Loggins and Messina’s ‘final’ SPAC show magic

by James J. Hohman, The Knickerbocker News, August 24, 1976

Loggins and Messina. They were billed as the evening’s headliners. Thousands of their fans flocked to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) to see them.

The music of Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina was heard, all right—but there was much more that contributed to their musical magic. More than just a mandolin or electric guitar. More than just the uniquely harmonious voices of the two.

The magic worked wonders Monday night on the more than 20,000 gathered at SPAC on a clear, cloudless evening.

Loggins and Messina and their five-man troupe performed several songs from past albums more distinctly and with better effect than what could ever be imprinted onto a record.

The rambunctious crowd—wound up even tighter by an opening act named “Heart”—applauded wildly each separate number and medley. Then they just applauded the stars for merely being themselves and visiting Saratoga. The two received a standing ovation from the highly partisan crowd after less than 30 seconds onstage.

Now, THAT’S admiration.

True to form, Loggins and Messina responded with as much warmth and twice the amount of energy.

The audience knew what it was hearing only microseconds after the first notes of the song were plucked, plinked, or strummed.

The experience of the entire evening was uncanny and incomparable.

Much of the concert was audience and band participation night.

Toes were tapping, hands were clapping, and the group members all were given generous time for solo performances.

It would be near impossible to say which of the duo’s backup musicians was most popular, but this reviewer would bet on the fiddler. His help in the hoedown routine made the number the success that it was.

There were some good, old-fashioned country songs and a few mellow tunes to relax the noisy audience.

On only a handful of songs during the two-hour concert—which included two encores—was there any difficulty in amplification, and the special effects were outstanding, particularly the smoke coming from the stack of the Loggins and Messina “railroad.”

The two not only are stars with millions of supporters, but obviously seasoned showmen, who recognize what entertains an audience. Their keen timing and variety were as much a part of the show as any hit song.

Loggins and Messina displayed commendable imagination in putting together a road show. There were acts—mini-shows—from each album scattered throughout the program.

They included “elaborations” of popular songs and special effects for visual impact.

And even though all the added attractions contributed to the spectacular, the crowd would have loved Loggins and Messina if they brought only a guitar, drumstick and microphone.

There was an aura of finality surrounding Monday night’s concert for both the performers and the audience as Loggins and Messina, reported to be breaking up after this final tour, seemed to be going out with the biggest blast of the best music ever.

And the thousands of screaming, clapping fans wanted to be right there with them until the end.

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