2014 Concert Highlights: Back to the 1970s and 80s… at a Work Gala

May 20, Orlando

I’m duty-bound to report back on all concerts, even ones that take place in the most unexpected settings. At the awards gala during my own company’s big annual event, as we progressed through a sit-down dinner, the standard house band suddenly was suddenly supplanted by some big names.

First up was Eddie Money. (“Do I even know any Eddie Money songs?”… “Ah! Yes!”) He performed “Two Tickets to Paradise,” “Take Me Home Tonight,” and a few of the other most popular hits. Time and addiction have not been kind to his body, but his appearance alone would have been enough a nifty little music surprise.

Then a parade of others from a similar era began taking the stage, sometimes one by one, and sometimes in combination. Squeals escaped from previously serious businesspeople in town for a serous businesspeople conference as they recognized the names and faces: .38 Special. Chicago. (Technically, I don’t think this was the actual, full band, but I was far back and didn’t have a great view.)

A highlight was Gary Wright. I was introduced to his music back in 2006 and actually own a couple of albums. Naturally, he performed “Our Love is Alive” and “Dream Weaver.” Guys, The Dream Weaver himself was standing there in front of us! I might have spent half the song frantically messaging a friend who would understand the significance of this. By the way, he still sounded very good.

The biggest surprise came at the end of the night: Journey. There was some confusion over whether this was “real Journey” (i.e. with Steve Perry), but I’m pretty sure that it was not. Still. I was finally able to let go of the odd, conflicting feelings of “I am at a concert but this is a work event so I have to be uptight?” when they launched into “Don’t Stop Believin’” near the end of the night. Kicked off my painful stiletto sandals, climbed on a chair next to my coworkers, and we all raised our arms and shouted along. Completely cliched, but what fun.