By THOMAS S. ORWAT, JR
Batavia, NY – The legendary singer/songwriter Tommy James played his first concert since February 2020 in Batavia, NY last Friday night. This show was part of the Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotels Summer Concert Series, which takes place every Friday evening, during the summer. Although, it was another rainy Friday, the rain did clear up shortly before Tommy James started at 8:30pm.
Tommy James started his career in 1959, and since then he has sold over 100 million records worldwide as both Tommy James and as Tommy James and the Shondells. In addition, he has received 23 Gold records, 9 Platinum records and had 32 Billboard Hot 100 Chart hits.
Tommy James and his band The Shondells hit the stage and played a very entertaining 75 minute hit filled set to the delight of the packed audience, which ranged in age from 18-81. The 74 year old James was very energetic, engaging and his vocals were spot through out the performance. The Shondells consisted of top notch musicians who were flawless during the set.
Tommy James is a national treasure, and still an AMAZING performer. He is responsible for some of the greatest songs in rock music, including: “Draggin’ the Line,” “Crystal Blue Persuasion,” “I Think We’re Alone Now,” “Crimson & Clover” and “Mony Mony.” If you get an opportunity to see him perform, you must go!
For more on Tommy James, please visit http://www.tommyjames.com
For more on the Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel, Batavia , NY -“Rockin’ the Downs Concert Series 2021” please click here.
Setlist
Draggin’ the Line
Crystal Blue Persuasion
Say I Am
Gettin’ Together / It’s Only Love
I Walk the Line
I Think We’re Alone Now (acoustic)
Ball of Fire
Tighter, Tighter
Crimson & Clover
Hanky Panky
I Think We’re Alone Now (Electric)
Do Something to Me
Mony Mony / I Feel So Good
Encore:
Sweet Cherry Wine
Mirage
Mony Mony (Reprise)
Thomas S. Orwat Jr.
RockMusicStar.com 
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