LAKE TAHOE, Nev. -The Crystal Bay Casino recently hosted Andy Frasco and the U.N. Band in its Crown Room. This extremely talented band of six musical artists has its own special talents, and together they are a very special, extraordinary, fun-loving band that is full of life!
Lonesome Joy was the opening band, and they are from Music City – East Nashville, Tennessee. They got this party started with their keyboard-fueled Rock and Roll. Stevie Redstone played guitar and keyboard while providing the vocals, with the other four members bringing a lot of energy with them to the Crown Room. The crowd brought their dancing shoes with them, and it was a wonderful way to start this evening’s shenanigan
When Andy Frasco sat down at his piano, he promised the audience that “if you meet me in the middle this evening, open up your heart, clear your mind, I will give you the show of your life! With the best music talent here!” They started the set with Heartbreak, Ugly on You, Spill Beans, and Tumbleweed. During these songs, each talented musician in this band did a solo, starting with the Saxophone player, Sam Kelly, standing up on Andy’s piano playing his heart out, then the lead guitarist, Shawn Eckels, lay down on the piano and did an amazing solo.
Andy’s shows are known for unpredictable experiences involving audience participation; this evening was no different! As the show progressed, Andy jumped off the stage into the audience barefoot a couple of times, each time he had the entire audience doing different things. It started with a dance off, next time he turned the crowd into a large circle moving one way around the floor and then the other, while the band was playing music. It was exciting and fun as everyone participated!
Andy told the audience, “Don’t give up your dream of Lake Tahoe! There is not much snow, but it will come! Love your neighbor. Don’t give up on your own dreams, as life is short! Be the person you want to be!”
Then went into an encore with the drummer, Andrew “Beats” Avila, singing a solo with a very bluesy tone, which turned into another piece with the sax player on the piano, and the lead guitarist, doing a tribute to Ozzy Osborne, while standing on top of the piano.
As Andy finished his last tunes, “Dance” and “Graves,” everyone was really enjoying this wonderful music and dancing with smiles in their hearts!
Thank you, Andy Frasco and the U.N. Band, for the wonderful music! If they roll into your neighborhood, don’t hesitate to see them. It’s an experience that you should not miss!
-By Marcia Schultz
Tahoe Music Adventures
The magnificent photos below were taken by Mr. Larry Sabo. You can see more fun photos from that evening at: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCJJGj
