Great Show! Dan and the band were so tight and full of energy. My favorite was "Empty Cages", boy can Dan whale on electric guitar. I can now die happy, I've seen Dan with the band and have seen him at Red Rocks. My big question is, what happened to the CHAIR? That wasn't the old wooden chair of concerts past ~ Tony Valdiconza

As I may not be the diehard fan as many, I feel very fortunate to be able to attend one concert this year. So, this is the feedback from my heart. First, I want to thank those that supported me making this trip and concert experience it was par excellence.

I just blew-in from Humphrey's where myself and, from all appearances everyone else at that venue had a wonderful time! The seats were full of rockin' folks. The night sizzled at Humphrey's for Dan and Band. I'd like to see some of this electric music piped into elevators - that will keep people hoppin'.

First off, Humphrey's is one of those smaller venues with a beautiful outside bay setting that already tugs at the heartstrings. I truly enjoyed such an incredible variety of songs and musical styles, the gifted band participation, and upbeat tempo and mood.

It was a first for me to see Dan with a band. They were tight and exploded with musical sound and harmonies. Dan's voice was in fine form, loud, and clear. He was relaxed, shared stories about the songs, very upbeat and said he had a blast touring with the band (in all directions) on this 30th anniversary concert, NESW!

What stood out immediately was the positive energy and musical abilities. The Sound system was tweaked just right - thanks guys. This is a critical one to some of us.

Although, I resonated with the entire show, a few personal favorites and surprises stand out for me. One was "Changing Horses" (loved this version) the music magically flowed, intermingled, crescendoed, in a wave swept back upon itself, and danced into song supported by excellent vocals. It was like a new song with new meaning. Hope this version makes it to a CD!

There were all types of boaters in the bay enjoying the show from that vantage, tooting their horns in applause. Dan dedicated, 'The Reach', to them and all of us who love the Sea. Lovely.

Did I mention the band - they were SO Enjoyable! The band as well as Dan engaged in the audience. People quickened when Mark Andes; a shining, obviously benevolent man played and sang. Another bonus. It must have been 'Strange Way'. Anyway, it was beautiful and enjoyed by all. Robert McEntee featured a powerful blues tune from Robert Johnson. Dan immediately flowed in with a song from .. was that Gondoff Gorfinswaylin I applauded or Muddy Waters? Mike Hanna was always having fun and made magic happen on his electronic keyboard. Why, one time I could have sworn he was playing the bagpipes. He got down on piano, too. Joe Vitale drummed every steady beat into our hearts, then joined in on a beautiful flute piece. I can't describe it (the band and Dan) other than dynamic. In one spellbound moment Dan turned to the band on an intricately rocking end of a song - I think he didn't want to end the song. However, nor did anyone else.

So, nothing could prepare me for this knock-your-socks-off time and many additions from the band. 'Empty Cages' was just beautiful (another song taking on new meaning). But, for new appreciation stands out, 'Place in the World for a Gambler'. That was such a sweet rendition, and when the audience sang, Dan honored us as he truly listened, appreciated, and made eye contact with all he could. The moment of 'Let it shine. Oh let it shine.' still lingers in the wake - always will.

I enjoyed the tribute to George Harrison, the Spiritfull man he was here and is hereafter. Eventful? You bet! There was more, leaving I found some special souvenirs. Back from the days of the Telluride bluegrass festival - those shirts are an art gift, too. Here was finally a woman's tank top. Really nice, very tasteful, not too large of logo - good quality material. My only regret is, I didn't buy 2, as this one will become a velveteen rabbit.

I'd like to acknowledge the audience (especially those bobbers and shakers). And the marvelous couple sitting next to me that made sure I wasn't alone in this dance. They also volunteered the stories and jokes I missed while absent from my chair.

And like Dan toward the end of that song - I didn't want it to end either. Now, I'm back, enjoying my family and excited about my next projects, arts and crafts, and ventures - like many of you. I'll remember the special moments, surprises, and the gift of the event. I know there will be more and may we all add to the circular energy of sharing creative good works, energy, and thoughts! Again, thanks to you Dan for vision 2002 and making it a 30 year reality.Sincerely ~ Carol B.

We attended your show in San Diego. It was amazing and so much fun. Just one question that was asked by us and other people around us: Why didn't you play "LONGER" ? We watched you show last year and you didn't play it either. You are an amazing musician. Yesterday was a BLAST. Thank you. ~ Tobias & Susan Gorodzinsky (30 year fans)

I just got back from Humphrey's in San Diego. Enraptured, I came home and told my two daughters about how I fell in love with Dan's music 30 years ago as a young teen, between the ages my two daughters are now. It was so great to hear the old songs...as I write this, I am listening to "Twin Sons of Different Mothers". Thanks so much, Dan. By the way, you look great! Your tribute to George Harrison was also incredible....that song, so haunting. You lovely man...thank God for you. Much love ~ Mandy (San Diego)

My wife and I have been fans of Dan Fogelberg for many years. We have seen him perform about a half dozen times here in San Diego and have always enjoyed the show. I was especially looking forward to this year when he would bring the band. (His acoustic shows seemed to me to be more work than pleasure for him. After all, you are up there all alone.) We were not disappointed. The show was great! However, this review is not about how Dan performed, it is about how he SOUNDED.

Let me begin with a confession. I am a struggling composer, musician, and home studio engineer . The only venue that I have seen Dan perform in is “Humphrey’s by the Bay” here in San Diego. I can say without equivocation that “Humphrey’s” has one of the worst public address systems I’ve ever heard. The sound that emanates from this system is a musical abomination, and it continues year after year.

As a touring artist you often have little or no control over the actual sound. You show up, do your sound check, and hope that others do their jobs. Musicians spend thousands of dollars on their instruments seeking the best and most pleasing sound for their audience, often just to have some half brained audio tech ruin it because he doesn’t know the difference between music and noise!

What I’m talking about is something that audio technicians call “amplifier clipping”. This results when the master level is up too far, over driving the amp. You can simulate this effect yourself by inserting a CD in your player, turning the volume control up all the way, and pressing “play”. (WARNING: DO NOT DO THIS! If you do you may BLOW UP YOUR SPEAKERS. Professional audio monitors are designed to take this abuse, your home stereo speakers probably will not). Over driving the amps is all too common at venues these days. It produces a cacophony of distortion.

To be fair, “Humphrey’s” is the only venue that I have seen Dan Fogelberg perform in. One of his concerts is the only reason that I would allow this venue to pack me in like a sardine in a tin can. I don’t know if all their shows sound like this. I can only say that every time Dan has performed there the PA has been awful, and someone owes Mr. Fogelberg an apology. The sound board at this venue is tucked backstage behind the PA monitors. I can see an earphone wearing tech behind the board. Although he is no doubt getting excellent sound through his pro headphones, this has no relationship to what the audience is hearing. He needs to come out from behind his board and stand with the audience so that he can hear what we are hearing. Just back off on the master level!

Finally, I would like to ask those of you who were fortunate enough to see Dan at more than one venue this time what the other PA’s sounded like? Also, if you attend other shows at “Humphrey’s”, what do they sound like. Does Dan travel with his own sound guy? I am unsure whom to blame for this situation. However, I feel the venue itself is ultimately responsible for the sound it projects to its paying customers. ~ Dean Douglas