The Skipperdome was packed on Sunday October 11, 2009 for WMNF’s Woodstock Flashback. Having been to Skipper’s Smokehouse more than anywhere else in Tampa, I was shocked as I’d never seen so many people there in both the restaurant and the venue. The parking lot was overflowing.
Due to the lack of parking spots, and the fact that we had to pay 5$ to have a spot, the opener, Soul 2 Earth, playing Jimi Hendrix wasn’t seen but only heard from the parking lot while walking in. We got our wrist bands as they were exiting the stage. I looked around and it was practically standing room only, all the patrons with drinks and food in hand and adorned with smiling faces. Indeed there were many WMNF regulars spotted previously at their other events, but like always, the audience was versatile with ages ranging from infant to senior, and everyone was there to have an amazing Woodstock Flashback experience.
The Ditchflowers came on as Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young with an amazing energy about them. There were friendly faces onstage seen from other WMNF shows. There was an amazing chemistry on stage between the band members and they played some classics that had everyone singing along. The sets were short and sweet, but continually left the audience wanting more.
Next was Blue Dice as Blood, Sweat and Tears, and in the hot, muggy weather, the sweat was definitely felt moreso than the blood and tears. The horn section sounded great, grabbing the attention of the audience. The song covers had a grungy feel compared to the originals, but still strong and appealing regardless.
It was after Blue Dice played that I realized that the Woodstock Flashback wasn’t the kind of event to meticulously review and write about how many players were in each band and who played what instrument comparing who rocked more. This show was about returning to the “classics” and enjoying the music, the energy and the atmosphere…so we did.
Next we had Scott Elliot and Talk to Mark as Joe Cocker and the Grease Band. The lead was a soulful singer who really captured the Joe Cocker essence. They played an amazing cover of “With a Little Help From My Friends,” originally by the Beatles, and the crowd went wild. Scott Elliot and Talk to Mark definitely increased the number of dancers on the floor, and ended with a standing ovation.
As the performances progressed you could hear the various arguments amongst the crowd as to which band was being portrayed next and which classic hits belonged to whom. Then there were the frustrating moments where you knew you’d heard the song in a movie or on the radio but couldn’t place the artist if your life depended on it. Either way, the swaying and nodding to the beads never stopped.
After another quick set, Big Wiggler with Marty Balin came out on stage. When the lead singer belted out the first note, you knew it was Jefferson Airplane. This was the best ensemble so far in terms of onstage interaction. When they played the quintessential, “Don’t You Want Somebody to Love” people all over were seen and heard mouthing the words.
Next, Thomas Wynn and the Believers came out to cover The Band. A gorgeous young woman with long dreadlocks sang amazing harmonies when they played their rendition of “Take a Load Off, Fannie.” They played as the sun went down and the crowd thickened. Thomas Wynn and the Believers sounded so much like The Band it was uncanny. They captured the sounds and the presence, making the 30-minute set leave a lasting impression.
The Who was played by The Beauvilles. This punkish-looking trio did it up right! Not only were they young, handsome musicians, but they totally rocked “My Generation” and “Happy Jack.” The only complaint was they didn’t play “Teenage Wasteland,” although some may argue that is one of their more overplayed songs anyway. The Beauvilles, a name I’d heard but never associated with this caliber of performance, really took the energy up the highest it had been all night and left Four Star Riot with quite the act to follow.
As Sly and the Family Stone, Four Star Riot made the dancers on the floor really move with a strong rendition of “Everyday People” and decided to “Take You Higher” with that cover as well. The best part of this particular tribute was watching the crowd really get into it with empty chairs everywhere and a packed dance floor.
After taking the crowd higher, Macon, Georgia native, Jessica Atkinson, came out to pay homage to Janis Joplin. She opened with “Mercedes Benz” and mesmerized the crowd. This petite little brunette blasted the audience with her strong and dominating, beautiful voice. Then I heard a guy in a football jersey and baseball cap comment, “See, you won’t see THIS on American Idol.” Atkinson’s legendary sound made for great covers of “Piece of My Heart” and “Me and Bobby McGee,” two personal favorites of my own.
Second to last in finishing the Flashback evening was Captain Obvious and Duh! Patrol as Mountain. As soon as “Mississippi Queen” came on all I could see was the “Rock Band” screen, but the rest of the crowd was grooving to the lead singer giving them what is always needed, “more cowbell.” Although the evening was winding down, Captain Obvious and Duh! Patrol kept the energy high and left the audience ready for the finale!
Last, and definitely not least, was Santana as portrayed by Point Six. With amazing, bright Latin-looking outfits, the bongos, congas and more the hips were quickly swaying to the Santana-salsa beats and the classics like “Black Magic Woman,” and other songs sung completely in Spanish.
The night ended on a high note. The Woodstock Flashback was a success, as many of the hits covered are now stuck in my head. All of the bands that played really did the originals justice and made for an amazing show. Each performance added a personal spin to those clichéd oldies but goodies, and the Skipperdome audience experienced them like never before. WMNF succeeded in keeping the station and its shows filled with faithful followers and finding new fans to come back for more!
This article appears in Oct 8-14, 2009.