Jimmy once again skipped over Michigan this year. I've heard rumors he was upset Pine Knob management wouldn't cut him a big enough deal on concession sales. Whatever the reason, we were once again forced to road trip to see the new tour. We chose the Alpine Valley show since it was the only Saturday show within driving distance. Unfortunately, the weather conspired to turn this into an extremely uncomfortable day. It was quite cold and rained constantly. My fellow concert-goers on the Lawn managed to have a great time; sadly, I could not muster the strength or the enthusiasm. A pat-down search at the gates prevented me from bringing my recorder in, so for the first time in years I was unable to tape the show. Besides that, the video screens -- which was the only way I could see anything -- went dead for most of the first half. This kind of crap brings out the irritable curmudgeon in me, so, despite the beverages, despite the music, despite a surprisingly lively and responsive crowd, I failed to have a good time.
       Anyway...

I tried to make up for the Alpine Valley debacle by getting tickets to Jimmy's September 15 Chicago show. But I ended up selling these on eBay when the a November 12 Detroit appearance was finally announced, as the Beach Odyssey tour was extended. It turned out the September 15 date was moved to September 29, in response to the September 11 tragedy. I assumed increased security would keep me from taping the show, and I was not proved wrong. So, for the first time since 1987, I have no recordings to offer this year. Unlike in the Summer, I'm not quite so disappointed about it; there wasn't much I could do about it this time, especially since security at the Palace were using metal detector wands. Oh well. At least I got to enjoy the concert more, and was able to singalong and cheer and shout -- and probably be just as obnoxious and annoying as the people who usually irritate me at these shows (but at least I didn't flee to the restroom during every slow song) -- all unencumbered by recording devices. So you'll have to forgive me my indulgence.
     We managed to find Club Trini mere moments before they started performing, in a rather narrow section of the concourse. And off to the side, we were delighted to see none other than Fingers Taylor! We hoped he might perform with Club Trini or, even better, on the big stage itself, but he remained off to the side, chatting with Amy Lee at the kiosk where she sold CDs. Mac Macanally, though, did do a song with Club Trini ("Looking Back"). Fingers took off before Club Trini left, and the rumor is he went backstage to talk with Jimmy. According to Dave on the the Buffett listserv: "[Fingers] told us that he and JB got together earlier in the day and had a long talk to clear the air. Seems it was the first time they had spoked at length in quite a while. He said it was 'very possible' that he would be playing with the CRB again in the future"!