JD & The Straight Shot

By Michael Yanko 

for Concert Photos Magazine

Live at the Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, FL 1-24-17

When you are selected to be the opening act for a sold out Don Henley concert you have to be doing something right!

The band represents a combination of blues, rock, Americana, country, and bluegrass.

The acoustic set by JD & The Straight Shot was very entertaining and they did a great job warming up the crowd.  JD (James Dolan, yes, THAT James Dolan) was very personable, and what little he may have lacked in vocal skills he more than made up for through rapport with the crowd and an excellent supporting band.  JD wonderfully explained the history and/or meaning of each song and the crowd really seemed to be very responsive to his banter. The band has recorded 6 albums and performed a nice mix of a few older originals and songs off their new album “Ballyhoo.” 

Roger Waters Performs "The Wall Live" in San Diego, CA

Roger Waters, former bassist and vocalist of the legendary band, Pink Floyd, has brought his arena venue tour to San Diego. With a sold out crowd despite tickets ranging from $70 to $300, the fans are clearly awaiting this monster of a show as almost everyone is in their seats an hour before the show, including the likes of Bill Walton, Tony Hawk, Cory Feldman and San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders. There is a similar feel to the rock scene in Cameron Crowe's "Almost Famous," which was filmed at this location in San Diego. The Beatles are playing on the house sound system and then all of a sudden it begins, two sets of "The Wall Live" in its entirety. Waters then appears in his aviator sunglasses, black trench coat with suitable logos of "The Wall" emblems and says "go to the show." Too late Roger, we are already here with matching grins ready to be blown away. If this show comes to an area near you, it is not to be missed!

Review and Photos by Doug Siegel
www.dougsiegelphotography.carbonmade.com