N*Sync - Rosemont, IL

04/05/2002
N*Sync
Allstate Arena
Rosemont, IL

Yes, I went to N*Sync. A coworker of mine was totally in love with them and had an extra ticket, so I went. Pretty choreographed and cheesy, but it was okay.

Jim Peterik & World Stage - Palos Park, IL

01/26/2002
Jim Peterik and World Stage
Moraine Valley College
Palos Park, IL

Once again, an AWESOME show!!! Jim's special guests included Don Barnes (.38 Special), Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger), Kevin Chalfant (707, The Storm, Two Fires), Cathy Richardson, and Anthony Gomes.

Rick Springfield - Las Vegas, NV

12/01/2001
Rick Springfield
EFX Alive!
MGM Grand
Las Vegas, NV

Rick has been performing in Las Vegas since early this year. This was the first chance that we had to go and see him there...and we just HAD to make it out to Vegas to see Rick, and this show was positively KICK ASS! We had seats in the front row, and this was undoubtedly one of the best live performances that I have ever seen!

Rick Springfield - Decatur, IL

10/20/2001
Rick Springfield
Holiday Inn
Decatur, IL

Originally, we were supposed to have a "Rick" weekend, seeing 4 shows in 3 venues over 3 days: Decatur on 8/10, Navy Pier 2 shows on 8/11, and Merrillville on 8/12. Rick broke his arm 2 weeks before while performing at EFX in Vegas. The Decatur and Navy Pier shows were rescheduled for the last weekend in October, and Merrillville was canceled. The shows were rescheduled again for this weekend. Navy Pier was then canceled due to security concerns following the tragic events of September 11th.

We were lucky enough to run into Rick outside of the restaurant in the hotel. He was so sweet, as always! He signed a few autographs and posed for a few pictures until his handlers dragged him off into the elevator!

Quiet Riot - Ottawa, IL

10/11/2001
Quiet Riot
Silver Slipper Saloon
Ottawa, IL

Still not over the inner ear infection, I wanted to see the guys from QR play my old home town. This is a fantastic outdoor venue!

38 Special - Naperville, IL

09/03/2001
.38 Special
Last Fling Festival
Naperville, IL

I was terribly sick with an inner ear infection, but went to see this show anyway. It was awesome! Jim Peterik made an appearance during the encores (BONUS!)

Cheap Trick - Oak Lawn, IL

08/03/2001
Cheap Trick
Family Fun Days
Oak Lawn, IL

OK, I have always wanted to see Cheap Trick. The sound wasn't quite right, the band wasn't very energetic, and didn't play very many of the old "familiar" songs.

Bon Jovi - Tinley Park, IL

07/13/2001
Bon Jovi
World Music Theatre
Tinley Park, IL

Opening Band: Eve 6

I LOVE Bon Jovi. But, I HATE the World (now called the Tweeter Center). Back in November, the Allstate Arena Jovi show was the best that I had ever seen. WOW! What a difference a venue can make!!! I know that it wasn't the band's fault because they were trying their best...but how good can you sound in a metal monster of a venue with all of that sound echoing everywhere? Plus, you have to undergo a pat-down search just to get in, and beers are a super deal at $8 a pop. The security guards even wanted to check my cigarettes...PLEASE!!!! I will definitely see them again...provided they aren't playing the World! (I refuse to go to the World ever again, even though it is the closest major venue to home!!)

Dave Matthews Band - Chicago, IL

07/07/2001
Dave Matthews
Soldier Field
Chicago, IL

Chicago is notorious for its frigid winters, but summer can be just as oppressive with the humidity. It was frightfully hot for this show, but so was the band. Buddy Guy was the opening act again :) Three of the five songs on a bonus CD for fan club members were recorded in Chicago over the past 2 nights.

Set List:

The Dreaming Tree (Tease)
Grey Street
So Much To Say
Too Much
What You Are
Pig (Tease)
Mother Father
Satellite
Angel
Pig (Tease)
Sleep to Dream Her
Grace Is Gone
#41
So Right
Everyday
Recently
Digging a Ditch
Lie In Our Graves
The Space Between
Stay

Encore:
Ain't It Funny How Time Slips Away
Ants Marching

Dave Matthews Band - Chicago, IL

07/06/2001
Dave Matthews
Soldier Field
Chicago, IL

This show was kick ass! We were down on the field for this one. They played Two Step and Watchtower back to back!!! We were all whipped up!!! Luckily, Macy Gray cancelled and Buddy Guy was the opening act...BONUS!!!

Set List:

JTR
One Sweet World
When the World Ends
Granny
Crush
Big Eyed Fish
Bartender
So Right
If I Had It All
I Did It
Seek Up
Fool to Think
Angel
All Along The Watchtower
Two Step

Encore:
The Space Between
Pantala Naga Pampa
Rapunzel