Felix at The Sharon

[Tom Hannon]

A few years ago, I attended a Felix Cavaliere concert at The Savannah Center in The Villages. With 880 seats available, the attendance at both shows was pathetic, with so many empty seats. The turnout was a disgrace for a Hall of Fame talent.

I understand many music lovers know the songs, but not the members of the groups who sing them. Of course, everyone knows John, Paul, George and Ringo. And those who do not know the lead singer of The Rolling Stones and The Doors must have been living in a cave most of their lives. Unfortunately, with many groups such as The Young Rascals or later shortened to The Rascals, people have no clue to who Felix Cavaliere, Eddie Brigati, Gene Cornish and Dino Danelli are, yet everyone knows their songs.

Good Lovin, People Got to be Free, Groovin’, A Beautiful Morning, I’ve Been Lonely Too Long, A Girl Like You, etc.
Although Eddie Brigati (How Can I Be Sure, & I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore) contributed to the song catalog, Felix Cavaliere was the voice of the group.

Felix will be playing at The Sharon on February 27. As of today, too many tickets are still available. Felix is a great entertainer and it is sad to see such lousy support for such a great talent.

As an example, Johnny Rivers is nearly sold out. Everybody knows Johnny Rivers by Johnny Rivers. Perhaps if the Rascals were called Felix Cavaliere and The Rascals, turnout would be better, because people would be more familiar with the name.

The Loving Spoonful is another example. They appear regularly in The Villages and are always sold out. I got news for you, the voice of the Spoonful, Mr. John Sebastian hasn’t toured with the group in a million years. But people listen to some other guy sing Do You Believe In Magic, Daydream, You didn’t Have To Be So Nice, Summer In The City etc. and think they saw The Loving Spoonful. They didn’t!

Highest price tickets are $65. Nosebleed seats only $20. Open your wallets people. Go for it. You’ll be happy you did.

[Taltarzac725]

A few years ago, I attended a Felix Cavaliere concert at The Savannah Center in The Villages. With 880 seats available, the attendance at both shows was pathetic, with so many empty seats. The turnout was a disgrace for a Hall of Fame talent.

I understand many music lovers know the songs, but not the members of the groups who sing them. Of course, everyone knows John, Paul, George and Ringo. And those who do not know the lead singer of The Rolling Stones and The Doors must have been living in a cave most of their lives. Unfortunately, with many groups such as The Young Rascals or later shortened to The Rascals, people have no clue to who Felix Cavaliere, Eddie Brigati, Gene Cornish and Dino Danelli are, yet everyone knows their songs.

Good Lovin, People Got to be Free, Groovin’, A Beautiful Morning, I’ve Been Lonely Too Long, A Girl Like You, etc.
Although Eddie Brigati (How Can I Be Sure, & I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore) contributed to the song catalog, Felix Cavaliere was the voice of the group.

Felix will be playing at The Sharon on February 27. As of today, too many tickets are still available. Felix is a great entertainer and it is sad to see such lousy support for such a great talent.

As an example, Johnny Rivers is nearly sold out. Everybody knows Johnny Rivers by Johnny Rivers. Perhaps if the Rascals were called Felix Cavaliere and The Rascals, turnout would be better, because people would be more familiar with the name.

The Loving Spoonful is another example. They appear regularly in The Villages and are always sold out. I got news for you, the voice of the Spoonful, Mr. John Sebastian hasn’t toured with the group in a million years. But people listen to some other guy sing Do You Believe In Magic, Daydream, You didn’t Have To Be So Nice, Summer In The City etc. and think they saw The Loving Spoonful. They didn’t!

Highest price tickets are $65. Nosebleed seats only $20. Open your wallets people. Go for it. You’ll be happy you did.

https://youtu.be/Nr9-aIRB86s

Sampling of his music.

[villages07]

I've got my tickets....looking forward to it!

[Taltarzac725]

I've got my tickets....looking forward to it!

What's the dress code at the Sharon??

[Cedwards38]

What's the dress code at the Sharon??

I never see anyone in suits. I see lots of people in shorts. I think it's whatever you want.

[n8xwb]

Tom...IMO you failed to mention some of the Rascals best songs.... Ones that weren't their hits! They did THE BEST renditions of Mustang Sally and Like a Rolling Stone, better than originals by Pickett and Dillon. Also, Felix was known for his keyboards -- he used the legendary Hammond B3 organ (perhaps he still does). Their version of More (than the greatest love...) had an jazzy organ break to die for. Also did a great cover of the song I Believe. Both found on their albums, but seldom heard performed.

It is too bad the group now tours separately.. I went to a show in Mt. Dora a few years back, 2 of the originals, no Felix...they needed Felix, IMO, badly!

[Tom Hannon]

Yes. I llove the version of Mustang Sally. Could have mentioned many other songs but was only trying to get my point across. I could be mistaken but I believe Eddie sang More.

Felix now uses smaller portable keyboards. No more of the famous hammond organ. Hope ypu will be attending

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

A few years ago, I attended a Felix Cavaliere concert at The Savannah Center in The Villages. With 880 seats available, the attendance at both shows was pathetic, with so many empty seats. The turnout was a disgrace for a Hall of Fame talent.

I understand many music lovers know the songs, but not the members of the groups who sing them. Of course, everyone knows John, Paul, George and Ringo. And those who do not know the lead singer of The Rolling Stones and The Doors must have been living in a cave most of their lives. Unfortunately, with many groups such as The Young Rascals or later shortened to The Rascals, people have no clue to who Felix Cavaliere, Eddie Brigati, Gene Cornish and Dino Danelli are, yet everyone knows their songs.

Good Lovin, People Got to be Free, Groovin’, A Beautiful Morning, I’ve Been Lonely Too Long, A Girl Like You, etc.
Although Eddie Brigati (How Can I Be Sure, & I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore) contributed to the song catalog, Felix Cavaliere was the voice of the group.

Felix will be playing at The Sharon on February 27. As of today, too many tickets are still available. Felix is a great entertainer and it is sad to see such lousy support for such a great talent.

As an example, Johnny Rivers is nearly sold out. Everybody knows Johnny Rivers by Johnny Rivers. Perhaps if the Rascals were called Felix Cavaliere and The Rascals, turnout would be better, because people would be more familiar with the name.

The Loving Spoonful is another example. They appear regularly in The Villages and are always sold out. I got news for you, the voice of the Spoonful, Mr. John Sebastian hasn’t toured with the group in a million years. But people listen to some other guy sing Do You Believe In Magic, Daydream, You didn’t Have To Be So Nice, Summer In The City etc. and think they saw The Loving Spoonful. They didn’t!

Highest price tickets are $65. Nosebleed seats only $20. Open your wallets people. Go for it. You’ll be happy you did.


Wasn't he once touring under the name of Felix Cavaliere's Rascals? I wonder why he's not using that name any longer. It might help with name recognition.

I loved the Rascals as a kid, but it was, mostly because of Dino Danelli. He is one of my favorite drummers of all time, but sadly is no longer touring with Felix.

I know that they did a reunion concert a short while ago, but they are no longer touring together. Anyone know why?

[Tom Hannon]

I hear you, Jim. My two favorite drummers from the late sixties and early 70's were Dino and Don Brewer, Grank Funk Rairroads drummer.

[Number 6]

Speaking of drummers, let us not forget Bobby Elliot of the Hollies!

A few years ago Steven Van Zant produced a Broadway show featuring the original line up of the Rascals. After a national tour the guys went their separate ways. Pity that.

I remember reading in the Daily Sun, Lovin' Spoonful attendees saying that they finally saw the Spoonful. Well, Sebastian and Zally were not there. If you see Joe Butler playing the autoharp and singing "Do You Believe in Magic" you saw a Spoonful tribute band.

Back on topic, let's fill up the Sharon for Felix. He puts on a great show and it is as close as we will come to seeing the Rascals. Gosh, I need to play the "Once Upon a Dream" CD. It is one of my favorites.

[JoMar]

I never see anyone in suits. I see lots of people in shorts. I think it's whatever you want.

Which is a shame.....but you're right.

[John_W]

I hear you, Jim. My two favorite drummers from the late sixties and early 70's were Dino and Don Brewer, Grank Funk Rairroads drummer.

What about Vanilla Fudge, no love for Carmine Appice!! I was also a huge GFR fan the first five albums I wore them out. Then they split from their manager Terry Knight, who produced all their albums. That's when they changed from that raw energy hard rock band into a pop band. Todd Rundgren produced some of them, it's always amazing that an artsy type person like Todd when he produces someone else, they make pop hits. The first concert I ever saw was Vanilla Fudge, that was over in St. Petersburg in 1968.

If you want to name how many bands are touring without the original singer, start with Grand Funk, I saw them on the last tour with Mark, Don and Mel, it was 1998. I know the story of why they broke up again, part of it was Mark's born again Christian lifestyle. Also, one of the biggest without the original is Journey without Steve Perry, I saw them in 1980. How about the Guess Who without Burt Cummings, I saw them in 1970. There's Yes without Jon Anderson. I saw 3 Dog Night the last tour they had Chuck, Corey and Danny together, it was 1983. Now with Corey Wells dead, are Danny and Chuck going to reunite, I saw Chuck solo in 1998, he still has a great voice. How about Foreigner without Lou Gramm, I saw them in 1982. I've got a video of Lou's last tour with Foreigner and I'm sorry, you don't want to hear him sing, it's not good. Kelly Hansen is doing a good job anyway. I could go on, but I'll let someone else.

Here's Carmine

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQRqlVNvb96w6gWjzhOsxwHXTpR_1DAS sjUAcFHS0Yez_gg_Tul

Don Brewer

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTY3RspzhVfDXdLaMAzL05bU9oqyZvP9 RtjITOiLI2bxXZpoL8COA

[Ecuadog]

I'm in.

[Tom Hannon]

Of course I liked Carmine. He played with Rod Stewart a bit also. Vanila Fudge was a great group.
The Runt began his carreer with Thr Nazz and later produced Meatloaf's Bat Out Of Hell album.
Part of Guess Who become BTO.
I heard the same negitivity about Lou Graham's voice being shot

Many groups replace lead singers when the lead siger is the group. Even The Doors tried to continue without Morrison.
A shame about Corey Wells. so much great music in our days. A shame the newer generation will never grasp what they are missing.

[John_W]

I heard the same negitivity about Lou Graham's voice being shot


Lou Gramm didn't just lose his voice, he had a medical condition that caused his change. In the late 90's he had a brain tumor and when they removed it, they damaged a part of his brain which controls his weight and singing ability. He now sounds like someone who had too much alcohol trying to impersonate Lou Gramm.

Lou Gramm before

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRuJGmPAQH76FyA3Bgqb2AHkhQ6SDAor X7OXpzUuhuNdZpqHtBm

Lou Gramm now

http://i2.ytimg.com/vi/Wdo2cjrD20M/0.jpg

[Marathon Man]

Great music discussion. Love it. BTW, best drummer for me is Neil Peart of Rush.

[rubicon]

Yea, and how about Maurice Cheveliar Louise...Every little breeze seems to whisper Lousie, the birds in the trees.....

[John_W]

Great music discussion. Love it. BTW, best drummer for me is Neil Peart of Rush.

Then

http://andrewolson.com/Neil_Peart/neil_images/neil_kings.jpg

Now

http://www.birinciblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/NeilPeartWallpapercopy.jpg

http://consequenceofsound.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/drummers-final-2.jpg?w=806&h=488

I was watching a Rush doc and Neil lost both his wife to cancer and his only child, a daughter, in a car accident within a short span of time. He just took off on his motorcycle and traveled all over North America including Mexico and was gone about a year or so. Somehow he was in LA and met a woman who would become his second wife and he returned to music. I can't remember all the details but it's an interesting story. I have to agree he is one of the best, if not the most technical.

[Tom Hannon]

When musicians are this good, who is to say a certain musician is better than another. From what my father said, Buddy Rich was unbelievable. There is no answer. Who is better guitar player ---Clapton, Hendrix, Beck or someone else. Who is better band---The Beatles, Elvis, The Stones, Led Zep? My favorite keyboard player were Felix and Ray Manzarek (The Doors)) I'm sure there are better onesbut they are my favorite.
Who was better--- Mantle or Mays, -Montana or Brady, Ali or Louis, Monroe or Mansfield, Ginger or Mary Ann, Brinkly or Upton.
We can argue all day. There is no answer. But it is fun throwing stuff around.

[Number 6]

Tom, the fun is in the discussion, right? That being said you cannot have a discussion of rock drummers without mentioning John Barbeta (Turtles, CSN&Y, Jefferson Airplane. Oh, and Keith Moon wins and again Ringo is underrated.

[perrjojo]

This is a little off subject but since you mentioned his name.......back in the 70's I went to see Johnny Rivers in concert. He was 2 hours late and when they finally got him dragged out on stage he could barely perform. He was drunk or stoned. I know that was a long time ago but I don't think he will ever again get my money. :pepper2::pepper2:

[Tom Hannon]

Johnnu Rivers.
I saw The Doors in Madison Square Garden and Morrison was either stoned or drunk or both He forgot the lyrics and disappeared for fifteen minutes when the babd did Light My Fire. I hope Johnny Rivers has his s... t together when he plays the Sharon.
I know Felix will have his head screwed on right as he is a health nut.

[John_W]

Oh, and Keith Moon wins and again Ringo is underrated.

On the best drummer chart they have Keith Moon getting beat by Neil Peart, probably if Keith had lived longer he would of been rated higher. Ringo got beat out by the Dream Theater drummer, their complex music helps his cause. Ringo's son Zak Starkey has been the drummer for The Who since the mid 90's, he's pretty good himself.

http://www.concertlivewire.com/jpegs/concerts/who2.jpg

[Number 6]

And let us not overlook Hal Blaine (RR Hall of Fame inductee).

[John_W]

And let us not overlook Hal Blaine (RR Hall of Fame inductee).

If you had said the guy from the Wrecking Crew I would of known who you meant. I just watched that documentary about a month ago on Palladia Channel. I remember the main fellow, I believe Denny Tedesco, said in the 70's he was making $500,000 a year and by the 80's he was making almost nothing, as bands did most of their own writing, recording and playing. That should be Hal Blaine in the middle.

http://static01.nyt.com/images/2012/04/26/arts/CREW-JP-1/CREW-JP-1-articleLarge.jpg

It was surprising that Glen Campbell was in the Wrecking Crew before becoming famous.

http://marcmyers.typepad.com/.a/6a00e008dca1f088340147e36c73df970b-300wi

They had a female bass player Carol Kaye, who was considered the best in the business and contributed many famous bass lines.

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRDOvN2LYW6x920RPduTpVOmnbxyqQJd 4apsnKPcytm_XHdDZyk

[Marathon Man]

Love the Wrecking Crew info. Thanks, John.

[CFrance]

To the poster who asked the other night where all the fun posters/subjects went down through the years, read this! They're still here.

[EnglishJW]

Tom...IMO you failed to mention some of the Rascals best songs.... Ones that weren't their hits! They did THE BEST renditions of Mustang Sally and Like a Rolling Stone, better than originals by Pickett and Dillon. Also, Felix was known for his keyboards -- he used the legendary Hammond B3 organ (perhaps he still does). Their version of More (than the greatest love...) had an jazzy organ break to die for. Also did a great cover of the song I Believe. Both found on their albums, but seldom heard performed.

It is too bad the group now tours separately.. I went to a show in Mt. Dora a few years back, 2 of the originals, no Felix...they needed Felix, IMO, badly!

I had the pleasure of seeing the Rascals many times. My favorite song live was always Mickey's Monkey but the recorded version never captured it well.

[EnglishJW]

What about Vanilla Fudge, no love for Carmine Appice!! I was also a huge GFR fan the first five albums I wore them out. Then they split from their manager Terry Knight, who produced all their albums. That's when they changed from that raw energy hard rock band into a pop band. Todd Rundgren produced some of them, it's always amazing that an artsy type person like Todd when he produces someone else, they make pop hits. The first concert I ever saw was Vanilla Fudge, that was over in St. Petersburg in 1968.

If you want to name how many bands are touring without the original singer, start with Grand Funk, I saw them on the last tour with Mark, Don and Mel, it was 1998. I know the story of why they broke up again, part of it was Mark's born again Christian lifestyle. Also, one of the biggest without the original is Journey without Steve Perry, I saw them in 1980. How about the Guess Who without Burt Cummings, I saw them in 1970. There's Yes without Jon Anderson. I saw 3 Dog Night the last tour they had Chuck, Corey and Danny together, it was 1983. Now with Corey Wells dead, are Danny and Chuck going to reunite, I saw Chuck solo in 1998, he still has a great voice. How about Foreigner without Lou Gramm, I saw them in 1982. I've got a video of Lou's last tour with Foreigner and I'm sorry, you don't want to hear him sing, it's not good. Kelly Hansen is doing a good job anyway. I could go on, but I'll let someone else.

Here's Carmine

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQRqlVNvb96w6gWjzhOsxwHXTpR_1DAS sjUAcFHS0Yez_gg_Tul

Don Brewer

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTY3RspzhVfDXdLaMAzL05bU9oqyZvP9 RtjITOiLI2bxXZpoL8COA

How about The Vagrants with Leslie West? For me it was that glorious Hammond B-3 (Rascals, Fudge, Vagrants).

[EnglishJW]

If you had said the guy from the Wrecking Crew I would of known who you meant. I just watched that documentary about a month ago on Palladia Channel. I remember the main fellow, I believe Denny Tedesco, said in the 70's he was making $500,000 a year and by the 80's he was making almost nothing, as bands did most of their own writing, recording and playing. That should be Hal Blaine in the middle.

http://static01.nyt.com/images/2012/04/26/arts/CREW-JP-1/CREW-JP-1-articleLarge.jpg

It was surprising that Glen Campbell was in the Wrecking Crew before becoming famous.

http://marcmyers.typepad.com/.a/6a00e008dca1f088340147e36c73df970b-300wi

They had a female bass player Carol Kaye, who was considered the best in the business and contributed many famous bass lines.

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRDOvN2LYW6x920RPduTpVOmnbxyqQJd 4apsnKPcytm_XHdDZyk

Carol Kaye - remarkable, gracious, helpful ...

[tomwed]

To the poster who asked the other night where all the fun posters/subjects went down through the years, read this! They're still here.
It was me. This is a fun thread to read. Years ago was it easier to think of interesting topics?

[Bosoxfan]

Went to see America the other night. It's time for Gerry Beckley to realize he shouldn't be singing . Although his harmonies with Dewey Bunnell weren't horrible his soft solos on songs like Daisy Jane & I need you hurt my ears!!

[applesoffh]

We got our tickets as soon as they went on sale, and am very disappointed to read that they don't appear to be selling well. Felix does a wonderful show. We saw him 4 years ago at the Plant City Strawberry Festival and 2 years ago when he reunited with the other 3 original Rascals in Ft. Lauderdale. He always puts on a great show. He'll sing HIS Rascal's songs but not those sung by Eddie Briggati. He also does a lot of soul, lots of songs from the Rascals albums that weren't singles. It's sure to be a great night of music. I agree with the original OP. C'mon Up!

[Number 6]

We got our tickets as soon as they went on sale, and am very disappointed to read that they don't appear to be selling well. Felix does a wonderful show. We saw him 4 years ago at the Plant City Strawberry Festival and 2 years ago when he reunited with the other 3 original Rascals in Ft. Lauderdale. He always puts on a great show. He'll sing HIS Rascal's songs but not those sung by Eddie Briggati. He also does a lot of soul, lots of songs from the Rascals albums that weren't singles. It's sure to be a great night of music. I agree with the original OP. C'mon Up!

When he last played The Villages (great show) he did sing "How Can I be Sure", which was an Eddie song. He did a great job on it though!

[Bosoxfan]

Just got back from seeing Gary Lewis & The Playboys at Orange Blossom Opry...it was painful!!

[bandsdavis]

Tom...IMO you failed to mention some of the Rascals best songs.... Ones that weren't their hits! They did THE BEST renditions of Mustang Sally and Like a Rolling Stone, better than originals by Pickett and Dillon. Also, Felix was known for his keyboards -- he used the legendary Hammond B3 organ (perhaps he still does). Their version of More (than the greatest love...) had an jazzy organ break to die for. Also did a great cover of the song I Believe. Both found on their albums, but seldom heard performed.

It is too bad the group now tours separately.. I went to a show in Mt. Dora a few years back, 2 of the originals, no Felix...they needed Felix, IMO, badly!

There used to be a TOTV member who went by the name CaptJohn who still had his B3 and Leslie speakers from back in the day. He hasn't posted anything for over 2 years. Hey Cappy, if you're still out there, jump in and say hi! We miss you on TOTV.

B.

[John_W]

There used to be a TOTV member who went by the name CaptJohn who still had his B3 and Leslie speakers from back in the day. He hasn't posted anything for over 2 years. Hey Cappy, if you're still out there, jump in and say hi! We miss you on TOTV.

B.

I use to enjoy his posts because he lived in Pensacola and I had lived there for six years and probably would of retired there if not for TV. I looked up his profile and sent him a PM about a year ago and never got a response. Hopefully nothing bad happened and maybe he just had a change of heart.

[Walt.]

.....back in the 70's I went to see Johnny Rivers in concert. He was 2 hours late and when they finally got him dragged out on stage he could barely perform. He was drunk or stoned. I know that was a long time ago but I don't think he will ever again get my money. :pepper2::pepper2:

I saw him in Ft. Lauderdale back in the '90s. Came out on stage a bit late and then stood there ignoring the audience while "adjusting" his mike stand for about 20 minutes. He then left for 10 minutes before returning to do the show. He clearly thought he was doing the audience a favor by being there.
The show was ok... but I've seen dozens of better ones.

Say... have you checked the links below? Do it right now!

[applesoffh]

When he last played The Villages (great show) he did sing "How Can I be Sure", which was an Eddie song. He did a great job on it though!

I'd love to hear that! It's always been one of my favorite songs!

[Number 6]

I saw him in Ft. Lauderdale back in the '90s. Came out on stage a bit late and then stood there ignoring the audience while "adjusting" his mike stand for about 20 minutes. He then left for 10 minutes before returning to do the show. He clearly thought he was doing the audience a favor by being there.
The show was ok... but I've seen dozens of better ones.

Say... have you checked the links below? Do it right now!

Not our experience this time! The show started exactly at 7PM and Johnny was in fine form. One of the better shows that we have seen here. His voice was solid. He sounded just like Johnny Rivers, if you know what I mean.
Also his keyboard player used a Hammond B3 (with Leslies), so there is no reason Felix cannot.

[Tom Hannon]

To Bandsdavis. Hi Bill i have Capt Johns email will send him s note to see what's up. He promised me to play his video of his old band playing The Doors. When The Musics Over

[Tom Hannon]

Number 6. Yes. Felix did an incredible version of How Can I Be Sure. Hope he does it agsin in Feburary

[sralph99]

Here is a video I took 5 years ago at the Savannah Center
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKKIMimW0aU

[sralph99]

Here is another video from the same show - Midnight Hour

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SyUScP8tyA

[Tom Hannon]

Great videos. I was at the show. Hope Felix is as good in Feburary. You

[bandsdavis]

Thanks Tommy. Please remember me to him