, Burton Cummings.
Then the inevitable happened — they played their “new” songs.
This almost started a mass exodus. But they rebounded to complete an enjoyable “free” night … minus baby-sitting costs!
The writer is a Derby resident.
