One of the biggest benefits for a cure for cancer in the Western New York area is the Ride for Roswell. This event has bicyclists ride to raise money for cancer awareness. Even though the event has been going on for a handful of years, this was the second year that they had an opening night. They had speeches from the President of Roswell Park Cancer Institute Donald L. Trump, Ride for Roswell founder Mitch Flynn and former major league baseball star Dave Dravecky (who lost his left arm due to cancer). They also showed videos of various cancer survivors and patients who were treated at Roswell.
Well with such a tremendous event, this year they took a chance and brought in a big name in Leeann Rimes to headline the opening night gala. When hearing Leann Rimes’ name over the last few years, it came with mostly negative publicity. Her time spent in rehab, her divorce and new marriage were hot topics when her music took a back seat. With a new outlook on life, the 30 year old Rimes has done and seen it all.
Rimes released a new album called “Spitfire” in April. The album has garnered rave reviews. She played five tracks from her new CD, including the title track. Rimes was honest and raw and she delivered her performance as such. She took her heels off after the fourth song and put her hair up as well. She constantly paid respect to the riders and even signed things in between songs for the fans up front. She talked about how the song “Borrowed” spurred the creation of “Spitfire” as she went into the song. Rimes remarked that “Every time I sing this song live, I get teary eyed or cry.” She went on with only her guitar player as she delivered a heartfelt rendition of “Hallelujah.” Rimes also tackled the Elton John classic “Rocket Man” and gave uniqueness to it. I must say, Rimes was the perfect anecdote for the evenings kick off!
Set List:
Swingin
Nothin’ Better to Do
Probably
I Need You
Spitfire
Borrowed
Blue (Bill Mack cover)
Moonlight
Who We Really Are
What Have I Done Rocket Man (Elton John cover)
Something’s Gotta Give
How Do I Live
Summertime
Hallelujah
We would like to thank the publicist for the Ride for Roswell Leslie Garrity for allowing BackstageAxxess.com to review such a worthy cause. For more information on the Ride for Roswell or to make donations, please go to: Ride for Roswell..
