An incredible evening of down-home rhythm and blues boogie-woogie unfolded Friday night April 3rd at the historic Arcada Theater in St. Charles, Illinois, as Cactus joined forces with the All-Star Temple of Blues Band for a truly memorable performance. A lineup of legendary musicians delivered a powerful, high-energy show that had the near-capacity crowd swaying, singing, and fully immersed in every electrifying moment.

Drumming icon Carmine Appice (VANILLA FUDGE, BLUE MURDER, KING KOBRA, ROD STEWART) curated this extraordinary showcase, assembling an elite roster of rock and blues talent for what felt like a once-in-a-lifetime event. The stage featured an impressive lineup including Pat Travers, Billy Sheehan, Doug Aldrich, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal, Eric Gales, Tony Franklin, Dug Pinnick, Rob Caudill, Ed Terry, and more, each bringing their own signature style and intensity to the stage.

The set list blended classics like “Back Door Man,” “Big Mama Boogie,” and “The Little Red Rooster,”  deep cuts including “Evil Is Goin’ On” (popularized by Howlin' Wolf),  and iconic covers “Purple Haze” (a nod to Jimi Hendrix), and even a spirited rendition of “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” from Rod Stewart. A standout moment came with a commanding drum solo from Appice himself, further cementing his legendary status. The night concluded with the crowd-pleasing “Long Tall Sally,” bringing the two-hour spectacle to an exhilarating close, leaving both band and audience equally energized—and exhausted.

What made the evening even more special was the unmistakable connection on stage. The camaraderie, swagger, and genuine joy among the performers were evident throughout the night. From my vantage point in the front row, it was clear that these musicians were not just performing, they were fully immersed in the experience and relishing every moment.

Special recognition goes to Carmine Appice for assembling such an unforgettable event, and to Ron Onesti and the Arcada Theater for hosting a night that was as meaningful as it was entertaining. Proceeds from the event were donated to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Music Will, MusiCares, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

A special thanks to the “Lens Master” Jim Summaria for his permission to use his amazing photographs

Check out my interview with Carmine Appice where we talk about this show, the making of the new CACTUS album and so much more

On YouTube, search "CREATIVITY TALKIN podcast Carmine Appice interview"

SET LIST:

Parchman Farm

Brother Bill

Tail Dragger

One Way…or Another

Alaska

Evil is Goin’ On (Howlin Wolf cover)

Drum Solo

(intermission)

Spoonful

Purple Haze (Jimi Hendrix cover)

The Little Red Rooster

Moanin’ at Midnight

Bad Stuff

Down in te Bottom

Back Door Man

Big Mama Boogie

Do Ya Think I’m Sexy (Rod Stewart cover)

Long Tall Sally (Little Richard cover)