The Commodores at Van Wezel: A Legendary Night of Soul, Funk, and Full-Body Dancing
By Susan Short
When the house lights dropped at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall and the Commodores took the stage, it wasn’t with a bang—it was with a soulful, smooth embrace. The kind that draws you in, melts your shoulders, and tells you: This night is going to be special.
The band opened with a slow-burning groove, setting the tone with elegance and ease. Velvet vocals, lush harmonies, and that unmistakable Motown warmth washed over the crowd like a sonic hug. You could feel people settling into their seats with wide smiles, knowing they were about to be taken on a journey by legends who’ve been doing this better than anyone for over 50 years.
And that journey? Oh, it grooved.
A Stage Full of History—and Future
This wasn’t some nostalgia act phoning it in. This was the real deal.
William “WAK” King, one of the original Commodores, commanded the stage with his trumpet and vocals, every note reminding the crowd why this band shaped a generation. The man still struts with soul and blows that horn like it’s 1976.
Thomas McClary on guitar brought the riffs—both tender and electrifying—that have defined tracks like “Easy” and “Sail On.” His playing was a masterclass in feel.
On the keys, Milan Williams, another founding figure, weaved his magic with a pianist’s grace and a bandleader’s swagger. You don’t just hear the Commodores—you feel them.
But one of the most heartwarming—and show-stopping—additions of the night? Cody and Colin Orange, the twin sons of original Commodores drummer and vocalist Walter “Clyde” Orange. These two brought a burst of youthful energy to the stage while honoring the legacy that lives in their blood.
Watching Cody and Colin move, sing, and connect with the audience, it was clear they weren’t just filling shoes—they were carving their own stylish path in them. Their vocals were tight, their dance moves locked in, and their chemistry with the rest of the band added a new, electric layer to the show. Fans both old and new soaked it up—cheering not just for the nostalgia, but for the future of the funk.
The Setlist: Soulful Surprises & Funk Favorites
With 70 million albums sold and a vault full of hits, The Commodores had no shortage of crowd-pleasers to choose from. They glided through a masterfully paced setlist that covered every emotional corner of their catalog.
“Easy” made the room go still—romantic, vulnerable, and pitch-perfect. Couples swayed. Eyes closed. It was church for the soul.
“Sail On” rode in like a breeze, tugging heartstrings and loosening hips at the same time.
Then came “Nightshift”—a goosebump moment. A tribute to Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson, it brought out lighters, tears, and a standing ovation mid-song. This wasn’t just music. It was memory, tribute, and emotion bundled in rhythm.
And just when you thought the night had hit its peak…
The Finale: She’s a Brick… HOUSE!
The unmistakable bassline hit like thunder, and the entire hall exploded.
“Brick House” brought every last soul in Van Wezel to their feet—dancing, shouting, spinning in the aisles like funk had been reborn right there on the Sarasota Bay. No one sat still. No one could sit still. It was infectious, outrageous, and downright glorious.
That song—delivered with blazing horns, booming bass, and sheer joy—closed the night in a way no encore could ever top. From stage to balcony, it was a party. An old-school, funk-soaked, Motown-style celebration of life.
More Than Music: A Living Legacy
The Commodores aren’t just performers. They’re storytellers, showmen, and soul survivors.
They’ve got:
- 70 million albums sold
- 7 #1 singles
- 5 #1 albums
- 20 Top 10 hits
…but numbers don’t tell the whole story. You have to see them live to understand why they still matter. Why their brand of R&B, funk, and soul is timeless. Why audiences of all ages still flock to hear those harmonies, those grooves, that swagger.
At Van Wezel, that legacy lived and breathed across generations—onstage and in the crowd. Parents brought kids. Lifelong fans danced with strangers. And the presence of Cody and Colin Orange—second-generation Commodores—made it clear that this story is far from over.
With their mix of heritage and hunger, these twins are helping ensure the Commodores legacy isn’t just preserved… it’s evolving. Funk is in good hands.
Sarasota, Still Swaying
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall deserves a spotlight of its own. With pristine sound, intimate seating, and that magical waterfront energy, it became the perfect backdrop for a night of living history.
Funky fashion was in full effect—leather pants, sequins, satin shirts, and a whole lotta swagger. You know the vibe’s right when someone in the front row’s dancing like no one’s watching—and everyone else joins in.
Final Thoughts: Long Live the Funk
The Commodores didn’t just play hits. They delivered a soul revival. They reminded us what music can do—how it moves, heals, connects, and electrifies.
This wasn’t a trip down memory lane. It was a celebration of what happens when legends keep showing up with fire in their hearts and music in their bones.
If you get the chance—GO. Bring friends. Bring your best dance moves. Bring your heart wide open. Because when the Commodores roll through town, it’s more than a concert. It’s a celebration of American music—and it’s still going strong.
And as we stood there—happy, smiling, still humming that bassline—it hit us: how lucky are we to witness this? To see the legends still lighting up the stage. To watch the next generation—Cody and Colin Orange—pick up the torch and carry it with pride.
In a world that moves fast and forgets easy, nights like these are rare and radiant. They remind us that music history isn’t just written—it’s lived, right before our eyes.
This wasn’t a trip down memory lane. It was a celebration of what happens when legends keep showing up with fire in their hearts and rhythm in their bones. And we were there for it.
Setlist Snapshot:
- Machine Gun (pure energy)
- Easy (smooth like velvet)
- Three Times a Lady (romantic perfection)
- Nightshift (emotional powerhouse)
- Sail On (bittersweet and beautiful)
- Brick House (the finale funk bomb we all needed)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An unforgettable night. Legends never fade—they just get funkier.
https://www.commodoreslive.com
