It's not easy being the foreplay act for a headliner with fans that have been waiting for many, many years. Even harder is walking out on that great big stage with just you and an acoustic guitar. I imagine a lot of thought goes into the set list. Should you play the so-called best songs first, to hook them in? Or wait until a few songs in, when the crowd is resigned and settled, knowing they're going to have to go through you to get what they came for?

Whatever his thought process, Jann Klose took the stage last night at the German House with aplomb, although he was in front of a decidedely Renaissance crowd. With just his voice and his guitar, the sound he produced was so big I swear the rafters were swaying in time. He sung with a deceptive effortlessness, as his range didn't become apparent until you tried to sing along. It was then I realized that he was all over the scales. A few songs in and my Ren-fan friend was won over. A few more and she was picking out ones her son's band should cover.

Did I mention it was a Renaissance crowd? The rock-opera band got a standing O after its very first song. The crowd damn near gushed after every tune. My friend was ecstatic, even ordering me not to talk during certain songs. It's not my cup of tea, but I can certainly appreciate the talent. I found it interesting that with the big productions like Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and even Celtic Women, that Renaissance could pull off just as much evocative magic without all the flash and smoke.

The fans were definitely pleased, many waiting quite a bit of time after the concert to have their Ren-stash signed. I received updates until the wee hours of the morning from my friend, who was rifling through boxes to find her CDs and tapes. I've even been invited over for a future wine and listen. I'll take the wine.