Steppenwolf concert pleases some

Review by Joshua Maloni
Niagara Frontier Publications, June 28, 2007

John Kay (photo by John Stuart/Artpark)

John Kay says this Steppenwolf tour is the band’s last. Considering the group has only two Top 5 hits to its name – and both songs were released nearly 40 years ago – one could say every tour over the past 30 years promised to be the act’s last.

Of course, that cynicism comes from a critic born a decade after the “Magic Carpet Ride” first took flight. From a person not belonging to the demographic Artpark sought in booking a classic rock band from the “Easy Rider,” easy living ‘60s.

For the Baby Boomers – at least one a self-described former stoner – watching Kay on Tuesday, and the current incarnation of Steppenwolf, performing songs such as “Sookie Sookie” “Born to Be Wild” and “Pusher” was a little slice of nostalgia heaven. No chemical incentives needed.

For those fans, the evening was worth braving temperatures hovering around 90 and long lines to the concession stands. Almost every song drew a hearty applause. So too, almost every Kay story drew some head scratching, save an appeal to American unity.

For the rest of the crowd, dotted with 20-somethings, it was the first opportunity to catch a “name” band outdoors at Artpark this summer. Despite the weather, about 9,000 people comfortably fit into the amphitheater.

More exciting, at least to this music lover, was the set offered up by Lewiston blues enthusiast Maria Aurigema. A sultry songstress and surprisingly good guitar player, the singer looked every bit like a rock star – though her performance stopped just short of rocking. A cover of Eric Clapton’s “Sick and Tired” was enjoyable, but a rendition of “White Room” or “Sunshine of Your Love” would have been more satisfying. Still, Aurigema is the best opening act Artpark has offered over the past two years of “Tuesday in the Park.”

|Maria Aurigema (photo by John Stuart/Artpark)

Steppenwolf served as the first test of Artpark’s pledge to provide proper crowd control and improved parking lot usage. All signs indicate success in both areas. Newly installed metal fences have thoroughly outlined walkways, making it easier for attendees to move around the outdoor bowl. There’s no lack of security, thus ensuring safety, even as beer flows freely. There’s also less litter, thanks to a hustling group of venue volunteers.

Moreover, Lewiston and state parks police can be seen up and down Fourth Street, preventing parking on side roads and efficiently directing traffic out of the main parking lot.

Next week’s headliner is The Derek Trucks Band. The former Allman Brothers Band player and his backing members are pinch-hitting for originally scheduled top liner Hootie and the Blowfish. The aqueous ones are currently without frontman Darius Rucker, who is recovering from a series of knee surgeries and a staph infection.

Hootie and the Blowfish may reschedule and make it out to Artpark later this summer.

This weekend, The Tragically Hip return to perform on the mainstage. Both shows – one on Saturday and one on Sunday – are sold out.

Artpark Voted ‘Best Outdoor Music Venue’

Artpark was voted “Best Outdoor Music Venue in Western New York” for a second straight year by Buffalo Spree at Thursday’s “Best of WNY” awards gala held at Shea’s Performing Arts Center. Winners were chosen by a panel of respected area experts, as well as via online polling.

A full list of results for the “Best of WNY” awards will be included in the July/August issue of Buffalo Spree.