Well, the Isley Brothers delivered the second blow of the one-two weekend punch to complete a Vegas-style entertainment package to the Niagara Community. The R&B, soul, rock, doo-wop and gospel group started belting it out in 1954. Yes, 63 years ago. Lucky for them, younger brothers kept joining in, keeping their sound smooth and nostalgic. Ronald and Ernie Isley headed up the performance at the Casino’s Seneca Niagara Events Center that brought the crowd to their feet several times. I wasn’t too sure if they understood the significance of playing their signature song “Shout” to a crowd of Western New York football fans, but it certainly garnered an enthusiastic response. The crowd may have been football fans, but they sure didn’t look like the tailgating Bills fans we are used to seeing on Sundays. It was great to see an appreciative group of concert goers actually getting dressed up for an evening out. Wornout Jim Kelly jerseys and T-shirts that say “I’m with stupid,” were replaced with furs, sequins, and leather in a fashion statement only longtime Isley Brothers fans could display. Most of the audience stuck around to enjoy the Casino’s ambiance after the show. An hour and a half of great music was followed by a large gathering at the Hotel’s Lobby Bar and of course a little gambling. People, I’m telling you, take advantage of what the Casino has to offer. It’s like going on vacation and sleeping in your own bed.
Ernie Isley belts it out for a packed house.
Leave a Reply