Can't Get Enuff of Kip Winger at Tailgaters

Hi friends,

Just a few short weeks ago, I got to see Kip Winger perform solo at Tailgaters in Bolingbrook (a Chicago suburb), and joining me for the first time was concert buddy, Kate. 

It was a snowy and freezing night—I mean, really.  We got about 4 inches of snow and I think it was about 12 degrees outside.  But, of course, Kate and I braved the cold weather to see Kip Winger. 

Now Kate and I, not being 20 years old anymore, opted for VIP seating, so that we didn't have to stand all night.  (Good call, Kate!)  When we got to the venue (later than we expected, due to a windshield wiper mishap--don't ask!), it was quite crowded, but we found a pretty decent table off to the side with no one seated at the reserved tables in front of us. 

After we'd been there for about ½ hour, Kip took the stage.  He was so personable!  Gum chewing, Kip (yep, he chewed gum the whole time--the funny things we notice) chatted up the audience for a few minutes before beginning the show--and he remained quite chatty during the night.  Kip even used his cell phone during the show to call Winger guitarist, Reb Beach.  Kip put Reb on speaker phone and held his phone to the mic for us all to hear their conversation.

Kip didn't disappoint Winger fans!  He played a bunch of Winger favorites, like Down Incognito, Can't Get Enuff, and Easy Come, Easy Go (my favorite Winger song).  He also did a few songs that I was unfamiliar with, including a song with an Egyptian feel (that I liked a lot).  For the few songs that I didn't already know, Kip invited another musician on the stage to play bongos, while Kip played guitar and sang.

Kip also brought up a volunteer from the audience for Miles Away.  Most of us were SURE that this girl only wanted to get on stage to mildly grope Kip.  (Who could really blame her for that?)  BUT this girl THREW IT DOWN!  She surprised us all when she sang really well.  Kip let her do much more of the song than it seemed like he expected to let her do--and it was well deserved.  

Here's a video that I found on YouTube of the duet.

Kip took a couple of requests, which was really fun!  One of which, was Madalaine, which made Kate's day!  She'd been waiting to hear that one ALL NIGHT.  AND Kate had to wait until almost the last minute to hear Madalaine, because Kip played Madalaine second to last.

Kip saved Seventeen for the last song.  He made all laugh when he said,  “I can’t believe that I’m 52 and still singing this song, and I’ll still be singing it when I’m 62.  And she’s not 17 anymore, she’s more like 43.”  HA! 

Kip hit all of the big notes vocally.  He really sounded GREAT.  He also mentioned that a new Winger album will be coming out later this year.  He even played a riff from the new album that he had on his phone into the mic for us all to hear.

I hope see Kip back this way really soon.  I know Kate will be my willing partner-in-crime!

I hope you all enjoyed this blog!

Until next time...which will be in about a week and a half when concert buddy, Kate, and I get to see Nelson in concert!  ;)

All the Best,
Erica Basile