Pure Prairie League; photo by Luca DePalo

by Luca DePalo, Contributing Blogger

Pure Prairie League, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Firefall, and Orelans

Indian Ranch, Webster, MA

August 23, 2026

For what started off as a rainy Sunday morning in Webster, Massachusetts, the weather gradually warmed up in the afternoon, setting the stage for an enjoyable day of live music at the Indian Ranch with Pure Prairie League, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Firefall, and Orleans.

The show was everything you’d expect it to be: an abundance of pop and country rock music that transported you back in time to a more free-spirited place. And sure, the members of these bands have changed over the years, with only one or two original members in each. However, each bands have retained their signature sounds and feels that produced their hit songs in the ’70s and still have fans eagerly returning to hear them perform over 50 years later.

Orleans; photo by Luca DePalo

Opening up the show was Orleans, performing a killer set as part of their ongoing farewell tour, which will continue through the end of 2026 and into 2027. Currently, Orleans is led by longtime bassist Lance Hoppen (who has been with the band since 1972), his brother and keyboardist Lane Hoppen (a member since 1980), Tony Hooper (guitar, vocals), Brady Spencer (drums, vocals), and Tom Lane (lead vocals, guitar).

After starting the set off with “Let There Be Music,” Lance introduced to the crowd, “Well, it looks like the weather has cleared out.” Lance continued, “We’re here to play some music and have some fun,” before slamming right into the band’s classic single “Dance With Me,” a song which by itself was worth the ticket price. Ending with “Love Takes Time” and their Billboard chart-topping hit “Still the One,” Orleans performed an incredible 40 minute set to start off a long day of dancing, rockin’, and grooving.

Firefall; photo by Luca DePalo

Then came Firefall, the most surprising band out of the four. Coming out with “Livin’ Ain’t Livin’,” the band decided to stay true to their roots, only performing songs from their first three records (their self-titled album Firefall, Luna Sea, and Élan), a decision which seemed to persuade the audience.

The Colorado-based band currently features Jock Bartley (guitar, vocals), as well as longtime members Sandy Ficca (drums), Steven Weinmeister (guitar, vocals), multi-instrumentalist Jim Waddell (saxophone, flute, keyboard, backing vocals), and the band’s newest member, John Bisaha (bass and vocals). Among hits like “You Are the Woman,” “Strange Way,” and “Just Remember I Love You,” Firefall brought the audience out of their seats!

Atlanta Rhythm Section; photo by Luca DePalo

Afterwards came Atlanta Rhythm Section, a band that came out swingin’ with “Champagne Jam.” Sometimes described as a southern rock band or as a more radio-friendly version of Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Atlanta Rhythm Section was one of many bands from that genre to hit the upper reaches of the charts during the late ’70s.

Hailing from the small town of Doraville, Georgia, the beginning of the Atlanta Rhythm Section can be traced back to 1970. Fifteen albums and over 50 years later, the band features the legendary original vocalist Rodney Justo, and I gotta tell you, he is still going strong! The band played all their crowd pleasers, including “Spooky,” “Doraville,” “So Into You,” and then “Imaginary Lover.”

photo by Luca DePalo

Finally, came Pure Prairie League. Jogging on stage, lead singer and guitarist Jeff Zona introduced the band and stated “Welcome to the country rock surface this afternoon,” before kicking into “Two Lane Highway” probably one of my favorite songs out of all the bands throughout the day. And I can’t forget about “Let Me Love You Tonight,” what an awesome song!

Other than Jeff, the band currently is carrying on the legacy of co-founder Craig Fuller, who retired from touring in 2012, with Scott Thompson (drums), Randy Harper (keyboards and guitar), Jared Camic (bass), and John Heinrich (steel guitar and saxophone), including all the members providing lead vocals. Overall (even with no original members), I thoroughly enjoyed the band’s set, especially with three songs from their latest album Back on Track. And ending with the crowd-pleaser “Amie” was just perfect!