I just wanted to raise my glass (which is a non-metal alcaseltzer and bottled water now) and give a toast and a cheers to all the coolest cats in music. I believe that music is above and beyond all else, about uniting people. And Prog Power does exactly that. I feel like I lived a lifetime of experiences in 3 days. Feel free to post your favorite The Michael moment, as I had too many with all of you. Most seemed to enjoy my company but I appologize to anyone that I offended with my crazed party antics and didn't take them seriously -- stuff like, "I'm sorry I'm hitting on your wife, but it's okay cuz I'm doing it right in front of you." Or after meeting Scott Mosher saying, "Oh man, you are so tiny... I just want to pick you up *big wrestling bear hug ensues*." There was even a moment I sat right between Tom Englund and his new bassist. A fan came up all nervous and obsequious to us and shook Tom's hand... then my hand, and the new bassist's hand. I told the guy I was new to Evergrey and really appreciated his support as I was nervous coming all the way from Sweden.... 
I also wanted to thank everyone that joined us for the lunch party at Front Page News on Friday. We paid with the honor system and the ammounts I got from everyone was exactly what they collectively owed. I was expecting to be paying a little out of pocket for the party... but I totally didn't. And that was really awesome I thought. We are soooo doing it again next year... but it will be bigger bolder and better. I'll try and get them to play more Jorn and less Cindy Lauper for everyone next time!
Glenn is probably not reading my post but sometimes I know my suggestions must get heard by him one way or the other... because they often actually happen! I felt The Pre-Party was the best night of them all. I enjoy socializing and tried to balance the music (I wanted to see every set) and talking/buying people drinks I didn't know yet. I was able to do this much easier at the Pre-Party. Shane had by far the best mixed bands. Circle II Circle and Circus Maximus, especially, were F'N studio quality. I liked the fact that it started at 6:30pm (more time to socialize) and ended at midnight (so I could party and buy drinks for everyone at the bar for another 2 hours) after the set. I really hate chosing between yackin' it up with all you cool cats (who inevitably talk about how much they don't like the band they're missing that I still wanted to see when we're in the lobby). This was the first year I felt the pre-party was actually more enjoyable than the official festival, as odd as that sounds.
You guys are all awesome and I hope to see you all again very soon.
The Michael... the Prog Power whorebot!
I also wanted to thank everyone that joined us for the lunch party at Front Page News on Friday. We paid with the honor system and the ammounts I got from everyone was exactly what they collectively owed. I was expecting to be paying a little out of pocket for the party... but I totally didn't. And that was really awesome I thought. We are soooo doing it again next year... but it will be bigger bolder and better. I'll try and get them to play more Jorn and less Cindy Lauper for everyone next time!
Glenn is probably not reading my post but sometimes I know my suggestions must get heard by him one way or the other... because they often actually happen! I felt The Pre-Party was the best night of them all. I enjoy socializing and tried to balance the music (I wanted to see every set) and talking/buying people drinks I didn't know yet. I was able to do this much easier at the Pre-Party. Shane had by far the best mixed bands. Circle II Circle and Circus Maximus, especially, were F'N studio quality. I liked the fact that it started at 6:30pm (more time to socialize) and ended at midnight (so I could party and buy drinks for everyone at the bar for another 2 hours) after the set. I really hate chosing between yackin' it up with all you cool cats (who inevitably talk about how much they don't like the band they're missing that I still wanted to see when we're in the lobby). This was the first year I felt the pre-party was actually more enjoyable than the official festival, as odd as that sounds.
You guys are all awesome and I hope to see you all again very soon.
The Michael... the Prog Power whorebot!
(f#@kin Dustin Cracked me up with that one!)
