Chesapeake Beach, MD – “The rain is gone,” Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa entertainment director Murphy Smilardo told the large audience awaiting the Commodores. Sure enough, after earlier enduring a drenching, sustained downpour, the crowd and the open air venue welcomed the sweet soul sounds of the Motown recording legends whose strut to glory began at Tuskegee University.
The Tuesday evening, Aug. 15 show by the Commodores was one of the most highly anticipated of the 2017 Rock the Dock season. It proved to be worth the wait. Led by original member William King and lead vocalist J.D. Nicholas, the Commodores did all their big hits, including the Grammy Award-winning tribute to artists of the past, “Nightshift.” Other highlights included Nicholas’ performance of “Three Times a Lady,” “Sail On,” “Lady (You Bring Me Up)” and the funk anthem “Brick House.”
Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa favorites Chip Andi performed seven songs prior to the Commodores appeared on stage.
When the show was over, King and Nicholas tossed several T-shirts into the enthusiastic crowd before exiting the stage. The Commodores now set sail for the Bronx and then San Diego before returning to their native region for shows in Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. In late September, the Commodores will be in Chile for a concert.
Smilardo said while the 2017 Rock the Dock series is winding down, planning for 2018 is already in the works. He told the audience that Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa is hoping to get Washington, DC native Johnny Gill booked for next season.
Upcoming Rock the Dock shows include Bird Dog Band as the Everly Brothers Experience Thursday, Aug. 24 from 7 to 9 p.m.; High Voltage, an AC/DC Tribute Thursday, Aug. 31 from 7 to 9:30 p.m.; two Sunday 4 to 8 p.m. shows by the No Where Men, Aug. 20 and Sept. 3; and the Eli Young Band Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4 from 4 to 7.
For Rock the Dock ticket information, visit this web site
Contact Marty Madden at marty.madden@thebaynet.com
