Set list: The Kids Are Alright (Ed and Boom), Porch, Save You, Given To Fly, 1/2 Full, Crapshoot (new song), Daughter, Happy Birthday -Jeff Ament and Bill Frisell, Crazy Mary w/ Bill Frisell on guitar;
Encore: Parting Ways w/ Eli on cello (NWSchool student), All Along The Watchtower w/everyone

All I can say is WOW! For me Pearl Jam doesn't work in small doses because you're left wanting, and wanting and wanting. But the boys never let you down. They took thirty minutes and turned it into almost an hour with some great songs. First Ed and Booooooooooom do a beautiful rendition of 'The Kids Are Alright' with the vocals changed slightly. Then Ed plays something very familiar and I can't place it but I have definitely heard that guitar riff before. As Ed is playing this the rest of the band make their way on stage -- the Gods of Music out for a night on the town!! The guys get themselves into place and Ed starts the lyrics 'What the fuck is this world coming to?' and all of a sudden the guitar riff makes perfect sense. They are doing the slower version of the song that was introduced a few years back and it sounded so good!! And then the song builds and builds and the boys let all hell loose on that poor theatre. After the incredible explosion that is "Porch" Mike cranks out the opening guitar to Save You and that's all she wrote. Ed mixes up the lyrics on this one and I don't think it was on purpose but it still rocks. I've told people that "Mike was on fire tonight" but in this case I mean it literally. Mike blew his amp three songs into the set so Ed takes the opportunity to say "Hello" and how nice it was to be playing for such a worthy cause. Mike tries to get Given to Fly off the ground but has some trouble finding the right note which lightens up the mood a little. But ever since VFC Boston last year I have new respect for this song. The level at which this song can take you is unbelievable if you just let go. Matt, whom I swear has two extra arms hidden somewhere on his body broke a drum stick on this one I think and didn't miss a beat.

Next up is Half Full, one of my personal favorites from Riot Act and I was enthralled from beginning to end. Next is one that Ed describes as a song "I don't think you've ever heard this one." And then this riff starts that sorta sounds like "You Wreck Me" by Tom Petty (a genius in my opinion). Anyway the song absolutely kicks ass and gets us in the mood to hear the rest. Alas, that's for another day. Daughter follows with no tag but still is one of those songs that never gets old.

Ed takes the opportunity to tell us that it's very rare not to play a gig on Jeff's birthday which we missed by about a week, but that never stopped us from singing happy birthday to him, and Bill Frisell who's birthday was being celebrated too. There was a cake and candles (only two) and I think the birthday boys were surprised. Bill stayed on to help with Crazy Mary and the boys said goodnight. Yeah, right.

Eli came out to help with the encore and a wonderful performance of Parting Ways graced the theater and our ears. Then Ed brings everyone on stage to help close the night with Watchtower which I had never seen them do before. Outstanding!!

I have to say before I close that the venue was a dream come true, having missed them at the Fox in Atlanta 1994. The Paramount is a beautiful place and to see the band play for such a small crowd made me happy. And finally the opening bands and students. DAMN!! Bill Frisell's guitar was amazing with a Pink Floyd kinda feel to it. I closed my eyes and got lost in the perfect sound of his guitar. And Ann and Nancy just plain rocked. What pact they made with the devil to get those voices I don't know, but bring on the brimstone!! And PUSA made my night. I've wanted to see them for a long time so my experience was doubled that night. I drove in from Missoula (twice) and I can't wait for the full tour. Thanks to all the performers and crew for putting on such a great event and special thanks go to the NorthWest School for giving Stone the opportunity to pick up the guitar and play. "If Stone had not learned to play guitar I would probably be a has-been by now. Or in a boy band. And married to Cameron Diaz" --Ed commenting on Stones education at the NW School.