August 29, 2003: Deen Sings!

Kelseyville, CA
Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa

No sense wasting time on this highlight of highlights. Last night's show at Konocti Harbor was unbelievable and included Deen taking over on vocals for two songs in the set -- "After the Fall" and "Mother, Father." I have had the good fortune of hearing Deen sing once before during a sound check and had been amazed, so when I'd heard Thursday night Deen was going to sing, I was bubbling with excitement. Six songs into the set, Steve steps up to the mic and said something to the effect of "Five years ago I had the opportunity to join this band along with Deen Castronovo. Tonight we're going to let Deen take a turn on lead vocals." What I heard when Deen opened his mouth for "After the Fall" had my eyes popping out of my head and jaw hitting the floor. If you think Steve sounds like Perry, you haven't heard Deen! I was amazed. He did an absolutely phenomenal job.

A little while later Deen was given a chance to sing lead again, this time on "Mother, Father." Unfortunately his mic cut out for most of the first verse (grrr!) but again I was in awe. "Mother, Father" has always been my favorite Journey song, and when the band performed it at the Warfield last April I was a complete emotional wreck. I managed to not burst out in hysterics this time (though I couldn't prevent a few tears), however my knees literally started shaking and I had to hold on to the seat in front of me to keep myself standing. I love that song so much and Deen did such an amazing job!

The rest of the show was filled with a little bit of everything from the history of this band. Taking the stage at 7:45, they played on until 10:15 -- with only a very short break before the encore. We were treated to three songs from Arrival ("To Be Alive Again", "Higher Place", and "We Will Meet Again") as well as "State of Grace" from Red 13. And we once again had a "Santana set" as part of the encore. This was the kind of Journey show we were all hoping for when the "evening with" dates were announced. [25 songs, not including solos!]

Then you add in the venue. This is the third time the band has played at Konocti Harbor, and it never ceases to amaze me what a spectacular place it is to see a show. A funky little resort run by the plumbers and pipefitters union local 38, seated on the shores of Clear Lake 2.5 hours north of San Francisco. The venue is only 5,000 seats and while there are some funky seating arrangements, it's a beautiful backdrop of the lake and surrounding mountains. Warm summer nights and amazing music. (Not to mention the "hey look there's [your favorite band member here]" aspect since everyone is THERE and there is exactly one restaurant and one bar!) It's a fun, relaxing, family atmosphere. I loathe the drive up to Konocti, but I LOVE the shows I've seen up there.

What a great way to kick off the last leg of the summer touring and the handful of "evening with" shows.

Set List:

Red 13 intro
Separate Ways
Stone In Love
Wheel in the Sky
Star Spangled Banner (Neal solo)
To Be Alive Again
After the Fall -- Deen vocal
Lights
-- Jonathan's solo --
Open Arms
Mother, Father -- Deen vocal
Precious Time
Higher Place
Feeling That Way
Anytime
Chain Reaction
Ask the Lonely
State of Grace
Don't Stop Believin'
Escape
Be Good to Yourself
Any Way You Want It
We Will Meet Again
Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'

Encore:
Santana set
conga/timabales solos with Michael Carabello (congas) & a new timbales player named Gibby something

Black Magic Woman -- Neal vocal
La Raza Del Sol
Everybody's Everything -- Jonathan vocal
Faithfully