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Joe Bear: R&B, blues, and country blend performed by a band of pros with material that gets a crowd jumping.

The Players: Joe Bear, vocals, guitars; Mark Shark, lead guitar; Tom “T-Bone” Lawlor, bass; Dennis Kenmore, drums; The Sugar Bears: Diane Gordon, Teresa James, Mott, Merrilyn Crouch, backup vocalists.

Material: Joe Bear and company combine R&B, blues and country into their own inimitable style. A class act all the way, this group is a lot of fun. Whether playing originals such as “Gansta President” and “You’re Fired,” or covering classics like “Folsom Prison” and “Over the Rainbow,” this act is what entertainment is all about. Polished and infectious, the material is top notch.

Musicianship: Flawless in execution, this is a group of pros. Bear’s vocals have a low register that resonates well. The Sugar Bears add a nice gospel tinge, while Bear’s band backs him strongly. Musically, these players are the essence of perfection.

Performance: Joe Bear’s similarity, in appearance, to Bill Clinton doesn’t hurt. But, a little more spectacle would have added significantly to the performance, starting with the group’s image. Aside from Bear, the rest of the players looked like they were at a rehearsal rather than a concert. And, with a show so otherwise polished, it was disconcerting and adversely affected the whole performance. Additionally, Bear seemed to rely on the Sugar Bears for audience interaction. Though that played out well, it also created a wall between him and the crowd. This is a group that should display personal warmth and accessibility. Bear should consider stepping up and talking to the audience more than he does would help in that regard.

Summary: This act opened the rhythm and blues section for the Levitt Pavilion Music Series, designed to entertain the community, and Joe Bear was an ideal fit. Perfect for festivals, corporate events and wild-ass parties, Bear and crew can get a crowd jumpin’. If they would only pay as much attention to their live show as they do to the music, they could easily become stars on the live circuit.

––Bernard Baur