June 4, 2004

Fans experienced a night to remember May 26 for those who won tickets to the American Idol Finale Party hosted by the radio station WKSZ (95.9 FM) at Historic West Theatre in Green Bay.

For some fans the adventure began as early as the night before the show. Candis Vlasek of Milwaukee and six friends arrived at the theater about 10 p.m. Tuesday. The doors wouldn’t open until 6 p.m. Wednesday, nearly 18 hours after they arrived. With sleeping bags in tow, the group claimed the first spots in line, guaranteeing them front-row seats. Were they going through all this trouble just to watch “American Idol” on the theater’s giant screen?

“I don’t care about ‘American Idol,’ I’m here to see Hanson,” Vlasek said proudly.

That seemed to be the case for most ticket holders who arrived throughout the day.

JoLynn Wanta, a student at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, was one of the first fans to get in line Wednesday morning.

“I was up at 5:30; it takes me awhile to get beautiful,” Wanta, 23, said with a laugh.

Wanta has been a Hanson fan, “since I was 16.”

Her friend Leah Jorgensen, who attends Madison Area Technical College, came to see Hanson as well, but has also followed the “American Idol” competition.

“I think Fantasia’s going to win, but I like Diana better,” Jorgensen said.

Fantasia Barrino did indeed take the title of American Idol.

A loud cheer echoed in the theater when Barrino’s name was announced, but it was weak compared to the deafening shrieks that erupted about a half-hour later when Hanson took the stage.

Ranging in age from 18 to 23, Zac, Taylor, and Isaac Hanson still create pandemonium wherever they go.

Equipped with acoustic guitars, tambourines, and a few other
hand-percussion instruments, Hanson sang with their trademark three-part harmony.

Their set included songs from all three of their major studio albums, including “If Only,” the second single off of 2000’s “This Time Around,” and “Where’s the Love,” one of the many top-10 hit singles form 1997’s multiplatinum “Middle of Nowhere.”

Hanson finished their short set with “Penny and Me,” the first single off their new independent album, “Underneath.

The album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s independent sales chart, and Hanson’s stop in Green Bay was one of many promotional gigs.

When the final chord of “Penny and Me” ended, the audience roared in approval. Isaac, Taylor, and Zac shook hands with a few front-row fans and headed off stage.

They held a quick autograph session before heading off to Milwaukee to get ready for their performance the following evening at the Rave.

According to Hanson.net, the band’s official Web site, Hanson’s
full-length Underneath Tour will begin July 5 at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The tour does not include a Wisconsin stop at this time, but a
Milwaukee show has been added to the past two tours.