English Beat Concert energizes the Lodge

BY Aprile McKinnon

Saturday‘s English Beat Concert was a huge sell out. The big crowd was full of energy and excitement as the 1980s band filled the Holiday Bay Room with its music. The concert is part of the Canyon Lake POA’s Concerts at the Lodge Series.

Cassy London opened for the English Beat. Cassy, an up and coming singer/songwriter who can be found on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube, just released a new single last week.

The English Beat, featuring founder, lead vocalist and guitarist Dave Wakeling, was a big hit with the audience. The audience screamed as Doug Schultz, the promoter for the “Concerts at the Lodge,” introduced the band who originally was formed in 1978 in Birmingham, England.

Cassy London’s friendly smile was inviting as she handed out signed photos and memorabilia at the concert Saturday. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

The seven-piece band included Barrington Dunn on lead vocals, Fritz Zar on drums, Matthew Morrish on saxophone, Kevin Lum on keyboards, Chloe Wakeling on vocals, and Luis Casimiro on bass. The band treated the Canyon Lake audience to a 75-minute high-energy concert.

“They truly are one of the greatest new wave sounds of all time,” Doug said. “The band was wildly popular with the Canyon Lake audience who absolutely loved the show. They sang and danced along with the band in a way you rarely see at a concert.”

Doug said that Dave requested the house lights be half on during the show so he could see and interact with the Canyon Lake audience.

Cassy said she thoroughly enjoyed her experience in Canyon Lake. The opening act artist, who started singing as a very young girl, is classically trained and studied opera.

She sang with tracks and brought her guitarist with her for a 30-minute uplifting set. Her music was fun, with a sound of its own and had a great, danceable pop beat.

The English Beat perform at the Canyon Lake Lodge. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

“The Canyon Lake  community is incredible and supportive of emerging acts, as well as established artists,” Cassy said. “Canyon Lake is a place where you feel comfortable, loved and appreciated.  I would definitely hope to return.”

Cassy has performed on MTV’s Jammin Series and currently has over four million followers across her social platforms.

The next Concert at the Lodge concert is scheduled for June 17. The Atlanta Rhythm Section, a Southern Rock band formed in the 1970s, will take the Lodge stage. The legendary band has 15 albums, 10 music videos and 10 number one hits.

Tickets for the concert are available at Canyon Lake POA Member Services in the Canyon Lake Town Center and on the Canyon Lake POA website.