The Antelope Valley Fair relocated to a brand new complex this year and helping break in the new venue were classic rock bands REO Speedwagon and Styx. The new Grandstand area was quite comfortable and seating here was free with paid Fair admission. The event brought out about 10,000 people with 1,000 reserved seats on the infield being sold out. The weather was perfect, the beer flowing and the crowd in the right mood for a great night of rocking.

REO started things off as they tore through their vast library of hits. Original founding members Kevin Cronin/vocals and Neil Doughty/keyboard are ably supported by longtime bassist Bruce Hall, drummer Bryan Hitt and smoking guitarist Dave Amato. All the great songs were there: Keep Pushin, Ridin the Storm Out, Back on the Road Again, Time for Me to Fly and all the other great ones. They have a greatest hits CD out and you can find out more about it and all other REO info at their website www.speedwagon.com.

Styx hit the stage next and the good times kept rolling. Unlike athletes, musicians just get better as they mature and the members of Styx showed that they haven't lost a beat. The only original member left is James Young/guitar, but he is joined by long time member Tommie Shaw/guitar and they have recruited Lawrence Gowan/keyboards, Ricky Phillips/bass, Todd Sucherman on drums for this version of the touring band. Every song they played was a hit and the crowd knew them all. Multi-million selling hits like: Lady, Blue Collar Man, Come Sail Away, Renegade, and Babe came flowing out of the P.A. like a fine wine. Music like tonight can take you back to good times. Where were you when these hits came out? Like all the classic bands touring now, Styx has a greatest hits selection and it's available at their website www.styxworld.com where you can catch up on all the latest band news. To catch up on my latest news then go to www.revnkevin.com and tell me what's on your mind.