This years semi annual Hope Show was a little different in that they held two shows on the same night. An early show at 7:00, and a later show, which was added weeks later, at 9:30.We attended the early show, so I am not sure of the differences in the setlist for the second show. I do know that at the second show Jon Bon Jovi performed Because We Can and also Run Rudolph along with Gary U.S. Bonds, and John Cafferty performed Tough All Over. I am not sure if these were in addition to the earlier setlist or if these songs replaced others.It also looks like Debbie Harry may not have been on stage for Night Tome is the Right Time.
The early show was a benefit for The Visiting Nurses Association and 180 Turning Lives Around, while the second show benefited Mary's Place By The Sea.
The now semi annual show was once again put together by local legend Bobby Bandiera, who served as the band leader for the show, as he has with all other Hope Shows.
The format differed slightly from the last few Hope Shows in that the performers did not perform a song or two and then come out for the encore. This year the majority of the artists performed a song and then would come back later to perform another.
This years shows featured both Jon Bon Jovi and Gary U.S. Bonds who have performed at all previous Hope Shows. Southside Johnny was also scheduled, but was absent due to illness. Tim McLoone also returned with a condensed version of his Holiday Express, featuring his group the Shirley's.
John Cafferty returned for a second year with Michael "Tunes" Antunes from The Beaver Brown Band joining him, while Debbie Harry of Blondie and Norman Nardini and Frankie Previte all joined in for the first time.
The backing vocalists included Reagan Richards, Layonne Holmes, Lisa Sherman, Lorenza Ponce and Jillian Rhys McCoy.
The artists performed both covers and originals. Strangely there was not an actual encore. There was what seemed to be an encore of the Ray Charles classic Night Time is the Right Time, but it was followed by Jon Bon Jovi's appearance.It was first year where there was not a proper finale.
For me the highlights were Bobby's emotional performance of He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother, and Debbie Harry's performance of the Blondie classic One Way or Another.
Here is the setlist:
Happy Holidays - Tim McLoone w/Maureen McCrink Lead Vocal
Nobody Ought To Be Alone On Christmas - Tim McLoone w/Amy Broza Lead Vocal
White Christmas - Tim McLoone w/Layonne Holmes Lead Vocal
How Can I Be Sure(Young Rascals cover) - Bobby Bandiera
Merry Christmas Everybody - Norman Nardini
(I've Had)The Time Of My Life - Frankie Previte & Lisa Sherman
Tender Years - John Cafferty
What Becomes of the Brokenhearted(Jimmy Ruffin cover) - Gary U.S. Bonds
We Three Kings(Rock version) - Debbie Harry
He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother(The Hollies cover) - Bobby Bandiera
New Orleans - Gary U.S. Bonds
I Don't Wanna Go Home(Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes cover) - Bobby Bandiera
On The Dark Side - John Cafferty
That's Life(Frank Sinatra cover) - Bobby Bandiera
One Way or Another(Blondie song) - Debbie Harry
Quarter To Three - Gary U.S. Bonds
Speedo(Coasters cover) - Bobby Bandiera w/Tim McLoone
Night Time Is The Right Time(Ray Charles cover) - Bobby Bandiera, John Cafferty, Debbie Harry, Gary U.S. Bonds
Lost Highway - Jon Bon Jovi
Who Says You Can't Go Home - Jon Bon Jovi & Jillian Rhys McCoy
Blue Christmas(Elvis Presley cover) - Jon Bon Jovi
Bad Medicine - Jon Bon Jovi & Layonne Holmes
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| John Cafferty |
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| Debbie Harry |
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| Gary U.S. Bonds & Debbie Harry |
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| Bobby Bandiera & Jon Bon Jovi |
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| Bobby Bandiera, Jon Bon Jovi & Jillian Rhys McCoy |
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| Jon Bon Jovi & Layonne Holmes |
