Lance Hoppen, Jon Hall, &: Larry Hoppen

Voices of Classic Rock Musical Director Larry Hoppen and his band ORLEANS reunited for a sold-out Labor Day Weekend Concert at the legendary Opus 40 in Saugerties, NY.

Original bandmates Larry Hoppen, John Hall and Lance Hoppen were joined by longtime members Bob Leinbach and Peter O'Brien for the unique outdoor show on Saturday, September 1.

The appearance marked the first time Orleans that has played together since the Fall of 1997, when the group decided to take a break in a 25-year run as a highly respected studio band and a successful live touring group.

In the interim, co-founder and guitar player John Hall has served as a school board member, while founding the indie label Siren Songs Records. Larry Hoppen has since moved his family to Sanford, Florida where he works with the Voices of Classic Rock, as well as his own solo band (in the busy and burgeoning Orlando music scene). Lance Hoppen has been part of Nashville's music industry since 1988, including his touring tenure with Andy Griggs, a top Country star.

Nonetheless, throughout their sabatical, Orleans' music has continued to receive radio airplay and be featurined in other commercial endeavors, including the motion picture "Primary Colors" and major national adveritising campaigns for Keds and Burger King. A steady barrage of fan letters and requests from friends encouraged the recent reunion.

Opus 40, the beautiful Harvey Fite environmental sculpture and natural ampitheatre, is a perennial favorite spot for a concert. Orleans played annual Labor Day concerts there from the mid-80s to 1997. "It's a gig we really used to look forward to," Larry Hoppen remarked. "The setting is unique, the sound is great, it's like a lawn party for the audience and performers...it was wonderful to return and fun to play together once again."