I mean the crowd just went nutso crazy when they realized what songs were starting or when reacting to various solos or vocal performances. The "Primetime" dueling solos" between 'God'frey and Manny was great at Sheboygan and the crowd let the band know it. Both of PJ's real showcase vocal songs (the "downers", 'Time' and 'Don't Let It Show') had the crowd on its feet at their conclusion. And I really like the way GPP is now arranged. Alan starts it off on lead, the PJ takes over (and takes it up a notch or three). There are laws in most states against having this much fun in a public place!

The Weill "Center" is actually an old theater like the Vic in Chicago or the American in STL or the one they played in Milwaukee in 96. The sound was great and the theater itself has been marvelously restored and all the ushers are volunteers. It's clear that the city of Sheboygan takes this stuff damn seriously....and it showed in terms of the overall experience of the event.

This is an impressive band! The multiple talented vocalists are one aspect but they all mesh so well as a group. I honestly did not expect such a strong performance.

and this one by Annie McCord...

On to the REAL reason we went to Sheboygan: To visit the Toilet Museum and Showroom! It was definitely worth the trip to Sheboygan to experience it. Thanks, Sue.

Seriously though, we wouldn’t have driven all the way there from the Ozarks had it not been for the treat we knew we were going to receive from Alan and the boys! I doubt that anyone was disappointed. Sheboygan was only our 6th concert, so we are by no means the ones to ask. But even some of the well-seasoned concert-goers said it ranked right up there with their best performances ever.

Why? A couple of reasons. I think the venue had a lot to do with it. I think the band liked it. It created a positive atmosphere – especially after that dive in Chicago Heights the night before. But it seemed they were energized by the audiences’ wild reception – which of course was not lost on PJ !!! Or any of them, for that matter. It was like a positive feedback thing where the band and audience each accelerated the other into a frenzy.

Each musician seemed to get more INTO his role this time. Was it just me or did Alan sing louder and with more oomph? It was as though everything was more intense, with little extra bits added here and there, musically.

Then there were things we’d never heard, like the new song. I certainly am having a hard time pigeon-holing it. I think it was different than any thing they’ve done before. I liked it, and after the first couple of repetitions I was singing it along with them. So, it’s simple, catchy, and easy to sing to. Am I right?

The venue is a beautifully renovated movie theater. It seats 1100 people. It was as though you were sitting outside in a courtyard or open space between romantically decorated buildings. There were tall walls in front of the buildings with trees and bushes growing (actually painted murals) on what looked like the roof behind them. And the ceiling had little holes punched in it so that lights could shine softly through from behind like twinkling stars.

After the show was over and everyone (audience) left and the workers were locking up, out came the band – some with cameras snapping pictures of the auditorium and lobby with all its fancy décor and chandeliers and gold filigree. So, I know they liked that venue.