Concert Review
David Cassidy @ Presque Isle Downs and Casino, Erie, PA
August 9, 2013
At every casino and racetrack in the world, there are patrons who go home 1) elated that they won, or 2) frustrated that they lost, or 3) content that they broke even. I believe that this was true for those attending the David Cassidy concert Friday night. I consider myself to be one of the winners; but I will attempt to present all sides of the experience.
The raised stage was on the racetrack. The seating was on a flat concrete patio, level with the stage; the seats were folding chairs set in rows. There was a gap about 15-20 feet between the patio barrier and the stage. As we took our seats, I remember commenting to someone: "That security guard, leaning against the barrier – I hope he moves before the show starts. He's partially blocking my view of the stage." Ha. Keep reading.
David started about 15 minutes late (apparently because of a meet-n-greet), but he did give us the full 90-minute show. When he first came out, he was wearing shades; I know that the sun was in his eyes. It also seemed… maybe he had taken some cold medicine, I know he had laryngitis a couple weeks ago at Lakeside… but the effects of it wore off (thankfully) as the show went on. About 15 minutes into the show, a couple women tentatively started approaching the barrier. David waved his hand, implying "come on up!" Within seconds, I was part of a crowd standing at the barrier (as close as we could get to the stage), probably at least seven people deep and wider than the stage. (Remember the security guy who was blocking my view? Yep. That's where we were.) My guess is, if you remained in your seat, you couldn't see anything. But, at the time, I was too busy enjoying my own experience to think about the people behind me.
David does like to tell anecdotes about his experiences. At one point he was telling a story about meeting Gerry Goffin (who wrote "I'll Meet You Halfway"). A few people in the crowd were talking loudly and laughing loudly while he was trying to speak. It annoyed me. And it annoyed David. He paused and said: "Please be quiet. Please be quiet. Please be quiet," more insistent each time. They finally shut up. "Not out of respect for me, but out of respect for Gerry Goffin," he said. Now, I understand, his stories are not appreciated by everyone. Personally, I like them. But for those who don't – it's still rude to talk so loudly that the performer can hear you, and I would side with David. He did the right thing, although he had to get a little unfriendly with it.
It was all good after that. He removed his shades as the sun went down, and as soon as he did, it was easier to feel the connection with him. A couple times he let one individual up to the edge of the stage with their memorabilia. The poor security guards – I don't think they had ever experienced the crowd-against-the-barrier reaction to any performer.
The music was great, as usual, although David tangled his words once or twice. The show was casual enough that a friend of David's sneaked onstage and played a cowbell (better than Suzanne Crough ever did). Those of us at the front had a great time. We stood there a long time after "I Think I Love You" – even after the generic intercom music was switched back on - hoping David would come back out, but to no avail. I turned to go. The chairs were scattered everywhere. I got the feeling that people had either come up to the barrier or gave up and left because they couldn't see; not sure which was the majority.
In retrospect, here's what I've observed.
If you are expecting 1) to hear new material from the artist; 2) to hear song after song, one right after another, without a break; and 3) to chat loudly with the person next to you while the artist is speaking/performing - then you might want to see some other performer.
But, if you are wanting 1) to hear and see, yes, David Cassidy himself, with a great band and still a great voice; 2) to sing along with songs you haven't heard for years, but you still remember the words somehow, and they take you back to a more innocent time; and 3) to spend time interacting with a performer who wants to know his fans, and wants his fans to know who he really is; who cares more about the individual than the whole crowd - then please, go see David Cassidy. Probably the only performer I know whose most endearing quality is – and always has been - his imperfect humanity. I'll be back.
Review by Kristi Paddock
