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I don't get a lot of time to check out this forum, but I'm just popping in to say that I'll be on my own in the FRONT ROW!! Looking forward to meeting the other Chicago attendees. I've been to a lot of PG concerts--excited about seeing how this band will look now that they're all mellowed

Hello Bird! I too am on my own...and in the FRONT ROW, Section 2 (center), seat 9. So I guess we'll be meetings at the sound check. Real name is Craig so be sure to say Hi! I know that Zenrider will be there as well. Hi Zen! It will be awesome. My second time seeing PG and first time in the front. Anyone else here going to Chicago? I guess THIS will be our concert thread so chime in!

We're heading for Chicago - four in row 3 in the center. Very excited to see the VIP package details!

Hi Bird, sitting 3rd row section "C" going solo ( I don't take causal dates to musical events like this........ Looking forward to meeting you and other "Lunatics"). I was blessed with the intelligence to see Peter with the New Blood Orchestral last year with reserved expectations, I was pleasantly surprised and all expectations exceeded to the point that that might be the only chance I will have to see Peter and the New Blood Orchestra live......... The first time I saw Peter Live in Chicago was back a few years at the UC Paviion when Peter defided all the rules and laid back into the audance "Lay you Hands On Me". Since then Peter is more of an event than a musical "concert:"

Anyone at the Chicago show have any suggestions/ideas about a post show gathering? I'm not from Chicago and know nothing about what might be in the area but would be happy to attend a post show get together.

I will be there too, on my own. Looking forward to seeing all the other VIP fans up front. Who knows any details on the VIP package, when we get in etc?

Only Canada has received theirs...still waiting for Philly info.

It looks like the VIP email comes in exactly one week prior ... so PA attendees should have got theirs by now...

The Philly fans are still waiting for the e-mail...

Yes, I'll be there. A little further back, but since everyone here so far will be at the soundcheck, let's meet there. Since I will be more likely then less likely working the day after the show (since Peter keeps missing my memo about having Saturday night shows when in Chicago) an after show meeting could be tough. Still trying to decide what to wear.

Unless you want to have lunch at Billy Goats before the show. Burger joint just down the street from the venue.

Hi Zen, I was thinking maybe before as well. I really don't know that part of Chicago that well and so opted for the Lot H VIP parking. Heck, $550 for the show, $60 for gas, what's an extra $35 for parking?? I haven't gotten any sort of parking pass yet, so I'm a little concerned there. Anyway. let's see what the entry time is and see if lunch is doable before. Afterward might be pretty late, and I still need to drive back to Wisconsin!

Philly VIP info still hasn't arrived, and the show is Friday...come on now! Anxiously awaiting information...

Yes, also awaiting VIP info for Philly.

All the best to a great gathering and show in Chicago!

Takes me awhile to get back here. But thrilled to hear from you all. Beaker, where are you in WI? Milwaukee area, right? I'm west of Madison. I'm game to meet up after the show--before the show--whenever. Chicago has usually been a good city for Peter's shows. He's mentioned so in interviews. I know this will be no exception! My name really is Bird. . . . Zen, you know about sick days, doncha???

Hey Bird, I live in the "little" village of Waunakee, just north of Madison. And yeah, I decided to take Friday off as well, figuring I wouldn't get back home till 2 or 3am at the earliest anyway. I'm planning on for the show plenty early, who knows with traffic, construction, etc. and I don't want to be late! Real name is Craig, by the way.

OK, I do know from the last United Center show I did have to pay for parking, but parking was close to the building. Billy Goats is about the only place I know near there. The union hall isn't that far from there. Though not this particular location, it is the place the old, old Saturday Night Live skit was based on. Saturday Night live: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1tFx5xKrSI (couldn't find the whole SNL clip) Who they got it from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjZ-v7T7dQQ Ironically, the SNL skit came from the Lower Wacker location, but the actual original Billy Goats was closer to the location near the United Center. BTW, no one has to go there, but it's close to the United Center if nothing else. logo http://www.billygoattavern.com/locations/ 1535 W. Madison St. Near United Center Bird, already using my last Optional day for the show, and well, having a colonoscopy next Monday (no worries, my biggest fear is the Doc will tell me I have to go on a gluten free diet. ), so probably not a good idea to try for another day. Have to pay for T-shirts and stuff... beyond that, don't have sick days, have an optional week instead, that we can't break the days apart. So much for those powerful unions I keep hearing about. That said, a short meeting after the concert to exchange notes would not be entirely out of the question. Beats sitting in the parking lot waiting for traffic to disperse. I'm back in the 9th row, but kinda like sitting back a bit, so works for me just fine. Was third row at the last United Center show and that was nice too, but decided if I was too late for 1st row, and I was, I'd rather be slightly further back, but not too far. I'll be the one throwing popcorn at Beaker who's straight ahead in the front row. Hmmm, wonder if I can get popcorn there. Anyway, have to get some . See some of you soon.

Billy Goats looks pretty close. I’d up for a Cheezeborger! Cheezeborger! And afterward for a debrief is cool. I don’t like to burn gas sitting and prefer to let the crowd thin just a bit anyway. I wonder how early they will let me park in Lot H? I’m planning to get there an hour or so before they let us in for sound check, just ‘cause I’m paranoid about being late (for that much money!) And Zen, I like my popcorn lightly salted please.

Well, we'll see each other there. You know, Zen, I was just kidding you. It's great you've got time to come for the show, regardless. I have some business in the city the next day, so I'll book a room and hoof it so as to avoid the whole parking fiasco.