Last night, I stepped back into my teenage years at the Domino Room in Bend, Oregon, where I witnessed a childhood dream I didn’t even remember I had. This nostalgic journey began with an energetic set by Ian Cook, a well-known figure in the local music scene. His entertaining performance perfectly set the stage for the evening’s main act, embodying the vibrant spirit that would define the rest of the night.
Ian Cook is not only renowned for his past involvement with Larry and His Flask but also for his current project, Beyond The Lamplight and holds his own as a solo artist. His charismatic performance makes you forget it is just him and his guitar. Ian is lively and fun, filling each song with more energy than most bands have collectively.
The highlight of the evening was the performance by the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, who hail from Eugene, Oregon. As a seminal band in the 90s ska and swing revival, they brought to life the sounds that once filled the streets of Eugene and Springfield, where I grew up. The Daddies’ vibrant and energetic style made swing dancing wildly popular among us teens, a scene that thrived on discovery and unabashed joy. Seeing them perform nearly thirty years later rekindled that old spark of exhilaration.
From the moment Steve Perry, the band’s charismatic lead singer, took the stage, the Domino Room was electrified. His dynamic stage presence and seamless movements captivated everyone in attendance, showcasing an ability to command the stage that was as impressive as it was nostalgic.
The setlist was a thrilling throwback, featuring hits like “Zoot Suit Riot,” “Brown Derby Jump,” and “Cherry Poppin’ Daddy Strut.” These songs are quintessential Cherry Poppin’ Daddies and were met with great enthusiasm from the crowd, bringing back the unique blend of swing and ska that defined a generation.
The atmosphere was electric, with people of all ages swing dancing and reveling in the music. It was more than just a concert; it was a communal celebration of a musical era that many of us feared had faded away. The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, alongside memories of other iconic bands like Real Big Fish, proved that the spirit of the 90s swing and ska scene is very much alive and kicking.
As I watched the crowd swing dance with abandon, memories of my days at Thurston High School in Springfield, where we took swing dance classes, came flooding back. The music of Cherry Poppin’ Daddies and Real Big Fish was a defining soundtrack of my youth, and their performance last night showed that their music transcends time.
Attending the concert was a reminder of how music can transport us back to moments of pure joy and freedom. The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies are not just a band; they are a symbol of an exhilarating chapter in our lives, and last night, they turned the Domino Room into a time machine, whisking us back to the peak of the 90s ska and swing movement.
