Written by Vicky Sullivan on 02 May 2016.

Musician and sometime actor Chris Isaak came to Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Thursday, April 28 on one of his tour stops in support of his new album “First Comes the Night”. Chris had one of the last major hits of the 1980’s with “Wicked Game” having both radio and MTV success in 1989. He performed it at this show with the same haunting style combined a brilliant low lavender lighting. The song has been covered by many artists over the years including recently by rocker Chris Daughtry.

Isaak brings a set list mix of rockabilly, Elvis and Roy Orbison of who he has been compared to and is a huge fan. The band has been working with Chris for over thirty years and it shows. All accomplished musicians, they each contribute expert musicianship as well as their humor. Chris is a great entertainer and this show was highly amusing. From Chris coming out into the audience to croon to the ladies and sit down with the audience members to his stories of life on the road with the band.

Chris has appeared in many TV shows and movies as well as having his own show on Showtime from 2001-2004 with The Chris Isaak Show.  His professionalism comes through in the show yet doesn’t come off as phony or staged. He is clearly having a great time onstage and it spills over onto the audience. People were dancing and having fun at this show. There were some ladies in the audience screaming for him in Beatle like fashion! Pretty good for a guy of 59 who still looks like a movie idol. Don’t miss Chris if he comes your way, it is a great evening of music and entertainment!

Live Music Sarasota Florida

photos by Vicky Sullivan / Rock the Lens Photography for The Sarasota Post.