Set outdoors at an old race track, this was one of the most "pleasant" Yes shows I've seen. I had never seen Yes outdoors, and it was special to see them play into the evening. Being only the third night, this was basically a warm-up to the Talk tour. Most of the shows during the tour did not include the set break, and the songs marked with an asterisk were eventually dropped.

The material from Talk translated wonderfully to the stage. "Endless Dream" was by far the highlight of the evening. Other favorites were "Real Love," "Cinema," "Hearts" and "City of Love." I especially enjoyed Trevor's piano intro to "And You And I." This tour was definitely a tour de force for Trevor Rabin - this is when he came of age as Yes' guitarist. It was also, unfortunately, Trevor's last tour with Yes.

This was an outside venue, and during the concert there was a brief lightning storm, the lightning actually added to the stage effects. I believe it occured during 'Endless Dream'. It was a really cool, I don't know how the stage crew pulled that off, or maybe God is a Yes Fan? ;-)

Anyway the band was rather laid back at this appearance. At one point Jon stopped to talk to a moth or insect of some sort, at another he had a problem with his guitar and required assistance of the other members and crew.

I got the impression that Trevor did not want to be there, based on his facial expressions, or perhaps that's how he always looks when performing? The rest of the band seemed to enjoy themselves, though, and it was a great show.

Much to my surprise, I got a 3rd [row] seat through Ticketbastard to see Yes on their 3rd show of the tour. It was a pleasure to say the least. The band was rather loose and didn't worry about working out the bugs >. It was like being invited to a dress rehearsal with a few thousand folks. The venue was an outdoor race track facing the grand stand. My seat was actually down on the track. The start time was early -- 7:30 so, the first set was pretty much under natural evening light.

The set list was the same as the 1st 2 shows as reported in the last issue. I would've liked a more diverse selection but, I wasn't expecting it. As hoped for, the Talk material really came to life. Endless Dream just blew me away! Why couldn't more of the new material be that powerful? It's not like they're playing for the MTV crowd anymore, eh? Just my opinion, of course, but I think Alan could've cut loose a few _more_ times than he did. Boom Boom thwack can get old. :-<)>

Overall, the band played splendidly. Tony hit a few bum chords in Heart of the Sunrise but what the hey. Jon's voice is quite unbelievable for a man who is now 49 - 50 (?), especially when you compare the voices of other singers in the rock biz at his age. I think that was the most pleasant aspect of the show -- being that close to such a powerful presence. Trevor's keyboarding was a welcome addition, Billy Sherwood did a great job, Chris is _still_ fabulous & Alan _still_ can torch 'em up.

Some looser moments that you probably won't find during the Big City shows: Jon forgot the ending of a line to Heart of the Sunrise. He just looked out in bewilderment to the audience with his arms out as the audience finished the line for him. He laughed, he cried, he applauded. :-<)>

Later, Jon was telling a story to "a little flying guy" that landed on his leg. JA reached down and got it onto his finger where he finished the story to the bug. After it was apparent that instruments & other gear were ready, Jon tried to shake him off to no avail. Then he blew on him -- nothing. Without further ado, Jon cocks back his finger and -- TICK! -- . Jon:"Oh, he's OK..." There was also some amusing buffoonery with Jon, Trevor, Chris & nearly every road crew member to help Jon hook up his acoustic guitar. 1st it was the strap, then cable, then volume knob...

All in all, I got my $'s worth for sure. Any Yes fan should enjoy this show. Try to get a 3rd [row] seat, if possible. :-<)>