Friday, Ridgefield Playhouse

As with most rock bands almost 50 years old, Procol Harum doesn't exactly tour with all the original members. In fact, only vocalist/pianist Gary Brooker is still around from the immortal 1967 release of "A Whiter Shade of Pale." On the other hand, if you're going to persist in performing as Procol Harum, Gary Brooker is the one dude you MUST have. Unleash his voice on tunes like "Pale," "Simple Sister," "A Salty Dog," "Whaling Stories," "Bringing Home the Bacon," "Shine On Brightly" and "Conquistador" - and correctly assuming that anyone playing in PH is gonna be a badass musician - and it's a must-see show. Even if that means traveling across state to Ridgefield. Attention, various southeastern Connecticut theaters, casinos and music venues: Just curious. Did any of you even bid on this tour? No? Well ... it's only 90 miles and it IS a weekend. The Ridgefield Playhouse is located at 80 East Ridge. Tickets are $70 and $85; (203) 438-5795, ridgefieldplayhouse.org.

- RICK KOSTER