Three Guys Light Up the Performing Art Center Stage
Rebecca Schlosser
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Friday, May 22nd, marked the end of Illinois Central College’s 2014-2015 season at the Performing Arts Center. The last show was presented by New Odyssey, otherwise known as Three Guys – Thirty Instruments, and was part of the Guest Artist Series.
Hailing from Chicago, Gary Todd, Gary Polkow and Michael Jay make up the band. They put on a show that was enjoyable for all ages. The men played a multitude of songs, ranging from well-known classics to more contemporary pieces. Songs such as “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner and “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars were highlights of the evening.
As soon as they took the stage, the audience was enthralled. They brought new life to old classics and put a twist on the newer songs in their set. The comedic elements of the performance added to the act as well.
Photograph: Mark Nycz
“[The audience] were really participating and enjoying the show with us and that makes it fun,” said Gary Todd, of New Odyssey.
Although they have been performing for over thirty years, there has not always been just three guys; they originally started out with four members. There were not always thirty instruments either. In the show Friday night, they certainly brought all thirty instruments together for a phenomenal Beatles medley, which included the popular song “Hey Jude”.
The men played a variety of instruments included the bass, alto saxophone, trumpet, keyboard and banjo, which made for an appealing variety of songs.
“They are very good. They are very energetic,” said Roberta English, of Peoria, who was representing the Central Illinois Youth Symphony on Friday night.
It is not currently known when New Odyssey will perform again at the Performing Arts Center, but many patrons stated that they hoped Three Guys – Thirty Instruments would return.