Photos and review by Michelle Cucchiaro
Toto show photos HERE
Michael McDonald show photos HERE
It was the end of a long week and Friday couldn’t come fast enough. The weather was perfect and I was up for the 2 hour trek down to the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, Rhode Island. I’d been there a few times and even shot a show there a few weeks back so I knew what to expect. Interesting venue. From a photographer’s perspective the staff at Twin River are very accommodating. A quick stop at the window for the pass, lines move quickly to scan the tickets and away you go. Once inside, I pretty much can move about freely. The aisle in front of the stage or “pit” as we call it, is wide and so easy to work in. Great working environment.
From the concertgoers perspective I caution you. This is a small to medium sized venue that does not have stadium seating. Basically it’s a room full of chairs set out in front of a stage that’s been erected at one end. If you’re not lucky enough to have tickets in one of the sections closer to the stage you might have trouble seeing. They do have a version of a “jumbo tron” erected on either side of the stage but still, if you want to see the band, be prepared and get a decent seat. I had front row seats at the last show but for this one I was closer to the back. Once the show gets rocking some people will stand and those people will always be right in front of you–you know they will, it’s Murphy’s Law. That being said, I had a great time at this show and so did everyone else in attendance.
It was a packed house and concertgoers were all a-buzz waiting for Toto to take the stage. While Michael McDonald was technically the headliner, either of these acts could have carried the night on their own. Current band members of Toto include Steve Lukather (guitar, vocals), David Paich (keyboards, vocals), Steve Porcaro (keyboards, synthesisers, vocals), Mike Porcaro (bass guitar), Joseph Williams (vocals), and Keith Carlock (drums). Toto is one of those bands that had a string of hits that got a lot of radio play along the way so the entire audience knew most every song and every word to every one of those songs. Tonight would be no different. With songs like Rosanna, 99, Africa and Hold the Line the night was a huge sing-a-long! Michael McDonald came out and made a surprise appearance during I’ll Be Over You and he got in on the act and sang along too. The audience went crazy! Toto has been around since the 70’s and they have not lost their musical touch. Great musicians, great vocals, great performance over all.
After a quick intermission Michael took the stage. Now here’s an accomplished guy with a powerful and distinct voice. As a 5 time Grammy award winning singer and songwriter, Michael has worked with Kenny Loggins, Steely Dan, Toto, Van Halen, Patti Labelle, Aretha Franklin and numerous other artists but is probably most known for his work with the Doobie Brothers from 1976-1982. After leaving the Doobie Brothers after their first farewell tour in 1982 he continued with a successful solo career that continues to this day.
The sing-a-long atmosphere only continued during Michael’s set. How could it not with a set list full of hits like Keep Forgetting, Ya Mo Be There, Minute By Minute, Ain’t No Mountain and so many more! While his entire performance was incredible, what was most memorable was the three song encore he performed with Toto. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it. After finishing his set he left the stage and returned, as expected, for an encore but Toto returned to the stage as well. There was so much going on up on that stage that any words I choose to describe it wouldn’t do it justice. Suffice it to say that there were beautiful harmonies, an Amazing Grace solo by Steve Lukather followed by the audience chanting “Luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuke” to show their adoration and appreciation. It all culminated in a massive dance fest as every last one of them belted out Takin’ It To The Streets. Fantastic show and a great performance over all!!
Toto Photos
Michael McDonald Photos