This is a combined report from Anne, Ann and Lee - just back from Las Vegas. Nancy, we were right in front of you in line waiting.
Are we crazy? Yeah. Some people went to LV just to see some game on Sunday this weekend. Heard on the news that more people watched the Superbowl from Las Vegas than at the stadium in Arizona.
Our trip to Vegas was specifically to see Joe. Standing in line for general admission seating at the Railhead in Boulder Station, we met folks who had driven up from Yuma, Arizona (four hours), Houston, Chicago, some flew in from Ohio, and met a couple from Wyoming. We were in good company. Didn't find anyone who came as far as we did... Maryland... but there probably were others! Standing in line for the 250 (I think) seats, there were some first-timers - all of us said, "You just wait..."
While waiting, we could hear Joe warming up (about 6 pm). My husband Lee boldly walked through a kitchen and found himself standing in the Railhead, watching Joe from the side of the stage. We took turns just standing there watching and listening in awe.
Boulder Station is a HUGE casino about 20 minutes outside of downtown Las Vegas. The manager of the Railhead said he was proud to bring blues artists to the club every Thursday night with no cover charge. Evidently Joe put his time in playing free on Thursday nights. The manager was thrilled that Joe has moved up to be a headliner at the Railhead. Mr. Manager, here's an idea: find a different hall at one of the many Station Casinos, one that seats 1,000 or so, double or triple the price of tickets, and you can earn a little more money on this safe bet!
Inside, all the seats were great - we choose a spot in the middle of 8th row. Having been in the 2nd to 5th rows at most Joe shows (6 since June of 2007), it was time to get a bigger view of the whole band. Still way up close.
The photos that Seilerbird posted are terrific - http://picasaweb.google.com/SeilerBird/JoeBonamassa
What a delight to have Joe and the band stride out on stage, no opening acts to have to wait through. Sorry to all who have opened for Joe, but that's who we came for!
The whole group seemed relaxed and happy to be there. There's a picture of the crowd in Seilerbird's page above - it was a fully focused, adoring bunch!
Nancy's review is right on target. Not a bad seat in the house, excellent acoustics. I just kept thinking, this is PURE Joe. The band seemed to really enjoy being there, everyone played extremely well and with some new flourishes and arrangements, all for the better. Didn't think that there could be any improvements after the October 19th show in Rockville, MD, but I was wrong. We showed great restraint by not leaping up for a standing ovation after every song, but halfway through, the first one happened after Mountain Time. The whole audience was floating through the first encore. Then a second encore, who was happier, the band or the audience?
Sometimes I think Ann and I are the only ones so obsessed, and then I read the other posts, and I know that we're not off base in our absurd devotion to Joe Bonamassa and the magic of this band. We are not crazed women stalking poor Joe (although it must sound like it to the UnbonaBaptised!). We are just crazed people! Among the many here.
Scanning the tour list for our next fix, can't justify a jaunt to Europe although... nah.
Best wishes to Joe & Co in India & Europe - safe trip and hurry back!
Anne & Co
! High Five! Cheers!
"
