Betsy's Review:

5/13/07

Lakeville, PA: Air Supply Continues its Love Zone Tour and Enters the 'Land of Love' at Caesar's Cove Haven Resort in the Poconos
 
"You are now entering the Land of Love" is what the sign read at Caesar's Cove Haven Resort.  Located on Lake Wallenpaupack in the Poconos, the resort caters to couples honeymooning, couples renewing their vows or couples wanting to share a romantic weekend.  From the tandem bicycles to the heart-shaped, red Jacuzzi tubs, love is the theme and the only thing on the minds of these lovebirds.  Who better to honor the traditions of love with romantic music filled with memories than Air Supply?  And to top it off, it was Mother's Day.

Different from most shows open to the general public, this concert was primarily for guests of Cove Haven as part of their all-inclusive package.  It isn't hard to imagine, then, that the majority of the audience had a partner cuddling them as they sat and watched the show.

The show on Sunday night began at the late hour of 10:00.  Graham Russell did not open the show with songs from The Future, as at this event, there actually was an opening act!  It was disappointing not to hear Graham sing The Future, Make You Mine and Lace & Leather, but my mood was quickly lifted as Air Supply opened the show immediately with Even the Nights Are Better -- quite a fitting song for this crowd! "Even the nights are better, since I found you!"  The audience clearly agreed, and Air Supply received a standing ovation after just the first song!

Next came Just As I am, A Little Bit Of Everything and Here I Am, which were each Air Supply perfect!  As at recent shows, Graham took a moment to respectfully introduce the audience to Jed Moss' classical background and Jed performed about a minute of Chopin.  Not only is Jed impressive, watching Graham, Russell Hitchcock, Jonni Lightfoot and Mike Zerbe become completely absorbed in Jed's performance is a sight to behold.  Jed's performance was immediately followed by Faith In Love.

Prior to singing Two Less Lonely People In The World Graham and Russell talked a tiny bit about their meager beginnings in Australia many years ago.  Rather than expand on this story as they frequently do, they chose to 'play to the audience', which was, of course, made up of couples.  Graham encouraged couples to hug and cuddle, and actually asked everyone to give their partner a big kiss ­ stating that the winner would win a weekend with Russell!  I think Russell has a lot of long weekends on his agenda because long smooches could be heard, and seen, throughout the showroom!  I'm not sure there was a clear winner, except for each of the couples who was there!

Russell and Graham then came out into the audience for The One That You Love and surprisingly, they were not swarmed by fans!  Instead, Russell and Graham calmly made their way through the audience and Russell took the opportunity to touch as many people's hearts and lives as he could.  After all, love was in the air.  Returning to the stage, Air Supply then sang Lost In Love.

Russell typically invites the audience to come closer to the stage, just before he sings Making Love Out Of Nothing At All.  Given the table and chair set up, Russell said that people could come down but he was afraid they might get crushed.  Although he did invite couples to stand up, I think they preferred sitting and cuddling with their partners.  Russell also offered a special dedication to all the mothers in the audience, commenting how much he missed even his own.

All Out Of Love was the show's closer and people were truly wanting more.  Walking out to the Meet & Greet line, it was clear that everyone wanted a chance to meet Air Supply and take the opportunity to let them know how much their music has meant to them throughout their lives.

The last time Air Supply was at Cove Haven was more than five years ago, and many said they were long overdue for a visit.  Judging from the crowd's response to Sunday night's show, I'm guessing it won't take another five years to bring Air Supply back to the Poconos. 

I don't typically tell personal stories or share fan photos in my review, but I wanted to take this opportunity to thank Graham and Russell for touching the lives of friends Charles and Missy in a very profound way.  Graham's and Russell's generosity of spirit and commitment meant the world to them.  It will always be remembered and looked upon with great love, and they thank you dearly.
 
As always, thanks go out to Sparky, Brett, Moe, Mark and Nate for all that you do.  Your dedication and professionalism never goes unnoticed.

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