This Time Last Week: The Orchestra Featuring Former Members of Electric Light Orchestra

November 8^th, 2015-Uncasville, CT-The Orchestra brought their act to the Mohegan Sun Arena as part of a private event. People lined up outside the Member Services office to redeem their reservation, ID and player card in hand.  A casino employee requested the person’s 4-digit code before issuing the tickets.

Since the concert started at 7:00pm, casino patrons could try their luck at the many slot machines and table games. One could also shop. There was a buffet, two food courts, and several restaurant options available to grab some dinner before the show.

After a bit of gaming and a meal, I made my way to the Mohegan Sun Arena for the show. The Orchestra, which featured former members of the Electric Light Orchestra, started their concert on time. From the opening number “Evil Woman” to the encore “Don’t Bring Me Down”, the show did not disappoint. During the evening, the group performed their greatest hits, which included songs from the albums “Time” and “Out of The Blue” (released as a 2-record-set and later a single CD).  Their songs had great hooks and the musicianship was a wonder to see. Standouts from the set list of this concert included:  “All Over The World”, “Xanadu” , “Hold On Tight”, “Strange Magic”, “Livin' Thing”, “Turn to Stone”, “Telephone Line”.

Toward the end of the 90 minute set, this band introduced each other.  Parthenon Huxley was on vocals as well as being one of the guitarists. On the “psychedelic” bass guitar and vocals was Glen Burtnik, who has worked with numerous artists in the past. The drummer was Gordon Townsend.  An original member of ELO, Mik Kaminski answered the1973 band ad for a violinist. One of the keyboardists, Louis Clark had been a part of ELO since the “El Dorado” album and did musical arrangements. Other bandmates included Eric Troyer on keyboard and vocals and Louis Clark Jr. on electric violin and acoustic guitar.

After the concert, fans filed out chatting amongst themselves. They left through the arena doors with an experience that they will never forget. 

Source: My Personal ELO CD Collection, http://www.theorchestra.net/