Openers Train did a pretty good job at warming up the crowd, such that even non-fans like me were starting to enjoy the band's set, loaded with numbers like "Drops of Jupiter" and other radio hits.
Still, it was Hall and Oates the arena wanted to see and the crowd erupted as Daryl and John and their 6-piece band took the stage to a bright, peppy run through "Maneater", the first big hit of the night. As things moved on to a punchy "Out of Touch", and a soulful "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling", it was easy to sit back and marvel at how good these 2 are at this sort of thing. "I Can't Go For That (No Can Do)" got a spacious workout, the players in the band getting chances to explore the tune's near-jazzy spaces, while a heartfelt "Sara Smile", and a tight "She's Gone" pleased long-time fans like me immensely.
As Hall and Oates marched through "Kiss On My List", "Private Eyes", and "Is It A Star?", the crowd got hit with some of the best pop-rock this country has produced in the last half-century. Even new single with Train, "Philly Forget Me Not" felt like a classic in the making, Pat Monahan joining Daryl Hall on the mic for this one and for "Wait for Me", an unexpected surprise.
Still, by the time the show ended with a rousing "You Make My Dreams", it's safe to say that an entire auditorium wanted even more. While Hall and Oates have taken their show further on up the road, fans outside this town still have a chance to catch the duo. Tour dates are on the band's official website, HallandOates.com.
[Photos: Me or my wife]