First of all, if you haven’t made the short trek from Chicago to Hammond, Indiana to see a concert at The Venue, which is inside the Horseshoe Casino, do yourself a favor and check it out. The cozy, sizable theater boasts superb acoustics, comfortable seating and will be the host for such artists in the next few months as Gladys Knight, Staind’s Aaron Lewis, New Kids on the Block, Bill Maher, Huey Lewis and the News, Ringo Starr and many other fantastic acts. However, last Friday night was all about love in the air as Air Supply kicked off the Valentine’s Day weekend.

 

Though singer/guitarist Graham Russell was under the weather and, according to him, had no voice at all just two days before, one would never have known. Russell explained to the audience that he had visited a doctor the day before who had administered the cure-all shot that enabled him to regain his voice while also apologizing for any vocal weakness that might occur during the show. The apology was not necessary. Russell’s voice, though maybe not in peak form, did its part in bringing to life such classics as “Every Woman in the World” and “Even the Nights Are Better”. On the other hand, Russell’s counterpart, Russell Hitchcock, sounded as though it were still 1981 when “The One That You Love” was released.

 

Rounding up a talented crop of young musicians, including a Brad Pitt-alike on drums and a bassist that probably would have felt more at home in Limp Bizkit, Air Supply played an inspired set shuffling between their top hits and new material like “Dance With Me” – a poppy, upbeat number from their forthcoming album, Mumbo Jumbo. During “The One That You Love”, both Hitchcock and Russell got up close and personal with audience members as they waltzed through the theater singing to the fans and stopping to pose for photos with, seemingly, anyone who had asked. It was really fun to see these songs played live that I loved so much in high school!

 

After what would have already been a complete performance, Air Supply played up to the crowd with encores “Making Love (Out of Nothing at All)” and “All Out of Love”, the latter of which included a thunderous drum solo – that actually did fit in, a lot of audience participation and a plethora of hugging couples scattered throughout the theater. Yes, it was Valentine’s Day mushiness, but there couldn’t have been a better band to lead the way. After all, is there a more romantic band on the planet? Not likely.

 

For more information on upcoming events at The Venue, visit www.horseshoehammond.com.