Tune In, Turn On
By Doug Deutsch
New Orleans Comes to AC: Last Wednesday night’s Tony Mart Legacy Last Waltz concert at Kennedy Plaza on the Atlantic City Boardwalk was memorable for a few reasons.
The Honey Island Swamp Band, like most of the evening’s performers, hailed from New Orleans, yet did a fantastic job of being the “house band” for the evening, performing timeless classics by The Band, (“Shape I’m In,” “Ophelia,” “Cripple Creek,” “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” “I Shall Be Released,” “The Weight)” and many other classics during the almost-three-hour, 18-song set.
They were joined at various times onstage by Johnny Sansone, Dave Malone (Radiators), Mark Mullins (Bonerama), and a “ringer” from North Carolina, guitarist ‘Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin (pictured), formerly a backing musician for the great Muddy Waters from 1973 to 1980, who performed with Waters and The Band in “The Last Waltz.” Some of New Orleans’ coolest, most talented blues/roots musicians came to the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
“Playing with those guys has been a blast,” guitarist Aaron Wilkinson from the Honey Island Swamp Band, told us via email. “Dave (Malone) and Mark (Mullins) and Johnny (Sansone) are good friends from home, but we don’t get to play together much. They’re all such incredible players. And Bob Margolin knocked us out. I had no idea he was such a showman. Playing this music down here on the shore is just special. It feels like it was born here in a way, and you can tell it really resonates with people.” The fact that it rained much of the night during the show didn’t deter many of those in attendance from staying until the very end.
Tony Mart Mardi Gras on The Boardwalk August schedule: It’s a blues/Americana/roots music lovers delight, with appearances by “the living legacy of classic Southern rock,” Devon Allman, on Aug. 7; Dirty Dozen Brass Band (Aug. 21) and one of today’s best, brightest and most talented rock ‘n’ blues guitarists who recently opened for The Rolling Stones, Samantha Fish (Aug. 28). All shows start at 7 p.m. at Kennedy Plaza in front of Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall, family-friendly, and free. See tonymart.com.
The Hard Rock Experience: When people go out on the town for a night involving music, food, drink and/or dancing, it often requires frequenting multiple venues. Wouldn’t it be great if all these nightlife adventures could be done in one place? May we suggest the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino here in Atlantic City.
Last Friday night, Sue and I went to see Hank Williams Jr. in concert (pictured). He may be 75, but he’s still rockin’ that country music in fine form – and was well-behaved on this evening as well. The fun crowd sang along to virtually all of his songs, especially “All My Rowdy Friends (Have Settled Down.”)
Prior to the show, we had dinner at the Hard Rock’s newest restaurant, The Terrace, which was an enjoyable dining experience overlooking the ocean. The Terrace serves quality cuisine, not just what we refer to as ‘bar food.’ Cool, creative cocktails, too.
After the Hank William’ show, we headed upstairs to Hard Rock’s other new nightspot, The Balcony. It’s located on the casino’s second level where Sound Waves is. Here, partygoers can either boogie inside or head outside and take in the views on their rooftop lounge. So there you have it – music, dining and dancing, all under one roof. Start here: casino.hardrock.com.
Pink Talking Fish in AC: Imagine a band that plays music by trippy rockers Pink Floyd, ’80s new wave rockers Talking Heads, and jam band Phish. Sounds like fun, right? This Friday, Aug. 2 at 9 p.m., Tropicana Atlantic City, which has been bringing in some quality-name entertainment of late, in their Tropicana Showroom, will host this triple-tribute band, which can go from playing Pink Floyd’s “On The Run,” to Phish’s “You Enjoy Myself,” to Talking Heads’ “Slippery People.” Recommended. Tickets: livenation.com.
Until Next Week: Tune In Turn On, enjoy your summer and please support local.
