The talented quintet began their performance shortly after 9 p.m. Lighting and stage choreography were excellent.
The band began its act with one of their popular hits, "Wheels on the Line," which soon had concertgoers clapping, dancing and singing.There's no doubt the group has talent. The band has been billed as the "top new country group" by Billboard Magazine and has grown in popularity by appealing to a wide audience.
Southern Pacific is definitely blessed to have both guitarist and lead singer John McFee and drummer Keith Knudsen, who were both Doobie Brothers. McFee's voice is raspy and beautiful, and Knudsen is a master with the drums.
But the group is also improved by bassist Stu Cook, who was with Credence Clearwater Revival; and keyboard player Kurt Howell, a former session member for Waylon Jennings and the Crystal Gayle Band.
McFee and Howell did most of the singing Tuesday night, harmonizing beautifully. But all five can sing well and impressed the crowd when they sang "I go to Pieces," a cappella style.
The group, which writes most of its own songs, has produced a total of four albums since forming in 1985. They include "Southern Pacific," "Killbilly Hill," "Zuma" and "County Line."
Their music is a combination of early '70s California-style country rock, greatly influenced by their professional musical background and experience. But the band offers a new kind of country-rock sound.
And Tooele fans seemed to love them Tuesday night.
The concert offered everything. From a clear, beautiful warm evening, to dancing next to the stage, where event organizers set up a dance floor.
Opening for Southern Pacific were Tooele's own Silver Light Band, made up of five local musicians who have been together for almost eight years.
Each band member, however, has more than 15 years of musical experience, and their talent showed.
With powerful female and male vocalists Debbie Winn and Eric Erickson, the group eased the 300-plus crowd to an evening of country musical delight.
Silver Light performed classical country and rock songs like "Somebody is Watching," "Pink Cadillac" and "The Wind Beneath my Wing," among others.