Review Of The Ambrosia Concert In Big Flats, NY On June 12^th, 1999
By Frank Ciapanna

All Photos By Frank Ciapanna

 

Click on ANY photo for a LARGE view!!

Tucked away in the Finger Lakes region of New York State is Big Flats, home of TAG’S; the Budweiser Summer Sound Stage. Surrounded by mountains, this hideaway is where many of your favorite bands, including Ambrosia, play for their fans who are lucky enough to seek out the location.

 

Toting lawn chairs, blankets and pillows, about 1,000 fans came out on June 12^th to this open amphitheater to see the Little River Band and Ambrosia. I spoke with some of the fans, many of whom stated, "Oh, that’s the ‘other’ band" when they saw my wife and I wearing our Ambrosia" hats. I’d sing a few lines from "Holding on to Yesterday", "You’re the Biggest Part of Me", or "You’re the Only Woman" and the response was the same: "Oh, yeah! I remember them. Those are great tunes." Even as I spoke with George, one of the security guards in the over-60 age group, he confessed to knowing "those great songs" during the show.

 

With a grand introduction, the band jogged across the stage, took their places and immediately started playing to the crowd. With each and every song, more and more of the crowd stood up and clapped with the music, singing along. Stage left is Chris, dedicated to a truly awesome performance, as always, letting his fingers, elbows, arms--heck, every part of his body--play his organ. Panning right is David, strumming, picking and singing his heart out to the fans. Aside from a few broken strings (a sure sign he’s into it!) and his admission he didn’t know why he wrote these songs in such a high key, this man showed a true dedication to turning the fans on.

 

To David’s left is Joe, on bass. Poor Joe. After the previous two days of performing in New York state (Albany and Chester), Joe’s voice was gone. This was unfortunate, because Joe, the fabulous singer he is, had to give his voice a break. But this didn’t stop his fingers from keeping the rhythm of each and every song. Behind Joe is Burleigh, creating the perfect beat for all to follow. Burleigh made his presence known on a number of songs, including "Kid No More", where he opened with the fast paced beat we all know and love.

 

To Burleigh’s left is Shem, percussionist, bassist, vocalist… hell, all-around nice guy! Shem’s energetic performance and solos prove his ability to integrate the band’s sounds as well as keeping the fans on their toes and cheering for more. Tollak, with his innocent smile, plays his keyboards and harmonica, and sings to keep the harmony flowing in each and every song.

 

By the time Ambrosia’s performance was over (much too soon!), everyone in the crowd was cheering for more. Two encores were not enough. The band’s road manager, Rich, ensured Ambrosia was available to the fans after the performance for autographs and pictures.

 

The best memory of this trip is the memory of how many Little River Band fans were "Feeling Alive Again" as Ambrosia rolled out songs that were so familiar and so meaningful to them; not only today, but from years gone by. You can’t forget classic songs. Or classic bands!

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