Hippiefest 2008 @ Vienna

Every Summer is ripe for a Peace & Love revival tour. Hippiefest 2008 visited Wolf Trap at Filene Center in Vienna, Virginia, on Wednesday, July 30, 2008. Aging hippies never die, their tye-dyes just fade away! Performers from the past are packaged together to revive the hits from history.

The Hippiefest 2008 tour featured Jonathan Edwards, Joey Molland of Badfinger, Melanie, Flo & Eddie from The Turtles, bassist Jack Bruce of Cream, and Eric Burdon formerly of The Animals. It's great to be able to relax on a warm evening and experience familiar artists singing the songs from younger years gone bye.

Joey Molland of Badfinger fame was participating on his fourth Hippiefest tour. His five piece backing band showcased Godfrey Townsend on guitar. Molland was highlighted by a fortified sound in the delivery of classic Badfinger hits. Molland's four song romp did not include any of his own compositions relying upon the McCartney favorite and titles from the late Pete Ham. Molland was energetic and entertaining.

Jonathan Edwards, Melanie and The Turtles each put in pleasant pop performances. Their individual folk and Top 40 numbers recalled memories associated with treasured golden oldies. Melanie sang her own arrangement of "Ruby Tuesday". The popular Turtles chart topper "Happy Together" was a hit with the house as the crowd got up on their feet to clap and enjoy the climatic finish.

Following another intermission interlude, the entire venue was eagerly standing on their feet in anticipation of bass master and classic rock icon Jack Bruce, founding member and lead singer from the blistering British band Cream. Six songs were not nearly enough stage time as the audience adulation demonstrated their affection and desire for Bruce to continue playing an extended set of powerful rock jams.

Bruce was supported by a three piece unit with Townsend tearing up on lead guitar and Steve Murphy handling the drums. The intensity of Bruce's performance and the clamoring crowd revealed Bruce was clearly the highpoint of the evening. "Sunshine Of Your Love", "I Feel Free", "Politician", and "White Room" are outstanding examples of the finest Cream. Considering Bruce's former health obstacles, he was firmly in command on stage and showed no signs of transitioning toward retirement.

Eric Burdon knocked out a seven song set that rocked the venue with classic hits from his days as an Animal. Burdon wisely toughened up his stage persona to an appreciative audience. His talented stage entourage embellished his performance with smooth harmonies and tight musicianship. Curiously, Burdon sang a staple hit "Paint It, Black" from his ancient rivals The Rolling Stones, which began with a violin intro.

Burdon sang several singles released by The Animals during the sexy `60's. 'We Gotta Get Out Of This Place", "When I Was Young", and "House Of The Rising Sun" reached back in time to a time when the vinyl 45 was King of the industry. His fierce delivery created an urgency to his vocals and empowered his group to be at their best. Although Burdon's climatic finale may have run a tad overtime, he left behind a standing audience clapping for even more music.

Jonathan Edwards: Sunshine * Shanty * This Island Earth * Joey Molland: Baby Blue * Come And Get It * Day After Day * No Matter What * Melanie: Brand New Key * Ruby Tuesday * Look What They've Done to My Song, Ma * The Turtles: You, Baby * It Ain't Me Babe * Elenore * She'd Rather Be With Me * Happy Together * Jack Bruce: Sunshine Of Your Love * Sitting On Top Of The World * I Feel Free * We're Going Wrong * Politician * White Room * Eric Burdon: We Gotta Get Out Of This Place * San Franciscan Nights * Don't Bring Me Down * When I Was Young * It's My Life * Paint It, Black * The House Of The Rising Sun

RockonTour Issue #83
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