SOLD OUT Mystic Lake Casino and Hotel - 11/22/09

I am going to start by copy/pasting the setlist from before, because, I am nearly certain it was the same.

Batman
Dig That Crazy Christmas
Sleigh Ride
This Cat's on a Hot Tin Roof
Bogie Woogie Santa Claus
Sexy and 17
Stray Cat Strut to Mr. Grinch
Trouble Train
Pipe Line
Honey Man
Angels We Have Heard on High*
Lonely Avenue
Run Rudolph Run (Trio)
Jingle Bell Rock (Trio and Vixens)
Blue Christmas (Trio and Vixens)
Mr. Jazzer (Trio)
Fishnet Stockings (Trio)
Rock This Town (Trio to Orchestra)
The Nutcracker Suite
Jump Jive and Wail
Gettin' In the Mood (for Christmas)
Jingle Bells



My wife and I showed up at the casino about a quarter to 7, tickets in hand and ready to sit down. Right at 7pm, the SOLD OUT Mystic Lake was only about 1/2 full. At about 7:20, the lights dimmed and the place was packed full.

They came out with a bang, Batmasks ready to go. Jenny and I were sitting 5 seats from the far right, 5 rows in. Still close, but, ya know, not the best angle. Also, we may have been a little close to the speakers to fully appreciate the sound from all parts of the band.

We were expecting a little subdued crowd compared to the 50th Birthday Bash in April, and, the crowd did not let us down in that area. In between songs, as the polite applause ended, an awkward silence went through the crowd, and, it was kinda annoying, because I know I was "that guy"... Ya know, the loud bastard in the corner who would be the first to clap, first to scream, first to stand up in the middle of a song that kicks a whole lot of ass.

The vixens came down for Sexy + 17, and Brian mentioned that Julie was from a town we have never heard of, called Minnetonka, and he then shared a story about her growing up and trying to be "Little Miss Raspberry" or something of the sorts... Either way, he stated she won, she corrected him and said she was runner up. Julie joked that the winner was not in attendance tonight, and, Brian would get his when they get home.

* Right before Angels We Have Heard on High, Brian mentioned that the show was sold out, but, there was one empty seat for a friend who had passed away a month ago, Jim was the first name, but we can't recall the last, and he wanted us all to take a look around, and, if an empty seat was in view, to think of Jim. Brian dedicated the song to him, and, the song already brings me near tears, this performance had me almost there as well.

I think Fishnet Stockings was the point where the crowd pulled their thumbs out of their asses and started to get more into it. I led the way, dancing in the seats for most of the second half of the song, and I think this was where they finally got their first standing ovation.

A small break before Nutcracker Suite and Brian came back on and finished the set, to a FINALLY awake crowd.

Gretsch booth in the lobby as well as the merch section as well (All of the merch you see on the website is all that is offered at the show).

A beautiful night, now, all we need is some snow...

-BK

Pictures to follow (if there are any good ones)

have a look here...

https://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2264297&id=17200130&l=5a9d83b768

A few of my favorites, although MOST turned out bad, my camera just doesn't do that great in a dark setting...

The white guitar




A Lonely Avenue



Again, not a ton of great pics, but, still a DAMN GOOD NIGHT!

-BK

Thanks for sharing Brian!!

Thanks for posting the review and pictures, johnnykool327.

I'm glad you had a great time - thanks for being "that guy"!

Sounds like a great show. Hmmm....two nights in a row without Gimmie Some Rhythm Daddy...bummer. We're headed out to the Wausau show tonight, and I know my hubby (and me) were really looking forward to hearing that song live.

The vibe at some of the Christmas shows is so very different than a Stray Cats show. I think it might have to do with the age mix of the audience. I'm hoping the Grand Theater tonight is electric and people are going nuts to hear the BSO play. Otherwise, we might stand out like a sore thumb, and keep up BK's tradition of being "that guy"...

The bit about Jim was endearing...thanks for including that.

Happy Thanksgiving all!
hrg

Johnny,

Excellent review. I agree with what you wrote. I was "that guy" too, way back in row HH. The band was out of range for me to get good pictures. Thank you for sharing the ones you got.

JK---
I looked for you & Mrs. Kool, but with a packed house, it was hard to pick out anyone!

I was 5 rows back, as well, just slightly off center. Seat 46 if that helps with your perspective.
AMAZING SEAT!!!
I was blown away by the show! And I completely agree that the crowd was WAYYYY too uptight for a hometown crowd. I felt like I would get "Shhh'd" at any minute by the folks around me, but it never happened! (whew!)

You have the same setlist written down as I did. I'll only add a couple things for folks who might have any interest.

Brian started out the show playing the red Hot Rod (sorry if I screwed that up Cave folks!) and switched over to the white hot rod at Boogie Woogie Santa Claus.

With regards to the special mention of the friend who had recently passed away, I had the first name as John, and I didn't get the last name written down. I hope someone can help us in this department, because "Angels" was a knockout!

Brian switched back to the classic looking Gretsch at Lonely Avenue which also received what I thought a lukewarm response. On that note, I have to say I thought the sound dept. DID have a hard time balancing the horns with the vocals on Trouble Train. I don't know if it was the venue or what, but it was mentioned this seemed an issue on Conan, so I'm thinking it's an issue when performing the song live. Hopefully it can be worked out. Both Trouble Train and Lonely Ave were tremendous performances.

Finally, there was one encore which started with the Nutcracker Suite, and Brian bringing out a 7-page copy of sheet music with the indication this next song was "kind of a long one, so he needed to bring the music." I don't recall having heard the BSO perform it before so I soaked up every note, and wasn't disappointed in the least!

Can't wait to read reviews for all the upcoming shows!
Thanks Brian & the Orchestra....it was a night to remember!!!
p.s. HRG--don't worry--the leopard jackets for the Brian & the band haven't gone COMPLETELY away!
I love the black & white look BTW. Especially under the black lights. Sooo coooolll!

enjay07 wrote:

You have the same setlist written down as I did.

Nice review enjay. It sounds like it was a great show. And thanks for writing down the setlist.

Thanks for the show reviews .