There’s no way to describe Weird Al, except that his shows are unbelievably amazing and entertaining. Seriously this guy has more costume changes than Cher during a performance. And during those changes you’ll see numerous fake interview videos that make fun of pop culture, old and new. Interviews with Jessica Simpson, Justin Timberlake, and even Kevin Federline all done to show how ridiculous these pop icons truly are.

Likewise his latest performance at the Ohio State Fair this last Wed August 8th was great! Starting off with the latest polka mix from his album, and proceeding through everyone one of his hits Weird Al delivered. Beat It, Smells Like Nirvana, Fat, Amish Paradise, and his latest top ten hit White and Nerdy. I don’t think the fair crowd had a clue what they were in for. Not only was there lights, costume changes, but blowing bubbles, money flying from the ceiling,  streamers and a cell phone tribute at the end that was amazing. He also completely the set with his 11 minute long opus Albuquerque!

Truly probably one of the most underrated performers, if you get a chance check Weird Al. You’ll never laugh so much at any other concert!

I grew attached to Dream Theater when I saw them open for Yes in 2004. Have to say since then I’ve become a big fan (although I really didn’t get big into them till about a year later.) When they came around in 2007 to Cleveland I decided to take a quick road trip up for the evening to check them out.  You don’t hear music like this everyday… or so I thought.

I was completely surprised at my surroundings (minus the fact that Time Warner Amphitheater completely sucks in terms of courtesy and facilities). Previous concerts I usually attend the crowd is usually around my age or older. However, Dream Theater had an extremely young crowd. I first thought everyone was there for another band, but I was wrong, they were there for Dream Theater! Holy crap, ‘I’m actually listening to a hip band!’ I thought.

Dream Theater themselves were amazing in performance as usual. Minus the big BLINDING lights they would show on the audience, the band is technically amazing. The setlist was a bit of their less popular songs (new album stuff, Blind Faith, Panic Attack), and of course the good stuff was a medley at the end (Trial of Tears, Learning to Live etc…) But all in all it was an amazing show both in music (very loud too) and abilities.

My biggest surprise was to find a local Cleveland High School band opening up right as the gates opened. I have to saw this instrumental band was ten times better than the two opening acts for Dream Theater. Holy crap, I have never seen high schoolers be able to play this well and music that was this good! The group Gravity is definitely going to be the next Dream Theater in my opinion.

All this gave me hope that the younger generation actually enjoys music that is more creative, technical and progressive instead of all this pop shit you see all the time.