I'm really sorry that I wasn't keeping up on this thread, so I missed the pre-show invite. Ah well, maybe next year!
I liked the show review by Bonaddicted, picked most my the points I would. My wife is a casual admirer of Joe's, and knows I am a big fan, so accompanies me to concerts. Her only complaint related to Joe was the retina-burning lightshow. That was a bit much.
Will concur that the acoustic set was amazing, liked seeing the non-traditional musicians.
We were in row F, right of center. Sadly the Jolly Green Giant had a seat in front of me. So I spent most of the concert leaning right to see around the wall. On top of that he was bobbing his head like an 80s headbanger, which was simultaneously amusing and annoying!
To his right (and in front of us) was a Stevie Nicks-wannabe who NEVER once shut up, loudly talking to her date. I sincerely doubt she knew whose concert she was attending. Date was recording and texting the whole time. Thankfully they left early.
I would have thought Joe would make a mention of the Pens given the playoffs were going on, but no matter. And the loudmouths just revealed themselves, well I'll leave it at that.
Back to the concert: Lenny was amazing, actually broke the drum head!! I have never seen that before. The duet with the drummer was excellent.
As was JB of course; he does in fact get better every time I see him. I'm not as impressed with his playing speed as his choice of notes and phrasing (yep, I play guitar), and the quieter moments impressed me the most!
All in all, excellent!