Back To The Street

Loretta Allen (left) with StelliumFor my next appearance at a concert I was at another venue I had not been to in a while, the Street Road Bar and Grille, this time for Stellium. Since I was last there with Dave Devlin, the bar was incorporated within the Stadium banner, started offering live music on nights other then Saturdays and put in a new stage. There were also some new games to enjoy. Stellium was listed on the show flyer third but played first, they had told their fans to not come until 10:30 so many of them missed all or part of their set. In the end, however, Stellium were very different from the other groups so it seemed better for them to be first up. They played about five songs and were probably running out of material but were given some extra time so made up a instrumental song which Lara's friend Alex came up and played drums on.

There were a variety of acts also performing but the one who stood out as Better Day. They brought plenty of friends, including one that busted quite a few moves during the show. I would have gotten up as well but for my aching knees. Loretta is friends with their singer Chris and was getting a ride with them so she stuck around for awhile. That allowed me to hang out with and talk to her at length for the first time since her solo show in 2007.

Stellium with Lisa Kettyle

Lara and StelliumI finally saw Loretta Allen perform with her new group, Stellium, which was also the first time I had seen her peform at all other than her birthday parties since 2007. I've wanted to hear her perform with a band that fills out and supports her songs. No bass needed for this trio, her bandmates laid down a nice jam and Loretta's vocals floated above. Lisa Kettyle opened for her friend one last time, I had a feeling that she would be there. There weren't a whole lot of people there other than their friends but we were having a good time.

Lisa Kettyle