“Well, how is everybody doing?” Orlando asked the Long Island audience, as he took the stage dressed in white pants and a white buttoned-down shirt. “You gotta give me a ‘hello’,” he added. He subsequently praised his audience of 15,000 fans for coming out to honor the men and women that are serving our country. “Do we not live in the greatest country on the planet? I can’t hear you,” he shouted.
He began his show with his captivating rendition of Neil Diamond’s patriotic hit “America,” where he had the crowd on their feet and clapping along. “You put your life on the line for America, we want to thank you so very much,” Orlando sings, while asking veterans who have served in World War II and the Vietnam War to stand up and get recognized for their service. He also paid tribute to the ones that just back back from Iraq and Afghanistan. “15,000 strong,” he exclaimed at the end of this vocal performance, signifying the audience members that came out to support them on this fine summer evening.
“How about it for this band,” Orlando said, commending his fellow band-mates. He took the audience on a trip down memory lane to 1973, prior to inquiring them if they remember his group, Dawn, and their first hit record “Candida,” and went on to perform the classic tune.
Orlando immediately broke into “Knock Three Times,” which he incorporated as a crowd sing-along. “You remember that one?” he asked, prior to revealing his surprise musical guest, rapper Computa, who treated the audience to a hip-hop rendition of “Knock Three Times.” “God bless our troops,” Computa said, following the warm reception. “Did you love that? Does he have a hit with him?” Orlando inquired, and the fans unanimously agreed with him. Computa praised Orlando for being a beautiful, loving and talented man, prior to leaving the stage.
A Vocal Group Hall of Fame member, Orlando gave a neat shout-out to magician Criss Angel, as well as several of Angel’s family members, who were in attendance at his show tonight, seated in the front rows. He delivered a soaring rendition of his signature song “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree,” which resonated well with the crowd, and brought a feeling of nostalgia in the outdoors venue.
The Verdict
Overall, Tony Orlando put on an entertaining concert at Eisenhower Park. He interacted well with the fans and was able to salute the veterans and military members in the best way possible: by forming a connection with his memorable music catalog. He showcased a charismatic personality, and proved that every award he ever received in his illustrious career in music was indeed based on merit. He is worth seeing live whenever he is in the area, and his show garnered an A rating.
For more information on acclaimed musician Tony Orlando and his forthcoming tour dates, check out his official website.
