By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa Correspondent
Venue: The Capitol Theatre, Clearwater, Florida–February 2, 2016
Two years ago I had the pleasure of seeing Crosby, Stills, and Nash at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, Florida on one balmy night August night. It left an indelible impression on me since I had listened to their music on the radio since I was a little girl. I knew almost all of the songs that evening which demonstrated the characteristic CSN lush harmonies. The music was beyond beautiful.
Tonight, which just happened to be his 74th birthday, Graham Nash played at the Capitol Theatre in Clearwater. I was really excited about photographing this legendary songwriter and two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee (Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young in 1997 and the Hollies in 2010). It should be known that Nash penned most of my favorite CSN songs. Every time I hear “Marrakesh Express” I have a wonderful earworm in my head for about two weeks. The melody…the visual painting with words…who can forget?
As I arrived this evening, I noticed the parking lot and venue was at near capacity—more than usual. A crowd of Baby Boomers eagerly loitered in the lobby, purchasing drinks, and chatting with each other about Graham Nash. “Did you see him last year?” said one and the other responded, “Of course! I see him whenever he comes around!”
While standing at the stage awaiting the concert, I chatted with a tall, tan man named Albert who sported a shaved head and earrings. He explained that he was a “Vietnam veteran and a 70-year old hippie”. He looked surprising fit and young, a compliment he gladly accepted. When asked about his interest in Graham Nash, he responded that he, figuratively speaking, “spent his life with him”. He voiced that he wished for a reunion of CSN with “Y”, which I agreed would be like reaching for the stars. Before I could find out specific memories, the loud roar of clapping erupted as Graham Nash walked out on stage with an acoustic guitar. He was accompanied by guitarist Shane Fontayne, who co-wrote Nash’s new studio album The Path Tonight. The first solo record in 14 years, the album’s release date is set for April 15th.
Nash started out the evening with “Bus Stop” by the Hollies (who can resist this song?) and segued into another Hollies song “Kind Midas in Reverse.” HIs voice was strong and has not changed since the early days. He played the set walking around barefoot on the Oriental rug that decorated the stage.
The third song of the evening was “I Used to be King”—which at this point, my three-song-rule was up. I have to say I was mesmerized and time-traveled along with the entire audience back to the 1960s. As I was departing I could hear my favorite “Marrakesh Express” (oh, boy…more earworm now) as I felt a pang of sadness and regret. I will definitely be staying for the entire show next year. You can count on it!
PHOTO GALLERY
SET LIST
Bus Stop (The Hollies song)
King Midas in Reverse(The Hollies song)
I Used to Be a King
Marrakesh Express(Crosby, Stills & Nash song)
Immigration Man (Crosby & Nash song)
Golden Days
Myself at Last
Cowboy of Dreams (Crosby & Nash song)
To the Last Whale…A. Critical Mass B. Wind on the Water (Crosby & Nash song)
Our House (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young song)
Military Madness
This Path Tonight
Simple Man
Back Home(Dedicated to Levon Helm)
Chicago (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young song)
Cathedral (Crosby, Stills & Nash song)
Wasted on the Way (Crosby, Stills & Nash song)
Ohio (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young song)
Blackbird (The Beatles cover)
Teach Your Children (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young song)
The images may not be reproduced, copied, transmitted or manipulated without the written permission to Rock At Night and the photographer. Use of any image is a violation of the United States and International Copyright laws.
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
