"In a town without a name, in a heavy downpour
Thought he passed his own shadow, by the backstage door
Like a trip through the past, to that day in the rain
And that one guitar made his whole life change...."
The captivating Lucca Winery was the site of an extremely memorable evening on Saturday night. This was an evening primarily colored by the feelings of the past, of what must be tons of music nostalgia dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. But even when one feels nostalgia, one has no choice but to feel it when so much excitement is a part of the evening, the main culprits of this event being two (in exemplar tribute mode) bands: Journey Revisited Band and Foreigner Unauthorized
The Red Tie Arts, known for its commitment to fostering young artistic talent, brilliantly aligns with the spirit of Foreigner's iconic song "Juke Box Hero." Just as the song tells the story of a young fan's dream to become a rock star, Red Tie Arts works tirelessly to help talented, underserved children realize their artistic dreams. The funds raised from this event go directly towards providing these aspiring young artists with the resources they need to succeed. Red Tie Arts hosted an amazing night of music and fundraising with Journey Revisited and Foreigner Unauthorized- Red Tie Arts Presents Annual Benefit Concert Series.
Foreigner Unauthorized kicked off the night, and from the first notes of “Feels Like the First Time,” it was clear that we were in for a treat. Their performance was nothing short of spectacular, capturing the essence and energy of Foreigner’s legendary concerts. The audience was completely immersed, singing and dancing along to every hit, from “Cold As Ice” to the anthemic “Juke Box Hero.” It was a night where the lines between tribute and original blurred, making it easy to believe we were witnessing the founding bands in their prime. For me it was amazing in every aspect.
Journey Revisited Band closed the night with a high-energy set that transported the audience back to the glory days of arena rock. Their renditions of Journey's classic hits had everyone singing along and dancing, making it feel like Steve Perry himself was on stage. The crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable as they belted out every word to “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Any Way You Want It.” The performance by Frank House, the lead singer, was magical. At one point, a fan was completely lost in his singing, as if Steve Perry was singing to her personally.
This musical journey took place in the perfect setting: the Lucca Winery. This is no ordinary venue. The winery is almost dreamlike, with its well-tended-to, rolling vineyards filling up most of the visual space. The large, warm, and well-lit-on-the-inside stage was our focal point, sitting like a grand structure in the looming darkness. But what I enjoyed most was the winery's hospitality. It's not every day that an event's location embraces the performers and audience with such open arms.
This event was more than just a concert; it was a celebration of music, community, and the power of dreams. Red Tie Arts, with its mission to create the next generation of “Juke Box Heroes,” reminds us all of the importance of supporting young artists. As we sang, danced, and reveled in the music, it was clear that nights like these are where legends are born and where dreams take flight.
If you missed this incredible event, be sure to follow Red Tie Arts and Lucca Winery for more opportunities to experience magic and make a difference. Here’s to the next “Juke Box Hero” – who knows, they might be inspired by nights just like this.
