|
All news is attributed to the source from which it was received so that readers may judge the validity of the statements for themselves.
Have Joan Jett news to report? Email us at jettfc@aol.com, and please include the source of the information so it can be validated.
Redwood Run rides again
from: times-standard.com (Times-Standard Online)
by Tim Jordan/For the Times-Standard
The 30th annual Redwood Run has now been entered into the history books and a great time was had by all. Motorcycle enthusiasts came from all over the country to join in the festivities this past weekend in Piercy. The sold-out event featured live music, spectacular custom motorcycles, great food and beverages and skill-based biker games.
The California Highway Patrol estimated that up to 7,000 motorcycles would be present on North Coast highways for the event. Using an extremely conservative value of $10,000 per bike, riders on an estimated 70 million dollars of rolling stock enjoyed the local area with associated positive economic impacts for local motels, restaurants and retail shops.
According to Internet research, 30th anniversaries are traditionally celebrated with the precious stone Diamond as a symbol. Modern lore recognizes the Pearl as a commemorative icon marking three decades. The Redwood Run offered up spectacular musical jewels in the form of performances by artists including JOAN JETT, Molly Hatchet, Gregg Allman and Joe Bonamassa among others. The magnificent natural setting of the site is a gem in its own right. Dramatic high rock cliffs along the Eel River form the backdrop for the stage. Crystal clear skies and redwoods frame the northern and southern boundaries and a large gently-sloped hill provides seating for attendees watching the show.
The Run has always been known for great rock 'n' roll music and this year was no exception.
Legendary southern rock icon Gregg Allman occupied center stage as the headliner on Saturday night. Backed by a tight six-piece band, he opened with his 1987 chart topper entitled "I'm No Angel." Allman led the crowd through his musical anthology with performances of "Melissa," "Whipping Post," and the classic "Midnight Rider." He brought out "Statesboro Blues" as an encore. The entire performance was punctuated with his soulful voice and musical skills honed by over 30 years on the stage. Rarely are North Coast audiences treated to performances by artists of Allman's caliber.
Earlier on Saturday night, Joe Bonamassa offered his high energy guitar show. His mastery of the six-string was demonstrated in a wide variety of styles including delta blues, acoustic finger-picking and screaming electric rock and blues. He thanked the crowd for celebrating the 30th Redwood Run and his recent 30th birthday.
Bonamassa's performance evoked comparisons with guitar masters such as Stevie Ray Vaughn, Muddy Waters, BB King and Eddie Van Halen. One of his last tunes covered the spectrum occupied by Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top) through Peter Frampton. At the tender age of 30, Bonamassa has truly evolved into a master musician. In 2000, Gregg Allman joined him on his album "A New Day Yesterday." Backstage after the show, Allman was overheard praising Bonamassa as "an amazing talent with decades of success ahead."
Saturday night was opened by an all-girl tribute band to AC/DC known as ThundHerStruck. These musicians sounded like their idols and prowled the stage with the same high energy. With her growling vocals and commanding presence, lead singer Dyna Shirasaki channeled the spirit of Bon Scott and perfectly emulated the vocal styles of Brian Johnson. Guitarist Tina Woods, aka Angus Young, ripped into lead solos with all Young's velocity and antics. These girls could play and they thrilled the early evening crowd.
Friday's performances were great also. The Clint Warner Band opened the show with their own blend of rock and blues. Warner's tasty guitar licks were augmented with great keyboard work by Rick Nelson, and the popping rhythm section of Chris Matheos on bass and Rob Anderson on drums. Southern rockers Savannah Blue continued to warm the crowd. Lydia Pense and Cold Blood have been thrilling crowds for decades and Friday was no exception. Their strong funk and blues based performance set the stage for Molly Hatchet.
This band has toured for over 27 years and continues to offer its unique brand of southern rock to crowds all over the world. Searing dual lead guitars have always been a trademark for Molly Hatchet and they lit the stage up Friday night. Offerings included classics like "Gator Country," Whiskey Man," and "Bounty Hunter." It was easy to see that these guys really love performing live especially during their encore "Flirting with Disaster. They featured long, '70s style hair and numerous choreographed, synchronized guitar waving routines.
JOAN JETT followed with her trademark high-energy show. Seemingly part punker/part rocker, Jett was at home with the leather clad audience. She laid down a smoking version of her song "Cherry Bomb" from her time in the mid-'70s with the teenage girl band "The RUNAWAYS." Later in the set during technical glitches that would have caused others to stop and adjust, Jett just smiled and played on. Her rendition of "I Don't Give a Damn about My Reputation" struck a sympathetic cord with the biker crowd and everyone roared along to the words of "I Love Rock n' Roll." Izzy Osborne closed out the evening with his tribute to Ozzy Osbourne. Everyone agreed that it seemed like Ozzy had come to the Run.
Some folks in the crowd would describe themselves as bikers and some would call themselves motorcycle enthusiasts. It was amusing to watch both types during the musical performances. For the men in the audience, enthusiasm for any particular song was demonstrated by almost imperceptible head nodding while jamming both hands in jean pockets. Fortunately for the on-stage performers, the woman attendees danced and swayed along in perfect rhythm.
Saturday featured the biker games. The Slowest Bike contest featured riders "racing along" at speeds slower than a geriatric walker, The Bite the Weenie contest had bikes piloted by a man with a woman passenger attempting to bite pieces out of hanging hotdogs slathered in mustard. At one point on Saturday, an impromptu demonstration of extreme riding was offered by a group of riders from the Bay area. The admiring crowd of onlookers were amazed by the skill and mastery demonstrated while bikes performed wheelies and other tricks.
Numerous nonprofit organizations offered up items such as tri-tip sandwiches, BBQ ribs, cheesesteak sandwiches and burritos. Proceeds from these booths will benefit Kiwanis Clubs in the Redwoods, Willits and Smith River areas. South Fork Football and Wrestling programs, and Fieldbrook and Leggett schools, also participated. Volunteer fire departments from Piercy, Leggett, and Whitethorn assisted during the event to provide on-site emergency services.
Numerous attendees were surveyed in an attempt to identify specific highlights from the Redwood Run weekend. Almost every person offered the same response when asked what was the best thing about the run. They all said "Everything... the bands, the bikes and the friends are the best things" One woman did say that the tri-tip sandwiches at the Leggett School booth were the best thing about the weekend. She was wearing a Leggett School Booster shirt for what it matters. Oh well, so much for objective reporting.
Jason Pitman, recent SoHum transplant from Michigan, was thrilled Saturday night to win the Riverview Productions grand prize drawing for a new FXDC Dyna "Super Glide" Custom Harley. He said, "I just moved here to change my life. I can't believe it!" A new Harley Davidson motorcycle is most certainly a life-changing experience.
It was often repeated during the weekend that this was the best Redwood Run ever. Riverview Productions, staff and volunteers should be commended for producing a great show, fantastic trouble-free weekend and providing a great time to all. There are only 360 days left until the 31st annual Redwood Run.
|
| |
This Week:
No shows scheduled this week.
Click on the LIVE DATES link for upcoming shows |
Item Of The Month:
|
