Kenny Loggins delights NYCB Theater at Westbury, NY 8-10-14

Over the last five decades singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins has built an accomplished music career.  Originally a part of Loggins and Messina, the duo had a series of hits in the pop rock world during the 1970’s that are still loved by listeners and spun on the radio today.  Spreading his wings and exploring music as a solo artist, in 1977 Loggins released his debut album Celebrate Me Home which was the first of a series of his albums to go platinum.  In the midst of a successful solo career, his exposure became even more amplified during the 1980’s with a list of soundtrack song credits featured in decade-defining movies including Candyshack (1980), Footloose (1984), and Top Gun (1986).  Remaining active and moving into the new millennium by touring and recording new material, Loggins’ name still carries a lot of clout each time he announces live dates in North America, and the summer of 2014 has been no different. Returning to NYCB Theatre at Westbury, NY for the first time since 2012, on Sunday August 10th Loggins had a large crowd join him in the half-round for a special performance.

Without an opening act Loggins began immediately around 8:15 PM with his acoustic guitar strapped over his shoulder.  Wasting no time, he had the audience going with the 1991 hit “Conviction of the Heart” and the beautiful Loggins and Messina tune “Danny’s Song.”  Receiving a warm welcome after the opening tracks, Loggins took the moment to greet everyone while thanking them for spending the evening with him.  Keeping the mood extremely intimate, Loggins began to explain the story behind the next song.  Concerned over copyright issues when it came time to record the track Loggins confided in his then girlfriend. Soon after this he learned she was in fact the daughter of Disney’s CEO at the time. She told him she would take care the issue, and that song came to be the adored “Return to Pooh Corner.”  Stimulating and personal, the backstory brought smiles to the faces of all while Loggins sang the sweet innocent lyrics in a soft inviting voice.  Keeping the childlike theme going he then went into his song about his dog called “Moose and Me.”  Illustrative lyrically, the song reminded the audience of what it is like to be a child and to never let go of those precious times no matter how long ago they may seem.

Moving along at a wonderfully pleasant pace, Loggins went into more memorable songs such as “The Real Thing”, his Michael McDonald collaboration “This is It”, and Stevie Nicks collaboration “Whenever I Call You Friend.”  By this time return concertgoers as well as newcomers knew this set  was going to be a hit parade that kept their full attention all the way through.  By the time he went into the song “Angry Eyes” everyone was on their feet and dancing around in joyous fashion.  The exhilaration of all these great tracks performed consecutively with such passionate singing and smooth instrumentation provoked fond memories for all.  Slowing the tempo back down, he played “Celebrate Me Home” which featured an outstanding guitar solo that had everyone back on their feet applauding once again.  Moving by so rapidly due to the fun upbeat nature of the show the set appeared to be ending with feel good tune “I’m Alright.” Loggins exited momentarily only to return for a trip into 80’s cinema history with “Playing With the Boys”, “Danger Zone”, and “Footloose.”  No one could contain themselves as they sang, danced, and had a blast celebrating the great music.  Although this may have seemed to be the finale, Loggins granted the audience a second encore of ” You’re Mamma Don’t Dance” and closed belting out an emotional rendition of “Forever.”

Loggins put on a show no one will soon forget with so many hit songs and a warm personality that made the audience feel like family. The performance had everyone reminiscing of the time and place they first heard each track and how they hold a special place in their lives.  That is exactly what music is all about and Loggins continues to capture that magic year after year.