PJ's Set List: The Kids Are Alright, Wishlist, I Am Mine (new song), Low Light, Nothing As It Seems, Last Soldier (new song), Black, Gimme Some Truth (by John Lennon), Indifference with Ben Harper, Soldier of Love

I was fortunate enough to attend both shows. Up there, on the lawn, you get a different perspective. I guess it's kind of like being in the bleachers at Wrigley Field for a Cubs game, but I can't say for sure because I've never been to a Cubs game. You aren't simply focused on the stage and the performances, you are exposed to the day, the entire venue and all of it's temporary inhabitants as one gigantic sum of 20,000 parts. The feeling at this particular set of shows was this tremendous, indescribable, positive and uplifting energy. Perhaps it's due to the times we live in and the circumstances that are getting shoved down our throats, that this set of 48 hours let us all know that we're going to be safe... we're going to be happy... and we're going to be okay. The Pearl Jam sets were, as you can imagine, fantastic. When placed end to end, it was like getting a great concert's set of songs. There were only a couple of 'do overs', like 'Indifference' with Ben Harper, the John Lennon song, 'Gimme Some Truth' and the new song written by Mike, 'Last Soldier'... but, come on, who wouldn't want to hear those songs more than once? The thing I love about acoustic sets is they can really showcase the expertise of a guitar player. Mike showed me what a true artist he is by ripping through some amazing solos and making it all look so easy. One of my personal highlights of their sets was 'Low Light'. This is one of my favorite Pearl Jam songs and it just set to fit in with the whole atmosphere of the shows... a feeling of calm in a sea of chaos. That was what this entire weekend was like. It felt like I was given a reprieve from all of the anthrax and bombs and fear and anxiety for this brief couple of days and was able to spend it in the company of good friends and friendly strangers, listening to old friends playing great music.

As for the other performances, they were all amazing. From Jill Sobule (who has some really great songs) to the soothing songs of Ben Harper and Tracy Chapman, to R.E.M. and Billy Idol, both of whom rocked. I finally understand the rabid appeal for Dave Matthews... since this is my first time seeing him perform live. And of course there is Uncle Neil... who never ceases to amaze me.

But primarily, it is those incredible kids. I was probably moved more by them than anyone or anything else. They are the reason why I felt so great those two days. It was their unconditional love and trust of all other humans that powered those days. I feel I must thank Peggi and the kids for allowing me to share that wonderful feeling of love it these uncertain times. For it's not the music or the artists or even the company of good friends that can generate that much positive energy... it has to be those kids. I truly believe that if we, as a singular species of Man, could share the love and trust that they give to all... there would be no reason to fear from crashing planes and falling bombs. I have to thank them for sheltering me from all of the crap we have to endure.

To end the show, Neil's band played John Lennon's 'Imagine' while we all sang the words. It is so sad that a 30 year old song still holds so much truth, today. I guess we'll never learn... all we can do is imagine.