Hall & Oates: Wantagh, New York, June 11, 2011

Hall & Oates With Special Guest Chris Isaak
2011 Nikon at Jones Beach Concert
Wantagh, New York
June 11, 2011
On a misty and cold Saturday evening, Hall & Oates and superb opening act Chris Isaak performed their classic hits to a less than sold-out Jones Beach Ampitheatre. It had rained off-and-on all day, which did not bode well for an outdoor concert, and the inclement weather definitely contributed to the sparse crowd. Those who did arrive for the show wore rain coats and carried umbrellas; those who stayed through the mist were greatly rewarded.
The first concert event of the 2011 Nikon at Jones Beach Concert series opened with Chris Isaak and his band, Silvertone, taking the stage. The singer immediately won over the slightly soggy audience with his mix of pop, rockabilly and Elvis Presley/'50s style songs. Isaak engaged the crowd with witty banter and a trek through the crowd, which culminated with his performing from the second deck while the band played on from the stage. He roared through his hits with Silvertone: "Baby Did A Bad, Bad Thing," "I Want Your Love," "American Boy," "San Francisco Days," "Wicked Game" and "Dancin,'" as well as songs from a forthcoming album recorded at Sun Studios, including "I Can't Help Falling In Love" (while wearing his mirrored suit that transformed him into a human mirror-ball at the end of the show).
After a short intermission, Hall & Oates came on and performed a thirteen-song set. The wind and rain may have played a part in the shorter length of the performance, it certainly didn't affect the quality of the song selection. As the lights gradually came up, the band came on stage and began to play. Soon the guitar, bass and keyboards melded into the instantly recognizable opening notes of "Maneater." Daryl Hall and John Oates soon appeared, joining the band, and right from the start the show were in full gear. The crowd cheered the band and danced between the raindrops throughout the evening as the night and the show progressed. "Family Man," "Out of Touch," "Say It Isn't So," "She's Gone," "Sara Smile" and "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)" all provided the audience with exactly what it came for—riveting, up-tempo, high energy, bouncy, hook-filled blue-eyed soul. The encores "Rich Girl," "You Make My Dreams" and "Kiss On My List" were perfect mini-symphonies of unparalleled, melodic Philly soul, pop, R&B, funk and rock.

On a night that was almost a weather washout, the performances by both headliner and special guest were sunny, upbeat and stellar. This dynamic pairing truly evoked a summer vibe despite the very un-summer-like conditions.

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