Apache Stone Stars & Stripes Festival 2010 Review
Sunday, July 5, 2010
By Aaron Keker
STARS & STRIPES FESTIVAL 2010, Michigan – Last evening, Apache Stone performed in Mount Clemens, Michigan at the Stars & Stripes Festival 2010. This was the first time that Apache Stone performed and journeyed west of New York and other East Coast cities.
Apache Stone started July 4th with a meet and greet on the patio of Johnny G’s between 2:00-4:00 p.m. There was a mixture of patrons who were either familiar with Michael Lombardi or were not.
Several individuals even shouted “Probie,” which is Michael Lombardi’s nickname on the FX Hit Series Rescue Me. As these individuals shouted “Probie,” I pondered whether they actually knew that Michael Lombardi fronted one of the most exciting rock bands in Apache Stone.
Apache Stone started their evening around 9:38 p.m. When Apache Stone finally entered the stage they opened their evening with “Highlighted Life.” Unfortunately, there were technical issues with the microphone and James Cruz’s bass. The technical issues continued sporadically until the conclusion of “The Presence.” Michael Lombardi even joked about having “difficulties with the bass.”
Apache Stone performed some of my favorite songs like “Highlighted Life,” “Let it Live,” “Wave to Nowhere,” “Synthetic Self” and “Without Tomorrow.” I hoped “Run Away” would have made the set list, but it never did. Apache Stone managed to entertain the audience with several newer songs and covered some rock classics too.
Apache Stone performed newer songs like “The Presence,” the guitar driven “Urge to Desire” and “Unleashed.” These are sure to be hit songs on Apache Stone’s next album.
Apache Stone performed awesome renditions of “Rebel Yell” and “Rockin’ in the Free World.”
One of the fondest memories of the evening was during “Rebel Yell.” Michael Lombardi caught a t-shirt with his right hand, proceeded to perform a 360º spin, caught a t-shirt with his left hand, then tossed the two t-shirts with his right hand, then performed a little rock star dance and finally started singing.
I was stoked that I drove 336 miles to watch Apache Stone’s first Midwest concert. I couldn’t think of a better group of guys to spend July 4, 2010 with. Apache Stone starts with Michael Lombardi, who is complemented well by guitarists Hank Woods and Nick Bacon, bassist James Cruz and drum smashing of Scott Garapolo. For those of you who are still waiting to see Apache Stone, I am certain that they will be near a city near you real soon. Apache Stone is too good to be confined to just the East Coast! Patience everyone! Below is the set list for Apache Stone at the Star & Stripes Festival 2010 in Mount Clemens, Michigan on July 4, 2010.
Star & Stripes Festival 2010:
1. “Highlighted Life”
2. “Social Outlaw”
3. “The Presence”
4. “Let it Live”
5. “Wave to Nowhere”
6. “Synthetic Self”
7. “Hole of You”
8. “Urge to Desire”
9. “Leave Yourself Alone”
10. “Unleashed”
11. “Without Tomorrow”
12. “Rebel Yell”
13. “Rockin’ in the Free World”
