We gathered at the Extended Play Sessions for a special event – Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez performing at a fundraiser for the space to which The Extended Play Sessions is moving. What a fabulous (and hopefully successful) evening was had by all!

Christine Ohlman, the Beehive Queen!

Christine had the audience exactly where she wanted us from the first notes that emanated from her mouth!

A seasoned performer after her 24 years as lead singer of the Saturday Night Live band, Christine connected with the audience in a way that not many performers can accomplish. Behind her sunglasses, I felt she made eye contact with every person in the room! I know she did with me, more than once!

Christine Ohlman, the first time she made eye contact with me

Combining rhythm and blues, rock, and even a little do-wop, Christine regaled us with song and stories – and that was before the Q&A portion of the show! She related the story of how she became the lead singer on SNL: she was asked to sing with the band at Lorne Michaels’ wedding and the following Saturday, when she wasn’t on SNL, Lorne told GE Smith to get her there! Twenty-four years later, Christine is still there!

Christine Ohlman

Rebel Montez, her band, is Cliff Goodwin (a Massachusetts native) on guitar and vocals, Michael Colbath on bass and vocals, and Larry Donahue on drums and percussion. All excellent musicians, they support Christine and each other fantastically.

Cliff Goodwin

Michael Colbath

Larry Donahue

This is one tight band with a lot of chemistry. Most of the band has been together for many years; Cliff is the newest member.

Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez

The show was a mix of old and new material. Their most recent release, The Deep End, is five years old; if this show is any indication, I’d say they’re headed back into the studio soon (at least I hope they are – I loved the new songs!).

Christine Ohlman and Cliff Goodwin

There were a lot of love songs performed – both the good and the not-so-good sides of love – but one of my favorites was ‘Love Make You D0 Stupid Things’. I believe everyone in the room could relate to “I do all the giving, and you do all the taking/Oh, love make you do stupid things.” Most of the songs were written by Christine, some alone and some in collaboration.

Christine Ohlman

Cliff Goodwin

Michael Colbath

Larry Donahue

As I listen to The Deep End I am reminded why I thoroughly enjoyed this show. Aside from Christine’s personality, which is warm, funny, and inviting, she has a voice that is sultry and caramel-like.

Christine Ohlman

Christine also works tirelessly on behalf of the musicians of New Orleans to restore what they lost after Hurricane Katrina. What a woman!

Christine Ohlman and Rebel Montez

There were nothing but smiles on every face in the space this evening. I cannot wait to see the ‘documentary’ produced from this show. It will be one for the ages…