Boz Scaggs and Michael McDonald
By Sandy Carriger

What an amazing concert at an amazing venue! This was my first experience at the Ironstone Vineyard located on Six Mile Road in Murphys. At first it was quite hot, the tail end of a day that reached well into 100+ degrees. But as the sun slowly set over this gorgeous venue with lush green grass, natural lake, stone pathways and flowers, the shade took over and temperatures declined to a comfortable evening under the stars.

My husband and I opted for dinner from the Gourmet Deli of artisan sandwiches on freshly baked baguettes and enjoyed our meal sitting on a blanket on the grass as dragonflies flit around us. We then explored the amphitheater whose amenities included wine and beer gardens, popcorn, freshly roasted sugared nuts, smoothies, corn dogs or nachos. There were people with signs giving "Free Hugs" and Black Oak Casino giving those who chose, a game of chance for a free gift. The crowd was mostly baby-boomers, myself included! We located our reserved seats and while waiting for the concert to begin, a flock of geese in V-formation flew overhead.

The "opening" act was a youth, Trevor Jackson, who gave an amazing tribute to Michael Jackson. This young man got up on stage, without musical accompaniment and belted out two Michael Jackson tunes. He has an amazing voice and all the moves. I hope he goes far! Boz Scaggs opened the performance with his smooth and unmistakable vocals. Leaning toward the genre of New Orleans style blues, Scaggs sang a medley of tunes including; "Slow Dancer," "Sick and Tired," "Georgia," "Lowdown," "Back in My Arms" (a duet with backup vocalist, Ms. Monet), "Look What You've Done to Me," "Lido Shuffle" and "Somebody Loan Me a Dime." Scaggs yielded the stage to Ms. Monet while she gave her R&B rendition of "That's What I'm Gonna Do." I have seen Boz Scaggs in concert once before. This man is a legend with a distinctive style that cannot be replicated. He is an exemplary professional. Band members; Daron Johnson-keyboard, Eric Crystal-saxophone, Karhi Parker-drums, Richard Patterson-bass, Drew Zingg-guitar and Ms. Monet Owens-vocals, were a perfect compliment to Scaggs inimitable style.

I have to admit, I have always had a soft place in my heart for Michael McDonald. I loved him with the Doobie Brothers, singing duets with Patti LaBelle or James Ingram and as a solo artist. Okay, so he's cute too. Now, with his white hair and AARP jokes, he's still got it! McDonald also has one of those voices with its own distinguishable tenor. His set included a mix of Doobie Bros. hits, Motown and spiritual blues; "I Keep Forgettin',""Real Love," "Sweet Freedom," "Yah Mo B There," "You Don't Know Me," "Stop, Look, Listen," "You Belong to Me," "No Love to be Found," "I Heard it Through the Grapevine," "Minute by Minute," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Ain't Nothin' Like the Real Thing," "What a Fool Believes," "Hallelujah,""Keeps you Runnin'" and "Takin' it to the Streets." McDonald's band: Bernie Chiaravalle-guitar, Lanice Morrison-bass, Vince Denham-saxophone (and has performed with McDonald for 20 years), Pat Coil-keyboard, Yvette "Baby Girl" Preyer-drums and Drea Rhenee-vocals is also well deserving of many kudos. Plus, McDonald held his own with his expertise on the ivories.

What I like best about this kind of concert...there is no fluff, fireworks or frills. These artists are real performers. All they need do is to walk out on stage, sing and play their instruments. Scaggs has been at the top of the charts since the '60s, McDonald since the '70s. Both have many years of experience and talent that requires nothing more for them to endure as the fine musicians they are. Both were humbled and appreciative of their audience. It was an honor and a pleasure to be present at this performance! Future concerts at the Ironstone Vineyard: The Moody Blues - July 24, Alan Jackson - August 7, Diana Krall - August 16, Jason Mraz - August 28, Chris Isaak and Brian Setzer - Sept. 6, Lynyard Skynyrd - Sept. 18 and Crosby, Stills and Nash - Sept. 19. Visit http://www.ironstonevineyards.com/concert_2009/index.html or for tickets and more information, visit http://ticketmaster.com.  Courtesy Photos

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