While on vacation last week I was able to attend the annual Christmas for Kids concert at the historic Ryman Auditorium.

The concert consisted of sets by the Charlie Daniels Band, Phil Vassar, Lonestar, Trace Adkins, Rodney Atkins, Amber Digby and 4Runner. Highlights of the show included the sets by Lonestar and Phil Vassar. Most acts performed their hits and some Christmas music.

I think the main highlight for me was seeing a concert at the famed Ryman Auditorium.

Show Links:
-Christmas For Kids - www.christmas4kids.org
-Charlie Daniels Band
-Phil Vassar
-Lonestar
-Trace Adkins
-Rodney Atkins

This was my first time seeing C.J. Chenier & The Red Hot Louisiana Band and it sure was a good time. Matter of fact, this was my first time seeing a zydeco band and I must say I hope not the last.

C.J. is a second generation zydeco accordion player following in the footsteps of his father Clifton Chenier. Check out some of C.J.'s music on the Alligator records website.

This was my second time seeing a concert at the Ramsey Auditorium at the Fermilab in Batavia, Illinois. The crowd for this concert was a little more lively than the previous show I attended in Batavia. The energy in the room was like the energy of a particle accelerator with the people dancing in the aisles.

I had the opportunity to see Kansas in Naperville this past Friday at the last Fling on Rotary Hill. It is nice to see an older band touring that actually has the original members. Check out the new gallery.

I had another great weekend at Irish Fest in Milwaukee. I was able to once again see Leahy who again were phenomenal. For the first time I was able to see Off Kilter who I have been listening to for several years. They put on an energetic awesome show.

There is a new music radio site that will feature a weekly streaming audio broadcast highlighting music from this Island in Nova Scotia, Canada: www.capebretonlive.com.

On St. Patrick's Day we decided to travel two hours to see REO Speedwagon and Styx in concert at Assembly Hall in Champaign, Illinois. REO definitely carried this show as the home team. Kevin Cronin was definitely at the top of his game as a singer and a showman. The core of REO Speedwagon (Kevin Cronin, Bruce Hall and Neil Doughty) have been together for over twenty-five years and still play with passion. Sitting in the eighth row I was struck by the guitar playing of Dave Amato, who is considered the new guy despite some 15 years with the band. This is truly one of the best guitar players I have seen live and he was definitely on his game.

Styx's performance, while professional, was not up to the standard set by REO. They really need to patch up their differences with Dennis DeYoung. The new animated singer seemed like a tribute artist to DeYoung. I did not appreciate his performance as I did original members Tommy Shaw and James Young.

I look forward to seeing REO again next summer.

I attended my second Leahy concert during the past two weeks at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn. Again, Leahy blew the crowd away with their electric performance. We had the opportunity to meet them again after the show and it is always great to meet people who are as kind and gracious as they are talented.

My brother took his daughter to today's show as a Valentines Day gift. They both said it was one of the highlights of this new year. My niece was so excited that they performed her favorite song "Moment". I could not attend the show today as I was having a great day spending time with my other nieces and nephew. I look forward to seeing Leahy the next time they come to Chicago or up to Milwaukee.

Next show is Natalie MacMaster in April. That is unless any number of acts come to town before April... Blues... Big Band... even Metal. I hear John Mellencamp will be touring soon. Nice thing about getting older is you appreciate a wider variety of music.

Yesterday evening I was able to attend the Leahy Concert at the Main Stage Theatre on the campus of the College of Lake County. Once again Leahy did not disappoint. This band from Ontario, Canada seems to get better with every performance. I have been to six of their concerts and they are a little different each time I attend. I highly recommend their show if they come to your area.

Here is a link to the site of the site of the House Photographer at the Chicago Tweeter Center. There are some nice shots - www.rocknroll.net.