Tonight, Ted and I went out-of-state for an outdoor summer concert in Alton, IL. The Beach Boys performed at the Liberty Bank Amphitheater on the east bank of the mighty Mississippi. We made three major river crossings on our eastward route to arrive at the concert–twice across the Missouri because it flows north and then turns toward the south again, and once across the Mississippi. After having beautiful summer evenings for all of our free concerts, we had drizzle on and off during this entire concert–the only one we paid for!
This is what the weather radar looked like when we arrived (left) and when the concert ended (right). The red arrow indicates Alton, IL. It was a damp evening.
I was hoping the concert would be postponed, but the amphitheater website said all concerts are rain or shine with absolutely no refunds or exchanges. So there! It rained more heavily in the afternoon, but decreased to intermittent drizzle during the evening. Adding to the discomfort, the temperature was in the mid-60s all day and evening, although the normal high at this time of year is 89 degrees. We put on jeans and long-sleeved shirts with our waterproof hiking shoes, gathered umbrellas and waterproof jackets and pants, then headed for Alton.
You’d never know it’s July in St. Louis by the way this crowd is dressed.
In spite of the weather, it’s summer (at least on the calendar) and the Beach Boys exemplify summer music, so here we are.
We’re in the right place–the big screen says “The Beach Boys.”
We were early enough to pick the best available lawn seats–where the hill was steep enough to see the band over the future umbrellas that would be in front of us.
That’s the Mississippi River in the background. It flows west to east past Alton.
The big screen onstage showed 1960s video clips during the performance. A vintage car (not a woodie) was parked on the right side of the stage.
As we looked around, Ted said the umbrellas reminded him of the Balloon Fiesta we attended in Albuquerque last October. Compare and decide.
This Beach Boys tour is called “Now and Then” and features the 1960s Beach Boys’ music as well as their more current songs. Mike Love is the only remaining member of the original Beach Boys performing with the group. He should have quit a long time ago, because his voice is long gone and his range is minimal. I’m not exaggerating when I say Ted would have done a better job singing the lyrics than Mike Love did–no insult intended toward Ted. Mike’s son, Christian, is one of the vocalists, and he sounded good when they let him sing lead on one song. They should have let him sing lead for the entire concert.
The band started playing together in 1961. When Ted and I heard they’re still going strong after more than 50 years, we looked at each other and said, “They’re still working?”
Presentiinnngggg The Beach Boys! Does it feel weird to still be a “boy” after 57 years?
That’s Mike Love in the center (vest) and Christian Love on the right (white jacket).
A few brave people were dressed in colorful beachwear (not swimsuits tonight), but most were bundled up. There were at least a half dozen beach balls bobbing around all evening.
The weather was crummy, but the concert was good, and the beat is still that familiar Beach Boys’ summer sound. Prior to and following tonight’s performance, a mix tape of 60s songs was playing. As we left the amphitheater, the song we heard was “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head.” The concert was good and so was the hot shower when we got home.