February was rocking in Branson as rock legend Chuck Berry along with his special guests Otis Day & The Knights had people dancing in the aisles of the Welk Resort Theatre. Welk-Sullivan Productions provided classy, high-energy, entertainment that was truly appreciated by the audience of this 2 night limited engagement.
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| Otis Day & The Knights got the party started at the Welk Resort Theatre. |
Otis Day & The Knights are best known as the fictional traveling party band in the movie "Animal House". According to the website, ever since DeWayne Jessie took on the role of "Otis Day", whenever he steps on stage ‘Otis takes over.’ Other members of the band on stage for the evening were Amelia Jesse (DeWayne’s niece) on vocals, Gemi Taylor on lead guitar, Vincent Horne also on guitar, and Michael Kennedy on the bass guitar. They are billed as the "#1 Party Band in America" and they opened the show like they were out to prove it. They started with favorites like "Function at the Junction", "Give Me Some Lovin’" , and added their own twist to Rolling Stones classics "Money" and "Jumping Jack Flash" among others. At the half-way point of their set a huge American flag was lowered in the background and the band left the stage except for guitarist Vincent Horne. Standing in front of the giant flag, Horne brought the audience to its feet with an incredible Jimi Hendrix-esque solo of the "Star Spangled Banner." They kept the party rolling in the second half of their set by treating audience to more great party music including "Satisfaction", "Shamalamma Ding Dong", and "Soul Man". Their final number, "Shout!" had the crowd once again on their feet and singing along with the familiar tune.
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| Chuck Berry showing off some guitar skills during his performance in Branson, February 16, 2007. |
Following intermission Chuck Berry’s band took the stage and as we were waiting for our first glimpse of the man himself, we heard the unmistakable sounds of those famous opening guitar licks of "Roll Over Beethoven" coming from somewhere off stage. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Chuck Berry emerged from the right side of the stage and strolled to the center, never missing a beat. Joining him for this performance was his bass player of 34 years, James "Jimmy" Marsala, and his son Charles E. Berry Jr. also on guitar. He went on to entertain the crowd with most of his legendary hits including "School Day", "Sweet Little Sixteen", "Carol", and "Rock and Roll Music". The performance was threaded with several guitar solos highlighting the skills and talent that made him one of the original inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. For his finale he invited ladies from the crowd to join the band on stage to dance while they rewarded the audience with his classic hit "Johnny B. Goode" complete with his signature "duck walk." He may be over 80 years old, but he exuded charm, energy, and fun while still putting on a show that left the audience wishing it wouldn’t end.
More photos can be found on 1branson.com: Chuck Berry Photos, Otis Day & The Knights Photos