Jim Messina,
November 10, 2022
Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center
Jim Messina and his band gave a stellar performance for a sold-out crowd on Thursday November 10th at the Katharine Hepburn Theater.
This was like the newly reborn version of Jim Messina. He has changed up some of the bandmates and this performance was the first I had seen with Steve Nieves on wind/percussion and saxophone, Jack Bruno on drums, James Frazier on keyboards, and bassist Ben King. This combination worked so well and meshed perfectly. The entire night seemed more energized as Messina and his bandmates were in top form.
Messina looked very happy with the set and the entire band seemed like they were having a great time together. There was obvious chemistry between them all. All of the songs were tight and the vocal harmonies were spot on. The band clicked and seamlessly as they moved from one song to the next. The assortment of songs ranged from Messina’s time with Poco on to his time with Loggins and Messina. He also had his solo songs in the set. This arrangement gave the audience a set that everyone could enjoy. It was a taste of everything a Jim Messina fan would want to hear. Messina included a tribute to the late Rusty Young by singing “Kind Woman.”
The Kate being a smaller venue than some always gives the audience a very intimate and close up performance. Messina took it to another level as he interacted with the audience as an audience member would occasionally speak out and say something to him, he always smiled and answered back.
Messina told the crowd that a song he was going to sing was about dancing Faires and spirits dancing around a tiny fire he once saw at a retreat. While he was telling the story Tim Creek, the guitar tech, brought out a tiny violin and Messina showed it to the audience. He said the little instrument is the type they use to entrap you by playing. He and the band then launch into “Whispering Waters.'”
Having arrived before the performance and having permission to watch the sound check was an extra bonus. I watched the time Messina takes prior to each show to make sure the sound was right and would give the audience the best sound possible for each performance. He is a true perfectionist when it comes to making sure every show is first class and give the audience a memorable experience.
There was more than one standing ovation for the band and the exceptional performance they gave. It’s always great so see Messina’s name come up on The Kate’s lineup of upcoming acts and a must see when he does schedule a show there.
Messina held a question and answer session for those in the audience who wished to stay after the show and share more time with him.
Review by Donna Erichsen
Photos by George Bekris
Jim Messina: Musician and Artist
For more photos of the concert check out Jim Messina
SETLIST
Watching the River Run
House at Pooh Corner
Danny’s Song
Thinking of You
Whispering Waters
Follow Your Dreams
Kind Woman
You Better Think Twice
Listen to a Country Song
Holiday Hotel
Trilogy: Lovin’ Me / To Make a Woman Feel Wanted / Peace of Mind
Be Free
Angry Eyes
Encore:
You Need a Man
Your Mama Don’t Dance