Men At Work. Photo by Chyrisse. CPT_7356 — Men At Work. Photo by Chyrisse.

By Wendy Hunter, Journalist, and Chyrisse Tabone, Photographer – Rock At Night, Tampa

Men at Work – 2024 Tour with Chris Trapper, Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, Florida – September 19, 2024

I felt slightly distracted while walking through the Grand Lobby of Ruth Eckerd Hall since only a few days earlier, the second devastating hurricane Milton had barreled through central Florida. Generation X and Boomers gathered in small groups, chatting quietly, but the usual pre-concert laughter and banter seemed subdued. Once everyone filed into the auditorium, the music fans settled in their seats and quietly awaited the musicians. A bright spot was several men who had donned yellow hard hats in a nod to Men at Work, but overall, the scene was calm.

Buffalo, New York native Chris Trapper, singer, songwriter, and guitarist, kicked off the concert. Trapper’s discography includes numerous albums and his songs have been featured in both television and film. With his first song, “Into the Bright Lights,” Trapper demonstrated his skillful acoustic guitar work and lilting vocals. Each unique song was interspersed with humor and charm. My personal favorite was “F%&k It,” which gave the listeners so much joy that they sang the chorus, which was, of course, this taboo word.

Colin Hay of Men At Work. Photo by Chyrisse.

Men at Work was formed in 1978 and are known for their New Wave, Pop & Reggae Rock songs. The band won the prestigious Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1983. The only original member is vocalist Colin Hay, a Scottish ‘80s era icon who immigrated to Australia. Hay has also worked solo and in film and television. When he strolled onto the stage, he looked fit and ready to bring on the music. The first song, “No Restrictions,” showed Hay’s unique voice and range, which was as solid as ever, and that the saxophone player could own the stage with her mastery of the instrument. Audience participation came easily with Hay’s solo songs, “Come Tumblin’ Down” and “Can’t Take This Town.” His wife, Cecilia Noël, provided backup singing while working the tambourines, as well as infusing energy into the band as she danced around the stage with her infectious spirit. This band was so together that the concert sounded as if we were listening to an album.

Colin Hay, Scheila Gonzalez, Cecilia Noel, and San Miguel Perez of Men At Work. Photo by Chyrisse

Other highlights of the night included the songs “The Longest Night” and “Who Can It Be Now.” As audience members clapped and sang along, I knew many loved the reggae-tinged and humorous songs like “Blue For You” or “Dr. Heckyl and Mr. Jive.” The poignant and moving “No Sign of Yesterday,” featured rich harmonies and a profound sax solo, which led to a standing ovation. By the time the song “Overkill” began, many in the audience were standing and a few were dancing. Between songs, Hay quipped, “we changed the lineup,” and stated the members were, “all immigrants!” from Cuba or Central America. That was met with a hardy, happy shout by the audience. And during the hit song “Down Under,” nearly all listeners stood and swayed side by side or danced to the music.

Scheila Gonzalez and Colin Hay of Men At Work. Photo by Chyrisse.

The New York Times has called Chris Trapper’s work “classic pop perfection.” We all could feel the gift of relaxation and joy that Trapper brought to the concert-goers. In addition, Colin Hay’s Men at Work is a consummate and classy band that delivered above and beyond the norm on this Friday evening. Hay’s vocals and the band’s tight grasp on perfection for each song make this concert a no-miss. Walking out of the hall, I could hear the banter, happy chatter, and laughter of the listeners was back. It’s as if the music had soothed and cleansed us from the last few weeks of evacuations, high winds and water, loss, and cleanup. That is the power of great music!