Toto Live at Mystic Showroom – Prior Lake MN – April 14th 2024

By Kate Klaus 5 months ago

Mystic Showroom presents Toto live. 

Photos and reviews by Kate Klaus

Toto – Mystic Lake Showroom – Prior Lake, MN – April 14th, 2024

Toto made a stop on the Dogs of Oz Tour at the Mystic Lake Showroom in Prior Lake, MN, and the star-studded band of musical legends treated the animated crowd to a nearly 2-hour set of classics full of energy, light, and flawless musicianship.  They opened the night with “Girl Goodbye”, and when they followed that with “Hold the Line”, the crowd was instantly on their feet, cheering, singing along, and the energy was infectious.  One of the biggest strengths of their performance last night was that all the band members are so clearly enjoying every aspect of their performance. Their chemistry with each other and the audience was electrifying, and added so much to the music, which was also top-notch.

Their current line-up is filled with musical powerhouses, each bringing a different talent and character to the stage.  Singer Joseph Williams voice was impeccable and filled the room with the characteristic Toto vibe.  He even treated to crowd to his signature (and previously unknown to many!) vocals in the Lion King’s “Hakuna Matata”.  Greg Phillnganes covered the keys and some vocals, with beautiful jazzy and bluesy tones and a few beautiful piano solos.  Warren Ham began the show on congas and proceeded to delight through multiple instruments, including saxophone and flute throughout the performance.  Steve Maggiora was also amazing on the keys, and I’m excited to check out his other band  The Effect, which was mentioned last night – a project with Trev Luthaker and Nic Collins.  The rhythm section of John Pierce on bass (from Huey Lewis and the News) and prolific session drummer Shannon Forrest were full of energy and vibrancy.  And the man himself, Steve Lukather was just on fire last night with powerful and beautiful vocals and the most amazing guitar riffs and solos that just lit up the room.  When they closed the night with “Rosanna” and crowd-favorite “Africa”, the crowd couldn’t get enough, and it was the perfect ending to a memorable night and one of the best shows that I’ve been able to attend.