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For many of us Poi Dog fans who have been enjoying the energy of their live shows for “x” number of years, we have a personal connection, pride in the number of shows we’ve attended, and that includes the number of venues in which we’ve seen them.  Another evening of memories has been added to the list.  Another sold out show.  This time it was at Durty Nellie’s in Palatine.  If you’ve only been to the century old building in which the pub/club previously resided, then you may think you know how its name came about (actually the name derives from an historic Irish pub).  They just celebrated 5 years at their new location down the street and they could most likely drop the “Durty” if they chose to.  It’s a building built for your musical experience.  While the sold-out crowd was anticipating the best part of their Valentine’s weekend, I walked down to say hello to Frank and the band.  They were calm in the comfort cavern below ready to take the stage.  Frank thought it would sound good if I introduced them while they were on stage and they could immediately go into song.  Eruption is what ensues.  That’s just the band trying to grip their instruments and Frank getting one more sip from his glass of wine.  He adjusted his mic for me and let me introduce them in front of a crowd I’m used to standing in the midst of.  That’s as fun as it gets for me.  There is nothing like the first note of your favorite band!  It began 20 years ago with their debut album.  They opened for an XRT show with Robyn Hitchcock at the Vic.  Robyn mentioned to me years later how he enjoyed teaching Dave Max Crawford how to drop the blue notes for when he joined him on stage for “Veins of the Queen.”  I was there.  It was the highlight of the night and was one of my favorite concerts of ’89.  I look forward to the next show and venue they choose.  Along with many other Chicagoans that are glad they call this their home.