Thursday night, June 25, the music was hot and the “Cats” were cool as the Cat-illacs brought their rockin’ show to the Santee Summer Concert Series. This is another of the favorite groups to play the Trolley Square amphitheater, and the place was full. The band specializes in music of the 50s and 60s, but their repertoire ranges from the 40s (Nat “King” Cole) to the 90s (Santana) and includes Classic rock, blues, soul, and ballads.
The Cat-illacs have been entertaining folks since 1983, playing for everything from community concerts to corporate events to politicians. Bassist/vocalist and original Cat-illac Harley (aka Steve Loftis) is joined on stage by early band addition Rocco (Michael Stone) on guitar and vocals, vocalist/keyboardist/sax man Sketch (Thom Van Ourkerk), and lead guitar/vocalist Gator (Mark Siers). The four combine for some great harmony and kickin’ music. One of my favorites of the evening was their take on Santana’s “Smooth,” with Gator doing an excellent job of channeling the master himself.
If you come to any of the concerts this summer, take some time out to stop by the Barona Resort and Casino booth and thank them for helping to sponsor the series. While you’re there you can spin their wheel and put your name in for a drawing for a night at the resort. The City of Santee also has a booth, and you can get information on future concerts and other events and activities. This week Daphne’s Greek Cafe also had a table with giveaways.
The Cat-illacs
Harley
Rocco
Sketch
Gator
Miss Santee, Sierra Billock, and Miss Santee Teen, Nicole Ehlke, with a few of the Cat-illacs’ younger fans
Rockin’ to the Cat-illacs
Next week (July 2) there will be no concert as the city prepares for the big Santee Salutes July 4th at the Town Center Community Park. The following week, July 9, Southbound Jonny (San Diego’s Most Wanted Country Band) brings its “Ass Kickin Country” to the Trolly Center. See Y’all There!
