We drove down to CT on Tuesday afternoon, as Mike had to work in the morning. On the way, the girls (who had left earlier that morning) called to say that Journey and Def Leppard were going to get a star on Mohegan Sun's Walk of Fame in the lobby area of the arena, by the box office. That event was scheduled to start at 4 PM, but we just were not going to make it in time. Leaving later in the day, we ran into a bit of traffic, so I told the girls to just take lots of good pictures so I could pretend I was there!

We got to our hotel, settled in, changed clothes and headed for the casino. Walked around a bit, and found Greg and Maureen and Leslie in the lobby of the casino hotel. Chatted for a bit with them and then we headed off to eat. Ended up eating at the Michael Jordan Sports Café- not bad, really. Food was good- I had salmon- and not exceptionally pricey, considering.

Headed down to the arena entrance after dinner, where we met the girls. I got to see the pictures they took at the thing earlier in the afternoon. They were right up front and got some good shots. Then I saw Chrissy and went over to say hello and chat for a bit. We discovered that she was sitting directly in front of me! How cool was that??? We got in line to go in to the arena and Mike was waiting near one of the shops right there (he did not go to the show), in case they didn't want to let me bring our new camera in. We had the old one, as well, and I figured that wouldn't be a problem. The girl at the door had me take it out of the case, and she was a bit hesitant about it. It does look like a really good camera, but I did some quick talking and they let me take it. Phew! I have never been able to get really good pictures with the old one, but after playing with this one at home for a couple days, I was pretty sure I could do better, so I really wanted the chance to try it out.

My seat was on the floor and the girls were in upper sections, so after we got in, I got a bottle of water and headed down to my seat. Oh, funny thing that happened at the door- when I gave my ticket to the guy to scan, he looked at it and said, "Inside the door, hard right, down the escalator. You got a great seat!" J I got to my seat and when Stoll Vaughan came out, I did some experimenting with the camera. Mike had set up two different settings for me to try, and I wanted to figure out which I was going to use. Stoll was okay- he's gotten better since June, but just not my thing. He did have Ross play an electric upright and Jonathan played harmonica and sang on a song that Stoll Vaughan said he and Jon had co-written. Then Phil Collen came out to join them and he played guitar and sang on another song. That was cool!

And then it was Journey time! Once again, right from the start, it was a great show and I truly enjoyed every minute of it. Nothing new and different from the previous shows, but the whole band seemed to be really into the music and very much enjoying themselves. Deen sang Who's Cryin' Now, Open Arms and Faithfully- and during Faithfully, he again held up pictures of the baby. How sweet! And the audience just eats that up!! Neal was on fire- just playing his heart out. Amazing guitar player! The Rock God, indeed. Ross- oh, what can I say about our Mr. Valory? He has so much fun up there, clowning around, making faces, squirting the audience- and never misses on his bass lines. Smooth and steady foundation for the rhythm section of the band. Deen was his usual powerhouse self. I know he has been having health issues lately, but he was dead on here and sang as beautifully as ever I've heard him. He has a really terrific tenor- he hits those high notes with no effort, or so it seems. And Jonathan- well, you know I was blown away, as always. Between the piano and keybaords, guitar and backing vocals, he was as fabulous as ever. Oh, and Ross gets the Ugly Shirt Award, again!

Ok, now on to Jeff Scott Soto. I think he is doing a fantastic job. I'm not going to get into comparisons- that poor horse died and has been beaten beyond recognition a long time ago. And taking nothing away from Steve Augeri, who I do think is a talented singer and I do miss him out there with the band, but I know there are problems and issues that need to be dealt with, and he's just not able to be out there on stage, night after night, right now. And that's just something everyone has to understand and allow for. Yes, it's not "the same" right now. For me, that is not necessarily a bad thing. Jeff has brought an energy and freshness to the Journey sound that, in my opinion, has been missing for a while now. Yes, the songs are a bit different from what everyone is used to hearing, if only because Jeff's voice is so different from the original (and later) concept of the songs. But it works very well and makes for a true rock show. He does have a bit harder and edgier a style, and, yes, he does push a bit more of the "sexy frontman" image than Steve A. did, but it's not over the top, by any means. And it's fun to watch. I also have to say, that after seeing him three times with Journey, the audience is having as much fun as he is. He does pull the people in and get them rocking, despite what some have said to the contrary. And I haven't seen any evidence, at my three shows, that the other guys are having any issues, either. They have all looked to me to be fully into the show and truly enjoying themselves start to finish. I really have nothing bad to say about Jeff- he's a true performer and I have no problem at all with him subbing in for Steve.

Def Leppard's set was pretty much what it has been all along. Enjoyable, fun, rocking music. I like the two level set and their light show is impressive. All in all, it is a different approach than Journey. Def Leppard are a bit harder and more driving- and louder!- than Journey, but I do think the two go together quite well. It was another really fun show. As always, I was on my feet for every minute of both sets. Thanks to both bands for one of the best summer tours yet!

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