I will be going and would be happy to get you a shirt. St Charles is a long way from downtown Chicago, I dont know how mant miles but it would take an hour I think, depending on traffic. The Bears are not playing so why go? Why go if they are playing?

I have never been to the show but my wife has stayed there and says it nice,

http://www.pheasantrun.com/

A while ago I thought I heard someone else say they wer staying there. I do have a room reserved, its about 200.00 you can sure do better some where else. I hope to find a sbp floor tom for my clubdate kit. I think the VIP ticket would ony be useful to get a jump on buying stuff but I dont know. I will be watching this tread also to see what the guys say.

The "deals" are what you are able to negotiate...some drums you will pay "all" of the money for and some you may get a deal on...The VIP pass is a good choice as a lot happens in those early hours, even if you don't end up getting anything, the pre-show experience (scoping) may lead to something on Sat. or Sun.

You should go, it's and absolute blast AND a real bang for your buck as there are several clinics and discussions that are included in the price of admission.

Mike Curotto

if you do go, make sure you are there the last hour on Sunday because that's when great deals happen. I know I myself tell people who want to buy something I have for sale for a lot less than I'm asking to check back Sunday around 4:00pm and if it's still there it might happen.

I know that at the 2010 show (didn't make the 2011 show) I saw many "deals" that I, for sure, would have bought if I had any room in my u-haul, which I did not. There are MANY booths to check out and I would say yes, there will be deals to be had.

Hope you go!

Besides the deals there's the people. You get to hang out with one of the biggest gatherings of drum enthusiasts in the world. And many bring a lot of incredible pieces just to show.

I believe the VIP tickets are good for 1st pick of the items if you can afford it. You will have to negotiate your deals as mentioned. I've noticed most items were at premium prices but not always everything. An item at one table may be much less expensive at another, so shopping around first, helps. The show is a good hr. away from the city. You can do a search of local motels to the Kane Co. fairgrounds. The entertainment is the best even if you do not purchase anything.