I was at both. The ProgDay 2002 show was quite an odd phenomenon. We had been pushed into a high school auditorium due to very bad weather. That also, removed all the food and alcohol from the event. That didn't stop Kraan. They came on and just ripped the place up. They were energetic and personable and very light-hearted. It was impossible to keep yourself from clapping and grooving with Helmutt and the boys. They blew me away that day and sealed the deal for Rob and I to invite Kraan to a future NEARfest. Due to a lineup cancellation, we were able to extend that invitation for NF 2003 - and they didn't disappoint. It was awesome to see them on the big stage at the Patriots Theater plowing through some of the same favorites that were played at PD the year before, plus a few new songs from "Through".
Incidentally, as "odd" as PD02 was from a venue standpoint, the performances that weekend were outstanding (and that's what really counts). The standouts for me were Kraan, Avant Garden, Djam Karet and Happy the Man. I had never heard of AG and they slaughtered the place with high energy sax-infused, riff-laden heavy rock/fusion. IZZ also deserves a major shout-out, btw. The power went out during their set and instead of being discouraged, Tom and John Galgano sat on the front of the stage and led the band in acoustic versions of a few songs. Major class and stuff of ProgDay legends.... like Paul Sears getting tossed in the pool.
Bookmarks