Kings X - This awesome trio really rock! Ty Tabor's guitarwork was very tasteful, and great harmony vocals. The drummer (sorry, I don't know his name) was excellent. He had the groove thing down, while looking like Animal from the puppets behind the kit. These guys have great songs! My only criticism would be that the vocals were not loud enough in the mix, and the guitar was not very clear. This often happens with opening acts. The soundmen or women, are trying to adjust the sound for a crowded venue, and the crowds ears are adjusting to the extreme volume. Changing of the guard was very organized and efficent. A big thank you to the road crew (of all the bands) for their hard work and dedication to not only the bands, but the fans as well. I just wanted to let them know it does not go unnoticed.

Dream Theater - Ok, where do I begin? The mix is a lot better, though throughout the show, James LaBrie continually made signs to the crew to turn up the vocals perhaps in his monitors. Anyhow, these gentlemen are true progressive rockers in the tradition of Rush, and Yes with a little nod towards METAL Dude! James LaBrie's voice is phenomenol, and John Petrucci's guitar was fluid and flawless. Unlike many fans of guitar, I love vocals, and I think that James really adds a lot to Dream Theater. Mike Portnoy is by far one of the best drummers of this time. And, let's face it, John Myung is, well....Not of this world! Jordan Rudess has proven to be a perfect match for the group as keyboardist. Overall their playing and performance was accurate and flawless. This does at times create a lack of rawness, and emotion. They definitely had the best stage and light performance. My only criticism here, is that I think the group as a whole should incorporate James a little more. He has such a beautiful voice and I think his vocal melodies could be a little stronger, and can also be added as a backround during instrumental parts of the songs. Back to the road crew, again thank you for the quick change.

Joe Satriani - With simple lighting, all the focus was on the band and Joe. And of course he delivered. Joe's playing was accurate, and full of emotion. Joe is definitely a master of controlled feedback, and makes use of it often. Flying In A Blue Dream was of course the opener, and set the tone for what was to come. Crushing Day, Cool #9, and Always With Me.. were played with renewed emotion and feeling. Satch Boogie, although a staple of Joe's past, was definitely a crowd pleasure. Joe shined in Mindstorm. Midnight was a pleasant surpise to guitarist, however did not compare overall to Starry Night. Devil's Slide was dead on and I think actually sounded better with a live band than on the album. Greg B. (bassist) really connected it all together, and proved to be comfortable in Stu's shoes. The rhythm guitarist was also right on, adding just the right amount of backdrop to make Satch sound awesome. Jeff (Drummer) was solid and his timing was awesome. This is truely a band effort. One and only criticism, I would have liked to see the band interact more with eachother. Other than that, an excellent show.

The Crowd - I really enjoyed the crowd at this show. They were a little mellow, and remained seated for most of all the performances. This was nice, in that it really allow you to take in the show, and really listen to the artists. The crowd cheered their approval and showed respect to the level of artistry on the stage. This crowd really listened to the performers.

Note: I just found out that one of Satches guitars was stolen from the venue. This really makes me sick. Not only for Joe, but for all of us fans as well. Part of the joy of seeing your favorite artists perform live it to see them master the instrument that they gave life to. This is a slap in the face to all of us guitar players who work day jobs, (or night jobs) to make ends meet and try to save up to get nice equipment. I have a Ibanez Prestige RG3120TW that took me 4 months to save up the money for working overtime. Part of owning an instrument having it mean something to you is the time and effort you put into it, as well as, the struggle and dedication you dished out to get it in the first place. This give the instrument spirit and emotion. Stealing something takes all the life and spirit out of the instrument. To whoever did this, please return Pearl to Joe, and let her spirit entertain and live once more.

Well, i have to say (considering this being my first show with these bands)... THAT WAS THE BEST NIGHT OF MY LIFE!!! The entire show was just unbelievable... If only it could've gone on longer. It was in a great order (I believe); King's X came out and i thought they were pretty good, then when Dream Theater came out i was amazed! I have to admit; Petrucci is awesome- not that the rest weren't- but hey i'm a guitarist. But when Joe came out... Words just cannot describe my feeling of excitement!!!!! I wish that Joe would've played Secret Prayer and i was also kinda hoping that Petrucci would play something with Satch because of the whole G3 thing they did together. Other than that, the only thing that would've made the night better is gettin backstage! I tried sooo hard but the SECURITY was doing what they do best. But i can't help wanting to meet my idol, can i? I was definately excited to see Chromeboy live in action right in front of me!!! The night blew me away. I can only dream that someday I'll be a female version right up there on stage someday. ;) One thing's for SURE though........

If i got amnesia, that'd be the one and ONLY thing i'd remember!