This show was the first time that my wife has ever shown interest in seeing the band. What a way for her to start! I think the Gorge is the best large venue in the US. It's also the closest show I can hope for. Not exactly a hometown show with a 4 hour drive, but that's how it is out west. It's rare that I roll up to a show with a huge crew and they didn't disappoint.
Now for the music: The first set offered good song selection and energy from the crowd. Roggae was the first time I felt like we were in the Gorge. This is not just another show at a Verizon Wireless Venue near you. Everyone was looking around at each other with the same knowing glance. Walk Away, Funky and Bowie gave Trey some time to shred us all to pieces before set break.

Rock and Roll-> Meatstick -> Boogie. This 37 minute roller coaster was the best music I have heard in person so far this year. The RnR seemed to be a continuation of Super Ball for me; the next step forward. I was back at the Storage Jam, except the band had more of a purpose behind the madness this time. With CK5 throwing down, my wife asked me if the stage was about to fly off into space. We all thought the same thing she did. This was one of those once a year (if you're lucky) moments for me. Magical.
Having seen 21 shows in 1999, it is hard for me to enjoy a Meatstick (except 7-15-99), but the bookend jams were HOT. Boogie kept the dance party going with nimble Trey dancing around Mike's phunk. Truth be told, Page earned MVP of the west coast for me and these 3 songs give a taste of why.
Farmhouse, Show of Life, who cares what they play after that. Everyone kept telling my wife not to expect this type of a performance every night. Fortunately, the band proved them wrong the very next night.