Steve Vai Entertainment Art Entourage Chicago, Ill. May 11, 2007

Vai began his evening hanging out in the lounge, giving press a chance to ask questions and take photos. He was happy to meet everyone involved and had no problem posing for pictures with anyone who wanted one. The audience, filled with an eclectic array of people, waited patiently for Vai to take the stage. Tables were set up intimately around a low platform that contained guitars, drums, and various other pieces of equipment. Guests, who paid between $100 to $150 a ticket, were treated to a complimentary buffet, which was quite delicious. Desserts were numerous, and there were chocolate truffles, thick, cold, drinking chocolate, tiny banana cream pies, and more. (Can you tell where my attention was focused while we waited?) Waiters spirited around trays of hors d’oeuvres while the audience watched videoS of Vai performing with the Metropole Orchestra.

Finally, just after 7 p.m., Vai took the stage for a q & a with the audience. He spoke for more than an hour, answering every question anyone posed. He discussed his time studying with Frank Zappa and the genius behind Zappa’s music. Vai talked about his albums, how he writes his music, his musical training and background. No one in the audience seemed unimpressed by Vai’s abundance of musical talent, and what was more impressive was his rapport with everyone. He was kind, funny, laid back, and laughing the whole time. His stage presence was captivating, even when he wasn’t playing guitar. Eventually, people seemed to have had enough of the questions and were dying to hear Vai play something. A young boy raised his hand and asked Vai, “Can we hear you play?” Everyone cheered and Vai picked up Flo, one of his many guitars, and began to jam with a local band that he’d never before played with. He did amazingly well, looking back often to make sure he was in synch with the band. As soon as the guitar was in his hands, his attitude shifted to something far more serious and he lovingly coaxed every sound he made out of the guitar. Unfortunately, though, he only played three songs before taking his leave.

Many people left at that point, but for those that wanted to meet him, Vai waited on the stage and signed autographs, cordially speaking with everyone that approached the stage. All in all, it was a pleasant evening. There was excellent food, great atmosphere, fantastic music, and a rare chance to meet Steve Vai, who made the experience worth it for everyone who attended.

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