Pearl Jam SRO at Chicago's Vic Theater

Not only did the fan club members get a show for the ages last Thursday in Chicago's famed Vic Theatre, but they were treated to a remarkable opening act.

When Eddie Vedder came out and played an acoustic set of rarities, songs from his imminent solo CD and even a tribute to the never quite close enough Chicago Cubs, the fans were enthralled.

But the night just took off from there when Pearl Jam launched into their eclectic set list. With the North American concert debut of the Who's "Love Reign O'er Me" and a rare appearance/guest performance by Ben Harper, who Like PJ was in Chicago for an appearance at Lollapalooza, to end the set, it just couldn't get any better.

So with a great event poster, and new shirts made from organic cotton or bamboo to memorialize the affair, the crowd left beyond satisfied, another affair for their Pearl Jam scrapbooks etched into their souls.

And it didn't Rain

No trip to the west should be limited to Southern California despite the great assortment of clients, managers, licensees and great friends based there.

Especially if you get to see a glimpse of Neil Young’s next archive release lovingly being assembled at Lookout Management, or get to do a Santa Monica drive by to visit the friendliest dogs and their minder, Junkfood’s creative whiz Blaine Halvorson.

Or a viewing of the rough cut of the inaugural Zappa Plays Zappa concert DVD and having Dweezil himself offer up highlights of the upcoming tour’s musical focus. Bonus track? How about sifting through Frank’s personal collection of rare Zappa t-shirts so well archived by Gail and re creator of all things ancient, Steve Coe from Worn Free.

An update of the Police tour’s plans for treks to other time zones, gigs by Josh Groban and John Legend and a planning session for Drake Bell’s biggest tour yet, which starts early July, meant that all things LA were accomplished.

The next 24 hours were gorgeous, nostalgic, and lo and behold sunny!

Dinner with 10 Club’s about to no longer be a bachelor Tim Bierman was complete with sushi, sake and smiles.

Lunch the following day with Alice in Chains’ lovely co manager, Susan Silver, featured over sized salads, an even larger pizza and the long forgotten art form – no shop talk!

Besides the customary run along one of the world’s most scenic waterfronts was the highly anticipated visit to Pearl Jam world headquarters. The warehouse, the dogs, the band gear, the rehearsal space, the poster filled walls and most importantly, their key staff, the fan club folks and of course the Curtis Management team who were all putting finishing touches to the logistics for the band’s upcoming Euro tour which is starting in early June, made this long overdue visit perfect.

This year Anthill celebrates its 10th year working with Pearl Jam. At this time, thanks, respect, and best wishes to everyone in the band’s world. Cheers.