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Black and White Black Maria Open My Eyes Trapped I Saw The Light Mad Afraid Mercenary Gun Courage Weakness Strike Pissin Today Bardo Mountaintop Panic Manup
Couldn't I Just Tell You Finally! The summer-like weather is here and just in time for a Todd Arena Show which could not have been more ideal. Clear blue sunny skies and everyone in great spirits anxiously waited to see Todd, Jesse, Prairie, Rachel and, of course, the one and only Kasim Sulton. The City Winery located on the Westside of Spring and Van Dam Streets, was rather an unusual choice for a Todd/Kasim Reunion with wines galore from every country to be had for the asking. The City Winery with its quaint nouveau-riché ambience is similar to the Park West in Chicago with its long tables closely situated together and celestial ceiling lights high above. Quickly, the winery was filled up with the Todd and Kasim faithful for what would hopefully be an everlasting Toddstock event. Without a doubt, it truly was. As for myself, being able to see Todd and company again front stage and having my blouse baptized with Bordeaux wine during the Strike song was something unexpected and I will surely never forget.
 As the lights dimmed at 8:15 pm, a blue to purplish haze filled the venue. One-by-one, Todd and crew took center stage. Before Todd began the show, he said to the audience that this is not a concert but an Arena and told the waiters, “My children need more wine!” For sure, Todd spared no expense to ensure that devout Todd fans were served especially when it came to alcoholic consumption. The band started off with Love In Action, Black and White followed by Black Maria and Open My Eyes. Then the show rapidly centered on Kasim’s rendition of Trapped to really get the party started. It was the Utopia days relived all over again! Kasim’s sharp yet quick-fire voice made hearing Trapped a moving moment regardless if you were sampling a Riesling, Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. On stage, Kasim took the usual position at keyboards. Dressed in black and with Grestch guitar in hand, he provided bravado, rock and roll excellence and meticulous attention to every musical detail. However, it was noticeable that Kasim had experienced technical difficulties with the sound. This momentarily derailed him from achieving harmonious sync with the band. Fear not folks – Kasim’s determination would not allow the crowd to be disappointed. After the sound problem was corrected, Kasim, the die-hard showman that he is, regrouped with the band and was his gregarious self while making eye contact with familiar faces. After Trapped, Todd provided the usual "palette cleanser" I Saw The Light immediately following the Arena songs Mad, Afraid, Courage, Mercenary and other great goodies. As usual, audience participation was encouraged for Strike to cure atrophy and exercise certain muscle groups. But Todd did warn all in the house to raise the arm straight up and not in any other direction to avoid injury. Unfortunately in a winery, this kind of advice can be rather risky. You can draw your own conclusions.
 Overall, the show had excitement and met audience expectations. The audience with Utopia memories and memorabilia on hand for the slight chance that Todd might sign a few got their monies worth. The show went from Utopia memory lane to present day euphoria. The excitement allowed the audience to truly appreciate the musical genius of Todd and Kasim through crazy body movement and exchange of ‘high fives’ with friends and strangers alike. Hopefully, the audience at the next show will sample the same experience or even greater. If this show were to be rated in The Wine Spectator, it would be worthy of the best wine with a 90 plus rating – preferably complimented with a Joseph Phelps Insignia! This wine aficionado toasts to a show well done.
Other websites:
The venue (taken from the KasimInfo.com Blog that day):
Gigs for the gig tonight can be purchased from this link. Ticket prices for this gig are Bar Stools $35, Reserved Tables $45, Reserved Best Tables $60 and VIP Tables$60.
Apparently City Winery is the brainchild of Michael Dorf, (the founder of the Knitting Factory), who "wanted to create a space in Manhattan where he could combine his shared passions for wine and music".
As far as I can establish, this will be the first time that Kasim Sulton has played at this venue.
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Tonight Kasim Sulton plays the 14th gig of