What a blast! This was my first experience in 30 years of Dan fandom seeing the man perform “live” with a band. I smiled from the time I entered Morris Performing Arts Center until I left (the grin always slips a little when it’s over). Dan’s quite a different performer when he’s with a group and I mean that in the most positive way. I’m sure his familiarity with the band contributed. I recognized Robert McEntee and thought Mark Andes looked awfully familiar (didn’t make the connection to Firefall and Heart until Dan pointed it out). I’d never seen Mike Hanna before, but I’d swear he was really a Winters’ brother. I expected him to break out into “Frankenstein”
at both shows.

Morris PAC is majestic in appearance with its huge proscenium arch, frescoes, gilding and statuary, but retains a very intimate flavor for the performer. From “Magic Every Moment” to the encore of “There’s a Place in the World for a Gambler,” Dan really seemed to enjoy himself. I enjoyed his voice and felt it was much stronger than during last year’s acoustic tour. At one point Dan complimented the band’s musical talents, which led to his performance that night of “To the Morning.” Dan was marvelous. He may not have the range he did in 1972, but Dan has adapted and I felt that song was a true test for the night (it made me cry). I have no complaints
about any songs performed. There was a good mix of hits and what must be some of Dan’s favorites. Another important element was the audience. I met a number of those present and would guess the majority was within 10 years of my age either way. The audience was having a good time and Dan fed off that. Good performers always do. There was a balcony heckler, but that's fairly common with Dan. He heckles back. He commented on the great acoustics. His sound and tech crew were really on it that night.

I don’t think I could have picked a better venue to see Dan live with a band for the first time unless it could have been someplace a little closer to home. Three hours isn’t the longest drive I’ve made to enjoy his performances. Obviously since three nights later I would drive three and a half hours for the Merrillville show (that’s a different review and story).

I would be remiss if I didn’t comment on the opening act, Cindy Bullins. She had a good fan base that had traveled down from Michigan for the show. Her enthusiastic performance primed the audience for Dan. I wasn’t acquainted with her music, but enjoyed her song writing. I’d also like to thank LL for the opportunity to act as a site ambassador in South Bend. I always relish meeting new people, but teaming that with talking up the website made the evening extra special. Oh…and Dan too. Perpetually Dan! ~ Jennifer

I'm a "first time" concert goer to Dan's concerts. We went to the Morris Center in South Bend -- recently remodeled, old fashioned beautifully appointed concert hall. I sat exactly in the center, row 11 -- what a treat. I'd been a fan of his music but just never attended a concert. Thoroughly enjoyed it and glad too -- because we have tickets again for this Saturday in Merrillville. Talent, enthusiasm, put alot into his performance. What a treat. ~ Mary

I thoroughly enjoyed the performance last night in South Bend, IN. I want to apologize for the SOB who was yelling disrespectful comments during the acoustic solo. I don't know who he was, but I hope Dan knows how much rest of the audience enjoyed the show. His band was awesome! I haven't seen him since 1988 when he did a one man show in Indianapolis at the fairgrounds.

The biggest treat last night was "To the Morning". I literally had goose bumps! Other favorite tunes are "Since You've Asked", "Souvenirs", "Nether Lands", and many others. But then I could have listened to Fogelberg music all night long. Oh well, maybe another tour. Dan, thank you for being such a quality entertainer. ~ Lori Strausborger (Elkhart, IN)

A great renovated theater with wonderful atmosphere and excellent acoustics. Dan and the band were in fine form - the sound was the best I've heard in several years and it was a real treat to enjoy Dan with the band and jamming on the strat! He didn't chit chat much but seemed to be enjoying the tour. (Even the opening act wasn't too bad!)

Set list:

Magic Every Moment
Heart Hotels
Hard to Say
Changing Horses
To The Morning
Run for the Roses
Morning Sky
The Reach
Make Love Stay
Leader of the Band
Same Auld Lang Syne
Strange Way (a Firefall tune)
Flute number by Vitale
Walkin' Blues
Blow Wind Blow
Empty Cages
Part of the Plan
Encore: Gambler

After Dan and the band came back out for the encore, he was cutting up a little. He walked up to the mike and asked the audience what we wanted to sing to him, and waited on a response. Incredibly enough, the folks who had shouted intermittently throughout the show had nothing to say at that point, so Dan piped up with, "maybe some Beatles?" and broke into the intro riff from "Day Tripper". It was great! They just sorta went off on a little tear and had a good time! We had the "Gambler" sing-along finale. I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed the evening! I know I did! ~ Sandi

Having seen Dan the past two summers with his solo acoustic tour, I wasn't sure that I would enjoy his show with his band as much as I enjoyed just him. The doubts that I had about enjoying Dan with a band were put to rest with the fantastic show that he put on in South Bend.

I liked the way that Dan broke down the show into three sets, starting with the band on "Magic Every Moment", "Heart Hotels", "Hard to Say", "Changing Horses" (great introduction), "Run for the Roses", "Morning Sky" and "The Reach". While I have read that not every show featured "To the Morning", he did play it in South Bend and it was superb. It was just Dan for "Make Love Stay", "Leader of the Band" and "Same Old Lang Syne". Back with the band for "Strange Way" featuring Mark Andes, an instrumental piece featuring Joe Vitale on flute, "Walking Blues" featuring Robert McEntee, "Blow Wind Blow", "Empty Cages" and "Part of the Plan". When they came back for the encore, Dan and the band treated us to an impromptu minute or so of The Beatles song "Day Tripper". The evening ended perfectly with "There's a Place in the World for a Gambler" with the audience singing on the chorus.

Dan seemed relaxed, talked with the audience, and he and the band seemed to be having a great time. The audience was very appreciate of his music and he received a standing ovation after "Part of the Plan" and "Gambler". While several of the songs that Dan does in concert aren't my favorite songs of his, he sings them so well that while he's playing them I'm not disappointed that he is performing them. He's a great entertainer, and I'll listen to whatever he chooses to play. The major disappointment of the show was that it had to end!! I knew that I would be seeing him again in Merrillville, IN, so I had something to look forward to!! ~ Brenda