The party like atmosphere that is shared at The Syracuse Nationals, was welcomed in a night early on Wednesday, July 16th, as The Blacklites held a free open air concert at the gazebo for the public at Washington Park in Liverpool, NY. The fun and family friendly event was sponsored by Dinosaur Radio and was used as a fundraiser for the Wander’s Rest Humane Association, in Canastota. Classic car enthusiasts were invited to bring their vehicles to show off as part of the radio station’s weekly Car Cruz at the Park. The Blacklites provide classic Rhythm and Blues tunes as the soundscape to the visual feast of classic vehicles’ craftsmanship and beauty.
Eddie Wallstreet Brown of The Blacklites. Photo by Micha L. Crook
It was fitting that The Blacklites, a twelve piece band, were the evening’s entertainment. This tight sounding band was a well-oiled machine of synchronized perfection. A blaring horn section pumped up the crowd as the group’s perfectly time dance routines, reminiscent of the classic Motown groups who helped establish the cannon of American Rock and Roll, wowed the audience. Sweeping through the decades The Blacklites played party dance favorites. Highlights of their energetic performance included covers of Wild Cherry’s– Play Funky Music, Bobby Brown’s- My Prerogative, Billy Ocean’s –Caribbean Queen, and a fantastic closing musical montage dedicated to the godfather of soul himself, Mr. James Brown.
Jerry Governor Patterson of The Blacklites. Photo by Micha L. Crook
Lead vocalist, Jerry “Governor” Patterson, summed up the nights events by say, “We get to do a lot of shows over a year. And we do a lot of gigs for politicians and fundraiser and for folks cats in black coats and bow ties and they are pretty fun times. But there is nothing like playing out in the public for a group of people like you, who are truly enjoys what we do. You are truly the best!”
To see when The Blacklites are playing next check out their website. A list of the Dinosaur Radio’s events can be seen HERE. To contribute to the efforts of the Wander’s Rest Humane Association, check out their website.
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Micha L. Crook covers local music, events and culture throughout the CNY region. She is also the good twin and arch-nemisis of Mitzi Schadenfreude. Find her on twitter @MissMichaC
