Seeing a Great Show Called Hippiefest
Recently, I was privileged to see a great music show, called “Hippiefest,” at the Tarrytown Music Hall in Tarrytown, New York.
One of the great performers on the bill, guitarist extraordinaire, Rick Derringer thanked the audience for coming out on a rainy night, which is a nice thing.
As a member of that audience I want to thank the performers for putting on a wonderful show that literally had people, yes an older crowd, dancing in the aisles and that included me. I must say the audience looked really good doing so.
Those performers included Mitch Ryder, “Badfinger,” Mr. Derringer and the still incredible “Family Stone” which played the entire post intermission portion of the show.
Ryder opened the show with good comedic lines between songs and treated us to big hits “C.C. Rider” and “Devil With The Blue Dress,” dedicating the song to all the women who have worn one.
“Badfinger,” proteges of Paul McCartney and George Harrison on the Beatles’ Apple label, were led by the last “Finger” as he was introduced, Joey Molland.
“If You Want It Come And Get It” led the great hits and though we now know Molland was warned by the legendary great, Mr. Harrison that a big hit will be sung over and over again, the group produced a fine version.
Derringer was next telling us that when on tour with Ringo Starr, of course another member of The Beatles, that his hit as a member of “The Mc Coys,” “Sloopy Hang On” was first on the charts ahead of the Beatles “Yesterday” which was second, for at least one week, roughly 50 years ago. The song and Derringer’s amazing guitar playing made it a great segment.
“The Family Stone” performed so many of their great hits, “Dance To The Music” among them, before closing the show with “I Want To Thank You For Letting Me Be Myself Again.”
Among their contingent this night were original members saxophonist Jerry Martini, drummer Greg Errico and vocalist Phunne (pronounced Fun, and her singing and dancing surely is) Stone, the daughter of the great Sylvester “Sly” Stone, who sounded great.
Thanks to all the performers once again as you helped “myself” feel great during the show.
Rick Derringer Pictured Above
Click below to “ride” back in time for “C.C. Rider” with Mitch Ryder
Andy B Sports 