On Saturday, June 6th, Chuck Negron, live in concert at the Cannery in Las Vegas, shared with the audience some newer music that was very personal, expressed with beautiful emotion, delivered with skill, showing that he’s at the top of his game and climbing. There were also the Three Dog Night hits, sounding timeless and better than ever. The Voice was strong all the way through with a very ambitious, long line-up of songs.

Bobby Kimball of Toto opened the show, accompanied by the Chuck Negron Band who played the Toto songs flawlessly. Bobby later said that he had been “…blessed with the Chuck Negron Band.” Kimball was high energy and high pitched. He definitely whipped everyone into a frenzy and ready for Chuck. Well, they were more than ready for Chuck anyway.

To describe Chuck that night, the word that comes to my mind is polished.
On the stage, here entered the sharp-dressed man in tuxedo and neck tie,
crisp white collar and French cuffs. Everyone agreed he was trim and handsome. The band played the familiar intro to “One Man Band”; Chuck hit it with powerful and beautiful vocals that dazzled everyone. Danny Mishkitt joined Chuck up front for a duet that blended superbly. All the band members showed off vocal talents during the night.

Chuck thanked the audience for their enthusiastic response, “You all are so kind.” He explained it was a very special night. In attendance were his sister Nancy, brother Renee, daughter Annabelle and her mother, Kate Vernon. A boyhood friend and member of Chuck’s first vocal group, the Rondelles, Mike Heinrich, got a playful ribbing about his age. Chuck looked into the crowd with sparkling, deep brown eyes, saying there were many familiar faces.

The Chuck Negron Band, a collection of musical virtuosos, was the hardest working rock band in June of 2009. Terence Elliot on lead guitar did many rocking solos. Danny Mishkit is a versatile threat on keyboards, guitar, sax, and vocals. Frank Reina is also multi-talented on drums, playing all styles and doing some kind of magic with his computer. Carlos Murguia, contributing fancywork on the B-3 organ and vocals, is an accomplished producer in the music business. Chuck’s son Berry Oakley, a shot of youth and adding to the handsome factor, takes on the legacy of his biological father, the late Raymond Berry Oakley, founding member and bassist of the Allman Brother's Band.  John Leftwich did some switch-hitting with Berry Oakley on bass and did some nice harmony vocalizations. Everybody worked together to put on an unbelievable show.

Chuck explained that he was going to do four songs that had never been done live in concert. The upbeat, complex vocal arrangement of “For the Love of Money” is going to be in an upcoming CD, “Songs of Philly.” Chuck said he enjoyed listening to this type of music. Chuck busted some great moves with the beat, getting into a groove he didn’t even have in the 70s! He still enjoys throwing the microphone stand around; it wobbled after he grabbed the microphone and left for another part of the stage.The front row prepared for the wobbling stand to crash on their heads, but it became stabilized.

In a comedy relief moment Chuck drank his water, drooled and slurred, “I remember that first beer.” Then he shared candid information about his own son’s drug addiction, which was also printed in a very nice concert program. He explained he was working on a musical “My Son Is Me I Am My Son.” Chuck has entered a new chapter in his career as accomplished songwriter with, “I’m Sorry,” which will be in the musical. Chuck’s live performance of “I’m Sorry” was full of intense emotion as a “cry to his son for forgiveness.” He sang the beginning, “I’m…” as one of the longest, loudest, most powerful notes of the entire concert; it was very breath-taking.

From the comeback CD “Am I Still in Your Heart,” the guys joined Chuck for an inspiring accapella “Soul to Soul.” From the Three Dog Night album “Cyan” of 1973, he sang Michael Allsup’s “Into My Life,” a favorite of Chuck fans, never performed in concert. Chuck explained that Michael, the lead guitarist of TDN wrote this song about “…getting the Lord back in my life,” during a crisis of conscience due to the rock life-style. This song was a special treat for fans and most appreciated.

Very impressive was Chuck’s interpretation and right ON rhythm of “Liar.”
He gave the “Liar! Liar!” chorus a terrific punch!

Chuck introduced the ballad he has made his own, “Easy to Be Hard” as the song on the TDN album “Harmony,” “… that took us to the next level.” He sang all the notes of the original arrangement beautifully, ending on the famous long held F sharp.

Loosening his tie, Chuck announced, “Now we’re going to take you out to the country!” The smile on his face during “Out in the Country” showed he just loves these hit 70s songs and the enjoyment they have given and continue to give to so many. Chuck and the band did a great job with "Old Fashioned Love Song," “Shambala,” “Celebrate,” and “Mama Told Me Not to Come.” During “Never Been to Spain” a line of “go-go girls” formed in the aisle, dancing and showing “how to use it.”

Carlos Murguia and Danny Mishkit sang impressive vocalizations for the introduction of “Eli’s Coming;” Chuck delighted, coming in with his classic intro solo. True to his days in the 70s, the songs in concert offer something different, always a surprise. During the intro of “The Show Must Go On,” Chuck added some circus barker rap. His son, the very laid back Berry Oakley, ultra-cool in a tan jazz hat, loosely swung with his bass back and forth, a nice counterpoint to Chuck’s song about being a high strung performer.

Graciously thanking Danny Hutton and Cory Wells, Chuck stated that Three Dog Night sold more concert tickets and records than any rock band of their time. “I don’t care what anybody says. We did.” He continued with one of his favorite stories about nine guys in a station wagon with their first hit gold record coming on the radio, as they drove up next to a convertible full of girls. Chuck then launched into his pride and joy, with the well known line, "One is the loneliest number."

The encore was the record-breaking song that is recognized around the world, “Joy to the World” with Chuck’s signature, “Jeremiah was a bullfrog!” The house lights went on; the audience was dancing and singing along. Chuck gave someone in the audience a moment to be a rock star for one chorus. Bobby Kimball came onstage and sang also. After the frivolity of “Joy” Chuck left everyone exhausted in a heap, but with music in their hearts. He met everyone individually after the concert and autographed programs, photos, old albums, CDs and T-shirts, still smiling and making each person feel special.
What a guy!