After almost a decade of failed attempts to see Staind in concert I finally got to check-off the first item on my "Bucket List".

At 8:15pm on Aug. 21st, The Minnesota State Fair Grandstand was graced with the presence of Staind at which time a fine mist began to fall. Aaron said he couldn't decide whether it was refreshing (it was quite hot and humid) or annoying. From a spectators vantage point, you couldn't have paid for special effects like this! The band was enveloped in a surreal, ethereal light which perfectly complimented my emotions as I gazed, awestruck, at the stage (this is the stuff wet-dreams are made of). There, only yards in front of me, was the band that I've waited all my life to see. And Staind didn't let me down - they exceeded every expectation that I had and then some. I was hooked before I saw them live, now I'm enraptured, and jonesin' for more.

Thank you Aaron, Mike, Jon and Johnny for a show I'll never forget and for making music that's genuine, unlike much of the "fluff" that's out there today. I can't get enough!