Published: August 09, 2009 12:21 am      

JENNINGS: Getting your Money’s worth

Eddie Money hit the stage in Lockport shortly after 9pm on Friday opening with his trademark hit “Two Tickets to Paradise,” from his debut album “Eddie Money.” The veteran rocker put on a crowd-pleasing show filled with familiar hits that had the crowd in Lockport singing and dancing along with him. Money’s second song was the 80’s hit “I Think I’m in Love”, from MTV’s hay-day.

Since the death of James Brown, some have coined Money the “hardest working man in show business.” Those in attendance at Friday night’s show, would agree. Money joked with the crowd that the reason he tours so much is because he has 5 kids at home and will do anything to get out of the house. On stage with him was one of his children, Jesse Money.

For the hit “Take Me Home Tonight” Money brought his daughter to center stage to sing the song along with him. Jesse Money has a powerful voice, which obviously makes her father proud. Eddie show-cased his daughter midway through his set, showing off her vocal range which goes from rock to blues. During the set, she sings background vocals and plays the tambourine. Jesse proved herself as an artist in her own right, receiving accolades from the appreciative crowd.

Highlights of the set included a stellar version of “Trinidad,” from the album “Playing for Keeps” during which Money played saxophone. “I Wanna Go Back” included a long sax intro by Money. Once he broke into the chorus, the crowd enthusiastically sang the song along with him.

The rest of the show featured fantastic versions of perennial hits like “Gimme Some Water,” “No Control,” “Walk on Water,” and “Baby Hold On.” Money proved himself the consummate showman, connecting with the crowd throughout the night by making random comments, both humorous and provocative.

Money mentioned many times during the night how great the Lockport audience was and that he wanted to go home with them. He ended the show with “Shaken with the Moneyman” from the 1997 album of the same name.

After the show he signed autographs, sold his new CD, “The Covers EP,” and t-shirts, of which the money goes to the Elizabeth Glazers Pediatric Aids Foundation. Money put on a great performance for the grateful crowd, who chanted “Eddie, Eddie, Eddie” to get him back onstage for the finale.

Sadly, there are only two concerts remaining in this years’ Concert Canal Series, Charlie Daniels next week and Randy Bachman on August 21. Lockport has done an outstanding job with the shows this year and I cannot wait for the lineup next year, which I am sure will be just as outstanding.

Contributing reviewer Thom Jennings is an Albion resident. His Canal Concert Series reviews run every Sunday.