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Josh Kelley: Almost Amazing Journey?
Quite a bit can change in a matter of 9 hours, and on April 18th, 2007 this fact did not escape reality. I've become quite engrossed in many different things that occupy my waking hours, so I often find little time for "fun" activities. Now this is in no way complaining, because I'd rather be busy than bored out of my mind. I'm sure you can agree with me there, right? Exactly. I got a call around 2PM that I was to get myself into gear, that I had to get downtown Chicago to the House of Blues, to see a live performance by Josh Kelley. One of our former Artists of the Month on XNDRadio.com's homepage, Keaton Simons, invited me out to see him perform in Josh's band. Having never had the opportunity to catch a live performance of Josh Kelley's (or Keaton Simon's for that matter) I was excited to get the opportunity to see them perform, as I had become familiar with Kelley's music thanks to Keaton (Through an interview over a year ago, who'd have thought I'd see the two perform together?!) so I planned everything out.
One thing that you'll learn is that being in the heart of a major city's downtown area is an absolute hassle for driving, and parking even moreso. I decided taking the train was the best bet, and by the time I had everything plotted out, I realized I had around 20 minutes to get to the station to catch the train. It was 5:30PM and the concert opened at 7:00PM, so I figured I had plenty of time to get there and find a good place to catch the gig.
Things don't always go as planned, and taking a three mile detour in the opposite way of the train station is never good when you're pressed for time. I got to the station at around 6:10, missing my 5:50 train by 20 minutes. Everything's good, right? Sadly the next train wasn't scheduled to show up until 7:00, and that would mean I'd miss a good portion of the show, but I was going to be at that show come hell or high water.
One 50 minute train later, I was in downtown Chicago! Time to find the House of Blues! The blind lead the blind, it seemed on this day, for I decided to walk in one direction for a few minutes before relenting and asking a local pedestrian where the House of Blues was, who was quick to point out, "The HOB is definitely THAT way, and definitely NORTH" as he pointed behind me. I nodded and chalked it up to overexcitement, and walked in the opposite direction, speeding to my destination. Finally after a few minutes of walking I got anxious... I HAD to be near the House of Blues! I decided to ask a valet where the House of Blues was. In hindsight, I probably should have noticed my surroundings, but I was excited, you know. Without a word, he pointed about ten feet up the sidewalk where an electronic sign read: House of Blues. Great. No embarassment, because.. I WAS THERE! I checked my clock. Great... 8:18PM I've missed almost the entire show!
Picking up the tickets seemed pretty easy, so no complaints there, show ID, BAM, tickets. No fuss. I handed my ticket to the ticket person who kindly informed me that all they needed to do was scan the barcode. Technology these days, I tell ya... I bolted up the stairs (for those who might not be aware, the House of Blues in Chicago is pretty small compared to most venues, I'd say, as well as being standing room-only) and looked at the stage... but the curtains were closed and they were running ads on the projection screen. Had I missed the show?!
Turns out I missed the opening act, which I was told was pretty good in its own right. I only had to wait about fifteen minutes for the show, and I was very pumped at that point, having been on a journey to get there. All in all, I have to say I was really impressed with the concert, alot of energy and Josh really played to the audience Imagine the crowd's reaction when Josh performed "Almost Honest" ("My reflection In the window when I ride for Chicago") as well as "Amazing" which was easily the crowd's favorite song. I was impressed with Josh's humor and relaxed personality on-stage when song breaks occured. Special segments for him to tie his shoe, while the band played "sexy elevator music" as he called it. Josh and Keaton debuted a song they wrote together at this show as well, "Masterpiece" which they plan to have on their new albums (if I remember correctly). I'd have to say this was an amazing concert and definitely made me want to see Josh in concert again!
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