The O’Jays, April 5, Mystic Lake Casino, Prior Lake. Lead singer Eddie Levert, 83, sat this one out, but original member Walter Williams, 81, executed the choreography and vocals like an old pro.
Newcomer Nicholas Davis and original member Walter Williams perform with the O'Jays at Mystic Lake Casino. (Renée Jones Schneider/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Paul Simon, 83, April 20, 22, 23, Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis. His Quiet Celebration Tour lived up to its name with his diminished voice, but his songs echoed with “The Sound of Silence.”
Paul Simon and his band performing “Slip Slidin Away” on the first night of a three-night stand at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis. (Jeff Wheeler/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Judy Collins, 86, June 10-11, the Dakota, Minneapolis. The grande dame of folk music has seen life from both sides now.
Al Jardine, 82, July 4, Mystic Lake Casino Amphitheater, Prior Lake. The Beach Boys co-founder and the Pet Sounds Band had fun, fun, fun followed by fireworks.
Happy Together Tour, Aug. 25, Minnesota State Fair. This oldies revue includes Ron Dante, 79, of the Turtles; Sandy Deanne, 82, original member of Jay & the Americans; Anthony Gourdine, 84, of Little Anthony & the Imperials, and Hibbing-born Gary Puckett, 82.
Steve Miller, 81, Aug. 28, Minnesota State Fair. The Milwaukee native started out as a bluesman before becoming a Top 40 mainstay with “Jet Airliner,” “Abracadabra” and “The Joker.”