Dave Jenkins and Larry Hoppen

3,000 employees and invited guests of Born Information Systems heard the Voices of Classic Rock entertain at the Company's Tenth Anniversary Party this past weekend in Minnetonka, Minnesota. The crowd included Minnesota's colorful Governor, Jesse Ventura, who proclaimed Saturday Born Information Systems day in the "state of 1,000 lakes."

The concert, which featured singers Mickey Thomas, Peter Rivera, Spencer Davis, Larry Hoppen, Dave Jenkins and Joe Lynn Turner, also included a second set of unplugged performances by Davis, Hoppen, Jenkins and Turner.

"After they played the big electric set at our Born on the Fourth of July Party, these guys adjourned to my living room where they sat at the piano and just played for their own enjoyment," explained host Rick Born to the assembled crowd. "Gradually that night many of us heard them and a crowd eventually assembled in the living room. Before we knew it people were even gathered in the doorway and around the windows outside. So today we asked them if they'd mind doing it for all of you - only this time onstage. It's never been done before... so we're proud to feature another first."

The impromptu unplugged set featured Larry Hoppen on piano and vocals, Dave Jenkins on acoustic guitar and vocals, Spencer Davis on acoustic guitar and vocals, and Joe Lynn Turner on Vocals and percussion. The set-list was diverse ranging from an unplugged version of Love Takes Time, which Larry wrote, to an acoustic version of Smoke on the Water, which Joe performed during his years with Deep Purple. Spencer played the blues while Dave changed up the tempo with a little country influence from his days with the hit group Southern Pacific. And the crowd all joined in the set closer Dancing In The Moonlight, a song which was actually initially recorded by Larry Hoppen (and his first band Bofalongo).

Governor Ventura joined the band backstage between the electric and the unplugged sets. As the singers contemplated and rehearsed their impromptu, the Governor traded anecdotes with the group. "What song would you like us to do for you, Governor?" asked Joe Lynn Turner. The Governor responded that he had many favorites "but my all time favorite would have to be Sympathy for the Devil by the Stones.

"That one might be a little tough to duplicate unplugged," responded Turner, "but I'll do Smoke on the Water if you remember that one." The Governor responded, "that'll work... I was a SEAL you know, so it's kind of appropriate." As the well-known Governor was besieged by his fans for pictures and autographs, it was  r o c k f o r e v e r . c o m  legend Spencer Davis who may have gotten the ultimate compliment. Upon being introduced to Spencer, Governor Ventura said, "You're really Spencer Davis... now I want to have my picture taken with you!"

As the unplugged set concluded and Eagle Glenn Frey was about to take the stage, the Governor returned to the dressing room and thanked the Voices for coming to Minnesota to help celebrate Born Information Day. "You've got a great state here, Governor. Were anxious to come back!" responded the singers, returning the compliment.