I think Atlanta fans (and those who drove and flew from other parts) can be proud of themselves. From the get-go, a hyper-enthusiastic crowd of folks, with most of us Tongue in the Mail folks having made ourselves acquainted beforehand.

Some highlights:

Waiting by the back door for a good hour during soundcheck in the heat and humidity, catching a glimpse of the man onstage ... and after various imagined worst-case scenarios with which fellow listies like Mark Slocumb and Cassandra commiserated ... The man himself shows up, as if by conjuring he's suddenly there. Great full head of hair, exceedingly comfortable clothes ... navy shirt, navy pants, black Birkenstocks. I got autographs for my friend Sarah and for myself, and my boyfriend Scott managed a picture of Neil and me. Very pleasant, very charming with the small group of us, and he agreed that it was too bad Peter Green couldn't make it this early on in the tour. I remained articulate and cool as a cucumber when the moment was called for. (Okay, not quite, but I did NOT get hysterical on the man, okay? ) Big Thanks to Mark for all the tips on how to meet someone like Neil, and for his calming presence and enthusiasm (since it's all old hat for him!). :)))

Possible warning: at this show, only CD's were available -- if you bought the CD, you'd get a free 2x2 b/w poster (signed) of Neil. Very disappointed there were no T-shirts. Fortunately my other friend Mark was willing to buy the album off me. :) I hope T-shirts start showing up, or I may need to beg the mercy of some blessed listie...

Scott Rambeau (sp?) was invited onstage to sing harmony on a verse of "Four Seasons in One Day" ... we'd all sung along with Neil on acoustic, and Scott's harmony was notable to Neil for it's likeness to Tim's, so he asked him to climb up and sing a verse with him once Neil had finished the song. Very lovely, and all of us were glad that one of our own had been marked with such distinction. :) And thanks to him and his great height, he very kindly got Neil's set list for me afterwards. :)))

Also of note: Ebba Forsberg is adequate as an opening act, but whether it's from nerves or a lack of imagination, she doesn't really have a stage presence. She's got a nice voice, but it's nothing you haven't really heard before--I sort of felt transported to a lounge atmosphere, the kind of place you'd go with your mates for some drinks and she'd happen to be there singing. Don't know how far her career is to this point, but hopefully she's still got more room to bloom.

That is all for the moment, my dears. If i have left off your name, do not fret, I plan to draft a more complete version later.[The more thorough version will replace this review- ed.] Being surrounded by fellow fans and seeing such a great show...it's hard not to feel in love with life, to really feel that one is part of some greater community. Pardon the hokiness, but it's hard not to appreciate what a great bunch of folks come together under the auspices of Mr. Finn.