7k field trip to Third Eye Blind

Last night David, Corey and I met at the Palladium in Hollywood to take in the final show of Third Eye Blind's pre-album release tour. The show was truly extraordinary, and I was left completely inspired watching Stephan Jenkins draw the crowd in and wrap them up in a comforting blanket of music. Half way through the show, after playing some of their hits and some new unheard songs, the four band members gathered around an old duct-taped couch (which had appeared during a partial blackout) for a 30 minute acoustic set. They started with "Palm Reader," with Stephan on drums and Brad (drummer) on acoustic guitar - it was fantastic. During the first encore they played a rare track, "God of Wine," and a gentleman in front of me literally broke down in tears. I was moved watching his girlfriend comfort him, and I was touched by the raw healing power of music. I was, of course, totally excited to hear all the hits - but the highlight for me had to be Stephan on guitar & vocals and BRAD on keyboards (the guy is UNBELIEVABLE)doing a rendition of the rare full lyric version of "Slow Motion," a ballad from the perspective of a "young urban psycopath." The new tunes piqued my curiosity, and the show ended with an a capella singalong. Awesome work, 3EB, thanks for the inspiration!