Loverboy – Buck Hill – Burnsville MN – July 8th 2018

Loverboy, Them Pesky Kids and Arena Buck Hill concert series, Burnsville, Minnesota 7/10/18

This is the first year and very first day of the new Buck Hill concert series at Buck Hill ski resort. I think this could actually work as a new festival here in the Twin Cities. They set up the stage to face the hill and use the hill as a natural amphitheater. It’s a four-day festival including several national acts as well as local acts. They had food vendors, liquor and great sightlines no matter where you stood. This whole thing is brought to you by Ten13 entertainment.

Kicking off the concert was Minneapolis’s own Arena. They worked their way through 45 minute set playing several well-known covers along with two of their own originals including the single, “I Tried”. They are an amazing and versatile band that always brings it every time you see them play live. They have their debut album out titled Arena. They’re all incredible musicians and the lead singer Linda Jarva Bullock could be one of the best I’ve ever heard. If you like straightforward rock ‘n roll you owe it to yourself to check them out.

Second band up is a Minnesota favorite, Them Pesky Kids. They have been on the local circuit for years. All of its members have played in many different bands over the years. They too are all accomplished musicians who do a fantastic job. They play some of the most popular rock songs including songs by Bon Jovi, Def Leppard and Autograph.

Headlining was the national act Loverboy. The last time I saw them I didn’t think all that much of them and I’m assuming it was just an off night for them. Last night they were absolutely terrific and I was pleasantly surprised at how incredible they sounded. The crowd absolutely loved them and sang along to almost every single song. They played all of the hits including “Working For The Weekend” and “It’s Over”. Even if you don’t own a Loverboy record, if you were around in the 80’s, chances are you will know every single song they play.

Review and photos by Tommy Sommers