YES OH YES - IT WAS A SUMMER TO REMEMBER!

Mayor's Office of Special Events Intern class of 1999, in the Mayor's office.

THE SUMMER OF 1999

I could drink legally, met my rock alternative idol, shook hands with the President, strapped on a leather helmet and goggles so I could fly around the skyline in a plane and fell in love with the greatest city in the world, Chicago!

I left the "land of corn" (Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL) making sure I packed my writing skills, public relations experience and my enormous best friend - I mean eagerness to succeed. I headed off to Chicago to start my first internship with the Mayor's Office of Special Events (MOSE).

I got paid very little to be an intern and the first thing I noticed was that beer was a lot more expensive in Chicago - no more 50 cent draft nights - and I often bought rounds of drinks on my credit card...those were some good times when I learned some real life lessons in finance!

I quickly became a trusted member of the small PR staff with MOSE that gave me experience writing press releases and media alerts while planning media events and working the summer free festival circuit. One event was a little more special than the rest; Taste of Chicago is the largest festival of the summer and provided a magical experience, one that I'll never forget.

MEETING A MUSIC LEGEND AT THE TASTE OF CHICAGO

Cheap Trick was performing and I heard rumors that some celebrity rockers will be hanging around backstage. What does one do when they hear such rumors? Spend most of my day back stage with your eyes wide open, DUH! I hoped to get a glimpse of someone famous - well famous to a 21 year old kid from the midwest in 1999.

I was sitting back stage of the Petrillo Band Shell in Grant Park on my lunch break, sharing cheese fries and eating an Italian beef sandwich with my coworker. Then, out of no where, Billy Corgan (of the 90's rock alternative band Smashing Pumpkins) sat down in front of us - walked up by himself like he was coming to chill with his friends in the lunch room in high school.

I was amazed at how personable he was and proceeded to have a casual conversation about the local music scene, the city's best bars on the north side and the disgusting amount of food we consumed at the festival that week. The conversation went on for quite a while and I was in the height of my glory - Billy Corgan is a legend!

In the 90's Corgan dominated the rock alternative scene with his melodic voice and unmistakable "spooky brand" made a huge imprint on my generation. He was from Chicago and went to school in the suburbs near where I grew up.

I took a weekend ACT class in his former high school and the teacher told everyone that he taught Corgan in the very same class room we were in taking the class.

That story stuck with me because I have always had hopes of greatness, wanting to achieve in whatever I decided to do when I "grew up" and someone making it from the suburbs of Chicago gave me hope to achieve some sort of greatness one day.

When he left the table my coworker whispered, "That was amazing!" And I responded, "A Chicago moment I'll always remember!"

Little did I know that I would begin to collect several unforgettable "Chicago moments" that summer. Yes oh yes - it was a summer to remember!

JOSH GROBAN PERFORMS SMASHING PUMPKINS

Josh Groban performed Smashing Pumpkin's hit "Disarm" with Billy Corgan at the Bridge School Benefit on Sunday and I grabbed some footage. I thought it was a really cool version. What do you think?

THE BRIDGE SCHOOL BENEFIT ROCKED MY WORLD

The Bridge School Benefit (formed by Neil Young - benefiting the school for handicapped children they run) is a 22-year old concert tradition in Palo Alto's Shoreline Amphitheatre. This annual event has showcased every music legend under the sun. This year was no exception.

This epic all acoustic show ended the year's outdoor concert season and was definitely the musical highlight of the year for me! The lineup included, in order of appearance: Cat Power, Wilco, Death Cab for Cutie, Smashing Pumpkins, Josh Groban, Norah Jones, Jack Johnson and Neil Young.

We had great seats close to the stage and felt like the talent just progressed from one great performer till the next. Neil Young came out and did some amazing duets with several of the performers. Here are a few of my thoughts of the performances and some random thoughts on the performers...

Cat Power: Although I heard of them before - I think they played at Lollapalooza - this is the first time I've seen/heard them perform. The leader singer was a dead ringer for Fiona Apple, equipped with the quirky facial expressions and the smokey-bluesy-soulful sound - she even looked super strung out. Decent - not extraordinary.

Wilco: Finally I got to see Wilco! Many of my friends love-love-love them. I would say they were so very talented, Jeff Tweedy has a great voice! But I need to hear more before I start to pour on the love. Jeff Tweedy - most likely to rock out in his whitie-tidies!

Death Cab for Cutie: They were awesome. I knew almost every some and they really excel in a acoustic show. AND a small note - Postal Service was too cool - come back with more! I dub them the coolest geeky-chic band around.

Smashing Pumpkins: Billy Corgan showed up with his unique raspy voice and performed songs from his new album which were good - but I didn't hear a song that could be radio hit. Josh Groban took the stage to sing the only hit song they performed from the 90s. Billy Corgan - the coolest weirdo of my generation.

Josh Groban: He rocked it acoustically. Listening to his version of Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge over Troubled Water" was like watching a maters class in vocal talent. I guess I am finally coming to terms with looking like him...and since he is so talented, I guess it is cool. I vote him most likely to succeed -AND-hoping to get as skinny as him real soon.

Norah Jones: With her new light brown short hair - she brought country western songs, backed by two accompanists, bassist Catherine Popper and banjo player and guitarist Sasha Dobson. She mentioned they are looking to form a group and looking for a band name. Norah, with her sweet sound and vocal prowess - definitely prom queen.

Jack Johnson: I have always wanted to see him perform live, and FINALLY this was my chance. He sang my favorites, some new tunes I haven't heard before and most of all, he brought me from a casual listener to a big big big fan! Jack Johnson, you make it look so effortless. I aspire to be as cool as you. Mr. Prom King himself stole the show...the best talent of the night by far!

Dear Mr. Neil Young:
Although I am not too familiar with your music and didn't know this 22-year old tradition even existed until I showed up on Sunday, I hope to come back every year and see the amazingly talented group of musicians you bring to the stage for the most worthy of causes. I appreciate your hospitality and hope to see you next year!