I'm still recovering from the triple digit temperatures of the Southwestern United States. The Dallas/Arlington concert was incredibly HOT!!  I can't tell you how much I loved this performance!! I'm sure you've read many, many reports about this show.  Here are some of my memorable moments (The heat literally sapped my energy, to where I'm not sure if I'll be posting a full-fledged account . . . so just a list for now.):

• Zac broke 8+ drumsticks.  At one point, he had knocked his headset off and had to adjust his mic while continuing to drum during the better part of a song.  Whoa, what an unstoppable spirit and so professional!
• Isaac broke a guitar string during "Hand in Hand" . . . and this song still remained tight.  What a testament not only to Isaac's showmanship, but also to the incredible talent of Jason Taylor (backup guitar) and Scott Hogan (bass)!
• Taylor performed a highly unforgettable and entertaining impression of Mick Jagger during "Can't Always Get What You Want."  I might consider paying ticket broker prices to see this band member do the "chicken dance" at a wedding. ::grin::
• I have renewed respect for "Man from Milwaukee" . . . for such a fun, silly song, it just keeps on rocking. Hard!
• The guys dedicated "Lonely Again" to their friend "who knows who she is" because she likes to call it the "sha-ne-nah" song. But I refer to "Sometimes" by this name. ::smirk::
• "Lucy" was as tender as you would expect it to be . . . but if I'm not mistaken, Zac was not singing lead. hmmm
• How much do I love "Speechless" in concert? It was my third favorite from MON, but sometimes I tired of it on LFA. However, on a steamy night in Arlington, TX . . . I fell in love again. The guys used it to introduce their backup band members and they just kept playing and playing and playing. Taylor paid homage to each Scott, Matt (keyboards) and Jason by bowing in humble gratitude, while the crowd followed his lead.
• Three words: "Johnny B. Goode." Chuck Berry . . . 'nough said.
• I'm not going to launch my usual gushing when it comes to discussing "MMMBop" in concert, but suffice to say that I could gush about it here.
• Hearing "Sure About It' live . . . and acoustically? It was a special joy. If you're like me, knowing the lyrics is half the enjoyment.
• "Tick Tock . . . Tick Tock goes the clock"--yes, it is just as fun, if not more so hearing it directly intoned by Isaac Hanson.
• This is in the "sweeter than words" category: Zac had his head down in a contemplative pose during portions of "A Song to Sing."

• Finally . . . This was the first and only time that I have ever gotten physically exhausted at a Hanson concert.  Consider the heat index, the hotness of the hundreds of people surrounding me, the fact that I had spent all day in direct sunlight doing Six Flags and well . . . exhaustion doesn't cover it.  But after 24 songs, was Taylor Hanson at all ready to slow things down? Are you kidding me? Forget tired, dehydrated and dangerously overheated!  Why? Because Taylor invited us to join him in enthusiastically jumping to every beat of "In the City." And it was better than Tae Bo!! (c;

I owe a huge debt to my good friend, Stephanie, who orchestrated the entire trip. You're the BEST and I mean it!  Thanks so much! It was also fun to hang with Michelle and Jennifer who convinced me that Mr. Freeze (Twisting and turning with a vertical climb, followed by the same thing in reverse) was an even smoother rollercoaster than Batman, the Ride (Don't lose your sandals, you're on an out-of-control ski lift). You guys define "cool."  Yay! It was also great to meet Aaron (of MOE fame) and Lisa (Hanson Hotel). 

P.S. No sign of beef stew . . . and I was really looking. ::chuckle:: (Taylor mentioned on "Leno" recently that the band sips beef stew during concerts to rejuvenate their energy. One time, he accidentally sprayed the audience with it, mistaking its container for his water bottle.)

And at the end of "Summertime Blues" (I'm pretty sure it was this song.) I believe Taylor's mic shut down and it was just the crowd.  Intentional or no?  I'm not sure. But the effect was every concert goers dream come true, singing with the band in concert!

Feel free to send your reactions to this review: dknstormy@aol.com

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