I own a copy of this concert on CD, but wanted to add the DVD to my collection so I could see it as well as hear it. To my delight, several songs were on the DVD that weren't on the CD (such as Lawrence Gawen singing "I Don't Need No Doctor," JY Young doing his rendition of "Lorelei," Todd Sucherman's arrangement of the 18-Styx-Song-Medley, and a couple of Christmas songs). The kids in CYO are all dressed in Styx t-shirts, and you can tell that they were encouraged to treat the show as a rock show per se, and not a serious (meaning "stuffy"-serious) orchestral performance. And oh, how they enjoy themselves! There are some special features on this DVD that make it all the more worth buying, such as the "quake-cam," a view of Sucherman's drumset throughout the entire medley song...very fascinating, and demonstrative of his outstanding drumming skills. There are also interviews with the members of the band and with Liza Grossman (director & founder of CYO), and a photo gallery with some behind-the-scenes shots. I only found a couple of nit-picky flaws. One is that "Come Sail Away" was still missing from the DVD. Was it not performed? I've seen Lawrence do it live, and he's outstanding, so I don't know why they would omit that from the concert. Second is that the instruments in the back of the orchestra (e.g., the brass) seemed to be just a fraction of a second behind everyone else. Maybe they needed a set of monitors back there so that they could have heard and played along with the band exactly as their notes were being played, instead of waiting for the sound to travel back there. If you're a Styx fan young or old, I can't recommend this DVD enough. "One with Everything" is the most breathtaking piece of writing I have ever seen a rock band come up with, and "Everything, All the Time" is terrific as well, so don't let the fact that there is new material on here keep you from buying it. "WAS IT GOOD FOR YOU?!?" Yes!Read full review
I was flipping TV channels one night and happened upon a band playing in front of an orchestra full of kids. Looking closer, I recognized Tommy Shaw and realized that the band was Styx. Now, I was never a real Styx fan. I knew the hits -- like we all did -- you couldn't escape them on the radio in the 80's. But, this was different. This was better. This was live, infectious fun. The kids in the orchestra and chorus were having a blast, the band (which only includes two original members) were playing tight and professionally. And the whole concert was recorded and mixed expertly. So, I waited for the concert to air again, in the hope that I could hear the whole thing. Finally, I dropped by Half.com, found the disk at a good price, made the purchase and haven't regretted it. I've passed the disk around to my musician friends and we all agree that this is one of the better concert DVD's ever produced. It's high quality and great fun.Read full review
Very well worth the money. A different look at STYX and how their music looks past many generations. The concert was keeping me watching every movement. The smiles on the youth as they jammed with STYX on many occasions. It must have been a great nite for the band and youth orchestra, one that they will remember for a lifetime. Hats off to STYX for doing this show, and also to the youth for an excellent job they did as well.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I'm an avid Styx fan, so this may be a bit biased. The concept and execution of this show is done for the books. You gather a student contemporary symphony and chorus, and have them sing a play Styx music with the band. This is baby far the best Stxy concert of the three I own. The concert was filled with Stxy songs written by Tommy Shaw and James "JY" Young. The drummer came up with a medley of 18 Styx songs that was like a mini concert during the main concert. During this medley the orchestra was encouraged to get up and "stretch", approximately 100 teen musicians began to dance to Styx. These young musicians all had huge grins while playing the music I, a 58 year young adult, began listening to when I was their age. It is an enjoyable two and a half hours, and I will enjoy watching it many times over.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Having seen one-or-two of the songs that were sent via email to me by friends, it was a moral imperative for me to make this purchse. I was not disappointed, and have made my DVD available for family and friends to watch whenever they so choose! The orchestration and choral arrangements (needed more or the latter, in my personal opinion) were stupendous, and I wish I had known about this event, so that I could have attended it live! Everyone looked like they thoroughly enjoyed the experience, but don't know if Mr. Gowan or the kids had more fun...lol! Take the opportunity to gain custody of this DVD by any means, sit back (hell, jump up and lose it!) enjoy the show and be One With Everything!
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