Dave Bernard leads a strong cast as Kenny Loggins at the Camelot

By Lucie K. Scheuer for Ashland.news

“Spotlight on Kenny Loggins With Jim Messina,” now playing at the Camelot Theatre in Talent, is an invigorating evening of their celebrated, extraordinarily fine pop-folk tunes. More often than not those tunes are energetically recreated in the spirit of the ’70s and sometimes off the charts.

As has been the case with many Spotlights, the Camelot has brought together a multitalented group of singers and musicians that have consistently transformed into dozens of cover bands over the years. This time is no exception. That doesn’t mean there aren’t some problems with this production, but there is enough sincere devotion to the melodies and lines that you find yourself riding out the parts that might be too rough.

There’s no doubt about it: Dave Bernard is a gift to the Rogue Valley. He tackles the Kenny Loggins vocals with a relaxed assuredness and a consistently strong tenor voice like few can. There were a few times, however, when he was really pushing it. One of those was in his singing of “This Is It.” This is a great song but difficult to sing. In the writing of it, Loggins was telling his dad not to give up before a serious surgery. Bernard took that sturdy voice of his and tried to get it over its musical bridges, but his range really had him pushing it. This calls to mind the phrase, “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.”

The hits bring back memories

That being said, Bernard’s covers of “Watching the River Run,” “Danny’s Song” and “House at Pooh Corner” will have you dreamily remembering more youthful times, the joy of expectant parenthood, the innocence of childhood — “back to the days of Christopher Robin and Pooh.”

Although Loggins had a successful solo career in the ’80s, he started out with Jim Messina, who had previously been with Buffalo Springfield and Poco. Messina and Loggins sort of discovered each other. Loggins was looking for someone to listen to his music. Messina was looking for someone to produce. Messina started singing with Loggins, the rest is musical history.

Incredible songs flowed from the two men, not afraid to reveal their feminine, more playful sides. The songs are often deeply romantic, as with “A Love Song,” and incredibly bright and full of rhythm, “Vahevala,” with a steel-drum vibe that could have you dancing all the way to the Caribbean.

Ken Kigel as Messina

Ken Kigel, the production’s musical director, is as talented as Bernard, and portrays Jim Messina at the Camelot. He is witty, crooner-voiced and moves around the stage from one instrument to another with thoughtfulness and ease.

Kigel plays guitar, bass and violin with a comfortable familiarity, and harmonizes well with Bernard. He does a good job of co-narrating the duo’s story and singing some of Messina’s solo songs.

Bernard’s granddaughter, Stella Bernard, joins him and bassist Will Bartell on several vocals and offers a few surprises of her own.

Mike Gardiner offers his steady instrumental support on keyboards, harmonica and backup vocals. Steve Sutfin brings some great drumming to “I’m Alright,” “Footloose,” and “Your Mama Don’t Dance.” Loggins’ and Messina’s music depends on a lot of bass, and it is Bartell’s bass playing that set’s it all up and makes it all work.

Video designer Nash Nashington really stepped up his game this time, with great video sequences taken from the “Top Gun” films and others.

Some of the songs that are more difficult to tackle vocally and musically could have been left out, but if you’re a true fan, you’d miss them. It’s a musical experience worth having after all.

Ashland resident Lucie K. Scheuer is a former copy editor and staff writer with the Los Angeles Times, where her work included features, reviews and a column on films in production. Email her at [email protected].

March 20: Corrected to say Stella Bernard is Dave Bernard’s granddaughter, not daughter.