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Of all the shows that occurred during GMA week, this was the one not to miss. Dubbed "The Heroes of Modern Rock Night," this show could have rightly been called "The Real Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame." At one time or another, I have seen all of the artists that appeared that night in various settings. None of them have ever sounded better or appeared to have more fun than on this magic night. The whole night took on a totally laid-back feel, which made the entire evening's proceedings seem like a group of friends gathered in a living room (albeit a somewhat large one).

First up on the evening's bill of fare was "Riki" Michele Palmer, formerly of Adam Again. She was accompanied by Marc Berg and Steve Hindalo6ng and an exceptional bass player whose name I didn't catch. Her set, which was much too short, in my opinion, consisted of all new material from an upcoming release.

Up next was Phil Madeira, who did material from his Silent Planet Records release Three Horseshoes, as well as his independent project Off Kilter. Phil's set was right on target and included some banter with an audience member, who, as Phil described her, had "the loudest freakin' voice I've ever heard."

Up next was the maestro, Terry Scott Taylor, who in my humble opinion is responsible, directly or indirectly, for everything good in Christian rock today. Terry played music mainly from his latest release, Avocado Faultline, but dipped into a very impressive back catalogue of material from the last twenty-some-odd years. He was joined for his set by Phil Madeira and the ever-present Steve Hindalong. I don't get a chance to see him play as often as I would like, but every time is a great memory.

The Lost Dogs were next up and were accompanied by Dennis Holt of AD and the Wall Brothers Band fame on drums, Tim Chandler on bass and Phil Madeira on guitar. It was interesting seeing the guys cover the parts of the tunes that would have been sung by the late Gene Eugene. They did it smoothly and with warmth and a great deal of warped humor. Songs were played from all four albums that the band has released plus a teaser from the new one, which should hopefully be out later this year.

And then things went electric:  up came The Choir, blasting their way through hits both past and present. They showed just why this band is one of the most beloved in our industry. Derri, Tim, Steve and the lovely "Buckeye" Dan Michaels were hot from the beginning to the end. This is a group that makes me wish that we were back in the early 60's when bands released at least two albums a year.

Closing out the evening's festivities was, "the only boy band that matters," The 77s. Concentrating mainly on material from their new album, these guys, as the saying goes, rocked the house. A five piece unit this time around, this group is indeed "The World's Greatest Rock N Roll Band." 

In an industry that seems to be looking for the next thirteen-year-old wonder kid, it was a breath of fresh air to see an entire evening of seasoned performers who could still tear it up.  It will be a long time, if ever, before there is a night like this again. By the way did I mention that I got to MC the whole thing?   For this old DJ, it was a dream come true.