Batavia, NY—On a warm summer evening with cloudy skies and a few scattered light rain showers, the ‘Batavia Downs 2024 Summer Concert Series’ came to a spectacular close with a triple bill featuring Tommy DeCarlo, the former singer of Boston, Jason Scheff, formerly of the band Chicago, and August Zadra from the Dennis DeYoung Band. All three artists delivered a setlist filled with classic hits that resonated with the many fans in the audience who have been following their music for decades. This final show of the season was a perfect blend of nostalgia and musical excellence.
The evening started with a fantastic performance by August Zadra, the talented guitarist/vocalist from the Dennis DeYoung Band. Zadra’s set was a tribute to the legendary band STYX, and he truly delivered. His band for the night included fellow Dennis DeYoung band member guitarist Jimmy Leahey, along with members of the Tommy DeCarlo band: Tommy DeCarlo, Jr. on guitar, Payton Velligan on bass, Michael Morales on drums, and Walter Ino on keyboards. They performed a setlist of STYX classics, each song played with precision and passion. Zadra’s guitar and vocal skills were absolutely top-notch, showcasing his incredible talent and deep appreciation for the music. https://www.augustzadramusic.com/
Next up was Jason Scheff, the former vocalist, bass player, and songwriter of the legendary band Chicago. Scheff played a crowd-pleasing setlist consisting of classic Chicago songs, coupled with many of the tracks he wrote during his tenure with the band from 1985 to 2016. His backing band for the night included August Zadra on guitar, Michael Morales on drums, Walter Ino on keyboards, and three talented horn players.
During the performance, Scheff shared an interesting piece of his musical heritage, mentioning that his father Jerry Scheff played bass in Elvis Presley’s band and was featured on the classic song “Riders on the Storm” by The Doors. He also noted that this performance coincided with the anniversary of Elvis’s death, adding a poignant touch to the evening.
Scheff’s set featured the 1985 chart-topping hit he penned, “Will You Still Love Me,” along with classic Chicago hits like “25 or 6 to 4” and “Saturday in the Park.” His vocals and bass playing were solid, and the audience responded with applause and sing-alongs. The chemistry between Scheff and his band added to the set, making it enjoyable for long-time fans of Chicago. His many fans in the audience really appreciated his performance, which felt like a musical time machine. www.https://jasonscheff.com/
The final act to perform on this evening was Tommy DeCarlo, formerly of the band BOSTON. DeCarlo joined BOSTON in 2007, following the death of original vocalist Brad Delp. DeCarlo played a great set of BOSTON classics, including a haunting version of the number one hit “Amanda.” His band, consisting of August Zadra on guitar, Tommy DeCarlo, Jr. on guitar, Payton Velligan on bass, Michael Morales on drums, and Walter Ino on keyboards, was entertaining. Velligan’s bass playing, and background vocals were particularly impressive, adding depth and harmony to the overall sound.
With BOSTON no longer touring, this is the closest you will get to an authentic BOSTON performance. DeCarlo’s performance was a fitting tribute to BOSTON’s legacy, with each song delivered with passion and precision. DeCarlo’s powerful vocals and stage presence captivated the audience, bringing the evening to a memorable close.
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The ‘Batavia Downs 2024 Summer Concert Series’ concluded on a high note, leaving fans with cherished memories of a night filled with timeless music and exceptional talent. In addition, to the great performances by Tommy DeCarlo and Jason Scheff, August Zadra must be complemented for his remarkable dedication and talent. Playing all three sets of music during the evening, starting with his own set and then performing with both Scheff and DeCarlo, Zadra deserves to be much more famous and revered in the music world. He is a true musical freak of nature.
This evening was a fitting celebration of the enduring legacy of classic rock, and as summer draws to a close, there’s a bittersweet feeling knowing that the season of outdoor concerts is ending soon in Western New York. It was a night that attendees will fondly remember as a highlight of the summer.
Thomas S. Orwat Jr.
RockMusicStar.com 
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