Journey USA is scheduled to make its first appearance in Utah at The Covey Center for the Arts in Provo. According to a notice from the city's website, the band aims to provide an authentic musical experience focused on the music rather than mimicry or costumes.
The group, which includes lead singer Stu Saddoris and drummer Mark Kelly, began forming during the COVID-19 pandemic. The musicians describe their performance as a gift from the fans on stage to the fans in the seats, focusing on delivering high-level musical arrangements of songs such as Don't Stop Believin' and Open Arms.
The band features veteran musicians with over five decades of collective concert experience. Members include Jeffrey Retz, a former touring bassist for Mike Pinera of Iron Butterfly; Eric Ragno, known for his keyboard skills with The Babys; Mark Kelly and Tony Cardenas-Montana, both of whom toured with Great White during the 1980s and 1990s.
Saddoris has previously had experience singing vocal parts on rough recordings of Steve Perry's solo material. He stated that the band's goal is to make the audience feel like they are part of the show.
The performance marks the first time the group has traveled to Utah. Saddoris expressed interest in establishing an ongoing relationship with the state through potential yearly stops.
