RECAP: Orleans @ Universal Preservation Hall, 5/2/2025

Orleans Acoustic Quartet Brings Harmonies and Heart to Universal Preservation Hall

Words and Photography by Stephanie J Bartik.

On May 2, 2025, the Orleans Acoustic Quartet took the stage at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs, NY, delivering a deeply nostalgic, musically rich performance to an almost sold-out crowd. With their signature harmonies and stories spanning five decades, the acoustic lineup offered an intimate evening that stirred both emotion and memory.

This special configuration of Orleans featured co-founder Lance Hoppen on bass and vocals, his brother Lane Hoppen on keyboards and vocals, Tom Lane on guitar, and Tony Hooper on guitar and vocals. The stripped-down arrangement—with no drums or electric excess—let the warmth of their vocal blend shine and brought the band’s classic songwriting into crisp focus.

Opening with fan favorites and working their way through a thoughtfully curated setlist, the group immediately evoked the golden days of 1970s radio. As “Dance with Me,” “Still the One,” and “Let There Be Music” rang out through the hall, many in the audience were transported back to beach days on Long Island, where these very songs played through the speakers of WBAB radios on the shores of Robert Moses State Park. The music conjured up sunlit memories and a shared sense of time-travel.

The venue—a former church turned world-class performance space—only added to the experience. With its stunning architectural details and soaring ceilings, Universal Preservation Hall proved an ideal setting for an acoustic show. The room’s natural acoustics allowed the vocal harmonies and gentle instrumentation to envelop the audience in waves of sound that were both subtle and powerful.

What made the night especially compelling was the connection between songs and storytelling. Lance Hoppen, with his warm and conversational tone, shared anecdotes from Orleans’ early years, reflected on their journey as a band, and offered heartfelt introductions that gave context to the music. His presence on stage was both grounding and magnetic—clearly a musician still in love with performing and connecting.

Lane Hoppen’s keyboards added atmospheric layers, enhancing the group’s vocal textures without overwhelming the acoustic format. Tom Lane and Tony Hooper showcased their skills with expressive guitar work, tasteful solos, and beautiful accompaniment. Hooper’s vocals in particular complemented the Hoppen brothers seamlessly, reinforcing that this quartet is a true ensemble, not just a legacy act.

Blending new material with their iconic catalog, the Orleans Acoustic Quartet proved that while their roots are in the past, their artistry continues to grow. Every note felt present, fresh, and alive.

As the show drew to a close, the audience responded with standing ovations and heartfelt applause. This wasn’t just a performance—it was a shared moment between artists and audience, a reminder of how music can connect generations and carry us home.

For those lucky enough to be in the room, the night was a celebration of enduring sound, sincere connection, and the timeless joy of live music played with heart.

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