Hi and welcome to the December E-Newsletter from www.TheConcertStage.com. As we close out 2007 I reflect on another great concert year and look forward to another great year in 2008.

Year In Review

The theme for 2007 has been Celtic music meets classic rock. The year started out seeing the French Canadian band Grand Derangement. Grand Derangement melds traditional Acadian music with rock and folk that produces a electrifying brand of entertainment. I think the export of music from Canada this year was again of high quality and included great shows by Natalie MacMaster, Enter the Haggis and Leahy.

This year could be known for the resurgence of REO Speedwagon in the Chicagoland area. I saw REO perform in almost every type of venue this year. It started out with them performing and acoustic set at the local Wal-Mart during a CD signing session. They also performed at a stadium as part of a rock festival, an arena at a local university, and at Milwaukee Summerfest. I think the best of the REO shows this year were watching their television taping at the WTTW studios and watching them perform from just feet away at the House of Blues. My brother even had the opportunity to high five Kevin Cronin during his favorite song - Roll With the Changes. I have a gallery from the Wal-Mart show online and some reviews in the Blog section.

Other 2007 musical highlights included sets by the Elders, Joan Jett, and the Stray Cats at various festivals and enjoying Irish Fest despite a rain storm. Just the other day I had the opportunity to see Billy Joel in concert for the first time in over twenty years and again was blown away by his showmanship.

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Happy New Year

I want to wish you a Happy New Year. I am looking forward to another great concert year. I already have tickets to see Eileen Ivers, Natalie MacMaster and Leahy for the new year. I am also looking forward to seeing Barrage for the first time in April. Drop me a line if there are shows or bands you think I should check out.

Happy Holidays and here is looking forward to the new year.

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