Civic Center ~ Peoria, Illinois
June 18, 2002

My expectations for Dan, unfortunately for him, are all based on the very first concert of his that I attended, the ultimate concert, Starwood in July of 1988. I knew when I left that show, I would never see another one like it by Dan or by any artist. So every time I attend one of his shows I try to push Starwood to the back of my mind and remind myself that no matter what the night holds, Dan has already blessed me once with an evening that I will never forget.

Dan and the band took the stage shortly after 7:30. There was no opening act and the place was packed. The show started, just like the other two I had seen, with Magic Every Moment. During that song and the next couple, there was no outward recognition of home. Then came Forefathers, a song which has always been one of my favorites. As Dan spoke about the song and his family, his smile was genuine and he seemed to relax and I was reminded so much of the things I remember and love most about that first concert at Starwood. This was the first time I had heard Forefathers this year and the arrangement was incredible ... unlike the recorded version, unlike the solo acoustic version ... full and beautiful - a wonderful tribute to this family and his heritage. I sat there thinking of what a beautiful gift he has given to his family with that song. And hearing it again, as with the first time, I was immediately filled with inspiration to set down on paper the stories of my own heritage that I have uncovered through 25 plus years of searching. Though that song was never a hit song per se, many in the field of genealogy have heard of it and are inspired by the words.

After Forefathers, the rest of the show was so magical. A breathtaking rendition of To the Morning, the mystical version of The Reach, which found me closing my eyes so that I could visualize the song more clearly, the emotionally sung Leader of the Band and the charged up rock n roll set. Dan spoke frequently and often, using the line "I'm from here". His sense of humor was brilliant. Being from "here" he told the story of swimming the Illinois River while at a party at the beach during his teenage years. It is strange what memories will pop back into your mind while driving through your childhood home. Even though I was not from there, having grown up in a river town, I could easily relate to the story. He told it so well and I was crying from laughing so hard before he was through. I could sit and listen to the man tell stories all night. And as long as his Mother doesn't ground him from performing for all of us fans, he can tell whatever he wants and I'll listen.

The reemergence of Dan and the band after the solo set provided yet another humorous moment. They entered in single file from one side, walked across the stage and exited on the other side. When they finally took their places on the stage, Dan remarked that he had always wanted to do that. It made me start thinking of the things that I had always wanted to do at a concert but fortunately for everyone have never found the nerve to do. So in Peoria there were four sets instead of three, the acoustic band set, the solo acoustic set, the song less set and the rock n roll set. The rock n roll set completely rocked and his introductions of the band members was priceless. He graced us with two encores featuring The Gambler and the George Harrison song, If I Needed Someone. And then it was over and a very wonderful night in Peoria had ended for me.

I made my way back to the hotel with plans to retire for the night so that I would be well rested for the drive back to Chicago and the subsequent 6 hour drive from Denver to Ouray, Colorado. But sometimes the best made plans just don't go as expected and I found myself wide awake most of the night trying to rid myself of the energizing effect of the concert. Not that I really wanted to, I just knew that my body needed the sleep. Early the next morning on my way out of Peoria, I drove across the Illinois River and while I don't know how that distance compares to the distance across the river from the beach, if the distance is anywhere close, then Dan's feat as a teenager, while impressive, confirms my belief that teenage boys will attempt seemingly impossible feats that defy common sense just to impress others, especially us girls. Of course I am sure that the beverage of choice at the party also was a big influence as well.  I don't think I will ever be able to cross any river and keep a straight face after hearing that story.

Teresa

I grew up in Pekin Illinois, just 15 miles from where Dan grew up. His

father was the director of the Pekin High School Band for many years. Dan

came to Peoria for a concert in 1984 when I was a senior in high school. It

was the talk of the school. Many of the teachers and counselors who had

worked with Mr. Fogelberg were planning on attending. I remember wanting to

go, however, it just wasn't cool. I've been a "closet" Fogelberg fan for

many, many years. My husband and I attended his concert in Peoria on June

18th and it was incredible. I have two daughters that I have taken to see

Nysnc, Backstreet Boys, Johnie Lang, Savage Garden, O-Town, etc. DAN

FOGELBERG blew away all those boy bands. He was incredible. It was great to

be at his hometown show. He included the audience and told stories of

growing up in the area, his mom was even there in the audience.

After 30 years he's only getting better. He played and sang wonderfully, the

band was great and he even included his new wife at the end. The only song

he didn't sing that one lady in the audience kept yelling for was Illinois.

The Leader of the Band seems to mean more to those of us who share the home

town of one of the greatest musicians/singers in the universe.

Thank you for making my 36th birthday so special. See you next year in

Peoria!?! Hopefully!!

Gail