Time for REO Speedwagon to hit the stage! The lights went out, and everyone got up on their feet! The audience in Bismarck was great. They were really ready to have a good time! REO started their set with "Ridin' The Storm Out," which was their closer last year. When Kevin first stepped up to the microphone, it didn't work - we couldn't hear him at all. Everyone kept playing, and Kevin stepped back. Someone ran out and adjusted the mic, and in a few more beats Kevin tried again - still dead. Another emergency run, and this time they swapped mics - still no good. By this time Kevin was a little annoyed; he sat down on the drum riser and kept playing while final adjustments were made that solved the problem. I can understand his frustration, but it was no big deal to the audience. The problem was fixed a lot more quickly than it sounds, and the entire band covered seamlessly. We just got a longer instrumental introduction, and we didn't mind!