The Grass Roots At Hershey Park, PA  5-18-08

Hershey Park was my next stop for The Grass Roots tour 2008. It took me about 3 hours to drive through the central Pennsylvania countryside for the show. The last time I was at Hershey, I was 7 years old and the only thing I remember is the weather being so hot we stuck to the plastic seats of my aunt’s Chevy II.  This time however the weather was entirely different. It was raining and damp most of the day until about 2 hours before the show …the skies lightened up and then the SUN even came out!

The band played two shows, one at 4:00pm and the other at 6:30pm. The sets lasted 45 minutes each. After each show all the guys came out and signed CDs and the crowd got the meet each band member. The venue was enclosed and they had bleacher type seating so the sound was great. I was seated in my usual front row seat, feeling like I was in a front seat at a movie theatre…the stage was so high! Both shows were fantastic as usual.

In the first set the opening song was Wait A Million Years, and other songs played were Heaven Knows, Sooner Or Later, Don’t Pull Your Love Out On Me, Love Grows, Things I Should Have Said, Temptation Eyes and Midnight Confessions.

In the second set, they opened with Two Divided By Love, Glory Bound, Mamacita, Wait A Million Years, Sooner Or Later, Heaven Knows, Temptation Eyes and Midnight Confessions. The audience really enjoyed the show and showed their appreciation. Yes, another great journey on The Grass Roots 2008 tour.

Joanne

July Fourth 2008 With The Grass Roots

On July 4, 1982, The Grass Roots set an all time attendance record of 600,000 people for one musical act, which was held on the Mall in Washington, DC. In 2004, I attended my first Fourth of July concert by the band at Moreno Valley, CA. It was an all day event and my friend Wanda and I sat in 90 degree California sunshine for most of the day. It was a small price to pay for our front row seats. Rob said during that show as he pointed to us, “These must be the cheap seats”. He was kidding of course! It was just his way of telling us “Hey! I’m glad you’re here!”

This brings me to the Fourth of July 2008 and another Grass Roots concert this time in Edison, NJ. This show was very different from the one four years earlier. The weather was overcast most of the day and rain showers were in the forecast. I arrived at the venue and the stage crew was setting up, but I wanted to make sure I was in the right place. I inquired of the gentleman in charge “Is this the place for The Grass Roots show?” he said “Yes!” After setting up my chair and parking my Jeep, I got comfortable and began to read my book. The officials in Edison went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and welcomed. Who said people in New Jersey are not friendly! Thanks Edison, you all made this Jersey Girl proud.

Around 3pm The Grass Roots did their sound check. The town official already had informed me that Rob was not going to be there. I replied that I already knew that Rob was not going to be there, but I have seen the band several times this year and they are still terrific. Mark Dawson is subbing for Rob on lead vocal and bass and he continues to do a magnificent job. No one could be better. Mark’s professionalism and respect for Rob speaks volumes. I have to thank Mark again for the excellent job he continues to do. Dusty Hanvey continues do to his usual standout performance on lead guitar and background vocals. Larry Nelson on keyboards and background vocals is always terrific and Joe Dougherty on drums once again gives a wonderful performance. All the band members continue to shine during this time and I am so proud of them!

The Grass Roots took the stage at 8pm and shortly after the rain started to fall steadily. Of course the band’s opening song was Wait A Million Years, followed by Don’t Pull Your Love Out On Me, Heaven Knows, Sooner Or Later, Two Divided By Love, Let’s Live For Today (how appropriate for Independence Day), Baby Hold On, The River Is Wide, Things I Should Have Said, Lovin’ Things, The Runway, Two Divided By Love, Temptation Eyes, and of course ended with Midnight Confessions as the fireworks went off in the background. The band continues showcasing songs from the new Live Gold CD.

It was once again another wonderful show by The Grass Roots, great job guys. I’ll be seeing you all soon!

Joanne 

Classic Car Show & The Grass Roots 9-27-08

The next stop on my Grass Roots tour 2008 is Henderson, NV. It is southeast of Las Vegas, far quieter and not as showy but still a great place to get away and see a great show. The Grass Roots played as part of a classic car show, I cannot comment on those as we didn't spend anytime looking at the cars. I don’t know too much about cars anyway, but I do know about The Grass Roots and what a great show they did on this night.

I don't know what I can say about this band that I haven't already said. The band members of Dusty Hanvey on lead guitar and vocals, Larry Nelson on keyboards and vocals, Joe Dougherty on drums and various other gadgets and Mark Dawson on lead vocals and bass gave a performance that is second to none in the industry. Of course I am very partial to this band, but I have seen other bands out there and none are the caliber of this band.  From their vocals to their onstage presence they continue to gel together in spite of Rob Grill's absence. Knowing Rob as I do and what a perfectionist he is, he would be very proud how this band has developed the last few months. Do not hesitate to see this band when they come to your area as you will not be disappointed. Just pure magic!

Next up for me is Mohegan Sun on Nov. 1.

Until then Love, Peace & The Grass Roots 

Joanne

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