We got to the casino mid-morning-ish. I’ve never been there, so we just walked around for a while. It’s really beautiful! We figured out where the arena was, got some lunch, did a very little bit of gambling, and were about to head back to the hotel to change when we saw Deen and Jim! Went over, told Deen how great the show on Tuesday was. He said he had run into quite a few people who were doing both shows, so I told him that I had been there on Thursday and was going to go to Sunday’s, also. He just said, “Wow!” LOL So then Deen and Mike got into a conversation about jazz, Steve Smith, and of all things, KISS! I introduced myself to Jim and he said he knew it was me by my hair! LOL We chatted for a few minutes, I got a picture with Deen and we let them go on their way.
Went back to the hotel, changed, back to the casino for dinner, and on to the show. Our seats were in the first section above the floor, Jon’s side, about halfway up the section. Not too bad, really. I went down to the floor to chat with Chrissy and Co. for a bit. Got back to my seat and Jane came up, but the lights went down so we didn’t chat long. Opener was Mr. North, a band from Ireland. OK, but not great. Went on a little too long for the music they played. At one point, their bass player slipped and fell flat on his butt!
Journey
finally came on, and what a concert we got! When they got to the 4th song and it
was Higher Place, I literally screamed out: “We got the full set!” LOL
Turned out it was not quite the same as the early ones- no Kiss Me Softly
(darn!) and they did Dead or Alive. Seems they’ve dropped The Party’s Over
and are just ending with LTS. Deen sang as well as I’ve heard him, even tho he
sounded a little hoarse when we talked to him. Ross played solidly, as usual,
and I just love his singing voice more each time I hear him. Neal- unbelievable!
He is one hell of a guitar player. And he was just grinning that great Neal grin
all night long! Steve was incredible. In great voice and he is just so talented!
He really connects with the audience. Even those who didn’t stand for most of
the concert reacted with nothing but enthusiasm when he came over. Jonathan-
well, I was right above him, so I loved every minute! Long piano solo- more like
Thursday in NH. It is sooooo nice to hear all the guys get a chance to sing,
because they all have such great voices!The crowd was fair. The floor was up on their feet for the most part, that I could see. The sides were a different story- in my section, from my seat down, I was the only one who was on their feet the whole time. There were a few others who were up and down, but most sat for the majority of the concert. I think I po’d the guy behind me since I didn’t sit, but he’ll get over it! But I wasn’t about to sit down- not at a Journey concert! And it got noticed- I got several direct looks, smiles and waves from Jon! Me, happy??? Why would anyone think that??? LOL
The sound was a bit better Wednesday. Still some noticeable distortion on the guitar and vocals, and I heard a bit of feedback now and then, but overall, better.
Fashion update: Neal- jeans and black short sleeve shirt. Ross- very subdued again! All in black! Where are the cool shirts??? Deen- black t-shirt with some sort of striping along one side and those “skater boy” pants he so loves! Jon- the multi-color stripe flares and orange short sleeve shirt. Steve- black and white again, but solid white shirt. Everyone looked really good!
Lots of pictures- Mike took 90 or so at this show! In the process of editing and then we will get the best of 'em up on the website.
Overall, another great concert! Another great nite! Greg and Maureen- sooooooo very nice to meet you in person! See you in Scranton! Ditto for Jim!!! Chrissy and Jane- always good to see you two! Jane- Scranton, here we come!!!!!!