What did you do last night? The real question is…What are you doing tonight? Going to Wolf Trap to see the incomparable Steve Miller Band in concert, should be your answer! I have said it before, and I will say it again…Steve Miller knows how to rock a concert and put on a fabulous show! I go see him every year and this year I debated it because, well, I see him EVERY year! I am SO happy that I went!

They revamped the show, as they do every year, but this year they chose to do a compact version that was awesome! They played for two hours and change, with no intermission, so as an audience we were really able to stay in the groove and keep on rockin’. He played all of the greatest hits as usual, but he really has so many that you sit there and marvel! It’s a night packed with good times! They performed, “Jungle Love”, “Take the Money and Run”, “Abracadabra”, and “Serenade from the Stars”, to name a few! He added in an acoustic version of “Wild Mountain Honey” that was soooooooo sexy! His low tones are heaven and his voice is pristine..he must love tea!?

Usually, they take a bluesy break and intertwine different things into the concert, which they do a little bit of this year, but it is more precise. Sonny Charles, who sings back-up vocals and solos on the blues set is a mighty addition. He has been with Steve for a few years now, but every year, you love him more and more. He comes out first thing, dancing! His voice is a velvetier version of Stevie Ray Vaughan and he is entertaining through-out the night. There is an extended version of “Fly Like an Eagle”, that is anticipated, but you never know what they will do with it! This year, Joseph Wooten (keyboardist) solos in the middle and really got us heated. In years past he has done a rap in the middle, which was fun too. Steve has surrounded himself with a terrific band. Kenny Lee Lewis on bass, rocked the whole night. You can tell that the whole band really enjoys what they are playing, it shows!

Steve Miller himself, is like the Fosse of music. He has his own distinct style, not only vocally, but as a guitarist. He is truly one of the greats and you should see him in concert. Obviously, because he has a signature sound, the songs are a bit similar, but I think it’s like The Beach Boys, they created a sound, that people tried emulate…imitation is the highest form of flattery! Though, I don’t think that I could really pick out anyone who can truly copy Steve Miller! They played their tribute to the troops, “Livin’ In The USA” and a lesser known tune, which deserves love, “The Window”. As the night was coming to a close, we heard a (welcomed) lengthy version of “Rock’n Me” and what would a Steve Miller Band concert be without “The Joker”?! They came back for an encore of, “Swingtown”, followed by, “Space Cowboy” and went back in the repertoire and found, “Cow Cow Calculator”. He put us to the test and asked if we knew what he didn’t sing…I knew and I was hoping that he would hear me, but alas, he did not. There fore, I was left out in the cold, or heat as it was, and I didn’t get to hear my favorite, “True, Fine, Love” 🙁 Next year, Steve Miller, next year!!!

You have an opportunity to see them tonight at 8pm at The Filene Center at Wolf Trap or for any of their other tour dates, go to www.stevemillerband.com

www.wolftrap.org

Overall Performance: A++, if you like Steve Miller Band, this is a must-see concert!

Venue for Performance: A+, though it’s been a hot summer, last night wasn’t terrible and certainly when you are being entertain liked this, anything is worth it! He is a summer staple and should be seen outside!

About The Author

Denise A.

Theatre/Concert Reviewer

A member of the Actors’ Center since 2000, she is a professionally trained actor, singer and dancer, she has graced stages all over the country with various musicals and plays, receiving many awards and accolades. She was an award-nominated host for Eclipse Magazine TV and has also been seen on such shows as The Mickey Mouse Club, Homicide: Life on the Streets, and Ally McBeal. She is a professional magician’s assistant, who has worked with Carnegie and Bradley Fields. Denise has also done her share behind the scenes with many projects. Aside from choreography, she’s been doing costuming and makeup (award winning) for more than a decade. She has been a writer since middle school, mostly short stories and poetry. As English was a favorite subject always, she easily took to journalism courses in high school, followed by college. Her writing has spanned many different markets. In recent years, she has been co-authoring an original musical that she hopes gets to see the light of day 🙂

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