FirstBank Pops Series: The Music of Journey (Feb. 15-17; All ages)
Schermerhorn Symphony Center
1 Symphony Place, Nashville
615-782-4040 • nashvillesymphony.org
Remaining show times: Fri – Sat 8 p.m.
Tickets: $34 – $139
Some of the best and most familiar music from the ’70s and ’80s is alive and well on the Schermerhorn stage with The Music of Journey. With more than 75 million albums sold worldwide, Journey did more than make a mere mark on the landscape of American rock music. The band can easily be called “King of the Power Ballads,” and it cranked out its fair share of beloved rock anthems, too.
The Nashville Symphony presents a rockin’ musical experience that serves up a wonderful world of nostalgia for those of us who grew up in the ’80s. For younger generations in the audience who might not be as familiar with Journey repertoire, never fear. You’ll be equally blown away by this spectacular show.
Guest Conductor/Arranger Brent Havens leads our Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony along with a tight four-piece band that includes George Cintron (guitar/vocals), Dan Clemens (bass/vocals), Powell Randolph (drums/vocals) and Justin Avery (keyboards/vocals). The fusion of the orchestra and the rock band is immense. In many symphony pops concerts, the orchestra may only play along on a few signature numbers. It’s delightful that the Nashville Symphony performs every one of the Journey tunes on the show’s spectacular set list. While there are a couple of occasions when the rock band dominates the musical mix, it’s a phenomenal experience to realize how the orchestra adds such lush vibrancy to each of the 17 crowd-pleasing songs.
Performer extraordinaire Brody Dolyniuk.
Vocal powerhouse Brody Dolyniuk succinctly channels the styling of former Journey frontman Steve Perry. The expert showman endears himself to the audience the second he sets foot on the Schermerhorn stage, inviting everyone to be a part of the musical journey. A consummate performer, Dolyniuk’s friendly charm and sense of humor help make the night more memorable. He’s got a special talent like no other, too. Dolyniuk has a unique skill of capturing voices and mannerisms. On more than one occasion, he amazingly sounds like a carbon copy of Steve Perry hitting those impressive high notes when he glides into his roof-raising head voice.
This isn’t the first time Dolyniuk’s been on stage with the Nashville Symphony. He’s built an impressive career performing in symphonic rock shows around the country as the lead singer in several “The Music of…” tribute shows, including The Who, U2, Queen and Elton John. I vividly remember him in the Nashville Symphony’s 2014 production of The Music of Queen. The way he replicated Freddy Mercury’s voice then was astounding. I didn’t think anything could ever top that, until experiencing Dolyniuk belt out so many beloved Journey hits. It’s not just his unparalleled vocal ability that makes him so memorable. Dolyniuk is a bundle of electrifying energy on stage. It effervesces across the entire concert hall, and Dolyniuk’s obvious love and passion for this music is wonderfully infectious.
The Music of Journey is an experience you must not miss, and it’s a perfect opportunity to introduce your kids to a truly authentic example of a top-notch performance. It’s an arms-in-the-air swaying great time, and if you’re looking for the perfect date night with your significant other, this is it!
THE MUSIC OF JOURNEY SET LIST
Escape
Be Good to Yourself
Lights
Still They Ride
Send Her My Love
Feeling That Way
Open Arms
Stone in Love
Separate Ways
Ask the Lonely
Girl Can’t Help It
Who’s Crying Now
Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’
Faithfully
Wheel in the Sky
Any Way You Want It
Don’t Stop Believin’
