The Fonthill Bandshell patrons and a few thousand of their closest friends welcomed Doug Varty and the Chicago Transit - Powerhouse band to Peace Park Thursday, July 18, for the opening-night kickoff to Pelham Summerfest.
Performing Rod Stewart – Forever Young, Varty managed at least four costume changes, but always with the iconic-looking spiky blond wig on his head, rolling through hit after hit from the British rocker, including Maggie May, Young Turks, Some Guys Have all the Luck, Tonight’s the Night, You’re in My Heart, and, naturally, Forever Young.
When offstage executing said costume changes, Chicago Transit - Powerhouse demonstrated why they have been one of the longest-running tribute bands for Chicago (at 30 years), performing such tunes as Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, and the melodic Colour My World, complete with live flute accompaniment.
As the opening night for the four-day Summerfest festival, the venue welcomed its largest audience of the season, as people mingled in the suppermarket, along the top of the hill near the municipal building, filling the boulevards leading down Pelham Town Square, and on the closed-off portion of the road in front of the post office. Even with the bigger crowd, there was still enough room for the ever-present line dancers, numbering 20-plus at times, and couples and young families wanting to move to the rhythm.
As the light faded from the sky and the moon rose over the Bandshell, the patrons were on their feet asking for more. The 9 p.m. concert end time was politely ignored in time for an encore – what else but Hot Legs.
Next up is Fiddlestix on Thursday, July 25, sponsored by Rankin Construction. All concerts start at 7 p.m.
