Forget the false modesty. Singer Tony London insisted that he was being as factual as a police report.
“I swear that I am the least talented person in this group,” he said.
What he neglected to say is that the group he is describing is among the most seasoned and veteran group of pop-rock performers in the area. Some, such as singer and guitarist Dan Mustard, have performed all over the country.
So London’s assessment is akin to someone saying he is the poorest among billionaire Warren Buffet’s wealthiest friends.
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Whatever the perspective, know this: Bluesy-voiced London and friends are headlining the opening, multi-act show of the new season for the free Donner Park Variety Show at 7 p.m. June 8 in Columbus. The last time most of this ensemble — London, keyboardist Danny Clark, percussionist Carola Clark, drummer Tom Lego, guitarists Mustard and Steve Rosenberg, bassist Brent McCray, sax player Jim Darnell and vocalist Eden Greer — performed in the series, 2017, more than 300 showed up to rock the night away.
But London, well known for his blurt-it-out style humor during shows, is promoting things rather cautiously — and, well, a bit facetiously.
“I just hope this is more successful than the Donner Party of 1847,” London deadpanned.
This journey will include a few song selections from several band members as they wind their way through everything from the musical past to the present. London expects to uncork a special favorite of his: Seymour native John Mellencamp’s festive rendition of the pop classic “Under the Boardwalk.” London earned something of a Mellencampesque ovation during the recent American Pie rock concert with the artist’s rollicking megahit “Pink Houses.”
Greer, the product of a parental musical pair, hopes to croon Miranda Lambert’s tune “Tin Man” and Dolly Parton’s signature song “Jolene.”
“I’ve been singing that song for years,” Greer said of the Parton golden oldie. “It’s not too vocally challenging.”
Greer, who got involved with the band after meeting London at a cancer benefit concert, recalled the 2017 park show as “a very relaxed atmosphere.”
Tom Pickett, park show organizer and longtime local music store owner, said the performances hinge on performers willing to perform for free.
“Thankfully, all of these people are very generous with their time and talent,” Pickett said. “They’ve been so gracious all along.”
Yet, the performers have said for years that Pickett is the gracious one. Consequently, woven between all the songs will be one bit of emotional harmony — heartfelt gratitude to Pickett, who encouraged many of these performers at some point during their formative years.
“I think a lot of this does go back to Tom,” London said of the performers’ passion about the shows that reached their peak in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. “And it goes back to the respect and the love we all have for him. Tom is Columbus.
“In a city that reveres architecture, Tom Pickett is the architect of the sound of this city.”
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What: Kickoff of the new season of the Donner Park Variety Show, highlighting a range of local talent.
Who: Emcee is Margaret Powers from the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic; Columbus East High School Jazz Band directed by David Rodgers; vocalist Louie Greene; and headliner Tony London and friends.
When: 7 to 9 p.m. June 8.
Where: Donner Park shelter house near 19th and Lafayette streets in Columbus. Attendees must bring their own chair.
Admission: Free. Made possible by the Columbus Evening Kiwanis Club, WCSI Radio, Columbus Parks and Recreation Department and Tom Pickett’s Music Center.
Information: 812-372-6700.
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