Three Dog Night Ignites Rochester With a Powerful Performance of “Feelin’ Alright” in 1970
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — On August 1, 1970, Three Dog Night brought their rapidly rising brand of rock music to the Rochester Community War Memorial, delivering a concert that captured the energy and confidence of a band at the height of its early success. Among the evening’s standout moments was their performance of “Feelin’ Alright,” the celebrated song written by Dave Mason and first recorded by Traffic. The performance remains a fascinating snapshot of Three Dog Night during one of the most important periods of their career.
By the summer of 1970, Three Dog Night had already established themselves as one of America’s most successful rock acts. Known for their distinctive three lead vocalists and their ability to transform songs by outside writers into major hits, the group had built a reputation for delivering powerful live performances. Their Rochester appearance came during a busy touring schedule that helped cement their status as one of the defining bands of the era.
The Rochester Community War Memorial, a large arena that had become a major destination for touring artists, provided an ideal setting for the band’s expansive sound. Opened in 1955 and capable of hosting thousands of concertgoers, the venue was one of the region’s premier entertainment locations.
According to surviving setlist records, “Feelin’ Alright” was performed near the beginning of the show, following an opening rendition of “Woman.” The concert also featured songs such as “Mama Told Me Not to Come,” “Easy to Be Hard,” “Celebrate,” and “Eli’s Coming,” reflecting the remarkable range of material that defined the band’s live repertoire in 1970.
What makes the Rochester performance of “Feelin’ Alright” particularly memorable is the sense of freedom and momentum that surrounds it. The song’s driving rhythm and uplifting spirit perfectly matched Three Dog Night’s stage presence during this period. Feelings of excitement, joy, and youthful optimism seem to flow naturally through the performance, creating the impression of a band completely in command of its craft.
More than five decades later, the recording stands as an enduring reminder of a remarkable chapter in American rock history. It captures Three Dog Night before many of their biggest achievements were still to come, yet already performing with the confidence and musical chemistry that would make them one of the most successful groups of the 1970s. For music historians and longtime admirers of classic rock, this performance remains a valuable document of a band whose sound helped define an era.