Of all the classic melodies Aaron Neville cycled through on the Sue McLean stage June 19, some of the biggest crowd reaction occurred after the opening lyric to the Johnny Nash-penned “I Can See Clearly Now (the rain is gone)”. Despite a full day of stormy weather, loyal music fans decked out in a multitude of colored plastic wear lucked out as the rain stayed away for the entire length of Neville’s nearly two-hour set.
The talented band, including fellow Neville Brother Charles on saxophone, worked through a diverse selection of styles to the crowd’s delight. Some entertainers perform cover tunes out of necessity, contrary to Neville, whose silky signature voice has people demanding to hear his take on many well-known favorites. Starting out strong with “Stand By Me,” he performed more than 25 tunes with standouts including “Don’t Know Much,” “Fever,” “Three Little Birds” and “Tell It Like It Is.”
Minnesota native Cory Chisel braved the rain to start the evening with a solid set that complemented Neville’s work nicely.
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