I went to see DDY and band play this at the Chicago Ridge Ridgefest.
The festival was held in a small park in this Southside community. By
the time my friend Jennifer and I got here, the show was almost ready
to start. DDY's manager, Tim Orchard, was good enough to put us on
the guest list, so we were able to see the show from various "VIP"
areas around the stage. DDY hit the stage with Grand Illusion,
followed by Lady. He did Lorelei, Best of Times, Mr Roboto, a
powerful Castle Walls, Babe, Desert Moon, Come Sail Away, etc.
Highlights included Pieces of Eight, including an excerpt from
Grieg's Hall of the Mountain King, and a couple of new tunes - the
title track of 100 Years from Now and This Time Next Year. Jennifer
snapped a load of pics and got some great shots of the show. The
hometown crowd – DDY told the crowd lives 20 minutes away- were
pumped and got a great show from DDY and band.

Additional Observations:

After asking the crowd how many were seeing him for first time, DDY
then quipped, "Where have you been for the last 35 years?" A voice
from the crowd answered "We hadn't been born yet." He also told a
story about Styx going to see The Exorcist and getting a bit nervous
the next year when they shared a plane ride with Tommy Shaw's then-
girlfriend, Linda Blair

After taking a bathroom break at a rear stage porta potty during Babe
(my least favorite DDY song and a good time for me to take such a
break), I noticed Suzanne DeYoung sitting down at the rear of the
stage, taking a break during the song. I exchanged waves with her.
She may be old enough to be some of our mothers- ok, not old enough
to be my mother, but I'm sure she is somewhere near some of your
mother's age- she is quite a stunner.

Got to chat with DDY and manager Tim Orchard for a few minutes after
the show. The new album will be released in America soon; DDY
admitted that there had been delays on his end, but that Rounder is
excited about the album The strength it showed in Canada should help
motivate the label to get behind it in the US. My gut reaction is
that DDY's new album will sell quite a bit better in the US than the
last two Styx projects. DDY was friendly and gracious; he even signed
a CD for Jennifer.

We were introduced to Kevin Chalfant, who was in the Journey spin-off
band, The Storm and has worked with the live Alan Parsons project. He
sang harmonies on the new DDY album and continues to perform on his
own. Very nice guy.

DDY has a great band. Bassist Hank Horton kind of looks like a rock
version of Mr. Clean. Guitarists Tommy and Jimmy are fabulous and
their two-guitar interplay is amazing. The keyboard player and
drummer rock, while the back-up singer chick Kate is both a hottie
and an amazing voice.