1 - Seattle, WA: The Breakroom
Set List: Breathe Deep, Good News, Where The Fun Is, Brothers & Sisters, 20th Century, Shining, Built 4 It, Upon My Shoulders, Time O' The Year, Slippin' Away, Screen;
Encore: Crown Of Thorns (Shawn solo), Playground, Yesterday's Gone, Sweet Al George, The Day Brings, Isn't That Right, Secret Girl, We, Buttercup

2 - Seattle, WA: The Breakroom
Set List: Upon My Shoulders, Good News, Where The Fun Is, Brothers & Sisters, 20th Century, Playground, Slippin' Away, Sweet Al George, Isn't That Right, Time Of The Year, Yesterday's Gone, Built 4 It, Shining, Screen;
Encore: Crown Of Thorns (Shawn solo), For So Long, The Day Brings, Buttercup, Secret Girl

3 - Seattle, WA: The Breakroom
Set List: Nadine, Good News, Yesterday's Gone, 20th Century, Playground, Buttercup, Mr. Pink, Where The Fun Is, Brothers & Sisters, Shoulders, Built for It, Time O The Year, Shining;
Encore: (Shawn solo)-snippet of Purple Rain into Crown Of Thorns/Suffering, Breathe Deep, The Day Brings, Secret Girl, Slipping Away, Sweet Al, We, Screen

I was impressed all three nights at how familiar the crowd seemed to be with not only the older Brad songs, but the Satchel songs as well. While "Buttercup" got a huge sing-along on all three nights, most people were singing along with the older songs too. The energy from the band was really high, particularly on the heavier rockers "Secret Girl," "Sweet Al George" and the ever-funky "20th Century" - when those songs were played, the crowd was INTO it! People were hopping, dancing, grooving and totally getting into the vibe.

The first two nights, Saturday and Sunday, the band seemed to be really enjoying themselves, but not nearly as much as the last night! It was a night to let down your hair and totally boogie. Sure, there were technical mistakes (at one point Shawn started to play "Time O' The Year" when they had just FINISHED playing it!), but clearly it was a night where they felt totally comfortable and really let loose. Shawn took a "Rob Halford" stance and really belted...Stone banged his head and laughed a lot, Mike dropped his "basketball" wallet while playing the keyboard and Shawn held it up to show everyone (making Mike blush)...it was just a lot of fun. Unpretentious and hilarious, I was laughing and I think most of the crowd were too. Monday's audience was a little less crowded, it seemed like people got there a bit later, but it wasn't packed like sardines as it had been the previous two nights.

On all three nights, we were treated to a bunch of new songs: "Yesterday's Gone," "Shining On," "Playground," "Brothers and Sisters," "Where the Fun Is," and "Slippin' Away." I can only hope that it's not the last time that I hear those songs. "Shining On" and "Playground" particularly stood out for me. Shawn's lyrics are comforting and sweet; his songs really make me feel good.

Of course, everyone was all abuzz about Shawn's bluesy rendition of "Crown of Thorns." The first time I heard this, I was amazed. The second time I heard it I was floored! Now I've heard it quite a few times, and I really think he does a brilliant job interpreting a song that perhaps many people feel is "sacred" - I can imagine a lot of people criticizing him for doing it, but it really works. He's not trying to be Andy Wood, nor sound anything like him. It's a beautiful tribute to a beautiful song. Personally, what I found most interesting was the unusual way in which Shawn holds the guitar frets down (over the top of the neck with his thumb). But I think most people would agree what carries the whole thing is Shawn's wonderful voice. He's got a really full, sweet and sophisticated voice and could probably carry anything (and has) from high-pitched Prince-like vocals to a deep bluesy croon. On the 3rd, he threw in "Purple Rain and Sometimes It Snows in April" giving everyone a taste of what his solo shows are like.

If I had to sum up the third show in one word it would be "interactive." I think that the audience really fed off the energy of the band and they fed off of our energy. Shawn in particular was responsive to things shouted from the crowd, and during the set break, while the rest of the band were "resting," he entertained suggestions from the crowd and then launched into a touching version of "Suffering." He is a gracious performer, and I've never failed to enjoy one of his shows. Thanks to Brad for giving me an opportunity to see them, and thanks for making it a memorable experience.