On a sweltering Monday night in August, The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving rewound it back to the ‘80s, an era of yacht rock, dad rock and unadulterated musical craftsmanship. The Texas stop of the Toto, Christopher Cross and Men at Work tour was a sweaty, spirited celebration of nostalgia, talent and camaraderie. With each act bringing their unique flavor to the stage, the night was a testament to the enduring power of music that transcends decades.
Kicking off the evening was Men at Work, led by the ever-charismatic Colin Hay, the band’s sole original member. Dressed in a vanilla ice cream suit that somehow defied the Texas heat, Hay exuded a blend of class and free-spirited charm. The band, though reimagined with new members, stayed true to the Men at Work legacy, delivering a set that was as tight as it was entertaining.
Multi-instrumentalist Rachel Mazer was a standout, seamlessly switching between saxophone, flute and keyboard while swaying to the rhythm. Equally captivating was Cecilia Noel, whose backup vocals, cowbell mastery and karate-like stage moves (complete with a “Don’t Be a Dick” drinking cup) added a layer of infectious energy. The band’s camaraderie was palpable, with members leaning on each other’s shoulders and sharing the spotlight in a way that felt genuine and generous…