Marin-based band Huey Lewis and the News came to international fame as a simple bar band with a love for R&B classics and a knack for writing hook-laden hits. Vocalist and harmonica player Huey Lewis toiled for years as a member of Clover, an outfit that made a small mark on rock history by backing Elvis Costello on his first album but otherwise remains a minor footnote to Lewis's career.

Armed with a straight-forward rock style, the singer's new group scored some modest radio airplay until MTV catapulted its albums Sports and Fore to multi-platinum sales. "Heart and Soul" reached No. 8, while "I Want a New Drug," "The Heart of Rock & Roll," and "If This Is It" all reached No. 6 on the Billboard charts. The group’s popularity was elevated even further thanks to soundtrack contributions to the Back to the Future film series (especially the hit "The Power of Love.")

Despite their rise to massive mainstream success during the '80s, Huey Lewis and the News have never recaptured the chart impact of those albums. However, their hard-working attitude towards live performance and a healthy touring schedule have ensured that Huey and company haven't lost a step. The band may not have released any new original material since 2001's comeback album Plan B, though they had some success with the Stax Records tribute collection Soulsville, which featured a number of more obscure covers drawn from the legendary soul label. Huey Lewis and the News should draw a big crowd  when they headline the Mountain Winery in Saratoga this Friday, a make-up concert for the band's Aug. 31 show that was postponed due to illness.

Huey Lewis and the News
Friday, Sept. 28, 7:30 p.m. $45-$99.50
Mountain Winery