New Riverside Park Amphitheater featured LRB on June 4, 2021
Live music is back and fervently prospering in Jefferson City, MO thanks to the newly renovated Capital Region MU Health Care Amphitheater at Riverside Park. Breaking ground amid the pandemic, the city decided to give the community exactly what it wanted, and right on time too. Upon reopening, legendary rock group Little River Band performed live in its second ever concert on June 4, 2021—now officially “Little River Band Day” in the River City as declared by Mayor Tergin.
A staple on the Kansas City music scene, Little River Band shows were rescheduled twice during the past year leaving us yearning for the group’s return. Thankfully though, our generous neighbors to the east read our mind and filled our bucket with the booking of this concert. It was an absolutely perfect evening as well and ideal opportunity to catch LRB performing in an outdoor setting.
Fronted by Kansas City-born rock legend and bass guitarist Wayne Nelson on his 40th anniversary since joining the group, LRB dazzled River City fans with the classic hits such as “The Night Owls” and “Take It Easy on Me” plus some of its newer tunes. Playing on stage alongside him were Chris Marion (keyboards), Rich Herring (guitar/lead vocals), Colin Whinnery (guitar/lead vocals) and Ryan Ricks (drums). Those in attendance even received a little extra special treat with a performance of “The Other Guy,” which is not regularly part of the setlist. Their passion, impeccable harmonies, melodic sounds and mere stage presence capture the crowd every time.
The new Riverside Park Amphitheater itself is nothing short of incredible. Amazing in pictures, but they alone cannot do it justice. It is one of those venues where every seat can lay claim to the best seat in the house. Certainly a place for the most intimate shows you can experience in an amphitheater. You can enjoy first-class leg room in every row as well plus patrons can choose general admission terrace or lawn seating. They even landscaped it beautifully and built a landing between sections where food trucks can load in and set up shop. However, all not to forget though that the most critical elements, sound and lighting, are positively stellar too.
It was a glorious evening, quintessential for both kicking off a new venue and returning to live music. Weather was just right and the atmosphere was perfectly aligned. All of the details came together to back our ultra-beloved rock band live on stage and in the flesh. This was exactly what we needed to pull out of the past year. As for returning to Kansas City, fans can look forward to catching Little River Band on the coveted Star Pavilion stage at Ameristar Casino on January 15, 2022.
LRB Setlist at Riverside Park Amp on June 4, 2021:
“It’s a Long Way There,” “Man on Your Mind,” “Happy Anniversary,” “Take It Easy on Me,” “The Other Guy,” “The Lost and the Lonely,” “I’m an Island,” “Reminiscing,” “Help Is on Its Way,” “The Night Owls,” “Cool Change,” “Lady” and “Lonesome Loser”
