We were so excited to see American Music Club at Johnny Brenda's last night.  Andrew has seen Mark Eitzel perform four times now, but it was my first.

Throughout the show, Mark was getting annoyed by everything ... the photographer that kept using her flash ... the band ... the mike ... his guitar ... his monitor ... and probably everyone that talked through the whole damn show.  He just looked totally miffed.  All the while, he and the band sounded incredible.  They skipped a song on the set list, and then when he got to the end he introduced the last song by saying, "I'm sorry, but this is our last song."  Before he even played the last note, he unplugged and practically jumped off stage.  The drummer and bassist looked at each other and shrugged as if to say, "Well, that's Mark,"  and left, too.

But Vudi stayed for a moment, still playing his guitar.  Just as he was getting ready to leave the stage, Mark burst back apologizing.  Vudi quietly put his guitar back on.  And then the *real* magic happened.

Mark just started talking with us and playing songs.  He seemed much more relaxed once he was able to make a connection with the audience.  He doesn't seem to feel comfortable as a performer, you know, just performing for strangers.  He wants to hear us talk and be encouraged.  It's really quite touching to see his transformation.

And when he sang those last several songs, his incredible voice was just overpowering.  So emotional.  So perfect.  Those are the moments in life that make it worth living.