ocean grove

Felix Cavaliere

For the third time, my husband and I saw Felix Cavaliere! This time at Ocean Grove’s Auditorium.

The opening act was The Loving Spoonful! We never saw them before and it was awesome hearing their hits: “You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice,” “Nashville Cats,” “Do You Believe in Magic,” and “Summer in the City.”

Here is their website: http://www.lovinspoonful.com/

Last year I wrote about Felix Cavaliere’s show at Point Pleasant: https://maryannemistretta.wordpress.com/tag/felix-cavaliere/

This was another fabulous show from one of the greatest song writers of the 1960s. My two all time favorites are “It’s a Beautiful Morning,” “How Can I Be Sure,” and “Groovin’.”

For more info on Felix Cavaliere, visit: http://www.felixcavalieremusic.com/home

Felix Cavaliere set list

For more information on the Ocean Grove Great Auditorium, visit: http://www.njoceangrove.com/ocean-grove-auditorium.shtml

Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is the author of “On the Guest List: Adventures of a Music Journalist” available in paperback on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/162903908X

Tommy James and The Shondells

My husband Dennis treated me to a most wonderful evening, seeing Tommy James and The Shondells, at Ocean Grove Auditorium, which is actually a huge church!

This was our third time seeing Tommy James. It was amazing, as always! He opened up with “Draggin the Line,” followed by my favorite “Crystal Blue Persuasion.” Also did “Ball of Fire,” “I Think We’re Alone Now,” “Crimson and Clover” (which was electrifying when they put the special effects on his vocal!) “Hanky Panky” … during “Mony Mony” he jumped into the audience and shook hands and met fans. He was out there about 15 minutes while the band played, trying to meet as many people as possible. He was so awesome for doing that. He ended the show with “Sweet Cherry Wine” and told the audience that “Jesus is Coming!” (as he’s done before, it’s no secret that Tommy James is a Christian!)

Jefferson Starship was the warm-up act. Original founder Paul Kantner is still in the group and Cathy Richardson takes on the role of Grace Slick. Richardson’s voice was powerful and she was a true rock ‘n’ roller. This was my second time seeing Jefferson Starship. (The first time was around 2002, I think). My favorites were “White Rabbit,” “Somebody to Love,” and “Runaway.”

It was another super hot night in New Jersey. I danced so much and really worked up a sweat!

During intermission we ran into Tommy James’ manager Carol and chatted with her. Also ran into our friends Glen and Gina. After the show we caught up with them again, all walked the boardwalk together and then had a beer.

The Specials also played at Stone Pony last night. The four of us were considering that show, but Gina found out it was over already. We had so much fun though regardless. Lots of laughs and music chats.

It was a fantastic, five-star evening! I am so high!