My wife and I went to both the Villa Montalvo and Mystic Theatre concerts. Villa Montalvo was sold out. The Mystic wasn't. Too bad, because the audience was certainly more appreciative than the crowd at Villa Montalvo. Funny how these "less important venues" attract fewer but more loyal and enthusiastic fans. Hope the band will consider playing at the Mystic again next year.

I'm curious how the concerts went at the Mississippi Studios and Snoqualmie Casino. Did you make it to the Casino, Gene?

Not so timely but hopefully better late than never…

Montalvo was grand! Must return to this stunning venue when AA performs during daylight hours. It is certainly gorgeous by moonlight, although the road to the Carriage House is a tour bus driver’s worst nightmare.

Heard the trip across the pond got off to a rocky start, which explained why Miles seemed the slightest bit weary even several days later. Inexplicably, Mr. C was as animated as I’ve ever seen him on stage. Fred was a standout on both an extended solo, and teamed with Mr. C near the end of the evening – the meet & greet crowd buzzed over that one. The Grainger brothers were as fantastic as they always are!

Earlier in the day we made a fun stop to catch Terry Disley’s weekly brunch performance at another breathtaking venue, the Miramar Beach Restaurant in Half Moon Bay. Lovely time was had by all!

Apparently the tour bus trip from California to Snoqualmie Casino was not so lovely. Heard quite the harrowing tale of the bus caught in mountain pass snow, yikes. The band seemed to have rallied nicely and gave a wonderful performance, perhaps inspired by the huge Snoqualmie Ballroom crowd and feeling lucky to be alive & heading home soon! The ballroom’s acoustics are first-rate, and lighting for a GG solo was especially effective. Miles dropped broad hints of the band’s next visit to Seattle – that gentleman knows how to tease the fans. Gene, look for a PM with specifics.

OK, lucky UK fans, looking forward to your reviews over the next couple weeks.

Elaine K