Bette and I left Woodstock to pickup Jeff and Susie in Huntley at 4, leaving plenty of time to get downtown. We thought. We got on I-90 and after zipping down to Elgin, it just stopped. We thought we might have time to stop in Oak Park for some Robinson’s Ribs, but it took us 3 hours to get to the show. Ick.
Parked across the street at an unofficial parking lot, but the car pointed right out the gate for easy exit. It was a great spot.
We arrived around 6:30, and were able to find our seats (Section 112, Row 19, Seat 24) and they were nice – high, just under the rooms, right on the aisle, and over the walkway so we didn’t have anyone in front of us. Until later, when the dopes next to us were standing out in my line of sight, and I had to stand to see.
We had some food from the vendors in the lobby area. Bette and I had the Cajun chicken. We split it and an order of fries – good thing, because the thing was HUGE! It better be for $8. We had some wine, and went up to sit and watch the crowd gather.
The first act The National, came on at 7:10, a band I never heard of. I liked them, kind of a dreamy sound. The second act was Modest Mouse, who I had heard of, but never listened to. I liked some of their stuff but it was a little too intense for me. Susie and Jeff, however, had their CDs and considered their set a highlight of the evening. “Wait till the kids hear we saw Modest Mouse – we are so coolâ€.
R.E.M. came on and did a lot of songs from the new album, and a lot of oldies but goodies. It was a great show, and the Fan Club tickets rock. No discounts, but just not having to stand in line was worth the $10 a year. Plus you get the Holiday disc. If you like R.E.M., you should join.