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Arts & Entertainment

Neil Diamond Tribute Band Plays at Allen Park

The concert was part of the TOBAY Music Under the Stars concert series.

Brian LeBlanc and his band Simply Diamond performed a set of Neil Diamond’s greatest songs at in Farmingdale as part of TOBAY's summer concert series Monday night.

“On behalf of the town board, welcome to Music Under the Stars,” said Patricia Beckerle, the deputy commissioner of the Department of Community and Youth Services. “We’ve been doing it all season long."

In Supervisor Venditto's opening remarks he noted that night’s event was also sponsored by Sen. Kemp Hannon.

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The national anthem was performed acapella by Steve Mecca before LeBlanc, accompanied with his acoustic guitar, began his set list with Diamond’s “Cherry, Cherry,” followed by “Song Sung Blue,” and “September Morn.”

LeBlanc greeted the Farmingdale audience, and thanked them for helping him out on that tune.

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“Neil Diamond has always been a part of my musical life,” LeBlanc said. “Back in the days, I would listen to Van Halen and a Neil Diamond ballad would come on.”

He continued his set with “Longfellow Serenade” and “Holly Holy,” which he encouraged the audience to clap to.

“What a great crowd in Farmingdale,” LeBlanc said. “I’m having a good time tonight.”

He dedicated the song “Play Me” to his 11-year-old daughter, telling the audience it is her favorite Diamond recording and that they would occasionally perform it together.

He went on to perform the slow song “Love on the Rocks." His version of Diamond’s “Kentucky Woman” was a crowd pleaser, since it allowed his four-piece band to showcase their instrumental ability on electric and bass guitars, as well as keyboards and drums.

“You can call me ‘Uncle Neil’ tonight, and this is one of my favorite songs to sing,” LeBlanc said as he performed “If You Know What I Mean.”

He dedicated the tune “The Story of My Life” to his wife of 20 years. He noted that it’s one of Diamond’s lesser-known songs. It showcased his singing ability more than any other song, since he sang it without a guitar.

LeBlanc said his Uncle Jerry introduced him to Diamond’s music by buying him his first Diamond record.

He also performs country music and gave a soothing acoustic rendition of the popular Keith Urban country hit “Somebody Like You.” Other Diamond classics he performed Monday night were “Hello Again,” “Beautiful Noise,” “I’m a Believer,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” and “Forever in Blue Jeans.”

The highlight of the evening was LeBlanc’s powerhouse version of “America,” where every audience member stood, clapped and sang along and gave him standing ovation at the end.

He concluded his show with Diamond’s signature song “Sweet Caroline.”

It was Janet Loderhose's first time hearing a tribute band.

“They did an awesome job. This was my first time I’ve ever seen a tribute band, but they did great,” she said.

“Brain LeBlanc was just as good as Neil Diamond,” said attendee Mickey Giacalone. “I was not disappointed in any way.”

“He was absolutely fantastic,” added her husband Jim Giacalone. “It was very entertaining and I enjoyed it.”

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