Track #3 (of 5): “Janis & Jimi” show @Santa Fe Station Hotel
History is imaginatively rewritten with this show—a co-headline bill with two deceased icons. (Image: Vegas 411)
“Janis & Jimi: The Concert That Should Have Been” is a fascinating concept for a tribute show—and it delivered the bluesy, psychedelicized goods at Chrome Showroom inside Santa Fe Station Hotel. For a solid 90 minutes in front of a packed house, it seamlessly merged two tribute shows in one: Michelle Rohl’s “Kozmic Blues” and Eric Keaton’s “Gimme Hendrix.” Both Rohl and Keaton performed separate standout sets and joined together for a seismic version of Hendrix’ “Foxy Lady” and a finale of Led Zeppelin’s “Rock and Roll.”
Bluesy, gutsy, and utterly kozmic. (Image: Vegas 411)
With an ace band that provides solid footing, Rohl immediately captivated on “Move Over,” with her gutsy, take-no prisoners voice, letting the crowd know that a little “scream therapy” is good for the soul. Impressively, her voice easily embraced the high register on “Ball and Chain,” “Cry,” and “Piece of My Heart.” Rohl also visually embodies Joplin’s freewheeling glam-boho aesthetic, wearing velvet bell bottoms, a long vest, and feathers in her hair.
A “Purple Haze” worth experiencing. (Image: Vegas 411)
Keaton is a masterful guitarist who channeled Hendrix’ pioneering mix of blues, soul, funk and psychedelia, bending notes in new and thunderous ways to make audiences feel utterly free and transcendent. Wearing a fringe leather jacket and headband, Keaton was particularly on fire for “Purple Haze,” “Hey Joe,” and “All Along The Watchtower.” Keaton also dialed in Hendrix’ vocal style—bluesy, soulful, a little conversational at times, and sly, too.
“Janis & Jimi: The Concert That Should Have Been” is a match made in heaven right here on Earth. Here’s hoping these two tribute shows in one returns again sometime soon.
