Former members of The Band, Levon Helm Band and the Rick Danko Band were playing songs popularized by The Band last Friday night at the Elgin Community College Arts Center. It was very nice seeing such well-seasoned players serving up some fine music. This talented musical outfit is simply called The Weight.

Five piece band like the original, there were only a few differences. For one, there was no change in the drummer seat. In the original lineup Levon Helm would often jump on the mandolin and Richard Manuel would occasionally sit behind the kit. Friday night’s show had two keyboardists were playing the entire time, swapping places behind an electric piano and a Hammond B3. The guitar player was also covering the mandolin parts.

The musicianship was flawless. The vocals were very good, but naturally a slightly different blend than the Helm/Danko/Manuel harmonies of the past. Still, there were moments when you could close your eyes and take a trip back to yesteryear.

The Weight opened up with “Stage Fright”, a classic from the album of the same name. About half of the songs from the self-titled Brown album were covered. But they saved the big hits for the end, beautifully executing “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”, “The Weight” and “Up On Cripple Creek”. Ending on a high note, The Weight jumped into encores “Rag Mama Rag” and the Bob Dylan penned “I Shall Be Released”.

Everyone present in the crowd seemed to thoroughly enjoy the show. However, there were too many empty seats for the caliber of entertainment presented. You should have been there.