DOKKEN & LIVESAY LIVE AT THE CHANCE THEATER

As Dokken is currently touring throughout the U.S, they happily landed a couple of hours from me. One week ago, on an unseasonably warm and balmy night, my best friends and I headed to the sold-out show at the Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie, NY to catch the 80‘s iconic band Dokken and opening band,
Livesay. It was the perfect backdrop for a decadent night of Rock and Roll!

A couple years now into the newest formation and post Japan Tour, the band consists of legendary
bandleader Don Dokken, Lead Guitarist Jon Levin, Bassist Chris McCarvill and rounding out the band,
Drummer BJ Zampa. 80’s metal phenomenon Dokken has a far-reaching surplus of fans, all so eager to
experience remnants from the golden era of that genre – pure metal!

Between Don’s distinctive voice and edgy songs, the performance gave each of us something that
connected us with the past. Naturally, Don doesn’t sound like he did in the late 80’s in their prime, but
it did sound pretty damn good! Seeing the performance as a spectator, and not as a journalist, did not
alter the “experience” for me and judging by the engaged audience-nor for them either.

They were indeed the Beast from the East that night. Showcasing two very own CT boys, Chris McCarvill
and BJ Zampa. This is a dynamic pairing with many musical collaborations between them that include
Dokken, House of Lords and Maxx Explosion just to name a few. Their professional history can be seen
played out on stage as their performance together was lockset tight. These two clearly make the
“essence” of the band. Anyone who has witnessed Mr. Zampa on drums knows he is an electric engine
with the ability to drive songs at 100MPH.

McCarvill takes full command and truly understands the power of his bass and vocal abilities. His stage
presence and backing vocals is undeniable. His performance was on point and offered that extra “push”
to deliver something acoustically electrifying.

Stage left needs no introduction. Jon Levin is a monster guitar player and one of the best in the
business. He always gives his audience his all. His performance was spellbinding and blistering. He has a
unique style, but die-hard Dokken fans can find solace in his George Lynch influenced style of playing.
The highlight of the night was “Mr. Scary” himself. Mr. George Lynch closed the evening playing on the
last few songs. I had a close-up view of the guitar legend. Evidence of a long-standing, complicated and
fractured relationship with Don Dokken was nowhere to be seen and known dysfunction between the
two icons looked, well somehow, normalized. Such a distinctive style…his love for guitar is palpable as
the notes melted off flawlessly.

It was a hard driving and solid performance as all on stage played the songs that made Dokken one of the biggest hard rock acts in the world including, “Tooth and Nail”, “Alone Again” and “The Hunter”. Hope
to have another opportunity to see them, after all, they are a Legend!

Opening for Dokken are no strangers to the big stage. Gaining huge popularity with a catalogue of 5
albums behind them, Livesay, is an all-original progressive rock band that gave a commanding and
electrifying performance. Gregg Livesay, classically trained on guitar, has been playing in the music
circuit spanning over a quarter of a century and building on many professional accomplishments. His
finesse and precision are a sight to behold. Guitar enthusiasts loved seeing Gregg blazing on guitar with
such emotion and technical ability.

Frontman, Mike Gill is a household name in the Northeast music scene. Fans awaited in anticipation.
Livesay played several of their amazing hits. “International Man” definitely did not disappoint. Mike’s ability on vocals ranges from his technical control, range, and power. His undeniable charisma puts him in a class all on his own. The rhythm section comprised of Drummer Tim Huntington and Bassist Rich Andrews. Tim has been in the band for 15 years and appeared on the 3rd album, Awaken the Giant, while Andrew’s appears on the 5th record, Chronicles. Rock-solid performances from these two provide Livesay a solid foundation.

An added powerhouse to the band is Mark Zito on keyboards. They say singers and guitarists steal all of the love…but keyboardists like Zito, are also in the running. Zito’s ability and integral contribution enhances the band and assists in keeping Livesay’s signature sound and style.

If you can, catch Livesey with Autograph and CT brother’s King Kuel at AUTOGRAPH Rocks Geraldine’s
Live Music Bar and Grill (Chicopee, MA) Saturday, January 15th – you will not be disappointed.

Frank Pallett, longtime owner of The Chance, who recently passed away- was surely smiling from above.
Gregg Livesay gave a sincere homage to the late Mr. Pallett at last week’s performance. Frank was
certainly rocking’ somewhere with us……as the crowd and vibe at the Theater resembled former “glory”
days when vinyl records outsold CDs and mainstream audiences watched the birth of MTV.

 

I would like to congratulate Scott Steinberg and the entire staff of AMP. This is our 300th post. In the short four years of our existence we have had over 375,000 visits from over 152,000 visitors from around the world. We at AMP strive to produce the best music website possible. Hopefully our readers enjoy our observations and reviews. Thanks to everyone who has given AMP a view.

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To learn more about Dokken : Check out their Website

Follow: Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / YouTube
Stream their music: Spotify / SongKick / Bandcamp 
Purchase: Amazon / Apple Music

To learn more about Livesay: 

Follow: Facebook 

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