Laura Rain brings vocal power to The Venue in Aurora

Photo by Eric Schelkopf

By ERIC SCHELKOPF

Most people choose to seek shelter when it starts to rain.

But if you are listening to singer Laura Rain, you want to be out in the open so you can take in all of her vocal power.

Rain and her band The Caesars brought their inviting mix of soul and funk to The Venue in Aurora on July 29. Heading up the tight knit band is Rain’s husband, George Friend, on guitar.

The Detroit-based band took the audience on a musical adventure. She injected all the tenderness needed in the sweetly soulful song “Take My Hand.” The song was made even sweeter with vocal help from bandmates Jeff Powe and Joshua Powe.

The band funked things up on the song “The Deal,” adding to the musical diversity of the evening and bringing at least one couple out on the dance floor.

The energy level was turned way up on the song “I Am,” with Rain’s urgent vocals leading the way. 

And even after such a sweltering set, the band still managed to turn the heat up even higher on the closing song "Sunset" with Friend’s driving guitar work and Darryl Pierce’s thunderous drumming leaving the audience more than satisfied.

 

For those who weren’t able to attend the show at The Venue, the band does have some upcoming appearances in the area, including a show on Aug. 18 at Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago and on Aug. 20 at the Little Bear Ribfest in Vernon Hills.