The Association is an American pop band from California. According to Wikipedia, “During the late 1960s, the band had numerous hits at or near the top of the Billboard charts (including "Windy", "Cherish", "Never My Love" and "Along Comes Mary") and were the lead-off band at 1967's Monterey Pop Festival. They are known for intricate vocal harmonies by the band's multiple singers”.

The group comprised of Jules Gary Alexander, 79, Jim Yester, 83, Bruce Pictor, Del Ramos, Jordan Cole and Paul Holland offered a 75 minute set at The Wolf Den in Mohegan Sun on November 4, 2022. Alexander and Yester are original members and Ramos is the younger sibling of the original member and Cole is the son of the original member.

I honestly have been a fan of this group from the beginning when first hearing them on the radio in 1966. As a vocalist in a local band from the same era I highly value harmony. This band set the bar beyond all others, even, dare I say, The Beach Boys. A Six Man Band each vocalizing individual parts in a rich blend of harmonic beauty. It was a real thrill to hear these guys, 2 originals aged 79 and 83 still touring after 57 years! Let that sink in. Obviously they played all of their hits and a couple less familiar pieces. Their banter was G-Rated 60s style humor and they did a cover of the Eagles’ hit Desperado in its “original form” before they cut it. Jim Yester sang a full version of Avocado. You get the idea.

I was very fortunate to have arrived early enough in this, first come - first served venue to have been seated in the second row aisle. For the first half hour there was no one in front of me. I snapped a few photos as the program rolled along but mostly listened to their rich harmony where the background is at least, if not more important than the lead vocal. They truly delivered. Jim Yester sings in a high tenor range and after finishing a lead and receiving the applause would offer a thin “thank you” in a mock falsetto pushing his Adam’s apple down.

I appreciated their approach to the encore where after finishing the “final” number began to move off stage about 5 feet before turning back around for a rousing finale which included Windy. I’m very happy that I made the little journey to hear them after so many years.

I hope that this inspires you to get out and enjoy some live music. Life is short and time moves swiftly. Go and get it while you can. Cheers!