U.S. Elevator took Sings Like Hellions on a retro ride to the penthouse evoking pop/rock legends from the heydays, adding their own sometimes country-infused and definitely Santa B quirky twists. Fearless chief-operator-of-the-lift Johnny Irion wrote the songs and his voice brought to mind Neil Young, John Lennon and Peter Case – fitting, as Case penned the song Peggie Jones named her series after. He was backed by a tight band of friends whose playing and harmony vocals at times sounded like some of the Beatles more adventurous efforts. Their music is steeped in the best of classic rock (heck, the opening number featured an electric sitar!) and it proved to be a thoroughly satisfying and rockin’ step out from Irion’s folksinger persona as performing partner with wife Sara Lee Guthrie. Anyone who heard this show is looking forward to more in the same vein!
Opening act Berkley Hart put everyone in the right mood with great songs, sparkling harmonies and killer playing, plus funny between-song banter and stories. Jeff Berkley and Calman Hart make some fine music!
Sings Like Hell – Jeff Berlkey & Calman Hart 6/18/16 Lobero Theatre
