When it comes to music, the 80’s had it all – pop synth, hair metal, sappy ballads. Some of it was really bad, but some of it was really good.
During our trip to Salt Lake City for USANA Health Sciences International Convention, we were excited to hear that the opening night was an 80’s party featuring some big names. First up was long time USANA friend, David Osmond. He played a couple of standards, including Rick Springfield’s “Jesse’s Girl.” The longevity of David’s career is incredible, given his diagnosis with MS in 2006.
David was followed by veteran rocker, Eddie Money. Money sang several of his hits, including 1986’s “Take Me Home Tonight”, “Think I’m in Love”, and “Two Tickets to Paradise.” He provided a great vibe to get the crowd going. Money was followed by country star, Collin Raye. Raye wowed the crowd with hits like “Love, Me” and “That’s My Story (and I’m Stickin’ to It).” Raye’s tunes filled the USANA ampitheater, while the beach balls went flying through the crowd.
Next up was Belinda Carlisle. She played some hits from her solo career, along with some #1 hits from her years with the Go-Go’s. She had the crowd singing along with “Heaven on Earth”, “Mad About You”, and “We Got the Beat.” She was a great ball of energy, bouncing around barefoot like the reincarnation of Olivia Newton John in “Grease.”
The surprise of the show was Tommy Shaw, known for his days as a member of Styx, and later The Damn Yankees. Shaw cranked out his Styx standards, including “Renegade”, “Crystal Ball”, and “Blue Collar Man.” Shaw didn’t miss a note, and the backup band provided great harmonies for him. Those in attendance who didn’t know him by name before the show will certainly remember him now.
The headliner was Kenny Loggins, and as expected, he performed several hits from 80’s movie soundtracks. Loggins belted out “Your Mama Don’t Dance”, and followed it with “I’m Alright” (Caddyshack), “Danger Zone” (Top Gun), and “Footloose.” Fans were dancing in their seats, on the lawn, and in the pit. Everyone was having a blast.
All of the artists were backed up by the Free Radicals, a band made up entirely of USANA Health Sciences employees. Kevin Guest, President of the Americas and Europe, plays bass. I don’t have the roster of all the others, but let me say that they rehearsed tirelessly, played a marathon set, and totally kicked it. Check out the video for some snippets.
that is awesome! sounds like you had a great time!