Let it be known that the Holiday Season is now officially in full swing with the annual musical celebration that kicked off Friday night at The JPT Film & Event Center.
Newport resident and Grammy nominee James Montgomery is Home For The Holidays and invited his dear friend and world-renowned actor, musician, comedian, and farmer Jim Belushi, to appear live together at the JPT with a fantastic cast of performers.
Montgomery ably served as the evening emcee and band leader, guiding his band of world-class musicians through the program as they supported their guests. Montgomery took time to remind everyone that this special Holiday time is for everyone, stressing “everyone”! James’ band is a Who’s Who of rock history, including: The UPTOWN HORNS (Rolling Stones horn section), bassist David Hull (Joe Perry Project, Dirty Angels), guitarist George McCann (Blues Brothers, JMB), and drummer Marty Richards (J. Geils Band, Gary Burton Quintet).
The band offered up some classic blues pieces and also sprinkled in some Christmas-time favorites during their second set.
This event not only offered a great evening to a sold-out house but also served as a benefit to support The Broadway Street Fair. The street fair has been a tremendous success and would not have happened without the support of many people and funding. As grant support has wavered over the years, the money generated by this concert has helped to keep the street fair during leaner times. It is estimated that over 20,000 people visited the Broadway Street Fair this year.
James Montgomery does more than his fair share to support events of this type and was helpful in bringing some fantastic feature artists.
The program began with a set by Newport’s own Dopey Lopes & The Up All Night Band while receiving a very warm reception from the audience. James Montgomery followed with his band offering some stellar blues. Next up was emerging artist Kevin James Graham, who recently took The VOICE by storm. Graham has a distinctive and powerful voice in the upper register and was the perfect choice to later join very special guest Barry Goudreau (formerly of the band Boston) to sing those extremely challenging high parts. Graham did not break a sweat and the house was rocking as Goudreau ripped those iconic Boston guitar riffs that are seared into the DNA of anyone over 45.
Next to the stage was Belushi’s daughter, Jami Belushi, who performed two original selections and two covers, including John Prine’s Angel From Montgomery where she acquitted herself beautifully. The sound system and sound mixing afforded by Sound Advice were superb, and the lighting was supportive and engaging.
Montgomery then gave a big introduction to the major attraction of the evening, Jim Belushi, who seized the stage with an obvious comfort developed from decades of performance. Belushi presented with joyful, infectious energy as he sang so many of the Blues Brothers hits. There were times when his smooth dance moves were reminiscent of his brother, and the spirit of the show was elevated even further. The program reached its apex when James and Jim were face-to-face, exchanging harp licks, raising the energy with each exchange. It was also noted that Belushi plays a supporting role in the Neil Diamond biopic, “Song Sung Blue”, opening on Christmas Day and showing at Jane Pickens Theater.
This was a show for the ages and held the community engagement feeling of the Broadway Street Fair, where Newport’s heart was palpable. Be sure to put this one on your calendar for next Christmas to get your Holiday juices flowing.
All photos by Jack Casey/What’sUpNewp.
