November 1, 2025 at 7:30 pm
We all remember hits like “Still the One,” “Dance with Me,” and “Love Takes Time.” With John Hall writing most of the songs and Larry Hoppen supplying the lead vocals, these Orleans classics have a certified combined radio airplay of more than seven million and counting.
Orleans began in Woodstock, New York in 1972 with vocalist, guitarist and songwriter (and later Congressman) John Hall; vocalist, guitarist and keyboard player Larry Hoppen; and drummer and percussionist Wells Kelly. Later that year, Larry’s younger brother, Lance, joined as the bass player, and in 1976 drummer Jerry Marotta signed on, completing the quintet.
The group took its name from the eclectic music they played, with some Cajun-seasoned R&B and roots music from musicians like Alan Toussaint and the Neville Brothers. Now 48 years later, the band has had some personnel changes, but co-founder Lance Hoppen, long-time mainstays Fly Amero and Lane Hoppen are joined by Nashville veterans Brady Spencer on drums and Chip Martin on guitar.
When John Hall ran for Congress in 2005, the band brought back Fly Amero, who had performed with them before. They continued recording and touring and agreed that when it was possible, Hall would join them. They were headed for a 40th anniversary when Larry Hoppen died suddenly.
The group went into mourning but honored their mate’s memory by keeping on. With Hall back in the group, they finished their 2012 tour. It looked like the end of the road, and then new management gave the band new life. They released another DVD and the double-disc compilation CD, No More Than You Can Handle.
Hall retired in 2019, but the core group of the two Hoppens, Amero, and the newcomers, Spencer and Martin, continue to bring the great sound that fans of Orleans have expected for nearly 50 years.