Cinderella – Braun’s Concert Cove, Akron, NY – 08/19/2012

Review/photos – Thomas S. Orwat, Jr.

Akron, NY – Multi-platinum, 80’s glam-metal band – Cinderella returned to the WNY area for the first time in over a decade last Sunday night, and played a hit filled, high energy show to over a thousand hard rock music faithful fans in the new and awesome, outdoor Braun’s Concert Cove.  Cinderella, which consists of vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Tom Keifer, along with Jeff LaBar – guitar, Eric Brittingham – bass and Fred Coury – drums, have not released any new material since 1994, but have been able to maintain a loyal fan base with their incredible live performances.

It was obvious from the start, when the band kicked off the evening with “Once Around the Ride,” that this show was going to be another kick ass show.  You could see the confidence and cockiness in Keifer’s eyes, and it’s well justified.  The multi-talented Keifer, along with his longtime band mates, never fail to deliver.  During their 25 year career, they have never been accused of just phoning it in, and that all starts with Keifer.  Although his vocal range isn’t what it used to be, he still is a dynamic front man.

Whether it’s playing the steel guitar as he did on the third song of the evening, “Heartbreak Station,” or the melodic and intense lead on “Night Songs,” Keifer is a rock n’ roll machine, and has more talent himself then most other bands combined.  After “Night Songs,” the band changed it up a bit during the hit, “The More Things Change,” when Jeff LaBar played a cool harmonica intro, with Keifer providing a spot on, swampy slide guitar.  Keifer then switched to his classic double neck guitar for an extended version of “Coming Home.”  And then afterwards, Keifer played piano for the top 40 hit, “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone).”

The true highlights of the evening were when Keifer returned to the center stage, with only his microphone and stand, and sung his heart out for a haunting and emotional version of “Nobody’s Fool.” Then, right before the solo, he grabbed his trusty Gibson Les Paul and performed a duo guitar solo with LaBar.  The evening ended shortly after the band returned for two encores, “Long Cold Winter” and “Shelter Me.”  This was another great show in WNY.  This summer is truly turning out to be the best summer ever for fans of classic rock and metal.

Special thanks to Sky Nicholas for the press credentials.  And to concert promoter, Ross Catalino for bringing the classic hard rock bands back to WNY.