[pberry]

Atlantic City concerts can be troublesome: drunken gamblers stroll into the first few rows, drinks in tow, uncertain if they are seeing Stevie Nicks or Don Rickles, while the true fans sit behind them. I am not sure where these people went on Friday night, but they were nowhere to be found at Stevie's concert. The enthusiastic crowd of all ages actually stood up for most of the show. The enchanting Vanesssa Carlton came out looking like a princess and treated the crowd as guests in her living room, doing a Storytellers type of set. She commented how everyone likes to dress like Stevie-even boys. Stevie's first two songs caught me off guard: I was not expecting Enchanted and SDMHA. These lively songs provided a strong opener, although I tend to prefer the darker, more emotionally charged tunes. Stevie's vocals on Outside the Rain were exceptional, as the rain poured on the screen behind her. I miss the days when she would come out with a bouquet of flowers. When Stevie sang Circle Dance, her hair was tucked behind her shawl, and she looked like a great old sage, singing words of wisdom. The look reminded me of the romantic look of the Sara video: romantic, weathered, emotional. Stevie's band members are exceptionally talented, and I like that she has put together such an ethnically diverse ensemble. When Stevie sang Edge of Seventeen, the video screen brought her together with Sharon:“I'm a few years older than you my love.” The bond between these two woman appeared to be so strong. Rock and Roll was a blast, a jolting change in pace and a crowd pleasure. Stevie's hat was almost falling off her head as she rocked to this tune. I'm not sure that I needed to see Stevie's baby pictures during Landslide, although the other footage was terrific. I signed the one.org petition the night before the show, finding the link on the Nicksfix. When a performer who asks her fans for little makes a request, people listen. Stevie used the word “stoop” when she described her plea to her fans. She said that the issue was too important, and if we do not do it, no one will. I was sold. The concert so outrageously good.

How do you improve perfection? If I could make five changes to this concert, I would:

1. open with GDW
2. eliminate Sorcerer, Enchanted, and SDMHA
3. add an acoustic version of the Planets of the Universe, Silver Springs, and Illume,
4. speed up Stand Back a bit and have Stevie make a more dramatic entrance.
5. have Stevie's vocals be made louder for Fall from Grace.

But then again, everyone has their own wish list.