I've seen reference to a few people going to this show in other threads, but I thought I'd get something started specifically for the show.
It's gen. admission, so I figured I'd get there insanely early (woo hoo for paid work holiday). It's always kinda boring to wait around at GA shows, but it's well worth during the show, of course.
Anyone else going early?
My buddy and his "old lady" are coming out from Detroit
for the holiday with our family. We will be heading out a little
early depending on what time the kids go to sleep.....But will be there none the less.
We live in the burbs, and it will take probably 45 minutes or so to get down there. Maybe we ( folks going to the Riv ) that night should try and arrange to meet up at a bar around the area?
I haven't lived here that long yet, so I'm still pretty unfamiliar with the srroundings out there, so any suggestions are more than welcome if anyone is interested?
I'll be there early. I'm bringing my older brother who knows nothing about MMJ and doesn't seem to care about going. I made him watch the DVD. When it was over he just said, "I couldn't understand a single word that guy just said." I think I might disown him.
P.S. I wish Wax Fang was playing this leg of the tour.
Okay I'm getting SUPER excited now!
I'm bringin my lil bro (well, he's 21) who doesn't know ANYTHING about MMJ... I'm really hoping they'll work their magic on him!
And I LOVE the riv, but if you want good seats either get there extremely early or hit up the balcony, otherwise you aren't going to see anything.
yeah - that's kind of what i'm wanting to know...what's extremely early?? I always stress out timing these things out. I NEED an amazing spot!!
Quoteyeah - that's kind of what i'm wanting to know...what's extremely early?? I always stress out timing these things out. I NEED an amazing spot!!
Well, I'd show up an hour before doors open. If there's not a line just mosey around and come on back. I'm betting there will be though :) Do you know how to get there okay and everything?
This'll be my 5th MMJ this year so I'll let someone else have the front ;)
sidenote- I saw Ben Folds Five back at the riv years and years ago... we were camped out in line at 4pm and as we were sitting there the whole band stepped out of a taxi and just started signing stuff... and hanging outside the riv after a show ya got a good chance at meeting the band!
Yeah I was thinking at least an hour before, if not 2. The last time I saw them was in my (and theirs) hometown of Louisville, and I didn't have the best seats. So I need to make up for it.
As far as getting there, I have Mapquest. Hopefully that will suffice. Like Jernigan, I haven't lived here too long either. Maybe I'll do a practice run this weekend.
I've also seen bands come out before shows as well. For this show, I plan on staying after to try to meet the band - and I've never NOT met a band yet by staying after.
Howdy ..new to this fine board!
i will be seeing mmj for the first time in Chicago
friend gave me at dawn 2 years ago and i played it for 6 months
my new favorite band for a year now Wow is all i can say
cheers all
I got that day off for the first time in 16 years. I couldn't even take a frickin vacation day. So I plan on getting down there a few hours before the show and get a little dinner and some pops in me before the rockin begins. I've been stoked about this show for a long time. I can't wait to see a full set list again, I just couldn't get enough of them at the pearl jam shows. See ya'll there.
leafygreens, mmjbird, et. al.
OK so the venue we all need for pre-game is right across the street. Accross the coner to the north east is a newer locale called the Uptown Lounge. Very cool, hip joint and perfect as you can watch the progress of the line from the bar.
The Riv is set up in such a way that if you are serious, no matter what time you arrive you can get front row joe. Given my years of conecrt going at the Riv my 2 cents on the best place to view, is left side about half way between back bar and front row. Best sight lines, easy access to bar and easy access to bathroom.
Who is in?????
-AQM-
i cannot wait!
Quoteleafygreens, mmjbird, et. al.
OK so the venue we all need for pre-game is right across the street. Accross the coner to the north east is a newer locale called the Uptown Lounge. Very cool, hip joint and perfect as you can watch the progress of the line from the bar.
The Riv is set up in such a way that if you are serious, no matter what time you arrive you can get front row joe. Given my years of conecrt going at the Riv my 2 cents on the best place to view, is left side about half way between back bar and front row. Best sight lines, easy access to bar and easy access to bathroom.
Who is in?????
-AQM-
agreed, i saw phil and phriends there a while back...sold out and oversold i think....we had 6 of us hit hte floor with little to no problems.
I think we even preshowed at the bar you speak of... it was cool place to hang out
cannot wait for this show. Pumped!
Uptown Lounge....sounds interesting enough. They serve food at all?
Can anyone reccomend some good parking info???
Cheers,
-MJ
I can't wait.... I can't wait....
this is going to be SO SWEEET!!!! :D :D :D :D
Uptown is really chill... I think I'm taking the train in for max pre-game potential...
I can't wait to see them headline, I just saw them open a few times for PJ & at Lolla this year... it's comin up!!
Right on MMJ Lovers! The Uptown sounds like the perfect pre-show hangout. The Green Mill, Capone's old hang out, is also close by. Here's a little info about both places -
The Uptown Lounge
1136 W. Lawrence Ave.
773-878-1136
If you were ever at a loss for where to hang out in the seedy area of Uptown before catching a concert at nearby Riviera or Aragon, you've finally got a place. First-time bar owners have completely renovated the Saxony, which took the term "dive bar" to new lows. In its place is a loungy room that's framed with tall-backed couches and a long wooden bar. But the best parts of the Saxony remain: cheap drinks and a 4 a.m. license.
Hours: 4 p.m.-4 a.m. Sunday through Friday; 4 p.m.-5 a.m. Saturday
Green Mill Jazz Club
4802 N. Broadway Ave.
Chicago, IL 60640
773.878.5552
Jazz, dixieland, traditional, bebop, contemporary, progressive - played by such legendary figures as Von Freeman, Franz Jackson and Wilbur Campbell, as well as young lions Kurt Elling, Eric Alexander and Orbert Davis. All capture the broad spectrum of jazz from its root rhythms in New Orleans to New York avant-garde. Deep smokey jazz sounds fill the club in the early morning hours when soulful musicians continue to express their love of jazz by jamming 'til the early dawn.
The Green Mill is sophisticated informality, warm glowing atmosphere steeped in the heady sounds of the early '30s and '40s; it was actually patterned after Clark Monroe's Uptown House in Harlem (as it was during the '40s). Uniquely comfortable to all audiences from the sequined Saturday night date to the progressively dressed offbeat student, the magic of the Mill is that the audience commingles in its mutual respect for the music.
And, in the far corner, in all her alabaster glory, stands Ceres, Goddess of Harvest, rechristened Stella by Starlight by the house musicians. Stella was salvaged from the lower depths of The Green Mill, dusted off, and returned to compliment the authenticity of the art deco/art nouveau décor in the light fixtures and artwork, embellished with lavishly scrolled frames. Shades of Al Capone's heyday are found in the wall memorabilia as you enter and in the famous booth where he and his henchmen could keep a cautious eye on both doors.
Today, The Green Mill, in keeping with owner Dave Jemilo's philosophy for a proper mix of down-to-earth friendliness and class, maintains an authenticity of the '40s in service, price and music, perfected upon with the steady Sunday night performance of the internationally acclaimed Uptown Poetry Slam, which began at the Mill in 1986.
My wife and I are taking my younger sister and her boyfriend to their first MMJ show. I can't wait!! The Riv is a great venue...Maybe we'll catch up with some of y'all at the pre-show hot spots! :D
Sue, those are great write-ups, thanks! We just spent some time in both of these joints before the Black Crowes played on Halloween. We had a good time in each joint (Green mill before and Uptown after)!
Can't wait for this, it's all I can do to get through this week!
Hope to meet some of you there. ;D
See you guys there, i cannot WAIT!!! :) :D ;D 8)
i'm going to miss the chicago show...but will be in town staying not far from the riv.
if anyone is looking for tix, i have to sell my pair.
(admins: let me know if this is inappropriate to post!) if i don't sell them before friday, i may just go by the riv b4 showtime to see if i can find them a home.
the silver lining: i'll be at the fillmore and so. cal shows next month +! :D
Um..."the seedy area of Uptown..." ?
Seedy meaning there's not a lot of new development, or seedy meaning not a good place to walk back to your car in the dark?
Because that's what I'll have to do. I'm driving in just so I'm not bound to train times. I guess I'll go by the parking listed on teh Riv web site, unless anyone has better tips?
I plan on getting there pretty early, so I'll swing by the Uptown place to hang out so I'm not putzing around the building waiting.
So excited!! Kinda sad to miss the hometown Thanksgiving Eve show, but this will be a great show nonetheless!
The Uptown area is kind of seedy, while not as bad as it used to be, it's still not an area that I would want to park on the street (notice all the glass from smashed car windows). It's worth it to park in the bank parking lot across the street if it isn't full. And don't go wandering around the neighborhood too far.
Hi, BTW. I'm kind of a MMJ virgin, other than being totally blown away by Okonokos (both DVD and CD), so I am really looking forward to this, taking hubby, and my two BILs (my own little man harem 8)). Will probably get down there around 5ish.
See ya round!
Now I'm getting excited, a four day weekend that includes MMJ. Anyone know what train line is near the Riv? I'm hoping to park near where I'm staying and taking a train. Thanks for the help.
Red line.
QuoteNow I'm getting excited, a four day weekend that includes MMJ. Anyone know what train line is near the Riv? I'm hoping to park near where I'm staying and taking a train. Thanks for the help.
Red Line- Lawrence stop. It's right there.
So.. Green Mill first, Uptown last? Sounds like a party.
ms_yvon PLEASE READ BELOW!!
moxyfop, et. al. Yes, the red line is the mass transit option to both the RIV and ARAGON. For those looking for food, Green Mill I think has some, but the more value priced food is right on the corner of Lawrence and Braodway. Dirty Mexican. Mmmmmm
Sue_B I have to give 50% props. Yes, at one time Uptown was very seedy. (try seeing Jamiroquai at the RIV on a Wed. night in 1998. Seedy!) But alas all things change and indeed with the one seciotn 8 building still four blocks away, the area still maintains 25% of it's old flavor. But all in all, a safe area. Well lit, and things like that.
The parking at the bank for those who are driving is the place to be. There is also another lot on Lawrence between the Uptown Lounge and the Aragon Ballroom.
ms_yvon - I am still looking for tix. Need only one. You still holding? E-mail me: robjpiii@yahoo.com
Leafygreens! You are so CUTE! We little birdies gotta stick together! And SUE_B! ALRIGHT! We are just too cool for school...I'm a cornball, I know! showing my age.... :P Hi Angela! ;)
Anyhoo! Yes, the Uptown area is still a bit "seedy." Just be careful - don't buy booze at that slimy little liquor store by the Mill. I agree with Sue_B (because I'm Sue B too!) I have parked many times in that bank lot before shows at the Aragon Brawlroom, but if you don't get lucky there, I would try some form of paid parking.
Foxy-Moxy! I'm corn-fused! Are y'all meetin at the Uptown first? Or the Green Mill? I just called the Green Mill and they open at NOON. After the show it will be so packed there's probably no way to get in, at least with a seat - Fri & Sat it's SRO if you're late.
Well, kay-sera-sera! I guess whatever happens, happens! I'm gonna have a couple at the Green Mill for starters and then get in line for the show. Do you really think if we wait around after the show we can get a couple of autographs?? I have not looked too hard but I have not read any posts about fans getting stuff signed after the show or anything about getting backstage. I guess that's only for the rich and famous.....FUCKIN-A! MMJ! (my new little whoop-whoop, yee-haw cheer!)
Not sure if everyone knows but the show is being sponsored by WXRT as one of their 'Holiday Concert for the Kids'. According to the promotion, they are asking people to bring an unwrapped gift or book and it will be donated to Chicago's Children's Memorial Hospital...
Leafy, SueBee, et. al. and all the ships at sea,
OK, my ticket now secured and in hand! YEAH!! My first MMJ show! I know, after all the shjws I have seen over the years, the fact that I would still get this psyched about seeing aband for the first time is a testament to me dorky ways. But I am excited! I am, I am, I am!
PRE-GAME = GREEN MILL between 7:45p and 8:15p. SueBeeBoo is right. Green Mill afterward will be swamped. Ergo Uptown afterward. How to ID me at the Green Mill?.....look at the bar for the one guy who is solo (yes, my buddy bailed on me.)....I'll be wearing a blue sealab2021 t-shirt. Ask me about "FIGNUTS!"
HAPPY TURKEY DAY EVERYONE.
-Robert the aqua-
Hold up - doesn't the show start at 7:30pm? Unless you were planning on not seeing the opener......?
Hi guys, all very entertaining so have to put my two pennys worth in. The Green mill will be packed, it is a cool place, but very cramped and i dont know about you guys but i am a working class person, and the greenmill does not accomodate cheap beer........... as for bringing a toy for the kiddies( "non-violent" xrt's websight says), a Klashnikov without the bullets it is then!. Oh, regarding the Riviera, lets just say one does not get a good viewing spot, is the sound good in that theatre, or are there (like a few old theatres) places you will not want to stand/sit for sound troubles?. Hope our hero is in a dancing mood, like he was at the taste of chicago...
Me and my wife's first MMJ show. Don't know what I'm in for,can't wait !!!
The only sound problems I know of... watch out for standing under the balcony by the bar. At the AIC show a couple weeks ago the place was insanely packed and that was the only space with room, not so cool. Everywhere else is great.
Cheap drinks will be nowhere to be found!
Wherever we'll be pre-partying... I'll be with my bro, so I guess look for a couple of tall kids that look alike? My bro will probably be wearing some sort of SIU/cubs gear... I'm a girl so I wont know until 5 minutes before we leave ;)
Happy Thanksgiving guys! I'm making my family watch Okonokos tonight!
I'll look for ya, Rob! I may, if I can rent one that fits and looks good, have a tuxedo jacket with tails on. Otherwise, I'll probably be in a white tank top that says Hello Dave and my big fat furry Uggs.
thank you moxy, sounds like good advice, will have to stock up on beer before the show..... I heard a rumor that mmj will play 2 hours, then Jim will do a solo spot for an hour, then mmj for another 2 hours..... is this true???, or am i a hopeless dreaming romantic? ::)
A prayer............... Oh Lord, bathe me in thy light, cleanse me of distracting thoughts, smother me in chimes, strike down thy fury on the cell phone sinners, the selfish ones, who blabber, next to me, your devining subject, express to them your wisdom about the mobility of the mobile, how it is a tool of good, practical communication, not a tool of vice, to use on innocent subjects, who are just trying to be smothered by mmj's angelic raptures............................ ok, enough of the praying, stand by me at an mmj show at your own peril if you can not leave that call phone alone for an hour and a half.... Now, got to go, my pager's buzzing...............
My Morning Jacket
Riviera Theatre
4746 N. Racine Ave.
The Slip, Catfish Haven.
A WXRT-FM 93.1 Holiday Concert for the Kids. Please bring a new and unwrapped toy.
Nov. 24: 7:30 p.m.
Price: $25
Ticketmaster: 312-559-1212
http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/music/426544,0,757862.event
So since this is the day of and all, I just wanted to repeat my question:
Aquarob said,"PRE-GAME = GREEN MILL between 7:45p and 8:15p".......
Is this really what time people are meeting up?? I'm planning on getting there TONS earlier. Doors are at 6 (I think?), show starts at 7:30. Anyone getting ther earlier than this planned meet-up time?
We're planning to be there much earlier than 7:45,probably closer to 5:30-6:00 pm and hanging at the Uptown.
Catfish Haven are pretty cool! They were part of the Jacket listening party here in Chicago.
blenderbaby - love that post! I agree. I've noticed that if you are right up front there are diehards there. And - in my past experience the folks, the would-be talkers, cell-phone users are so musically devastated by the Jacket that they stand in full blown awe, until they remember to move....and then the rock out with reckless abandon! (Or so we'd hope, it is the day after turkey day in Chicago!!!!)
OK folks,
I hear the clamour form the crowds. I pikced those times as they seemed realistic for me. Here ar my two main issues. 1) I have to work a full day. Yes until 5pm. 2) I have to stop home first to grab my concert kit. (wink) ;)
Alas, given that I am going alone and given this is my first MMJ show, i just want to make sure I say "hey" to eveyone of you folks here at the forums. So, let's come up with a plan that ensures we all get to hang. I have this feeling that MMJ won't go on until 8:20, y'all just have to trust me. So here we go.....
Item 1. I AM LEAVING WORK EARLY! SCREW THE TPS REPORT! (solved.)
Item 2 TONIGHTS PRE-GAME SHOULD BE A 2 PUB, PUB CRAWL. 6:15 - 6:50 Uptown Lounge. 6:55 - 7:25 Green Mill. 7:30 get in line for show. (solved)
Leafy - I am still not 100% sold on The Slip. I have heard very mixed reviews of these guys. My buddies at SilverWrapper gave me the "pass" sign on this one. So yes I am planning on entering just as the Slip finishes.
BlenderBaby - I too am working class. It's all economics. 2 PBR at Uptown Lounge $6. $7 after tip. 24oz of 3.9% alcohol beer. At Green Mill. $4.50 = 1 pint of Bell's. $5.00 after tip. 16oz of a 6.5% alcohol beer. It seems my $5.00 is going to do much more for my buzz that $7.00 worth of PBR. You know, it's just working class economics.
PEA SHOUT to you all! I am off to lunch I'll check back later. robjpiii@yahoo.com is the e-mail if anyone wants to hit me up
PLUS, everyone send positive mental vibes to Dan from Evanston. He met me by Northwestern station and waited for me to ensure I got my ticket this past wednesday. THANKS DAN!!
-ROB-
Okay kiddos,
Gonna be bombing around the city for awhile before the show, gotta grab toys for those tots!
The bro is gonna be in SIU gear, I'll be in a Mike McCready t.shirt and a Pearl Jam hoodie...
I really hope to see some of you guys! My name is Amber & my bro is Dan... say hi :)
I am thinking....oh, it hurts too much, drinks are on Aquarob ;D
We are leaving Glenview at 5:00 and will park, hit the Green Mill and maybe one at the Uptown and then over to the Riv by 6:00 when the doors open.
Let's get this party started!
Tomorrow it's off to Indy for another MMJ fix!!!!! ;D
Glenview!!!!, well why didn't you say so!!!. Dont have a spare ticket for indiana do you?, just a thought... What a great show tonight, who would have thought "Wordless Chorus" would become an anthemic singalong.... loved the boots, only downside is i think it is sad they thought they had to get on the topical "penguin" bandwagon.... ;D
Just got back from the show....
Damn!!!
I've seen them live before, but not from the front row!! I was determined, so I skipped pre-fun when I saw people were aLREADY in line by time I got there. Thus, I was leaning on the rail down in the action. 'twas amazing.
Setlist:
My scanner isn't hooked up yet, so I just took a picture of it (thus the weird shadows):
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/lizza3/Setlist.jpg
Orchestra refers to the Chicago Youth Symphony members that came out for the encore. The band all came out in tuxedo jackets as well.
Here's a few more photos. I have some really good videos, but Photobucket makes them look like crap (blows up the size so they're all pixelated). Anyone know a better site for this?
Jim
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/lizza3/100_1865.jpg
blurry Carl, but cool colors
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/lizza3/100_1878.jpg
Jim in tux
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/lizza3/100_1906.jpg
other band members (blurry, sorry!)
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/lizza3/100_1871.jpg
haha, don't remember taking this pic, it's just the boots!
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/lizza3/100_1880.jpg
video clip will follow....(still loading)
that was fucking amazing! :o :o
Quote
I've seen them live before, but not from the front row!! I was determined, so I skipped pre-fun when I saw people were aLREADY in line by time I got there.
Where were you in line? Did we meet? I was third in line and I got there a bit before 5. And I was in the front, as well. I was wearing glasses and the gunmetal-colored adidas jacket.
There was a girl in line behind me with some friends, maybe around the fifth person in line, who got Jim's set list. Was that you?
Quote
Orchestra refers to the Chicago Youth Symphony members that came out for the encore. The band all came out in tuxedo jackets as well.
I am so jealous. I bet that kicked a ridiculous amount of ass.
Great pics, THANK YOUUU!
QuoteJust got back from the show....
Damn!!!
I've seen them live before, but not from the front row!! I was determined, so I skipped pre-fun when I saw people were aLREADY in line by time I got there. Thus, I was leaning on the rail down in the action. 'twas amazing.
Setlist:
My scanner isn't hooked up yet, so I just took a picture of it (thus the weird shadows):
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/lizza3/Setlist.jpg
Orchestra refers to the Chicago Youth Symphony members that came out for the encore. The band all came out in tuxedo jackets as well.
Here's a few more photos. I have some really good videos, but Photobucket makes them look like crap (blows up the size so they're all pixelated). Anyone know a better site for this?
Jim
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/lizza3/100_1865.jpg
blurry Carl, but cool colors
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/lizza3/100_1878.jpg
Jim in tux
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/lizza3/100_1906.jpg
other band members (blurry, sorry!)
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/lizza3/100_1871.jpg
haha, don't remember taking this pic, it's just the boots!
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/lizza3/100_1880.jpg
video clip will follow....(still loading)
had a great time at this show, my first jacket show. Great to see the band just exploding with energy. Wondering why everyone was sitting in the balcony tho? Is this normal for mmj shows? I've seen 2 other rock shows in the past couple years where everyone sat in the balcony (mars volta at the riv and david gilmour at the rosemont theatre) but those were a little more understandable. MV can be hard to dance to and Gilmour was a lot of slower stuff and older people. But for jacket, well let's just say I did not expect that. We got there just as mmj was coming on, so the front floor was already packed and closed off. Went upstairs, which was already packed as well. There were 4 of us, and only saw a couple single empty seats here and there. So we kind stood in the aisle for a little while, the security guy quickly came over but I got him to leave us alone. I thought everyone would eventually get up but no luck. So then we just felt out of place (standing and possibly in people's way, even tho they should just get up!) and we decided to go back downstairs after about 4 or 5 songs, and got a decent spot by the center bar. Couldn't really see tho. Sound was good. I loved pretty much every song played. Next time I'll be sure to get there earlier since the view from upstairs was great. Really liked Run Thru, OBH, Way that he Sings, Anytime, Off the Record, Beats For U... yeah like I said just about everything was great for this first time jacket fan. Plus the orch was cool since I had seen they did the same on letterman,with the suits, but never would've guessed we'd get to see it too, very nice.
Sorry I'm late to this party. I just got back to Detroit from Chicago. I had to stay and see Andrew Bird too! He was great, he always is.
And The Jacket. I couldn't love them more. There's no one like them.
http://static.flickr.com/99/306992519_1f748d1829_o.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/107/306992464_874510b8b0_o.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/107/306992416_8ea048cd28_o.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/102/306992355_e01beeef7f_o.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/99/306992318_78e330266e_o.jpg
http://static.flickr.com/114/306992279_e2c64bc80d_o.jpg
I was closest to Jim, so the pics of him came out the best.
And here's a video of Lay Low:
http://www.savefile.com/files/293034
Big thanks to the Jacket for being so magically delicious.
jacketfan, next time you have to get on the floor... right in front. It's the only way to do it! ;D
has this show popped up yet? hope it does, sounds like a good one.
Wow......that's all I have to say. I think I got my fucking skull peeled straight back.
I have some vid's from the night....a couple good ones, and a couple of "alright" ones. I'll try and post them by tomorrow morning.
But I have Bermuda/At dawn ( partial on the at dawn ) and I have from the middle of Run Thru w/ all of They Ran at the end. 10 minute vid there....having trouble hosting that one actually.
I've also got "The Dark"...yes........and some of Laylow, and "Just one Thing" as well.
Cheers to all,
-MJ
OK, I am totally the Monday morning quarterback here, as I haven't had a chance to log on until now.
WOW, WOW, WOW is all I have to say.
They were awesome! I like to thank Sue and Craig for meeting me at Green MIll for some swinging organ music and cocktails.
One word of props to myslef. We were practically running into the theater from the Green Mill at 7:30. Boy were we wrong! The Slip, sucked, can't put it any other way. And I have to admit I let it bum me out a bit. So, we went to the balcony and chilled out in the couches until the break. My 8:20 prediction of that MMJ start time.....ONE THE MONEY!!
Anyway great show, glad to see there is a strong MMJ community out there. I will def. see these guys again, and hopefully with all of you guys!!
FIGNUTS!!
-ROB-
Ladies and Gentlemen-
I don't use these words lightly but the Chicago show had to be one of the best, if not THE BEST, Jacket shows ever! (I've been to dozens)
Why?
A) Jim's voice was like butter Friday...he was on it!
B) The band was completely "amped" up! Jim especially. My friend who hadn't seen them live in over 2 years was like "Who is that guy?" Since Jim used to basically stand at the mic with his hair in his face for a good portion of the show.
C) The band is tighter than ever. Carl,Bo,Tom,and Pat have improved their already impressive musicianship. They were tighter than ever.
D) Light show! It was fucking cool..along with smoke and the rest
E) They rocked out the "old school" tunes like Nashville and Dark and they polished them up and made them their bitch!
F) They brought in the freaking Chicago Youth Orchestra?? Holy crap was that the tits!
G) Mr. Olliges sporting the Gene Simmons devil boots circa 1977... Hillarious! Better than the bare feet of yesteryear...
The boys are all making a descent living now and it seems they're embracing this success with the right attitude, professionalism and joy that makes a show like this a fucking incredible moment in time. Unforgettable! Kudos guys! Much love!
Dwight in Louisville
Does anybody have pics of the orchestra? If not, can you describe them to me. In other words, how many, how old were they and where did they set up, on stage? I am trying to picture this once in a lifetime moment!
http://static.flickr.com/102/306992355_e01beeef7f_o.jpg
You can sort of see them in this picture, over Tom's shoulder. See the blocker between Pat's drums and the kids? They set that up after They Ran. Jim told us adios and then everyone set up and they came back out in suits.
leafygreen's setlist pic:
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f277/lizza3/Setlist.jpg
There were probably about, um, 10 kids? I'd guess that they were around middle school age... 13 years old. I saw one of the little dudes outside after the show calling his dad to come pick him up on his cellphone. So cute.
Their site sez this:
The CYSO directly serves more than 250 musicians, ages 8 to 18, each season; the CYSO also performs for over 50,000 audience members annually.
So anywhere in that age range. :)
Thanks for posting the great photos! I had such a blast and met the coolest people! MMJ fans are THEE NICEST people! ;D :-* ;D :-* ;D
QuoteDoes anybody have pics of the orchestra? If not, can you describe them to me. In other words, how many, how old were they and where did they set up, on stage? I am trying to picture this once in a lifetime moment!
The band left the stage after They Ran, and after several minutes of encore cheering, it seemed to be taking an awfully long time. From my vantage point at the rail on the first riser (awesome sight line) I saw the roadies place a plexi glass divider next to, stage left, the drum kit. Then I saw chairs coming out, finally, about a dozen teenagers came out with strings, and I (and I think everyone else) realized that we were in for something really special. The audience started to buzz, and since it had taken so long, the clapping & cheering & whistles had petered off, but as the last orchestra member was seated, it picked up and then Jim came out and mentioned that we were in for a treat, and introduced the orchestra.
What a nice start to an encore, to build through like that, and what a fantastic show as a first MMJ show- it wont be my last. 8). Seriously, I am glad to see that others here who have seen them many times thought that it was an excellent show, no one seems jaded with the band. I am glad to hear the older songs have not remained static, that the band has allowed for growth with out too much tinkering.
Blew the top of my head clean off.
Oh, and I loved the bow ties! Bow ties and platform boots, a new fashion trend.
I think they set up really quickly. It didn't seem to take long at all. Maybe I was too in the zone to care. :)
QuoteDoes anybody have pics of the orchestra? If not, can you describe them to me. In other words, how many, how old were they and where did they set up, on stage? I am trying to picture this once in a lifetime moment!
I think they were high schoolers, as most youth symphony members usually are. There was definitely more than 10 of them. Probably 15-20. It included strings, brass, and a harp. There were likely winds, as well, but I couldn't see them from where I was. It was pretty much all the instruments you'd normally find in a symphony, but a more condensed version.
QuoteI think they set up really quickly. It didn't seem to take long at all. Maybe I was too in the zone to care. :)
They set up very quickly for what they were doing. I mean, normally when a band is coming on for an encore, they come back on within a couple (2, maybe three) of minutes. I would say that it took them less than 10 minutes, all told, to get everything set up. And for the band to get into tuxes. Which is amazing, considering all that they must have had to do and hook up and what not.
Quote
I think they were high schoolers, as most youth symphony members usually are. There was definitely more than 10 of them. Probably 15-20. It included strings, brass, and a harp. There were likely winds, as well, but I couldn't see them from where I was. It was pretty much all the instruments you'd normally find in a symphony, but a more condensed version.
One of the guys in the "orchestra", with a viola, I believe, was really jamming through Gideon. It was a bright and shiny moment. How cool for those kids, and how cool for us.
QuoteHow cool for those kids, and how cool for us.
No kidding. I played in many youth symphonies while growing up and you have NO idea how jealous I was of those kids Friday night.
Very Nice. That's more like it! Thanks everyone. What a treat.
Quote
They set up very quickly for what they were doing. I mean, normally when a band is coming on for an encore, they come back on within a couple (2, maybe three) of minutes. I would say that it took them less than 10 minutes, all told, to get everything set up. And for the band to get into tuxes. Which is amazing, considering all that they must have had to do and hook up and what not.
Gotcha, Sue. It was funny how quickly they reappeared in their suits. It seems like I blinked my eyes & there they were. :)
The whole show seemed to move really fast. From Catfish Haven (who I thought were badass) to The Slip (who I didn't dig so much, unfortunately) to the Jacket, the set up times were like nothing. Good times. When's the next show? I'm ready for it. :)
I was lucky enough to see this show in Chicago. My friend and I drove all the way up from Omaha NE on Thursday to go to Friday's show. The last time before this I saw them was in 2004 and I barely knew who they were.
I am so glad we came up for it! It was amazing!!!! Cannot say enough praise about my favorite band, except I think I love them more now, if that is possible.
We were so close, second row, so I got few good pictures but I don't know if I can attach them.
Those boots were rockin during Lay Low! I tried to get a picture of them but I am too short so I couldn't get them in the shot.
Thanks to whoever posted that picture on here!
I have to say though what made the concert for me is that after the show I met Jim!!!
My friend and I were waiting for a cab and I saw their tour bus parked on the side. So I met their roadie Brucie who was unloading boxes from their bus. Then he pointed Jim out to me, who was across the street. When Jim came over I introduced myself! He was very nice and although I am sure he won't remember it, I will!!!! Made my year!
:D
does anybody know if this show was taped?
For those interested in the youth orchestra, I have a good video clip where Jim introduces the kiddos, and you can hear the orchestra pretty well as well as see them for a second.
the clip has about 10 seconds of darkness waiting for the band to come out, then Jim introduces the orchestra and they play Bermuda Highway. Not the whole song, but I recorded through to the end of the second verse. I'm surprised the orchestra (well, strings at least) was so audible in this clip. You can see the kids sitting there at about 52 seconds into it, and again somewhere near the end of the clip.
http://www.savefile.com/files/296431
(I hope this works. When I tried to test download it it was taking forrrrrrever. But hopefully it will work for someone!)
The video worked just fine for me, leafy, though it did take longer than usual to download. Thanks for capturing such an awesome memory.
Now, if only a recording of the entire show would turn up...
Didn't work for me - took a long time to download and then I get a quicktime error message that says, "the movie could not be opened."
Either of y'all using a mac?
I've got a PC.
http://www.yousendit.com/download/LHVxUXMcBId5TA%3D%3D
Let me know if this works guy's.....
http://www.yousendit.com/download/LHVJR06GoxN5TA%3D%3D
http://www.yousendit.com/download/LHV8cRIObWx5TA%3D%3D
I have a amazing one of Run Thru/They Ran...but it's too big for anywhere I've tried hosting.
I hope you guy's enjoy these.......
They work fine for me, Jernigan. Thanks!
ah - that worked! thanks so much jernigan:)