A year after its initial closing, The Galaxy has reopened its doors. I know I am not alone in saying, the Santa Ana venue was greatly missed. Although it had been gutted out, after its closing, February, 2008, there were no major changes. The one-purple walls are now a deep crimson-red (the fresh paint was still noticeable to everyone’s noses), and the restrooms have been fully overhauled. Aside from that, it appeared the beloved Galaxy didn't miss a beat. Though it opened on March 21st, the official Grand Opening was a week later. It kicked off with two dynamic "Tribute" bands, Hot August Night, and Turn the Page, musical salutes to Neil Diamond, and Bob Seger, respectively.
Hot August Night kicked off the show, featuring Dean Colley as Neil Diamond. Colley is quite impressive. He not only eerily resembles Neil Diamond in his appearance, but vocalizes almost exactly like him. The salt-and-pepper hair, and glitzy Vegas-style shirt are also present and accounted for. You could easily be fooled into believing you were witnessing the real thing. His 4-piece back-up band was excellent, but never overshadowed Colley. All the expectant hits were there, from the opening Cherry Cherry, all the way thru I Am, I Said, Forever in Blue Jeans, and, of course, Sweet Caroline. My only complaint would have to be, Colley didn't have a strong rapport with the fans in attendance. As amazing as he was, he didn't really connect with the crowd until the final two numbers. It wasn't until then, that he finally kneeled down, at the edge of the stage, and shake a few hands, and deliver a smooch or two to his admiring lady fans. That's a minor point to nitpick, and in no way takes away from the near-brilliant performance that Colley and his band delivered.
Turn the Page was up next, and they definitely had a hard act to follow. They did so, triumphantly. They absolutely stole the show, delivering a tremendous amount of infectious energy. Sam Morrison didn't have the same clone-like resemblance to Seger, as Colley had to Diamond, but he did have the unmistakable whiskey-and-cigarette-tinged pipes that Seger possesses. Unlike Hot August Night, the 7-piece back-up band didn't lurk in the shadows, to give the frontman the spotlight. Instead, everyone interacted with each other (despite how crowded the stage had become), and seemed to be having the absolute time of their lives. This translated onto the floor: if the band is having fun, the audience is having even more fun. Of course, once again, all the expected tunes were delivered, from Rock and Roll Never Forgets, and Night Moves, to Betty Lou, and Hollywood Nights. By the end of the long evening, the audience was drained, an unarguable testament to an excellent night of musical entertainment.
And on behalf of myself, and All Access Magazine that missed The Galaxy, a hearty welcome back!
