Live Review: KY-102’s Day in the Park with The Rainmakers, Eddie Money, Jude Cole, and The Mongol Beach Party, Smithville Lake at Crow’s Creek Canyon Park, 9/29/90

After the Rainmakers’ worldwide run touring withThe Good News and the Bad News, their third studio album and a clear sign of the band’s growth, it was time for a homecoming. Legendary Kansas City rock station KY-102‘s “Day in the Park” was scheduled for Smithville Lake, a sprawling open space just north of the city.

Joining the hometown heroes were Eddie Money, Jude Cole, and Mongol Beach Party. It was an overcast day but the mood was anything but subdued – there was music built for dancing, friends gathered in good spirits, and no shortage of cold beer.

The Rainmakers wasted no time igniting the crowd, opening with “Downstream,” a driving rocker that instantly set the tone. From there, their feet were on the gas pedal.

The band tore through highlights from all three of their Mercury releases – the self-titled debut, along with Tornado, and Good News. Mixing hits with deeper cuts and fan favorites, they kept the audience energized all afternoon. And in a moment of fitting irony, the Rainmakers even brought a bit of rain with them – just enough to make a point.

Growing up in Missouri, tornadoes were a part of my childhood. Once, a twister uprooted a tree in our neighbor’s yard, then dropped it right back down. Many hours of huddling in the corner of our basement. So, when “Tornado of Love” played, I looked up to the cloudy skies thinking that today would be the very worst time to see a funnel cloud. Yet, I still sang along with Bob…

Mom, Mom the atomical bomb just went off
Out behind the hayloft
Pa, where’s Pa, now what’ll we do
Head for the root cellar
I’m right behind you

Originally known as Steve, Bob & Rich, with Steve Phillips on lead guitar and backing vocals, Bob Walkenhorst on lead vocals and standup drums (before hiring Pat Tomek, “a real drummer”); and Rich Ruth on bass and backing vocals. The fledgeling band released Balls in 1984, illustrating their dynamic musicianship, urgent vocals, and intelligent songwriting. Soon, the labels were listening.

Highlights were aplenty, sometimes even controversial, as in “The Wages of Sin,” describing views on sin and the church: “If Heaven is guilt, no sex and no show / Then I’m not sure if I really want to go.” Religious themes run through certain songs, with a strong recommendation to question everything. The Phillips-penned “Nobody Knows” asks the eternal question of how one gets to heaven: “Well now, Satan Sam he’s such a sinning man / Plays for the money, takes whatever he can / He says he got the answer tucked right up his sleeve / Give him half a chance and he’ll make you believe.” “Reckoning Day” addresses how we mere earthlings will one day be forced to face the consequences of our actions.

The day was a revelation in terms of our love of this band, the road they’ve traveled, and hopes for more to come.

During “Drinkin’ On The Job,” Bob and the boys hit some sweet covers – as they do when playing this song live – including gems from James Brown, CCR, Them, and Steppenwolf (check out setlist below, along with the #SetListPlayList). “God bless the memory of John Fogerty!” Closing out the set was that first big hit, “Let My People Go-Go,” and the crowd roared with appreciation.

After a brief break, the band returned to the stage for a three-song encore: “Big Fat Blonde,” “Information,” and “I Talk With My Hands,” all clear fan favorites. As the final song came to an end, Bob addressed the audience: “Thanks a lot, friends, neighbors, and family in Kansas City! It’s been a great day and it’s been a great seven years. Thanks for being a part of it!” Would this be the end of our Rainmakers? After so many years of great albums and shows, fans would have to wait and find out.

Opener Eddie Money did his thing, most likely playing “Two Tickets to Paradise,” “Baby Hold On,” and “Think I’m in Love.” Recollection of the Jude Cole set is fuzzy, but a bettin’ man would say he performed “Time For Letting Go” and “Baby It’s Tonight” from his new release A View From 3rd Street. I do recall his pal Kiefer Sutherland meandering around backstage. Locals The Mongol Beach Party were first to take the stage and I can’t say if my crew had arrived yet, as I have no memories of it. If anyone has information to jog my memory, I’m open to edits.

For more information on The Rainmakers, check out Bob’s website. To hear this concert in its entirety, click here.

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