Back to Ohio 11-12-11

"I went back to Ohio but my city was gone.....". As Todd stated: it may have been a "ghost town...but they owned that city that night". It's been a few days since... and still wishing I could see it again. Glad I went ( 8 hours one way )....well worth the time. This show had to be seen if you were an open minded wayward teen during 1973-1974 ( and Todd would have been 25-26 at the time!....really hard to grasp what musical talent he had.....and still possesses ). This incarnation of the band..... the premier of this reincarnation last New Year's Eve, and the tour locations of Florida, Southeast, Akron, and the Northeast...... well, the Midwest was my only chance of being "there".

The crowd was well versed and not misled, intelligent/older and comfortable to be a part of. The show: what more can I say that hasn't already been reckoned with? Utopia band mates were better prepared than the earlier shows - from what I read - and they were obvious of the Akron connection. They played with heart and even though Jessie never picked up a guitar nor was the bass played by Kasim....they filled in with accurate percussion, keys, and vocals. Kevin, Ralph, and John -- thanks for the performance of a lifetime. A few sour or flat notes ( not many ).....but I am way on the other side of bashing this event. It was a dream of a night.

Again, and as always, thanks Todd ( nice guitar work )...., and to everyone who assisted and brought this gig together. From section three in the lower loge balcony: it was an appreciated vantage point. See you on the Initiation/Faithful Tour ( hint....hint )

I WAS STUNNED AND AMAZED
MY CHILDHOOD MEMORIES
SLOWLY SWIRLED PAST
LIKE THE WIND THROUGH THE TREES
A, O, OH WAY TO GO OHIO

Freedom Fighter, Utopiajunkie@gmail.com T A Smith