Review by Debbie Steir
Photos by Tom Bogus
Show photos HERE
Once again Sully Erna does not disappoint his loyal fans. In a special performance bringing us “the gift of music” at the Mohegan Sun Arena on July 16, 2016, Sully debuted select tracks from his soon to be released sophomore effort “Hometown Life” (September 2016) and several tracks from “Avalon” (2010), his first solo effort.
Gathered with all the musicians who recorded and then played the promotion tour for “Avalon”, Sully put on one of the best performances I have seen of any artist to date. The show opened with the nostalgic title track to “Hometown Life” while images and clips from his childhood and Lawrence, Massachusetts, played on a large background screen. Returning to the beginning we heard a mesmerizing rendition of “Avalon”. Showing his musical diversity at the grand piano Sully performed “My Light” (“Avalon”) to home movies of him and his daughter, Skylar. This was followed by the somber “Broken Road” dedicated to all the military showing their sacrifices and struggles through thought-provoking images. The debut of “Turn it Up” (“Hometown Life”) was the highlight of the show. “Turn it Up” has a swing/big band feel and features a horn section which included none other than Sully’s father, Salvatore Erna, on trumpet. The evening ended to an energetically arranged medley of “The Chain” (Fleetwood Mac) and “Hey Jude” (The Beatles) that had the entire audience on its feet and singing.
This show was truly a heartfelt performance. Sully is a true showman dedicated to his art and sharing it with the world. Thank you, Mr. Erna, for giving us the gift of music through your son, Sully.
Sully Erna at the Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT
