Still having fun

If you practically crash your car ogling the 1970s glory of this album cover every time it pops up on your touchscreen, you’ll want to listen up.

Not one, but two, ’70s soft rock icons will be appearing at this year’s La Plata County Fair: Firefall and Orleans. For those who don’t spend a lot of time on the ’70s or Yacht Rock channels (or weren’t fortunate enough to grow up in this most amazing era of furry chests, bell bottoms and feathered hair), please travel with us as we jump, platforms first, down the Firefall and Orleans Wikipedia time portal.

Interestingly enough, Firefall was founded in 1974 in Boulder by singer/ songwriter and former Flying Burrito Brother Rick Roberts and Jock Bartley, guitarist with Boulder rock band Zephyr (bonus points if you remember them). Another notable early member was the late Michael Clarke, also formerly of the Burrito Brothers and drummer for the Byrds.

In other words, these guys had chops, as evidenced by their six Billboard 100 hits including: "You Are the Woman” (No. 9, 1976; "Just Remember I Love You" (No. 11, 1977);  and "Strange Way" (No. 11, 1978).

Bartley is now carrying on the Firefall mantle, complete with a new album this spring and a loaded national tour.

As for our scantily clad fellows on the afore-referenced album cover, they hail from – no, now New Orleans, smarty pants – but Woodstock, N.Y. (which might explain the hair.) Formed in 1972 by John Hall, Larry Hoppen and Wells Kelly, the band’s name came from their Louisiana musical inspirations at the time, including Allen Toussaint and the Neville Brothers. (Fun fact: founding singer/songwriter Hall went on to become a politician, serving as a Democratic U.S. representative from New York from 2007-11.)

The band is best known for its hits "Dance with Me" (No. 6, 1975); "Still the One" (No. 5, 1976); and "Love Takes Time" (No. 11, 1979). 

The golden oldies get rolling at 7 p.m., Fri., Aug. 8 (gates and opening band at 5:30.) Tickets range from $35-$65, depending on how close you want to get to all that hair, and are available at: tinyurl.com/2np8txrb