The O-town Scene - Oneonta, NY
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/377200
I was speaking with a friend recently about a party he had planned. I wasn't going to be able to attend (which is fine, he tends to chase the ladies in the wrong direction). So he inquired what my excuse was for not coming. I was attending a John Fogerty performance at the Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center, I said. To my amazement, he asked me who John Fogerty was, and said it must be an "upstate thing." I laughed, for a minute ... or two, before assuring him that he knew at least 20 Fogerty songs, at least 10 by heart. He proclaimed I was crazy, demanding proof. The evidence was in three simple letters, an American household name: C.C.R. — Credence Clearwater Revival. He shrugged his shoulders and said, "Oh, you're right." I've seen the timeless John Fogerty perform four times in the past year: at two festivals, one stadium act, and the latest, his return to the historic site of the 1969 festival of all festivals, Woodstock. Bethel Woods continues to pay tribute to the festival by bringing hundreds of thousands of fans to see some of the top acts in the world at this upstate New York venue. John Fogerty is another of the original Woodstock performers they've been able to bring back since the venue was established in 2006. On Aug. 8, Fogerty put on as memorable a show as the ones I'd seen prior. Not only did this tour clearly mean something to him, but this venue and that mo- ment in history always has. It was eventful for all of us. He thrilled the crowd with energy, enthusiasm, mem- ories and talent. Everyone got a firsthand experience of why he's one of Rolling Stone magazine's top 100 guitarists of all time. Fogerty played plenty of Credence favorites such as "Travelin' Band," "Green River," "Who'll Stop the Rain," "Born on the Bayou," "Love as I Can See the Light," "Have You Ever Seen the Rain," "Down on the Corner," "Up Around the Bend," "For- tunate Son," "Bad Moon Rising," and "Proud Mary" — I could continue, but I'm sure we're all clear on the historical significance of the moment by now. He also threw in some of his own hits, such as "Center- field" and "Joy of My Life," not to mention my favorite song of his to hear live, "The Old Man Down the Road." It didn't matter who was in center field; Fogerty hit a home run. The show was moving for all of us, especially John and his clear timeless passion for music. The grass was a green mattress, the day was as beautiful as the moment, and you could've been there too; the day John Fogerty returned to the land of the free. Chad Ritchko was born the year "Centerfield" was released. When he's not at a show, he is I.T. manager for The Daily Star. He can be reached at critchko@ thedailystar.com. Fogarty Treats Fans At Bethel Woods A16 16 O-Town Scene Sept. 4, 2014 Review By Chad Ritchko WINTER IS COMING! Build your own hot cocoa at Capresso Join Us - Open Mic Night Every Wednesday Evening 7-8:30 pm Check out our Breakfast Sandwiches and Daily Lunch Specials 215 Main Street Oneonta 607.433.KAFE (5233) 281763