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Sunday, August 7, 2005

August 6, 2005: Journey in the Sierras

Lake Tahoe, NV
Harvey's Casino Amphitheater


Ahhh... one of the most gorgeous places in the world. I LOVE Tahoe. I haven't been to South Shore in ages, but it never fails to put a smile on my face. Gorgeous scenery, gorgeous weather... it's all there. Take the best of Konocti and the best of Reno, wrap 'em together, and you've got Tahoe.

So I arrived in town about 4:00 yesterday, which meant no getting to the pre-show party until 5. Cabo Wabo is a cool little place. Food was good and WOW the Waboritas were yummy! Very smooth and it wasn't until I was about half way through my second one that the tequila kicked in. Knew I'd better stop or I'd be a bit "off" at the show (not a big drinker and don't like it when the effects kick in.) Another nice gathering of folks from the Nor Cal area (with a few of those So Cal migrators) and lots of talk sharing stories and pix from Vegas.

The amphitheater at Harvey's is a fairly new construct -- well, actually it's a temporary set up in a parking lot, but they've only been doing shows here for the last 2-3 years. A very nice venue, and I had pretty good seats in the 15th row of the center section. There were a few light sprinkles before the show started, but the scattered clouds never opened up and we stayed dry the whole night. The clouds DID make for a simply GORGEOUS sunset over the lake. How can you top that -- Journey and beautiful scenery. (Hey! DSB on the radio in the Internet cafe I'm using! Woo hoo!)

The first set kicked off right on time at 7 and as I looked around there were exactly FOUR people standing up during the first set -- Kim, Lula, Frank, and me. We caught each others eyes at different points and stayed on our feet. Alas, the guy behind Frank caused a scene, so he was forced to sit down a few songs in, but the three of us gals stayed up. Ross has taken to introducing "I'm Gonna Leave You" by explaining the two songs we've just heard aren't the new stuff but is the "new old stuff" Neal is introducing "Nickel & Dime" by commenting how Rush borrowed a riff, but he couldn't remember that it was Rush last night, so a handful of us yelled "Rush" at the stage when he said he couldn't remember who it was! I also loved it when he said something to the effect of "Hope you're all enjoying the set, and if you're not, you soon will!" Heck, I was having a great time. I'm finally at the point where I can use shorthand for the first set! Woo hoo! I'm really enjoying these old songs, they really needed to be dusted off and brought back out.

The first set was a bit different last night -- Deen didn't sing at all! They went straight from "Mystery Mountain" to "Feeling That Way"! I'm guessing Deen must have a sore throat or something since a couple of people told me they did hear "Patiently" during sound check. Since they cut out the two Deen songs, they added "Just the Same Way", so that was nice to hear.

Intermission hit about 7:45, and I spent much of it explaining the show to the guy sitting next to me. He told me he didn't recognized the opening music and thought it was an opening act! Then he said, "well I'm here for the hits" and I assured him he'd hear most of 'em in the second set along with the new stuff. Of course, later in the show when "Walks Like a Lady" began, he leaned over and asked me "Is this a new one?"... Siiiiiiiiiigggggghhhhh.....

The guys snuck back on stage about 8:05 -- they hadn't even turned off Generations from the PA when all of the sudden there was the band! Lots of mad dashes back to the seats as "Be Good to Yourself" began. The second set was mostly the same as Vegas, though "Higher Place" was missing for some reason. One of the highlights for me was "Gypsy Queen" -- Deen was just ON. I loved it. Towards the end Neal started waving a towel at Deen in appreciation.

Since Tahoe is a big vacation destination for folks in the Bay Area, "Lights" got a huge response and people were singing at the top of their lungs. "Open Arms" was entertaining as the guy behind me started singing at the top of his lungs -- off key, naturally. Ah well, that song has been cursed for me from the very first time I saw Journey perform, so I've gotten used to having some kind of alternate entertainment! My "here for the hits" neighbor also revealed a startling lack of rhythm during "Separate Ways" clapping so severely off-beat that I really had to stare at Deen to keep my clapping on-beat! Steve let the crowd take a lot of the vocals for "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" and fortunately everyone was singing along quite loudly!

Trying to find a place to sit and visit after the show was impossible. Harvey's and Harrah's were both packed with people, all the bars and restaurants were mobbed and had ridiculous waits (or ridiculous karaoke!) So most everyone went their separate ways and have now headed for home. There are still a handful of us in town today and I'm sure we'll spend the afternoon rehashing another great night out at a Journey show...

Now, just wait until October....

Set list:

People & Places intro
Kohoutek
Of a Lifetime (Jon)
I'm Gonna Leave You (Jon)
Nickel & Dime
Mystery Mountain (Jon)
Feeling That Way (Jon/Steve)
Anytime (Jon/Steve)
Just the Same Way (Jon/Steve)
Any Way You Want It

--Intermission--

DVD intro
Be Good to Yourself
Only the Young
Faith in the Heartland
Star Spangled Banner
Stone in Love
Wheel in the Sky
Voodoo Chile/Gypsy Queen (Neal)
Lights
Walks Like a Lady (Ross)
Every Generation (Jon)
Who's Crying Now
-- Jon solo --
Open Arms
Escape
Out of Harms Way
Faithfully
Don't Stop Believin'
Separate Ways

Encore:
Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'

Saturday, August 6, 2005

August 5, 2005: Front Row Vegas!

Las Vegas, NV
Aladdin Casino
 

Finally some free time and access to a computer that can access the 'net. (Horrible how addicted we are to these things!) Well, two show in two days = two posts. First, Friday night in Vegas....

I arrived in Vegas Thursday afternoon, and, as I generally loathe Vegas, I took my time settling in to my room at the Stratosphere. After a while, I decided I'd better go find something to eat, so I headed back down to the lobby. When I stepped off the elevator, above all the din of the casino and the piped in music I could have sworn I heard Journey playing.Well, obviously I was just in Journey-on-the-brain mode since there would be no reason to be hearing Journey at the Stratosphere. I rounded the corner and stopped dead in my tracks -- one of the bars was playing the 2001 DVD! I wasn't crazy! I DID hear Journey!

After lunch, I decided to check out the public transportation options to get to the Aladdin, so I worked my way out and down the strip. By the time I got to the Aladdin, I was dying of thirst and tired of walking. I got a water and found a place to sit outside the performing arts center before exploring around to find out where the 5-star party would be the next day. Wound up running in to Jim and chatted with him for a bit. I had a hard time leaving the Aladdin because I kept running into folks -- including a brief hello to Neal in the casino. 

Friday started off quietly and Lula and I kicked back in our room most of the day before heading off to meet folks at the buffet. Wow, great food and good crowd! Lots of visiting and eating before I headed off to the 5-star pre-party. When I was handed my envelope with my ticket in it, I about fell over -- FRONT ROW SEAT! Yes! This was the key reason I shelled out the extra money for the package, and boy did it pay off!

I got into the show and walked all the way down front and just couldn't stop smiling. By the time the show was over my face hurt! As at the other shows this week, there was an intro explaining the whole concept which has been recorded by Ross. Then the boys took the stage. Since most of the folks in the pit were 5-star, we were all on our feet the second the first note was played (if not before) We never sat down again. I've gotta say, being front row, dead center in front of Steve was just an incredible experience. Got lots of "one on one" interaction from the guys -- though I think the wave from Ross during "Of a Lifetime" was the biggest thrill.

Now, of course there IS a drawback to being in the front row -- can't really hear the vocals. Ah well.... the music sounded great, and I know all the words anyway! It was the same set list they've been playing, so no surprises. I did get a kick during "Faith in the Heartland" when Neal turned towards the side of the stage and started playing for Aja -- very cute! Not being able to hear the vocals, actually allowed me to notice a few different things -- Ross's playing on "Wheel in the Sky" was just outstanding! I kind of take him for granted, and was just pleasantly surprised at being able to really HEAR him for a change.

The guys were having loads of fun on stage as well. Steve would goof around with Ross's mic stand and he actually hit the squirty baby at the crowd! Deen was flirting with half the girls in the front, and generally being goofy behind the kit. When they hit "Don't Stop Believin'" Steve did something I hadn't seen before... he walked to the top of the risers behind Deen's drums, and started the song from there. Finally, when they came out for the encore, they started goofing on something, and at first I thought they were playing "Happy Birthday". I tried to think who's birthday it might be when the song morphed and I realized they were playing "It's a Small World"! Different kind of intro into "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'"! LOL!

After the show a bunch of folks gathered at one of the bars for the usual post-concert party. It was really nice seeing so many familiar faces and getting to hang out, especially with the Brits -- you guys rock!

It was a late night and back to the hotel for a quick sleep and then mad morning of packing, ticket buying, and traveling. Ahh... Tahoe... what a lovely destination. (more to come....)

Set List:

People & Places intro
Kohoutek
Of a Lifetime (Jon)
I'm Gonna Leave You (Jon)
Nickel & Dime
Mystery Mountain (Jon)
Patiently (Deen)
Where Were You (Deen)
Feeling That Way (Jon/Steve)
Anytime (Jon/Steve)
Any Way You Want It

--Intermission--

DVD intro
Be Good to Yourself
Only the Young
Faith in the Heartland
Star Spangled Banner
Stone in Love
Higher Place
Wheel in the Sky
Voodoo Chile/Gypsy Queen (Neal)
Lights
Walks Like a Lady
Every Generation (Jon)
Who's Crying Now
-- Jon solo --
Open Arms
Escape
Out of Harms Way
Faithfully
Don't Stop Believin'
Separate Ways

Encore:
Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'

Seriously, there were WAY too many fantastic photos to choose from, so I just picked some favorites for this post.

Tuesday, August 2, 2005

August 2, 2005: Rocky Mountain Rockin'

Denver, CO
Universal Lending Pavilion

Hello from the Rocky Mountains!

Just back from tonight's show and, wow... better than Sunday indeed. My day started off playing tourist in Denver with my girlfriend from high school who has recently moved to the area. When we got through our museum run, it was over to Brooklyn's to meet up with the Back Talkers due to arrive. The planned time was 3:00, but I didn't expect to get there until close to 4. As we were nearing the restaurant, I look up and merging into traffic right in front of us -- a big silver tour bus! The only person I could see through the window though was Aaron... waving hi. When we got to the restaurant, we discovered we were the first ones there! zoinks! Since we didn't know how many people were coming and the ONLY person I knew on sight was Frank, we grabbed a couple of seats at the bar and waited on the rest of the gang. Dave and his wife [I'm sorry, I forgot her name], and Cubby arrived shortly afterwards and were soon followed by Wavid [a pleasure] and Sherri and her sister [thanks for taking my extra tix off my hands!] I got a little worried when Frank didn't arrive right away, but he eventually made it and we all had a nice visit before the show. 

We all headed over to the venue about six and wound up waiting in line for half an hour to get in... siiiiggggh... Much to my surprise, there were volunteers handing out Generations -- I guess the Mullen HS people had their own volunteers. After the cursory check of the bike (and entering the raffle of course) Ana and I just headed to our seats to kick back until the show started.I was kind of bummed when I got to Journeyville as the video wasn't running. But, woo hoo, they actually played it on the big screens the guys are using on stage. I had great fun narrating all the JPP stuff that's in there and pointing out many familiar faces. [Excellent job Emerson!] While we were watching the video, I saw Deen standing off to the side of the stage. He disappeared for a few seconds then came back with two sets of drumsticks that he handed to a couple of young kids sitting near the stage. The looks on their faces was priceless. Way to go Deen!

The scheduled start time was 7:30, but that meant the folks running the fundraiser came out to say a few words... including that it was the largest concert ever performed at the Universal Landing Pavilion.

(Yeah guys!) The show finally kicked off at 8:00 and, much to my surprise, the crowd stayed on its feet through the whole of "Kohoutek"!! Wow! That's the first time I saw that! Alas, they sat back down for "Of a Lifetime" and generally stayed that way until Jon encouraged folks to get up during "Patiently."

The band's video screens were having problems throughout the first set, but the venue screens were working great. The camera guys got some AMAZING shots of Deen singing...I was quite impressed. They did have some interesting viewpoints throughout the show, often showing other band members during a solo by Neal!

The first set was over in about 50 minutes, which really surprised me -- it's usually closer to an hour. Beats the heck outta me where the 10 minutes went.
 
I think I gotta learn "Nickel & Dime" and "Mystery Mountain" better...

The second set kicked off about 9:15 and went through the general set list they've been playing the last few weeks. Thankfully, they put "Out of Harms Way" back in the set, now if only we can get "The Place in Your Heart" back and I'll be a happy camper!

The crowd was excellent tonight -- extremely LOUD! The volume during the "Star Spangled Banner" was amazing, and towards the end of the show they were roaring over the band at a few points! I'm still having pangs of "oh my god, I'm getting old" when the Frontiers & Beyond footage is played during "Every Generation"... how has time flown by that quickly??! After that song ended, I noticed that Jon has a new roadie with him ... his daughter Madison brought out his stool for "Who's Crying Now" and pulled it back out later. I kept seeing her head pop up over the riser during the last half of the second set.

There are always a few fun moments watching the band perform for me. Tonight, it was seeing the smile on Jon's face as the crowd roared over the opening notes of "Don't Stop Believin'"... that's just got to feel really cool. I'm still not used to seeing Steve with a guitar, but it's getting more familiar. But watching him playing during the first set and then again on "Every Generation" had me flashing back in time to 1998 and the first time I saw Journey play -- wow, how far we've come! We got a surprise at the encore when Steve came out and said "We have a special request tonight" and they kicked in to "Ask the Lonely" (so much for my knowing the last 3 songs of the night!)

On the way home I asked Ana what she thought about the show and she told me she really enjoyed the first set! Ana is a very casual Journey fan (she uses concerts to bribe me to visit her!) and that she enjoyed some totally obscure music was just great to hear. (Okay, I did send her a tutorial CD after the first show so she'd have some clue what she'd be hearing.) Her comment to me was "they seemed to really enjoy playing songs that were more for themselves than the fans." I'm so proud!

My dear friend Ana Gloria and me before the show


And on to the set list:

People & Places intro
Kohoutek
Of a Liftime (Jon)
I'm Gonna Leave You (Jon)
Nickel & Dime
Mystery Mountain (Jon)
Patiently (Deen)
Where Were You (Deen)
Feeling That Way (Jon/Steve)
Anytime (Jon/Steve)
Any Way You Want It

-- Intermission --

DVD intro
Be Good to Yourself
Only the Young
Faith in the Heartland
Star Spangled Banner
Stone in Love
Higher Place
Wheel in the Sky
Voodoo Chile/Gypsy Queen (Neal)
Lights
Walks Like a Lady (Ross)
Every Generation (Jon)
Who's Crying Now
-- Jon solo --
Open Arms
Escape
Out of Harms Way
Faithfully
Don't Stop Believin'
Separate Ways

Encore:
Ask the Lonely
Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'

Monday, August 1, 2005

July 31, 2005: Good Wine, Good Friends, and Good Tunes

Saratoga, CA
Mountain Winery

Welcome home guys! I realized tonight that this show was the first regular tour stop the guys have played in the Bay Area since the Arrival Tour. Yeah, there have been other shows in the SF area -- 2003 at the Warfield, this year in Oakland -- but they've not come through in the course of the regular tour. So, wow, go to a Journey show, go home and sleep in my own bed! What a concept!

But before I get to the show, I must praise Frank for the coordination of a wonderful picnic at Wildwood Park in Saratoga... what a gorgeous day and just fantastic gathering of fans from all over the dang place! I brought my sister-in-law with me (ya know, the one who screwed up my ability to see the first show of the tour last year by inconveniently marrying my brother during tour season!) and I think she's fairly well convinced that (a) I'm not the only crazy person who travels to see Journey [thanks to the UK crew for proving that!] and (b) the fans are a bunch of reasonably normal people out for a good time! Now maybe the rest of my family won't look at me strangely... To everyone who was at the picnic -- thanks for all your contributions. The food was fabulous and I sure hope Frank can do something with all the leftovers before he heads to Denver. (Alas, the leftover macaroni salad must go in the garbage since it's not gonna keep for the week I'm outta town!)

We headed up to the show about 5:30, only getting slightly lost -- hard to see the turn with the sun right in your eyes! I finally got to see the full video at Journeyville -- LOTS of familiar faces in that fan footage! Heck, I think I've got half the pictures on my computer! About 6:45 the bell rang to alert folks that the concert was soon to begin, so Stacy and I headed to our seats. We were further back than I would have liked, but the Mountain Winery is such an intimate venue (about 1,200 seats) that it wasn't awful.

Just before the band took the stage a voice came over the PA explaining the 30 years concept. I'm pretty sure it was Ross doing his "announcer" voice. Put a smile on my face right off the bat. It was the standard two part show with the older, obscure songs in the first set. I was on my feet when the show started, but other than a few other die-hard fans near me, that was it. Naturally, the ushers came and made us sit down. Siiiiiiggghhhh....

Okay, it's a winery crowd, I get that. They're usually more mellow, definitely more financially well-off (particularly in Saratoga!), but please, people... It's a rock concert... get off your butts! When the guys got to "Where Were You" I couldn't take it any more and was up on my feet and dancing. Fortunately, a chunk of the rest of the crowd recognized the song and were up and moving. I wound up having to sit again for "Feeling That Way"/"Anytime", but, thankfully, the second set was approaching and sitting was NOT going to be an option.

I really like the Mountain Winery (despite the lackluster crowds it often attracts) as it is a beautiful setting for a show. Before heading down into the concert bowl, you can look out from the hillside and see all of the South Bay -- it was simply gorgeous tonight. At intermission I was watching the last of the sunset reflect on the bay and the East Bay hills, and thought "Dang, where's "Lights" when you need it!" The concert bowl itself is beautiful under trees with a very small, low stage backed by the old wine warehouse covered with ivy. Because of the staging, we didn't have any video tonight, but we really didn't need it -- the setting was beautiful all on it's own.

Back in for the second set, and the "dirty dozen" and "some new stuff." Well, sorta. I couldn't believe it -- we only got TWO songs from Generations tonight. "Every Generation" and "Faith in the Heartland." Okay, I'm REALLY bummed about that and even MORE grateful that I got to the Irvine show. The crowd was kind of yo-yo-ing during the second set, but at least more people stayed on their feet so I wasn't forced to sit down. But what I really wanted to do was be down in the front row with Kelly who was just cheering the guys on and trying to get the crowd into it from her excellent seat. I don't think Neal minded too much that she kept getting in his spotlight!

Stacy was fascinated by Neal all night long, which I thought was just great. It's always fun seeing someone with a new perspective on things. Her comment -- "Neal is very dramatic" -- during the "Star Spangled Banner" kind of summed it all up.

Of course, the best part of any hometown show is when the guys launch in to "Lights." Okay, yes, it's one of the "dirty dozen" but they'd be strung up if they didn't play that one in the Bay Area. The crowd was singing so loud that at points they were drowning out the band. YEAH! As Dorothy said, "there's no place like home." Towards the end of the show Steve had an interesting new intro to "Faithfully" that caught my attention, but I'll have to hear again to describe.

The show ended shortly after 10, and we all said our goodbyes -- though it seems like everyone there tonight was either going to be in Vegas or Tahoe, if not both! So, guess we WILL meet again. I'm off to Denver tomorrow, so stay tuned for more from the road....

Set List:

People & Places intro [I still want to hear the WHOLE song!]
Kohoutek
Of a Lifetime [Jon]
I'm Gonna Leave You [Jon]
Nickel & Dime
Mystery Mountain [Jon]
Patiently [Deen]
Where Were You [Deen]
Feeling That Way [Jon/Steve]
Anytime [Jon/Steve]
Any Way You Want It

-- Intermission --

DVD intro
Be Good to Yourself
Only the Young
Faith in the Heartland
Star Spangled Banner
Stone in Love
Higher Place
Wheel in the Sky
Voodoo Chile/Gypsy Queen [Neal]
Lights
Walks Like a Lady [Ross]
Every Generation [Jon]
Who's Crying Now
-- Jon solo --
Open Arms
Escape
Faithfully
Don't Stop Believin'
Separate Ways

Encore:
Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'