Crowds of Western New Yorkers flocked to the David Ulrich City Center in Lockport, New York on Friday night to attend the Molson Canal Concert Series. Blood Sweat & Tears, an iconic 1970's band, headlined the show.

The party started with three opening acts, including Amber Rubarth, who entertained the crowds with bright, bouncy piano melodies.

Concert-goers milled and chatted, drinks in hand, while teenage girls in bright orange t-shirts sold blow-up guitars and light-up wands.

For fans like Bobbie Goodell, Bill Johnson and Sandy Smith, the concert series marked their first time seeing the band live.

Goodell said she was a longtime listener. "I've liked this band for 30 years." She laughed and continued, "I'm showing my age by saying that."

When asked what brought him to the concert, Johnson answered: "Blood Sweat & Tears." He brought along his 13 year old daughter, Lizz. "She wanted to see some classic rock," he said.

Johnson said he didn't mind multiple changes in band members, "as long as they're good musicians."

Smith had the same answer as Johnson. She came to the festival for Blood Sweat & Tears. "A lot of people my age came here for them."

Still, Smith admitted that she couldn't remember any of the band's songs.

But for Nick Holk, 22, the band didn't matter. "I came down here for the sexy women." Holk, whose two friends also admitted that women were the main focus of their evening, said he didn't know much about Blood Sweat & Tears. "I just know that they're playing," he said.

After several hours of opening acts, Blood Sweat & Tears took the stage. They performed a few classics, such as "When I Die" and "Sometimes in Winter." The band also did covers of songs by The Beatles and Bob Dylan.

While all the members performed with energy and excitement, lead vocalist Rob Paparozzi offered a commanding, if not slightly overwhelming, show. As he held on to final notes, Paparozzi would punch the air with his fist. And when he led the audience in a sing-a-long of "Hi Dee Ho," he swayed his hands back and forth as if he was conducting an orchestra.

Although the audience tended to drift away during the various covers, the opening notes of "When I Die" played on the harmonica elicited applause and enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.

The energy of the band reflected Bobbie Goodell's anticipation when she talked about seeing the band live for the first time.

"Am I excited? Most definitely."