“Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night" may be the postman's motto, but it also applies to Tom Sadge when it comes to making it to his gig as "Neil Diamond" at the 22nd Annual Neil Diamond Birthday Party in Chicago. So, after flying into O'Hare International Airport for six consecutive years for the two-day event, the celebrity impersonator has chosen to buckle up in a rented SUV this time - instead of aboard a USAIR flight.

"Since November I've had two close calls - and near-missed bookings - as the result of filght delays, cancellations and/or overbooking. These Diamond fans come from as far away as Europe for their "Neil fix", as they call my act. It would be unfair for them to be disappointed because of an airline's blunder - so I'm driving this year, instead of flying, to have more control over my arrival time."

Sadge, who is based near Scranton PA, has been a full-time celebrity impersonator since 1997. As such, he has traveled throughout the U.S. and Canada entertaining "as Neil Diamond". He's a favorite of the "Diamondheads" and is frequently their first choice for parties and cruises. But he's not resting on his laurels: he plans on spending the eleven hours of driving time to The Embassy Suites in Rosemont IL, the Chicago suburb where the January 26th party will be held, in practice. He knows you can't fool these fans: some of the hundred or so party-goers, mainly female baby-boomers, have been to over 300 Neil Diamond concerts. And, because the real Neil hasn't performed in public in several years and isn't expected to show up at the party, watching Tom Sadge perform will be the highlight of the weekend.

Most know every word of every song by heart, so Tom Sadge has to be on his toes.

"If I sing the wrong words to a song, or make an un-Neil-like gesture or step, you can bet I'll hear about it later! But the critiques are well-meant, and have helped me tremendously in polishing my impersonation."

The first Neil Diamond Birthday Party in Chicago was organized in 1987 by Joan N. and Annie F., two lifelong Neil fans from the Chicago area who are still the main co-ordinators of the reservations only event. Even though the offical itinerary covers only Friday and Saturday, some old friends arrive on Wednesday and leave on Monday. The main event is the big birthday party on Saturday evening - complete with birthday cake and decorations. Dress may be semi-formal but the festivities are not: cheers, screams, hoots and hollers permeate the ballroom as "Neil" performs for over an hour. And this is where the practice pays off.

"Sure they want to hear Sweet Caroline and Cherry Cherry. But I've had requests for Last Picasso, Lady Oh, Crunchy Granola Suite and other great - but far lesser known - Neil Diamond tunes. The fans love to try and stump me, but I work hard to make sure that doesn't happen."