Ron Posted August 3, 2008 Report Share Posted August 3, 2008 WOW This had to have been one of the most enjoyable concerts I have seen Dennis perform. Zoellner Arts Center at Lehigh University is a magnificent hall with great acoustics. Dennis very talkative and enjoyed engaging with many of the fans seated up front. First, there was a seven-year old that he talked with (and mentioned how the parents were performing "brainwashing" at the finest level), then a 91 year old lady a few songs later. Seating capacity is just under 1000 and it has been sold out for about a month. This was the first time that I saw a show with Jimmy on guitar, and he is fantastic. His stage presence shows that he is having a GREAT time being on stage and performing, and seems to be always smiling. Tommy, Jimmy and Hank all seemed to move around a lot more on stage during the show than previous shows I have seen with just Tommy and Hank. The addition of the second guitar has also improved the sound of the songs as well, and performing in that fashion for over a year now has resulted in some changes that make the songs better. For example, in Styx there were frequent guitar "trade-offs" between JY and Tommy, most notably at the end of Lorelei. When Dennis had just Tommy D., the guitar solo was shortened due to the lack of a second player. Well, the trade-off is back, and it showed up in several places, including in an extended guitar "dual" at the end of Rockin' the Paradise. My daughter is a big Kyle Woodring fan, and she has been bugging me for awhile if he was going to be behind the set, or if Tom Sharpe was (who I would like to hear play sometime). When the band took the stage, we couldn't figure out who was on drums. It didn't look like Kyle, but I didn't think it was Tom, either. This guy had short black hair, and since we were in the balcony we really couldn't see his face. At band introduction time, Dennis introduced Kyle, and my wife, daughter, and I all exclaim "What did he do to his hair?!?" Well it seems that his role in the Chicago production of Jersey Boys required him to trade his blonde locks for something that more suited the time period of the sixties. Set List Intro: The Message Grand Illusion Lady Lorelei Don't Let it End Castle Walls Light Up Mr. Roboto Desert Moon 100 Years From Now Pieces of Eight Rockin' the Paradise This Time Next Year Prelude 12 Suite Madame Blue Babe Best of Times Come Sail Away (encore) I really wish they would record a copy of Pieces of Eight, as I can no longer listen to the Styx studio version anymore because it does not contain "Hall of the Mountain King". Always a highlight for me. No Show Me the Way Because of the great acoustics in the hall, this acapella performance sounds fantastic, and was missed. But I'm sure there was a reason behind its removal from the set list. I do like how the last "America" in Suite Madame Blue is performed acapella though. Prelude 12 was a treat to hear. Tommy did a great job, and it sounded really good, especially considering that he played it on his 6 string (I'm pretty sure I didn't see him switch guitars), while on the original recording JC played a 12 string. After the show we were able to meet with Dennis and Suzanne, and they got to meet the rest of my family, since they were unable to make the trip to Chicago back in May. Another fantastic performance =D> Ron p.s. Dennis: You didn't really think I was going to write a bad review, did you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mendelstyx Posted August 4, 2008 Report Share Posted August 4, 2008 And now for the official review: http://www.mcall.com/entertainment/all-dey...story?track=rss Liz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Posted August 4, 2008 Author Report Share Posted August 4, 2008 And now for the official review: http://www.mcall.com/entertainment/all-dey...story?track=rss Liz Microwaved Asia? That's a new one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mtlfan Posted August 4, 2008 Report Share Posted August 4, 2008 (edited) WOW This had to have been one of the most enjoyable concerts I have seen Dennis perform. Ron p.s. Dennis: You didn't really think I was going to write a bad review, did you? Ron, thanks for the excellent review! It's great that your family got to meet Dennis and Suzanne. I'm so glad Dennis' laryngitis seems to be a thing of the past. My heart was just breaking for him at Trois Rivieres in June. And yes, that second guitar really makes a difference, doesn't it? Jimmy's a cutie and I've heard he's nice too. Kyle's gone brunette?? (And Tommy ALWAYS does a great job - you were waiting for that from me, weren't you?? LOL. I think he's been doing Prelude 12 on his 6 string for awhile now. How the hell he does it, I have no idea ...) Amanda Edited August 4, 2008 by mtlfan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladybugking Posted August 4, 2008 Report Share Posted August 4, 2008 I love seeing Dennis perform in music halls with great acoustics. He always shines in those conditions. Ron, I am so glad you enjoyed the concert and had a chat with Dennis and Suzanne afterwards. Sadie. That was SUCH a cool review you found! I think it described Dennis' concert experience perfectly. The great music, the amazing voice, the silly humor, that whole Roboto thing. The reviewer, in short, got it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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