Zenland (starting at $37)

Although inexplicible to some, I've nurtured a healthy affinity for serious guitarists for some time. On April 10, 2004, I witnessed Eric Johnson, Joe Satriani and Phil Keaggy perform together on the same stage at the Dallas Guitar Show.

Satch and EJ didn't sing. Keaggy only sang during one song. The place was, of course, standing room only, ...and funeral-home silent as these guys led us in a two-hour instrumental lecture as to why we, as mere mortals, were yet able to ascent Mt. Olympus to sit at their right hand. As we left the auditorium en masse, no one uttered a word. I can't explain it.

And I didn't pick up my guitar for nearly a month.

In the words of Michael Stipe, "Music is way beyond rational thinking." No duh.

Friday, April 28, Joe Satriani and Eric Johnson will be playing the Paramount Theatre in Austin.

If you're interested in sharing the experience, let me know. I'll be there. Drooling.