Charlotte, NC (8/6/23) – After a successful stadium tour last summer fronting the iconic 80’s band Poison singer Bret Michaels has once again embarked on a solo tour. This time returning to Charlotte, NC for the last night of his “Parti Gras” tour with multiple guests. Jefferson Starship, Night Ranger, Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray) and Steve Augeri (Journey) all join in on the fun providing a night of hit songs that have defined and shaped the soundtracks of many of our lives.
Whether you know them as Jefferson Starship, just Starship or Jefferson Airplane you were in for a treat. As the first band to the stage with a 30min set the group did a great job at representing all versions of the band through the years. Held together by original member David Freiberg the band delivered a smooth performance with Cathy Richardson fronting the band. A set list that included, “We Built This City,” “Somebody To Love,” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” instantly drew fans into the show and had them singing along.
All the way from San Francisco come Night Ranger. Known for their 1984 hit “Sister Christian” the band also performed songs “When You Close Your Eyes” and “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me.” Core members Brad Gillis (guitar), Kelly Keagy (drums) and Jack Blades (bass) are as tight as ever and deliver a rock solid set. An addition to the 50min set were the songs “Coming of Age” and “High Enough” by the Damn Yankees of which Blades was a member. “Crazy Train” also gave nod to Gillis’s time with Ozzy Osbourne. The current line up is rounded out with Eric Levy on keyboards and Keri Kelli on guitar. Night Ranger definitely showed that you can still “Rock In America.”
Rounding out the night in a big way was headliner Bret Michaels. Taking to the stage Michaels performed multiple classic Poison hits. “Talk Dirty To Me,” “Ride The Wind” & “Unskinny Bop” were delivered with high energy that kept the crowd on their feet. Bret’s admiration for his fans is acknowledged throughout the night as he runs back and forth across the stage shaking hands with fans and encouraging sing along moments. “Every Rose Has It’s Thorn” and “Something To Believe In” provided more relaxed moments as fans lit up the venue with cellphones and a few old school fans broke out the lighters. The latter song provided a moment for Bret to show his support for our military and medical staff as fans from the crowd were brought on stage and acknowledged for their service as they took a round on the catwalk themselves.
Bret’s band is not one to be overlooked by any means. This group of musicians perform with precision each night delivering iconic songs breathing new and fresh energy into them. The group is led by Bret’s right hand man Pete Evick who provides a raw energy blistering with excitement on guitar as he spins around stage. Pete is also an author with a new book out titled “MTV Famous,” and owner of “Shining Sol” candle brand. Keyboardist Rob Jozwiak provides a bit a depth to the band as bassist “Stormin’” Norman and drummer Meri Schaefer drive the band as a powerhouse rhythm section. Back up singer Becci Clark provides a soulful layering that only compliments her bosses iconic vocals as she honors her former touring partner Kara Davis (RIP) with a photo kept on stage throughout the entirety of the show. Dean Cramer is an additional guitarist and backing vocals as well.
If Bret Michaels wasn’t already enough he brought along friends Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray) and Steve Augeri (Journey) as well to entertain the crowds. Woven flawlessly into the set each artist joined Bret and band on stage to perform as well. Mark engaged the crowd with “Every Morning” and “Fly” as Augeri belted out the anthems “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Any Way You Want It.” A surprise guest for the night was the addition of Edwin McCain who gave an acoustic rendition of his song “I’ll Be” and provided backing vocals to many other songs throughout the night as well. As the show come to an end all members from every band rejoined the stage for an encore performance of the Lynyrd Skynyrd classic “Sweet Home Alabama.”
If you missed Parti Gras I’m sorry for you. The vibe of this show is unmatched. It’s like a backyard gathering with all of your best friends having a big jam session. The genuine fun seen on that stage and energy cast upon the crowd was amazing. Truly a great event that one hopes to see become annual.
Bret currently has dates listed through February of 2024 and is always adding more. There’s no excuse to miss having “Nothing But A Good Time.”
Do not altar photos
Copyright Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography
