Usual Suspects Rip Up Central Park Stage with Classic Rock

By Tricia Chambers

 

I’ve seen bigger audiences turn out for the Concerts in the Park, though I’ve never heard them raise such a ruckus until last Sunday. That’s when the Usual Suspects took to the stage with their raucous interpretation of raucous 70s rock and roll.

 

Throughout the entire 90-minute show, the five-member band, led by vocalist Dave Muhoberac, elicited whistles and hoots from the barefoot, sundress-wearin’ and body-swayin’ crowd.

 

Muhoberac, who was discovered in a karaoke bar, seemed to have just as much fun when he slid across the stage, Angus Young-style. 

 

“I might sound a little hoarse,” he said. “I was up last night until 4 am, playing another show and celebrating my 50^th birthday.”

 

Could’a fooled me! 

 

That little AC/DC ditty, “Highway to Hell” was just one of many tunes in the band’s impressive repertoire that spiked the already warm temperature of the afternoon.

 

A point not lost on at least one Santa Clara resident, a man who goes by the name of Jim.

 

“This is wonderful,” he said, “free concerts in the park. And their song selection is great.”

 

Rippin’ guitar riffs came courtesy of Jeff Rippin who hails from Tracy, California. When you hear him wail on those six strings, it’s easy to believe that his influences include Jeff Beck. Eight of Rippin’s recorded songs have received national air play.

 

Hometown boy and bass player Jerry Heeschen also shares vocals and has been compared to Jack Bruce of Cream fame.

 

Drummer John Castignani may have been impossible to see from behind the drum set, but his driving rock-solid beat was a force impossible to miss.

 

And then there’s percussionist, Eddie Jimenez. What can you say about a man who makes a purple beaded gourd come to life?  I say it’s tough to believe that he’s self-taught.

 

Usual Suspects played all the classic rock that require great guitar playing and proved that they have what it takes to do them justice. 

 

Muhoberac belted out a Hendrix tune and inspired an air guitar player to rise to his feet.

 

Heeschen delighted the crowd with Edgar Winters Group music and Tom Petty’s “American Girl.”  For “Cat Scratch Fever” he brought out a third guitar.

 

All the greats were represented including Stevie Ray Vaughn, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Marshall Tucker.

 

Persistent clapping and shouting resulted in an encore of Aerosmith’s “Walk this Way.”

 

What does Muhoberac do when he’s not performing.

 

“I own a construction company, Estate Escapes,” he said with perspiration glistening on his face.

 

Cool. But would he give it up to play full time?

 

“Yes, but the band works really hard too.”

 

Now, tell me something I don’t know. 

 

The Cultural Advisory Commission will sponsor five more Sunday concerts, July 20 to August 17 from 2:30 to 4 p.m.  The world fusion band, Ancient Future will perform next Sunday.

 

Central Park is located at 909 Kiely Boulevard. For more information, call (408) 615-2210 or visit http://www.santaclaraca.gov/events/concert_in_the_park.html.

 

Tricia Chambers can be reached at trichambers@aol.com.