Tahoe Onstage photos by Conrad Buedel
Don Barnes and .38 Special delivered a tight set of classic Southern rock in Harrah’s South Shore Room on March 24. All the chairs were removed from the floor so the crowd had plenty of room to rock and dance. 38 Special performed all of its classic hits, along with two songs from Barnes’ 2017 solo album, “Ride The Storm.”
Lead singer and guitarist Barnes is the lone remaining original member of 38 Special and he keeps the music true and pure. The other current members of the band are Danny Chauncey on guitar and vocals, Bobby Capps playing keyboards and vocals, Gary Moffatt on drums and Barry Dunaway laying down the bass. Chauncey and Barnes have been together since 1987. Capps joined the band in 1991. They love playing together and it clearly shows on stage.38 Special concerts are a celebration of camaraderie and brotherhood.
Chauncey and Barnes traded guitar licks seamlessly as the band played some of their biggest hit songs, including “Back Where You Belong,” “Wild Eyed Southern Boys,” “Teacher, Teacher,” “Second Chance,” “Like No Other Night,” “Fantasy Girl,” and “If I’d Been the One.” Moffatt wowed the fans with a stirring drum solo, marked by brilliant strobe lights. Capps showed his versatility on keyboards and also played an inspiring solo. Dunaway was steady and solid on the bass guitar.
The final song was “Caught Up In You” and the entire crowd was singing along. The band left the stage and the fans demanded an encore. Simulated fireworks and smoke filled the room before 38 Special returned, playing “Chain Lightning” followed by “Hold On Loosely.” They closed this outstanding show with a cover of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Travelin’ Band.”
– Conrad Buedel
Conrad Buedel / Tahoe Onstage
