Make Me Smile!!! (Did It Ever!!!)

Jimmy
Originally uploaded by Buckeye.

Dreams do come true! Mine did on October 8, 2006.

Ever since the days of my Sony Walkman, Chicago has always been my favorite band. Their music touches my soul. Over the years I have been to several of their concerts, but none like the one I went to on Sunday in Rising Sun, IN.

Ever since 1987 (my first Chicago concert), I have been absolutely fixated with Jimmy Pankow, the trombone player. Drool. I've always wanted to be up front at a concert and to actually touch him. Up until this concert, I've always watched from the back rows, seeing all of the lucky fans who at the end of the show, he'd reach toward and shake their hands.

Since the show was general admission, M and I were able to find a spot for our blanket toward the side of the stage, way up front. I was in heaven!!! I had a fantastic angle of the horn section. Then, about 6 songs left in the concert, they allowed fans to get right in front of the stage (it had been blocked off up until that point). I totally went for it. I was in front!!!!

It was surreal. I kept thinking, should I be taking pictures or just living in the moment? I did both. You can see all 97 pictures on my Flickr stream. I made a special set. No disrespect to any of the band members, but most of my shots are of Jimmy.

I got one of the guitar picks that Keith Howland threw into the crowd. He's just pure talent.

And, I ran to Jimmy after the concert and he touched my left hand!!!! I figured this was probably the only chance in my life I would have. The stage was a just a bit too far for Jimmy to reach into the crowd like he typically would after a show, so I had to take advantage of the situation at hand. Because of the weird venue, the band actually had to exit by walking by the crowd. I ran after him like a loon, and figured out that my best strategy was to run to the end of the venue and then call out his name. Which I did. AND HE TOUCHED MY LEFT HAND, kinda a high five, handshake kind of motion.

And, I was able to get my picture taken with Tris Imboden. Such a nice guy! He seemed in no hurry to get away from the fans. I love the picture! I look so happy. It is a genuine smile on my part. "Make Me Smile"...they did!

"Baby What I Big Surprise".... This concert was held a day before my birthday. I never imagined it would end up being so special and memorable. I'll treasure the memories the rest of my life.