January 8, 2023

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Robins Theatre celebrated its 100th Anniversary this weekend by bringing in Firefall, Pure Prairie League and Atlanta Rhythm Section on Saturday night. 

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Firefall were the first act to hit the stage.  Led by original member Jock Bartley, the band played all of their Yacht Rock hits during their fifty minute set.  "Just RememberI Love You" and "Cinderella" found their way early in the set.

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New bassist and singer John Bisaha, who also happens to be  in The Babys, took over lead vocals on "So Long" and sounded fantastic.  

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The band closed out their set with "You Are the Woman," an extended version "Strange Way" and "Mexico."

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After a short set change, Pure Prairie League took the stage.

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Guitarist John David Call, the lone original member in this band, has surrounded himself with outstanding musicians.  However, Call positioned himself to the side of the stage, far away from the rest of the band.  He never said a word to the audience, rather he let the keyboardist talk to the crowd.  It was almost like he didn't want to be there.

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The band did a nice job playing the Pure Prairie League catalog including some deep cuts like "Goodbye So Long" and "Lifetime of Nighttime.  They also did a nice cover of Big Brother and Holding Company's "I'll Change Your Flat Tire, Merle." 

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Of course they sprinkled in the hits like "Let Me Love You Tonight," "Woman" and the show closing "Aimee."

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Atlanta Rhythm Section, led by original lead singer Rodney Justo, also powered through their sixty minute set.

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Justo noted that they were supposed to play at Robins Theatre with Ambrosia in 2020 but Covid wiped that show out.  He commented how beautiful the theatre was and that they were very happy to be there.

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Their ten song set included "Doraville," and "Boogie Smoogie" along with hits like "Spooky" and "So Into You" sprinkled in for good measure.

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This wonderful celebration came to a close with "Imaginary Lover."

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Review and photos by Greg Drugan

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