Concert Review: Toto, Christopher Cross, and Men At Work Deliver a Yacht Rock Dream Night in Noblesville 8/6/25

It was with great pleasure and a deep sense of nostalgia that I had the opportunity to cover a concert featuring three iconic bands that helped define the soundtrack of my youth. On August 6th, 2025, the Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana, played host to a night of smooth grooves, pristine musicianship, and time-traveling melodies as Men At Work, Christopher Cross, and Toto lit up the stage under the banner of Yacht Rock’s ongoing revival.

Men At Work Set the Tone

The evening kicked off with Men At Work, led by the ever-charismatic Colin Hay, whose voice still carries that rich, enigmatic quality fans remember so well. From the moment they launched into the anti-war anthem It's a Mistake, the crowd was hooked. Hay’s quirky stage presence and heartfelt delivery had the audience in the palm of his hand. Classics like Down Under and Be Good Johnny sparked a wave of recognition, bringing a collective sense of joy to the thousands gathered. For me, it was a vivid flashback to long afternoons spent tuning in to FM radio or watching early MTV, captivated by the quirky music videos and unforgettable melodies.

Christopher Cross Brings the Breeze

Next up was the velvet-voiced Christopher Cross, who brought a calming elegance to the stage. With his signature smooth vocals and relaxed demeanor, Cross transported the crowd into a mellow, sun-soaked world. He performed Sailing with such grace that it felt like we were drifting on water, and his rendition of Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do) was met with soft sing-alongs and smiles throughout the amphitheater. The highlight of his set, for both me and my wife, was Ride Like the Wind—a song that seemed to soar across the warm Indiana air, propelled by Cross’s timeless voice and tight backing band.

Toto Steals the Night

Then came the main event—Toto. As the lights dimmed and the first notes of Rosanna rang out, the crowd erupted into cheers. Frontman Joseph Williams' vocals were strong and soaring, while Steve Lukather’s guitar work was nothing short of masterful. Toto worked through a setlist packed with hits, including 99 and the crowd-rousing Hold the Line. Each song was met with enthusiastic applause and standing ovations, but the night reached its true crescendo with the final song.

In a moment that felt like pure musical magic, members of all three bands—Colin Hay, Christopher Cross, and the core of Toto—joined forces for an unforgettable performance of Africa. Hearing these legends harmonize on one of the most beloved songs of the 1980s was a spine-tingling experience. It wasn’t just a concert—it was a celebration of an era, a shared history, and the enduring power of great songwriting.

Lukather's Virtuosity

Special mention must be made of Steve Lukather, whose guitar playing throughout the night was dynamic, precise, and bursting with soul. Whether ripping through a solo or adding subtle color to a ballad, his performance reminded us all why he's regarded as one of rock’s great guitarists. His passion and joy were evident, elevating the entire set to something truly memorable.

A Night to Remember

This concert was more than a showcase of hits—it was a heartfelt reminder of how deeply music connects us to time, place, and memory. Yacht rock might have once been an underappreciated genre, but judging by the packed house and enthusiastic crowd at Ruoff, its smooth sounds are enjoying a richly deserved resurgence. For longtime fans like myself, it was a night of reliving cherished moments—and creating new ones to treasure.