Goodbye Dallas

Last night's show was a blast! The 8000 or so of you that came to the American Airlines Center were enthusiatic and inspiring. The show had one significant technical glitch when Alfreda's microphone didn't work at the beginning of The Promise.

Unexpected events like that can throw off the rhythm of a performance, but rather than put everyone on edge, Yanni handled it cooly. He stopped the song. Alfreda smiled and waved to the audience as everyone laughed and applauded with support, while she was handed a second microphone. I mention this not to point out a problem with the show, but to try and convey the family-like atmosphere that I'm already beginning to expect to be the norm at Yanni's concerts. The concerts are like a family reunion for Yanni fans, and its been five years since they've all gotten together. Anyone who comes out to see this tour expecting to have a good time won't be dissapointed.

The following is an excerpt from an email message I received from Yanni fan Christy, who attended the Las Vegas show:

"My husband (of four years) is not a huge fan of Yanni, and detests concerts to begin with. However, as a belated anniversary gift, he presented me with two tickets to the concert. I knew he would not regret it, and he didn't. Following the performance, I asked him if it was anything like he had expected. He told me it was far better than he'd anticipated, and that on a scale of 1-10, he'd give it an 8. He must have deducted two points for having had to park at the Luxor and walk to the Mandalay, because it was evident during the performance that he was thoroughly enjoying it!"

For those of you who read the Yanni message board regularly, I'd like to comment on the two reviews posted there from Dallas newspapers. One is positive, one is negative, but both praise the quality of the musicians in the show while downplaying Yanni's role. THAT is exactly the way he puts his show together. The shows are about the music. Yes, I'll give the critics their complaints about Yanni's stage antics. Some won't like them. It is his style and it is distinctive. Any thing distinctive is wide open to criticism as well as praise. The praise comes from his adoring fans. The criticism from people with pens and platforms. Is there vanity involved? Of course. He's the front man for a very successful show. Having gotten to know the man, I believeYanni is popular with his audiences because of his music, not his hair. I'm also thankful to be a part of it.

Enough of that. As I mentioned earlier, the show was fun, but the best part was getting to meet quite a few of you afterwards. I signed a few programs, books and even a t-shirt! I look forward to doing the same thing after the Tampa show Thursday night. We landed in Tampa this afternoon after a pleasant flight on a charter jet. Tommorrow is a day off and everyone has plans to get out and enjoy the area.

As always, I enjoy hearing from those of you planning to attend, as well as from those who've already seen the show. Just remember that I only have a short amount of time before the bus departs, and it is very annoying to the other musicians when the bus is held up waiting for one person. I never want to be the last person on the bus, especially as a new guy! ¶ 5:13 PM