Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals put on a pleasant show of Christmas classics (plus some new songs) and classic Rascal hits Saturday at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, IL. Sadly only a few people (the theatre was maybe 20% full despite a 2 for 1 ticket offer) got to enjoy it. Felix, playing keyboards. was accompanied by his band consisting of Mike Severs on lead guitar, Vince Santoro, Jr. on drums, Mark Prentice on bass and, not to be forgotten, Michelle Prentice on background / lead vocals.
The show began with
a couple of upbeat Christmas classics:
Santa Is Coming To Town and Run Run Rudolph. He introduced one of two
new Christmas songs next: Christmas Is Coming Soon, followed by Please Come Home
for Christmas. Next was a medley of Groovin’ (On a Sunday Afternoon) / My Girl /
Just My Imagination ... that got the crowd in the mood. Next was a well done, uptempo version of White Christmas.
Felix then introduced guest performers From Warren Township High School ... the Choral group “Vocal
Velocity”. These kids were great. They started with an animated version of the
old Christmas classic “I’m Gettin’ Nuthin’ For Christmas” and a holiday
adaptation of Glenn Miller’s In the
Mood. Felix and the band returned to the stage and sang Silent Night, Greensleeves and Noel. Drummer Vince Santoro sang lead on Little Drummer Boy, all done
with Vocal Velocity backing them up.
Next we were treated to the dynamic voice of Michelle
Prentice on O Holy Night. Felix followed with the Rascals' hit It’s A Beautiful
Morning. Then it was back to Christmas songs with an
uptempo version of Bells of St. Mary, another new composition, Christmas in New
Orleans and Michelle Prentice singing lead on All I Need For Christmas Is You.
As we neared the conclusion of the night, they performed
People Gotta Be Free, Pharrell Williams’ Happy, Felix Navidad and closed with Good Lovin’.
It was a great show and if you like Christmas music, this is
one that shouldn’t be missed. Afterward Felix and Michelle did a meet and greet, signing autographs and taking pictures.
Felix also has a brand new Christmas album out called “Christmas Joy”, featuring many
songs from the show.
-- Scott Schultz
-- Scott Schultz
