Daily Loaf

The Skipperdome was packed this past Sunday, October 11, for WMNF’s Woodstock Flashback. Having been to Skipper’s Smokehouse more than anywhere else in Tampa, I was shocked to find so many people there, both in the restaurant and the outdoor venue. The parking lot was packed to overflowing.

Due to the lack of parking and the fact that we had to pay $5 for the spot we found, we didn’t see the opener, Soul 2 Earth, playing Jimi Hendrix, though we heard it the tail end of their set on our way in. We got our wristbands as they were exiting the stage.

It was practically standing room only at the ‘Dome, patrons with drinks and food in hand, and wearing smiling faces. Indeed, the WMNF regulars I’d spotted at previous events were in full attendance, but like always, the audience was a diverse bunch, ages ranging from infant to senior, and everyone was there to have an amazing Woodstock Flashback experience.

The Ditchflowers hit the stage next as Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. They brought amazing energy to their short-and-sweet set, playing some CSNY classics that had everyone singing along.

Next was Blue Dice (pictured above) as Blood, Sweat and Tears, and with the hot, muggy weather, we were all feeling the sweat way moreso than the blood and tears. Blue Dice brought a grungy feel to the originals, but the resulting funk was strong and appealing and the horn section sounded tight and grabbed the attention of the audience immediately.

After Blue Dice, I realized the Woodstock Flashback wasn’t the kind of event that needs a meticulous review with details about how many players were in each band, who played what instrument, what band 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 Elliott and Talk to Mark as Joe Cocker and the Grease Band. Elliott was a soulful singer who really captured the Joe Cocker essence. The band played an amazing cover of “With a Little Help From My Friends,” originally by the Beatles, and the crowd went wild. Elliot and Talk to Mark definitely increased the number of dancers on the floor, and their set ended to a standing ovation.

As the performances progressed, you could hear the various debates amongst attendees as to which band was being portrayed next and what 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 it if your life depended on it. Either way, the swaying and nodding to the beats never stopped.

After another quick set by Big Wiggler with Marty Balin followed. 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 chemistry and interaction. When they played the quintessential, “Don’t You Want Somebody to Love,” people all over were seen and heard mouthing along to the lyrics.

Next, Thomas Wynn and the Believers (pictured left) 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.” Their set took place 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, and their 30-minute set left a lasting impression.

The Who set was performed 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.” My only complaint was they didn’t play “Baba O’Riley,” although some may argue that is one of The Who’s most overplayed songs anyway. The Beauvilles, a name I’d heard but never associated with this caliber of performance, really took the energy to the next level, and left Four Star Riot with quite the act to follow.

As Sly and the Family Stone, Four Star Riot made the people dancing 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, then the petite little brunette blasted the audience with her dominating, beautiful voice. 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 on the Flashback bill 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 and given what is always needed, “more cowbell.” Although the evening was winding down, Captain Obvious kept the energy high and left the audience ready and rearing for the finale!

Last, and definitely not least, was Santana as portrayed by Point Six, who were dressed in bright Latin-flavored outfits, and with bongos, congas and other percussive touches, had hips swaying to the Santana-salsa beats and classics like “Black Magic Woman,” and other songs were delivered completely in Spanish.

The night ended on a high note. The Woodstock Flashback was a success and many of the hits covered at the event are now stuck in my head. All of the bands that played really did the originals justice and made for an amazing show. Each performer gave their personal spin on 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!

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