Some of you may remember the "Day on the Green" events many years ago with all the
hoopla and mayhem of 35,000 people spending many hours participating in the music and the semi-concious debauchery that it was. The Cohn Bros. events are somewhat
akin to them, except it's for 1,500 people. It feels very much like a private party that joins
like minded individuals into a big raucous, foot stomping, drunken brew fest family. As
it begins early (11:00 AM) and ends early (7:00 PM), there is ample time to sample the
great local beer, the fine wines of the Brothers and food of palitable ilk, all for a price.
Remember, this a charity event. The music starts soon and continues thru the afternoon
with various acts of dubious quality. Not to fear, they are fair in character enough to keep
one amused and give you time to get really acquainted with your neighbors, who by late
afternoon, are now related. (It's a small venue)
With much anticipation, the follow acts followed each other to the ultimate finale:
Lora Johnson: Bob Johnson's, (of the Doobie Brothers fame) daughter. She had the most impressive back-up band I have seen on that small stage. She is a great knock-off artist which included several of the Doobies favorites with DAD ripping thru the guitar licks and vocals, carrying her along like a storm. Fine stuff...
Pablo Cruise. Yes, those guys. They fell of the map in the late 70's becoming a USO staple and eventually as "Rory" put it, "Hell, we got married and had to raise kids". I reconnected with them 2 years ago at a small pub in Sacramento where they were
trying to shake out some of the bugs before hitting the road. (They needed it) After two
more shows in the ensuing period, I have found them to be at their peak level which
was very evident at this event. They tear up the joint with hit upon hit, some of which you will immediately recognize and feel like it's 1975 again.
Taj Mahal: Quintisentially perfect. Albiet, he brought the previous frenzy to a halt. By now,
the plebians are passing out and the proletariat are smirking. Not to be daunted, he played many a favorite tune (solo) and gently rocked us into oblivian.
Journey: Who is Steve Perry anyway? Remember, Journey is a band that he was a part of. The group is tighter than ever. They have had time to hone individual skills into polished marble. Nothing is missing. You say "But what about Steve?" Closing your eyes would evoke his memory with unmistakeable clarity. But it's not him... The young
man from the Phillipines has transported you into San Francisco, finding Journey in the
beginning when the music would take your breath away. Arnel Pineda has accomplished what some may say could never be done, he is the voice of Steve Perry
in a remarkable fluke of surrendipity. The rest of the evening is history. They worked
as a magical force bringing the crowd to a manical orgasmic frenzy, on their feet the entire set, several encores, with the ultimate conclusion, pure blissful exhaustion. We
went home and slept for 12 hours...
See ya.