We saw some really great shows so far this year. And it’s not impossible that by the time this month passes nothing can top 2019’s August. Already this month we saw Poco co-founder Jim Messina (perhaps better known for his work with Kenny Loggins) August 5 at current fave venue, My Father’s Place. This past Thursday at Radio City Music Hall, we enjoyed John Fogerty who led Creedence Clearwater Revival to a string of double-sided hit singles and earns kudos for his solo work. Fogerty and Messina were already the best of the truly great concerts we attended. Before August passes, we take in Squeeze; Chris (Difford) and Glenn (Tilbrook) need not outdo James or John but they also deliver a great show.

There remain a number of possible shows not yet booked by this commentator that I might be able to get to over the next several months. I never mention shows by name unless attendance becomes definite. Already ticketed for three shows (Peter Frampton; Brian Wilson with Alan Jardine & Blondie Chapin/The Zombies; and King Crimson) next month. Two shows in October: the 50^thAnniversary of the Beatles’ White Album (features Todd Rundgren and Mickey Dolenz) and Squeeze again (the back story there certainly merits its own blog with out a doubt). Elton John in November and a Lennon tribute in December. And in May, Richie Furay’s 75^th – a subject of its own blog.

All of these shows offer the potential to jump up to the top of the list.

But can they top this month? The jury’s out.

[for everyone’s convenience I share the Messina and Fogerty setlists]

Messina setlist:

Watching the River Run (Loggins & Messina song)

House at Pooh Corner (Loggins & Messina song)

Danny's Song (Loggins & Messina song)

Thinking of You (Loggins & Messina song)

Whispering Waters

Follow Your Dreams (Poco song)

You Better Think Twice (Poco song)

Listen to a Country Song (Loggins & Messina song)

Holiday Hotel (Loggins & Messina song)

Lovin' Me (Loggins & Messina song)

To Make a Woman Feel Wanted (Loggins & Messina song)

Peace of Mind (Loggins & Messina song)

Be Free (Loggins & Messina song)

Angry Eyes (Loggins & Messina song)

Encore:

You Need A Man (Loggins & Messina song)

Your Mama Don't Dance (Loggins & Messina song)

Fogerty setlist:

Born on the Bayou (Creedence Clearwater Revival song)

Green River (Creedence Clearwater Revival song)

Lookin' Out My Back Door (Creedence Clearwater Revival song)

Susie Q (Dale Hawkins cover)

Who'll Stop the Rain (Creedence Clearwater Revival song)

Hey Tonight (Creedence Clearwater Revival song)

Up Around the Bend (Creedence Clearwater Revival song)

Rock and Roll Girls

I Heard It Through the Grapevine (Gladys Knight & The Pips cover)

With a Little Help From My Friends (The Beatles cover)

Long as I Can See the Light (Creedence Clearwater Revival song)

Good Golly Miss Molly (Little Richard cover) (Tyler Fogerty vocals)

Everyday People (Sly & the Family Stone cover)

Dance to the Music (Sly & the Family Stone cover)

Give Peace a Chance (Plastic Ono Band cover)

The Star-Spangled Banner (John Stafford Smith & Francis Scott Key cover; Jimi Hendrix arrangement)

Run Through the Jungle (Creedence Clearwater Revival song)

Keep On Chooglin' (Creedence Clearwater Revival song)

Have You Ever Seen the Rain? (Creedence Clearwater Revival song)

Down on the Corner (Creedence Clearwater Revival song)

Centerfield

The Old Man Down the Road

Fortunate Son (Creedence Clearwater Revival song)

Encore:

Bad Moon Rising (Creedence Clearwater Revival song)

Proud Mary (Creedence Clearwater Revival song)