Dancing in the Wind

Shania Fillmore

2012-01-09T14:09:00.000-06:00

I had absolutely no idea what I was in for when I told a student in my youth ministry that I'd go with her to see Shania Fillmore on January 6th. All I knew was that she is a country singer. What I didn't know is that she is 15, from Moncton, and was one of the top 6 on last summer's The Next Star on YTV. It's sort of like Canadian Idol for kids. While I was at the show I researched the show on my iPhone, and I actually found a couple episodes to watch online over the weekend. Neat show idea. The kids on there were all cute as buttons.

So anyway. The Capitol was full of young children and their parents, or middle-aged people (I'm assuming friends of the family). I would say 90% of the concert was Shania and JD (another Next Star finalist from Ontario) singing to back-up tracks [kind of karaoke style]. JD did bring out his guitar (affectionately named Kevin) for a few songs which I was excited about. But vocally Shania can sing far far better than him. I was quite impressed with the vocal power of Shania; for 15 she has a pretty decent set of pipes. You can tell they are just beginning though and have much to learn and experience... It honestly felt like we were in the room with the judges on the TV show, with the lack of band and everything. But it was cute to see all the kids so excited about them, and it was a completely harmless night of fun. Since they only have one original song each, the night was mostly covers. Some I was less excited about (...Bieber...) but then Adele & Lady Antebellum happened and I was happy.

The student I was with was on cloud 9, and that's what truly matters :) We met Shania & JD after the show and she was so excited she could hardly stand still! It reminded me of my first Hanson show. :) I was joking around that I'm going to try and get Shania to come to our youth group/church... I mean she's in grade 10 and goes to the same school as some of my students. Just doing my job :)

So, yep, my first YTV star experience. Will it be my last? Probably. But I enjoyed the company I was with. :)

Avril Lavigne

2011-10-23T12:59:00.002-05:00

I am loving living in Moncton. So many bands come to me and I can literally leave my house and be at the show in 5 minutes. I found out Avril was coming here back in August and felt I wanted to go. I had seen her once before back in 2005, right at the start of my concert obsession (I hadn't even seen Hanson live at that point). The show was pretty fun. I love Avril's first two albums. I really dislike her third, so I never bothered seeing her on that tour. Her latest (Goodbye Lullabye) actually is pretty decent. So I thought why not?

I'm kind of over general admission standing room, especially when I am alone and it's not my favorite band, so I got seats right on the side of the stage. I kind of wish now I went a little farther back as I was RIGHT on the side of the stage. Those arena maps lie. I got to the show shortly after 8, having been at Youth Group for awhile. It started at 8 and I didn't like the opener all that much. At least, the one who was advertised... when I came in and found my seat there was a dude with an acoustic guitar playing. I was like "that's not Evan, is it???" and sure enough IT WAS! Evan used to be in Avril's band (along with Charlie & Matt) and in my mind Avril went down hill when the 3 of them left. They were the band in 2005 and I loved them. So it was REAL NICE to hear him play again. After his set he was signing out at the merch booth but it was far too crazy to try and get near. So I did the stalker thing and just watched, then wandered back inside for The New Cities. I heard them once before, opening for Hedley, and they're actually not bad. They have a lot of fun on stage, lots of energy.

Avril came on around 9:20 or so I believe. She played 12 songs + an encore which included an acoustic one with Evan and 2 more full band. Typical show length for her (I laughed at how it wasn't much longer than Hanson's half-show in Portland!). It started in the most corny/tacky way imaginable... the band did the "black star" intro from her album, she came out with one of her green glow in the dark stars that all the little girls had, waved it around and sang the words to the intro, then walked off again. It was super funny.

All in all I was super happy with the set. Half of it was from her first two albums!!! I was somewhat surprised and thought she would have done much more newer stuff. Some of the little kids around me didn't know some of it. I was in my GLEE and it was basically a time warp back to University days. Her 2nd album is the summer of 2004 at Camp Starrigan. So many memories. She even played "I Always Get What I Want" which is like a B-side from her 1st or 2nd album. She only played 2 (I think) from her 3rd album. Maybe she shares my sentiment that the album is not up to par with the others. I honestly think she gave in to pressures from the music industry to be a certain way.

She sang the chorus of "Airplanes" for a minute which was so random, going into My Happy Ending. The BIGGEST ANNOYANCE OF THE NIGHT: she went offstage and the band started doing the instrumental to "Unwanted" (a particularly angry song from her first album). I LOST IT because I LOVE that song and thought it was going to happen. Then they played into "Losing Grip" - another first album song I would LOVE to hear. But then Avril came back out and they whipped into "Girlfriend." REALLY??! I was so bummed out I was legit sat for the rest of that song. I have to say she has improved her performance since I saw her 6 years ago. She was running around a lot more, and she seemed not nearly as flat (although on my videos it kinda sounds like she is...).

The lighting didn't seem that good but maybe it's because of where I was sitting. My camera was not happy. I also felt so old at this show. I say the average age was about 15. I saw way too many Avril lookalikes, about 9 years old, complete with heavy eyeliner and green/pink hair. It was all very unsettling.

So that's that, my 2nd Avril concert. I say it was worth it. So glad the set had so much older stuff in it. It made it that much more enjoyable. And I still remembered most of the words :) I hope Avril continues to mature professionally and doesn't have to continue to be the rebel as she approaches 30. I mean really, how long can the teenage rebellious phase last?

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Hanson in Portland... take 1?

2011-10-12T20:00:00.002-05:00

So last night I went to the weirdest Hanson show I've ever been to. I'm sure fans know by now that Taylor (and Zac I think) is not well and the show was cut short, to be rescheduled later. I'll get to all that in a minute... still want to do my normal post-show blog!!

So when the dates for the Musical Ride Tour were announced, and I saw they were going to Portland ME, I decided I would try to go. Since I've lived on the "main land" (not the island of Newfoundland) they had never come that close to me. Plus Portland is where my family has vacationed practically every year for 25 years. I couldn't commit to it right away since I was on the brink of starting a new job, but once I got the OK from them (WOOT I LOVE MY JOB) I planned to go down with my parents. My Hanson friends were originally planning 3 shows which I knew I couldn't do giving finances and new job, so Mom & Dad offered to take me down since they love that area so much. So it was like a mini family vacation with Hanson thrown in :)

We left New Brunswick on Monday morning and took our time driving down, stopping in Freeport to shop the outlets and the Maine Mall. We also went by the venue to size things up in daylight. There were already people in line! People camped from 9:30am the morning before to get front row. I admire their dedication! (Personally I am just as happy a little farther back but to each her own!). We stayed at the Hampton Inn down in Old Orchard Beach because it was the cheapest and it's the area we know best. On Tuesday we got up and went down to the beach area... my parents are looking to rent a condo for a month next summer (they're retired) so their family can come down for holidays whenever is convenient for them (HECK YES). After lunch we went back to the hotel and got ready to head to the State Theatre. Dad dropped Mom & I off. This was Mom's second Hanson show... she brought me to my first in Toronto back in 2005 :) For me, this is show #15.

We got there around 5pm I think. The venue is right in downtown Portland. It kind of reminded me of Northampton MA but more squish. There was a Starbucks right by the venue (joy!). As soon as we got out of the car we saw Zac on his phone over by the buses, and about 50 people in line. I found Krista & Sarah and said hello, and then we went over to Starbucks to get a coffee and just kind of watch the venue/bus/whatever. Apparently Isaac was in Starbucks 20min before we got there. Sad days. After having some coffee and talking to a really nice local guy, we went over to the box office and got our tickets. I saw some more Hanson friends, one who had a M&G! I can't believe it was her first one, it seems like she's seen them live way more than me. Mom & I walked to Rite Aid because I forgot to bring a sharpie with me (in case I needed one if an autograph opportunity arose). Then we went back and got in line about 45min before doors. We chatted with some really nice girls from northern Maine. It was their first Hanson show :)

Doors opened pretty much on time and I loved what I saw inside. The venue is GORGEOUS. It is a perfect blend of GA floor, bar dancing space, and theatre seats. Because I had Mom with me we went for seats, and got front row of them right in front of Isaac. Decent. I went and bought some merch (the tour shirt and the calendar) and got some supper for Mom & I. We were sitting next to 2 really nice girls, one who was at her 2nd Hanson show and the other at her first. I love meeting new people :) Around 8pm the show started with Charlie Mars. He was OK I guess... he was trying to hard to be edgy and "inappropriate" or whatever. I tuned out most of it to be completely honest. Mom was not impressed, hahaha.

I think Hanson got on stage right about 9:00. From the very beginning the show felt off to me. I wasn't sure why... it didn't seem like the band was giving out as much positive energy as usual. The crowd seemed dead. Maybe it's because I could see the whole floor and wasn't up inside the mob. I have no idea what the crowd looks like from behind because I'm usually in it. But I think the band and crowd usually feed off one another. Of course, this was also show 15, I was with my Mom, and I wasn't in the crowd, so maybe that's why I felt the way I did. Anyway. After 2 songs things got weird. The 3 of them kept having group talks by the drums. Their manager was side-stage the whole time connecting with either Taylor or Zac. She came out a couple of times. Taylor kept getting the crowd to sing, or asked Zac or Isaac to take the lead. Once Zac mouthed at him "I don't know it!" It was all just really off. Zac was even messing up the drums because of the lack of focus/everything going on. After 5 songs they left the stage. Usually this is to switch over to the acoustic set. But they were gone way too long. I started to worry... Taylor had mentioned earlier in the show that we had voted for an album to win tonight, but because he wasn't feeling well they had to change plans.

They came back and Taylor said "we have to cut this short" and my heart fell to the floor. They started doing all Isaac & Zac leads, except for MMMBop and Thinking bout Somethin. Then they told us that they were feeling really under the weather, and they didn't want to give us a crappy show. So they told us to keep our tickets, they'll reschedule as soon as they can, and we can use our tickets to get in to that new show and they can give us 100%. One more song or two, and it was done. 45min or so in all.

It was SO WEIRD. I usually leave Hanson shows feeling like I'm on a cloud, so filled up from the music and performance. And this time I left with the anticipation feeling still inside of me. Now, I'm not mad that the show was cut short. Taylor was very obviously SICK. He was super pale... I was afraid he was going to faint. And I know the only other time they cancelled was when Isaac had a blood clot that was a life-or-death situation. This was much harder for them than it was for any of the fans. It's just the built-up excitement I've had in me the past couple weeks still wasn't deflated. I just plain felt funny.

After the show Mom & I went out to the bus. Only Isaac came out but there were a lot of people and I wasn't aggressive enough getting over to the other side of the street so I never got an autograph or picture. But it was fun to just be there anyway. Plus Dad wasn't there yet since the show had ended so early. Once we got picked up we had a late snack at Denny's and went back to the hotel. And today we woke up and drove the 7 hours back home.

So my 15th show was a weird one. I definitely got the most bogus setlist of any show I've ever seen (Musical Ride, Waiting for This,Where's the Love, Thinking bout Somethin, And I Waited, A Minute Without You, Running Man, Deeper, MMMBop, Man from Milwaukee). But I'm glad I saw those. I mean the show could have been cancelled entirely. And it was nice for me to see that venue. I really hope I can get back there when this show is rescheduled. We'll have to wait and see!

Photos

TobyMac

2011-10-08T21:44:00.001-05:00

Well it's been a few days since this show, but I have been under the weather and sleeping any chance I can get. On Wednesday TobyMac came through Moncton and I knew I had to see him again. At Soulfest last summer he blew me away, him and his band. Their energy on stage and their ability to draw the crowd in is enough to have me dancing, even though normally this isn't my preferred style of music. I bought just one ticket in the 2nd row since when they went on sale I didn't know anybody here yet. It turned out I was right next to one of my high school students!

Jamie Grace opened. She is 19 and really sweet, and has a phenomenal voice. I do wish she had a band though and didn't use loops/tracks to back herself up. The acoustic guitar only ones were nice. At this show, unlike Maple Noise, they let people crowd the front. So even though I was 2nd row in chairs there were a ton of people in front of me. I didn't mind though. I'm tall and I liked having the room in our row.

TobyMac played what I think was an exact replica of 2010's Soulfest setlist. Complete with the acoustic part in the middle of the crowd and Jesus Freak at the end. The difference this time is that I own his latest album so I knew many more of the songs than I did before. I LOVE the Diverse City band. I think if he came without them it wouldn't even be worth it. I love the animation and choreography on stage. It's not over-done but just enough to get you excited.

The concert was SUPER loud but I had my ear plugs with me. I think they played at least 90min. It was sold out at over 2,000 people in attendance. Part of the fun was getting to see so many people I know from other places, particularly New Minas and Fredericton. I had a couple friends from New Minas stay over to my place for the night so that was fun :) We stayed up until 1am talking and watching Youtube videos... Oops!

So that was concert 75! It was a great one. Blew Maple Noise out of the water, in my opinion. 2 bands > 10. Concert 76 is in 3 days... my 15th Hanson concert!!! I am sitting on my couch now watching a 5of5 DVD... probably not a wise idea. My excitement meter has increased 100%. I'll have pics/video of TobyMac up soon!

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Maple Noise

2011-09-19T18:40:00.001-05:00

Wow, it's been almost a week since the Newsboys concert and I have yet to blog about it! You know you've been busy when. Anyway. Living in Moncton is pretty fantastic. There are so many bands that come here! I was planning to go to Maple Noise for a long time, even before I knew I was going to be working at Journey. So I had a ticket bought. But when I came on here, and 30 of my new friends wanted to go to, I decided to buy a 2nd ticket so I could party with everyone else! It was so much fun.

The show was a bit of a marathon. I think 10 bands in 6 hours is a little overkill. 5 bands would have been just lovely. This isn't Warped Tour. I got there at 5 to get everyone's tickets and spent a bit of time hanging outside the church. I got in just as Manic Drive was starting their set. I went up front and jumped around with a bunch of students, got some pictures. It was super loud, and they had bass with no bass player. Interesting indeed. Moving on.

The next act I remember is Jodi King. I liked her. I knew one of her songs from the radio, and it was pop piano music. I'll take it. I also remember Jonny Diaz. He was really great, just an acoustic guitar and a cahon! I decided I'd let myself buy one CD, and since I enjoyed his set so much, and his CD's were $10, I picked him. It's great so far. Then came another lovely act, Greg Sczebel. He reminded me of a cross between Elton John and Ben Folds. Very blues-like. The bass player was my favorite.

I believe it was after Greg Sczebel that the concert hosts did a talk about World Vision and sponsoring a child. Some of our students asked if they could sponsor a child as a group! Cool! So we sponsored Tanjina, a little girl from Bangladesh. It was a pretty cool moment. Consequently, we now have a free Greg Sczebel CD to give our at Youth Group. Ouuuuu.

Manafest were next. I know lots of people like them but it is just not my style of music, I cannot get into them at all. This was my 2nd time seeing them. Still nothing. After Manafest it was Thousand Foot Crutch, or TFK [I can't call them that after all those years of saying it the long way]. Again, it was loud, and... loud. Highlights included the spine mic stand and the guy with the dreads.

Finally, at close to 10pm (seriously?) Newsboys came on and the entire mood of the room changed. It was obvious lots of people were there for them and weren't too sure about the earlier bands. I've heard a few people have written off the Newsboys because of Michael Tait, so they just sound like DC Talk now. Well maybe, but who cares, they were still good. There were lots of lights and elevated platforms, and lots of songs we all knew and could be excited about. The best part was the worship. Looking behind me and seeing a row of my grade 9's enveloped in the presence of God is pretty awesome. I also work with the coolest bunch of Pastors I know. Almost all of us were there, it was so much fun! The epic encore featured a brand new song, Jesus Freak (EEEEEEEEE) and a spinning drum set! It was pretty spectacular.

The next morning came way too early and we were all pretty groggy at work. So worth it though :)

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City & Colour

2011-08-28T22:44:00.000-05:00

So I got treated to a free concert at the end of this summer thanks to my friend Mitchell! City & Colour were playing a free show at the Moncton Coliseum thanks to someone from Sussex who won a contest with Sirius satellite radio. So once Camp Mission Team was over on August 19, Mitchell and I (along with his friend and brother) took in this show. Dallas Green is insanely talented. His vocal range is impressive and the tone of his voice is just so wonderful. I knew it would be a pretty chill show. I got there just before doors but because Mitchell is from Sussex we got to be in a separate line that went in first! We ended up 2nd row on the floor.

K-os opened the show, which don't try and figure out the sense in that one cause I have no idea. Having a hip hop artist open for a hippie rocker crowd was amusing to say the least. Most of us endured it as best we could. I guess he was okay but I can't really take anyone seriously who feels the need to swear and drink from a flask on stage. We could smell the liquor from the 2nd row.

K-os soon left and we waited about 30min for City & Colour. I was pretty hot, and exhausted from the whole summer at Camp that just ended, so I decided to stay in the crowd for 5 or 6 songs, then I left to get a slushie and popcorn, and juice (I was mega thirsty). You weren't allowed to bring drinks down on the floor so I got a nice seat sidestage and watched the rest of the show from there. Dallas Green is my kind of artist. He's sososo talented. I especially enjoyed the acoustic set in the middle. His band was really solid too. It was one of those shows that's just about the music, only about the music, and that's my kind of show. For one song he asked everyone to put their cellphones & cameras away. He said that we are so consumed with trying to capture the moment that we forget to actually enjoy it. Which I know first-hand... it's why I couple of concerts I've attended lately I hardly have any pictures or videos, because I want to make sure I actually experience what I went to experience! It was a nice treat to have no little lights in the crowd; everyone was focussed on the stage and the music. Even if it was just for one song.

For the encore I went back onto the floor, which actually wasn't that crowded. Met up with Mitchell & his brother, went to McDonalds, and went home. So that was that! I've since bought his latest album, and while I haven't had a whole lot of time to listen to it, I'm excited to do so on my drive this Wednesday. If you like chill acoustic guitar music I suggest you check him out. City & Colour.

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U2 in Moncton!

2011-08-05T08:40:00.003-05:00

Well last night I definitely saw the biggest concert I'll ever see, so I thought I needed to blog about it, even though I'm currently sitting at Camp with no internet connection. I'll publish once I have internet again :)

Saturday morning I left Camp to meet up with Jolene & Rob in Truro. There was crazy traffic the whole way to Moncton because the biggest band in the world was coming! I heard upwards of 100,000 people attended, making it the biggest concert in Atlantic Canada. That's the entire population of St. John's in a field! It was madness. Anyway, we got into town around 2pm and the traffic was surprisingly not that bad. I first went and got the keys to my new apartment, ran an errand or two, and then we had supper at Montanas. It was raining pretty hard all day but THANKFULLY it stopped as we were eating!!! YAY!! We might have lined up earlier if it was nice out but I didn't really want to be wet.

Trying to park for this thing was a challenge. The Maritimes are not equipped to handle shows of this size so it's honestly a bit frustrating when we do it anyway. We tried two "park and go" places but both were sold out (apparently you had to buy them in advance… if I was not at Camp I might have researched this better.) Eventually we just decided to tackle Mountain Road head on. There was a paved lane behind Home Hardware that had parking spaces (and no one was charging!) so we parked there. We definitely lucked out as we saw $20 lots of mud that people got stuck in later that night. I saw it was only a 15-20min walk to the concert grounds. It wasn't so bad until we got inside the gates. It was grass, but with rain and 100,000 people it was mud soup. I was so happy I wore chucks on my feet instead of toms. Jolene had crocs on and almost lost them. Newbies :)

Anyway. We got into the grounds just as Arcade Fire were starting. We got about 10 feet behind a barricade, just inside of where all the spot lights and things were set up. We could set the whole "claw". We probably could have gotten closer but Rob was content where we were, and I'm not insane about U2 or anything so I was cool there. Arcade Fire don't really play a concert… they put on a theatrical performance. It's almost ludicrous actually, haha. I kept watching the gold sparkles and the people running around banging drums. I guess they played an hour or so. Then we waited for U2 while jets blew our ear drums off and the bleachers did the wave. Being in a crowd of 100,000 people is a bit of an experience. Most people are happy and nice, but there's always a few dumb people. So many people were trying to weave, only to find the barricade where we were. It got annoying but no one was SUPER aggressive. They all just went right and I guess hoped to get around the edge. I have to say that security did a good job avoiding chaos.

U2 came on at about 9:20 and played for 2 and a half hours. I was surprised by how many songs I knew. I guess with a band this big you just know stuff even when you don't realize. Some songs I remember them doing… Beautiful Day, Where the Streets Have No Name, Vertigo, Sunday Bloody Sunday, Elevation, Still Haven't Found what I'm Looking For, Stuck in a Moment, Pride (in the name of love), One, With or Without You. And like a million more. They are so good live that it honestly could be a CD. There was one moment I noticed Bono's voice sounded tired or strained, but other than that it was flawless. You can tell they are bonified rock stars. They walk the walk and pull off a great show to watch.

The stage setup was intense. In some ways I'm glad we were as far back as we were because we could see the entire claw and all the lights and effects to go with it. At one point the screen extended right down over the band and it looked like they were inside a tornado. I really liked the video clips they had as well. Before the show even started they had random facts up there about the tour (18 babies born within the crew!), how many tweets have happened today, number of abortions this year (broke my heart), etc. There were some "Jesus moments" too. I didn't expect anything less from Bono, but there were calls to action and information given on things like AIDS, slavery, green peace, etc. My favorite part of the night was when Bono said "We are all works in progress. I am definitely a work in progress… and You know it Lord!" as he looks up. haha

So yeah. It was fun. Real muddy. And a really huge crowd. It felt like herding cattle trying to get out of there (a couple of drunk people were even mooing, haha). I say it took a better part of an hour for us to return to the car. I am so glad we did that though… I was speaking to a lady in church today who said for the last concert at Magnetic Hill she did the bus thing, and was still no where near getting shuttled back by 2am! That would have sucked. Poor Jolene almost didn't make it out of the grounds alive. There was mud and crocs and rocks and blood. But she survived and we all got out! Once we got to the car and removed the muddy shoes, we drove to McDonalds and then went back to my brand new apartment and broke it in by muddying the bath tub and sleeping on air mattresses. Definitely won't forget my first night there :) I loved hanging with Jolene & Rob again. I don't have enough of them in my life!!

So that was U2. Pretty epic. Not sure if I would do it again. Maybe I'd get seats next time. But it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I'm glad I did it! :) Concert #72 in the life of Jen: check!

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Starfield at Stoneridge Fellowship

2011-05-01T20:30:00.001-05:00

So last night I went to my 8th Starfield concert! I am an old pro, been seeing those guys since they started back in 2001. A student in my youth group went to see them with me last summer and really loved it, so I figured I'd take her this time, especially since I am moving away like, tomorrow. I'm pretty convinced she is the 13 year old version of me :) Anyway, the concert was at Stoneridge Fellowship in their youth sanctuary, which looked small but apparently could fit about 600 people. Jon Bryant opened with people I knew playing on stage :)

For Starfield we were front row center, and it was very reminiscent of my Rocket Summer shows, and the first time I saw Paramore. Super intimate, and close! Looking around, I realized I am getting so old. The crowd seemed super young for the most part. The setlist was a lot of fun. They threw in a couple oldies like "Alive in this Moment" and "My Generation". My request on Facebook was "Rediscover You" which they did play. I loooooove that song. And during "Revolution" Tim was all over the stage, got into my face and gave me the mic for a second, haha. It's on video so it'll be here soon. They did remember me still which I am always impressed by. I mean, they see a lot of people. When it was over we checked out the merch and then waited for an autograph and picture. Then a quick pit stop into Tim Hortons and back on the highway!

My favorite part of Starfield shows is that it is so worship-filled. There were several times I had my eyes closed and was just focussed on God. I know their songs so well that they're just the same as any worship songs we sing at church. There were definitely lots of God moments. I'll end with the chorus for "Rediscover You" (best. song. ever.) This has been the prayer of my heart lately, especially as I'm preparing to leave Wolfville and go on to the next chapter(s) God has for me!

You told me look for You and I will find
So I'm here like I'm searching for the first time
Revive me, Jesus make this cold heart start to move
I wanna burn for You
Bring me back to life
Jesus help me rediscover You
- Starfield

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Steven Curtis Chapman

2011-03-23T08:33:00.002-05:00

So last night I saw Steven Curtis Chapman in concert for the first time! I got his album "Speechless" in 1999 and absolutely loved it. I bought "Declaration" in 2001, listened to it a bit but didn't really connect with it as much as the previous album. Anyway, when I heard he was coming through I thought why not, I love concerts!

I went with my friends Susan, Elaine, Emelia, and Joanna. The church was PACKED - definitely sold out. We ended up being close to the back on the floor, but we moved up to the front "standing room" once it started. It wasn't your typical "everyone crowd the front" show... most of it was spent sitting down (we lay back on the floor in the front, it was sweet). The average age at the show was probably about 40. Opening the show was a band "Caleb" made up of SCC's sons and a friend. I really liked them! Bought one of their EP's during intermission.

The rest of the show was organized a bit odd... SCC came out and did a few songs, and was then joined by Geoff Moore. They're good friends and have co-written many songs. Eventually SCC left and Geoff sang a few on his own. Then was intermission. They gave us some info about adoption options for Canadians. Even though I'm definitely not in the life position yet to adopt, it is still something I'd like to do once I'm in a career and am married (if that ever happens... ha). So I picked up all the pamphlet things for future reference!

The show continued till a little after 10pm. I knew some (most?) of the songs. Throughout the night SCC shared a lot about the huge tragedy his family went through 3 years ago when their daughter was taken from them tragically in an accident. It was very moving (though... dare I say it... it seemed a tiny bit overkill? Don't hate, I have a heart and feel DEEPLY for the huge burden they must carry, and of course we all go through deep heartache from time to time... but it was definitely the overarching theme of the whole night, which got a little overwhelming after the 6th or 7th mention). But I will say a definite highlight was when he took some time to play some well-known worship choruses on piano and we all sang along. Hearing a man like him, who has gone through so much, sing "You give and take away, You give and take away, my heart will choose to say Lord blessed be Your name" is HUGE. It was definitely a "moment" for me.

So yeah, concert was fun. Musically it was super interesting. They didn't have a "normal" kit, there were lots of bells and whistles. Glock, cajon, cymbal with a chain on it, etc. I liked that a lot. It was much more relaxed than say Starfield or David Crowder, but I liked the change of pace. The calibre of music was superb - I always like good live music!

Once it was over Emelia was basically falling asleep :) She is not a night person! So we grabbed some Timmies and drove home. Very glad I went! If you have a chance to check out this Canadian tour, you should.

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Craig Cardiff @AcadiaU Michener Lounge

2011-03-06T23:28:00.002-06:00

Last Thursday evening I was treated to my second Craig Cardiff acoustic show. He apparently comes to Acadia every single year because he likes us so much. I'm down with that. I was a little late arriving due to another commitment, I thought it didn't start until 8pm and there was an opener, but turns out he started playing before 8, and the "opener" played in the middle. Unfortunate. So it wasn't as long as I would have liked but I enjoyed what I heard. His music is almost hypnotic; I feel so relaxed and at peace when he plays. I really don't know where he comes from, or how he can make a living playing to a hundred University students at only $8 a ticket, but I truly loved and appreciated his performance. I could have sat there all night.
I didn't take any pictures because the room was incredibly dark, but here's a tune of his you might enjoy.

This must be the end of the line

2010-11-21T15:17:00.003-06:00

Welp, I made it home, a day later than I expected! Here is what I have learned on this trip:

Northampton is 9.5 hours from Fredericton when you account for pee/gas stops and supper.

I can get from Houlton ME to Northampton MA and back for about $92 including all gas and tolls.

seated Hanson shows are really nice and relaxed

21 is a better legal drinking age than 18

Forever 21 has really cheap and awesome clothes in it

whenever I travel overnight on a train I MUST get a sleeper

Montreal is kind of dirty, and incredibly sketchy around Club Soda

it feels weird to not be able to speak the preferred language of a city

St. Hubert's is a lot like Swiss Chalet

Some Montreal Hanson fans still think it's 1997

Front row really is the best, but it's not so much better than being somewhere else in the venue that I'd be willing to line up all day for it

The best thing you could ever do at a GA show is make friends with the people around you

Most Hanson fans are really sweet, really awesome people

Siobhan Magnus is a little full of herself

When I am freezing cold and look like crap, I do not want my picture taken with a Hanson

I had the sleep of my life at Nathalie's house after the Montreal concert. Woke up around 11 I think. We had breakfast and watched Strong Enough to Break, then we dropped my luggage off at the train station and went for a walk around Old Montreal. It was pretty and a nice walk, although it was quite cold out. We took a subway from there to the shopping district. If I had money I definitely would have done some shopping. We went to a HUGE HMV - 3 floors of music and video! Oh yes, we also got Starbucks which I was DYING for. I went the whole of the day before without a single cup of coffee. It was sad (but not that sad cause that day was awesome).

Nathalie then brought me to the train station and I met up with Brigette and her Mom, my new friends I met on the way there :) We sat together on the train ride home. The train takes 17 hours to go from Montreal to Moncton, which seems a bit excessive. At one point, after we had stopped at a station, we started going backwards at a pretty quick pace for quite awhile. I had visions of the train getting hijacked and making it come off the tracks or something. Eventually we started going the right way again. Weeeiiirrrrdd. I have to say this. I cannot sleep in a chair. I just can't do it. Not getting a cabin on the way home was the stupidest thing I've ever done. It was SO horrible to be so tired but to not be able to sleep :( I gave up around 3:30am and just worked on editing pictures and videos. At least I got all my pics done before I even got home. But yeah... pulling an unwanted allnighter at the end of a week-long trip is not recommended.

Once we got to Moncton I said goodbye to Brigette and her Mom and met up with Jim who brought me back to his house to get cleaned up and get my car back :) Then I met with a prof at Starbucks, and started the drive back to Wolfville. It was snowing a little, but I wasn't too concerned cause I didn't think the weather forecast was calling for anything too bad... boy was I wrong. By the time I got to the Cobequid Pass it was an all-out snow storm. Plows going, people driving 30, etc. Can I just say that if you have to go 40 because you are too scared, DON'T DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY. I swear most winter accidents are because people are trying to pass those who should not even be on the highway. It's insane. I had one issue with this, but otherwise I was okay.

Once I passed Truro everything got good again so I thought I'd be alright. It was getting dark though. I stopped in Enfield for the bathroom and coffee, and as soon as I got on the 101 the snow and freezing rain started again, and this time it was dark. Keep in mind I had also been awake for 2 days and was alone in my car. Jon was texting me advising of the conditions as he was a couple hours ahead of me on the road. So after pulling off the highway at exit 3 I decided the best idea was to stay there for the evening. So I called Uncle Gord and Madonna and they were nice enough to let me stay the night! So I went there, had supper, watched the hockey game, and slept. Got up this morning in time for church. So yeah! I made it, but not without a fight!

I want to again say thank you to all of my friends who helped me out on this trip. Mary & Mark for housing and feeding me for 2 days, Daniel for giving up his bedroom for me, Sarah & Kyle for a fun trip to the USA, Jim & Tash for housing me and taking me to and from the train station, Mom & Dad for the train ticket, Nathalie for the place to stay and for being my tour gide, and Uncle Gord and Madonna for giving me a place to stay and food to eat last night. Seriously, this trip would have sucked without all of these awesome people! So THANKS :D This trip was kind of epic. But now it's back to the real world!

Hanson in Montreal

2010-11-19T02:24:00.002-06:00

Sleeping on a train is not easy. I was "asleep" for 9 hours but I kept waking up because of stopping and starting or a bumpy patch. But all in all it was a neat way to travel. I ate breakfast before I got off and was greeted by Nathalie and a big sign! :) I am so glad she came to get me because Montreal is big and scary and I would not want to maneuver it alone. I never really looked into anything at all this time so I would have been very lost. We took 2 subways and a bus to get to her apartment. I needed a shower after the night on the train. Then we went down to the venue. It is in a SKETCH place of town. Seriously out of all the venues I have seen Hanson in this was definitely in the sketchiest area. And to top it all off the blocks all around it are under major construction. Not ideal. When we got there there were a few people already in line. We went to St Hubert's and had lunch. It was yummy; reminded me of Swiss Chalet. Then we went back, and the bus was there! :) No Hanson though, haha. They were flying in from Oklahoma.

We waited in the front and talked to the growing number of fans. Around 3 their tour manager came for me and Caroline to set up walk registration. Thankfully they let us do it inside the lobby because it was FREEZING outside! We had 94 people register for the walk. Hanson went out to everyone from where our table was, so we got to chat briefly with them before they started walking. It seemed to take a bit longer than Northampton... I think they got lost. When they came back Zac signed my CD for me and said thanks for doing the registration :) Then they went in for soundcheck. We took down the table and gave all the stuff back to the tour manager, and chatted with the venue staff. Nobody kicked us out or asked us to leave... and soundcheck was happening... so we just kind of stayed and watched. It was really nice. Especially since they did 2 Christmas songs :) We didn't hear them at the show though.

After soundcheck was M&G which I watched from afar since I knew 3 of the girls in there :) So excited for them! Then doors opened and the party started. I was right next to Nathalie in front row on Taylor's side. I have never ever been front row for a Hanson concert before, and I doubt I ever will be again (unless fate treats me as well as it did today). But man, it was nice. I figured I would take advantage of it this one time and live it up a little. There was no barricade so we were literally resting on the stage. Saweeeeet. Jarrod Gorbel played and once again I enjoyed his set. A little chill for starting off a Hanson show but I liked it. I also made friends with all the people around me (this is fun to do anyway but also important when you are going to be real close for a couple hours).

Just after 9:15 Hanson came on and played for over 2 hours. A 23-song set, even longer than Northampton! The highlight of the show for me was how close I was. It was just... nice. The crowd was dancy and there was no pushing. The set was identical to Northampton, except they added Something Going Round in the encore, and they did "Let's Get it On" with If Only!!!! I have NEVER heard that before so I was PUMPED! During "Can't Stop" I was feeling some pushing behind me, and I turned around and saw a girl that was WAY too drunk, or high, or something. She was causing grief to all those around her. Apparently a man pushed her to the ground to make her stop. Anyway, Isaac noticed it, told the crew on stage, who had the drunk girl removed. Isaac then proceeded, once the song was over, to tell off the guy, use a few choice words, and got him kicked out of the show. It was kind of epic. He didn't even get the hint right away, so Hanson's guitar tech and tour manager jumped into the crowd and got him out. Seriously. It was just epic. I am happy my band looks out for their fans. I wonder if the drinking age of 18 has anything to do with the insane number of obnoxious drunks at this show? It was a bit ridiculous.
Other things... there was birthday cake! No smash in the face though :( And I got a setlist.

After the show we went to the bus. I knew that they wouldn't be long since they have to be in PA by 8am. Isaac came out and signed for everyone, and Taylor came out briefly and went down the line before the bus pulled away at 12:15. So I managed to get Shout it Out signed by all 3 on this trip :) And Isaac signed the setlist I got. One thing that was nuts by the bus... well actually 2 things. Like I said, the area is sketchy, and there were homeless/drunk/nonsensical people behind the venue that kept bothering fans and the band/crew. At one point, someone left the bus door open, and I thought one of them was going to get on!! We yelled for the door to be closed and some fans pushed it to. Scary. The other thing is, tonight I felt like it was 1997 again. Maybe it's because Hanson haven't been in Montreal for 10 years, maybe it's because kids were drunk and weren't using common sense and courtesy, but seriously. Rather than stay in a line on the sidewalk like you're supposed to do, when a Hanson came out people swarmed them. For the first time in my LIFE I witnessed a girl chasing after Taylor as he was walking towards the bus. I couldn't even believe what I was seeing. Like seriously. It's not 1997 anymore, and you are doing the #1 thing to ensure they DON'T come out and sign. Gah. It is weird to be here where people don't know how to act or behave at the bus, or at the show. It's awesome more newer fans are able to go to shows now, but I kind of missed being where everyone knew the drill. And it wasn't everyone... most of the new people were awesome! But it only takes a couple ya know?

Anyway... haha, it was a fun day all in all. Nathalie and I were starving after the bus left so we got some Subway before coming home. My pictures are SWEET. I can't wait to edit them and get them up! The show was also amazing. Definitely glad I made the trek. Can't believe I got to see Hanson live 8 times this year! Nuts!!!

Photos

Shout it Out tour part two... I'm on a train!

2010-11-17T20:00:00.001-06:00

So after I posted my last blog I got about 4 hours sleep, then it was time to Get Up and Go! (ha, ha). We had our free breakfast at our hotel before leaving. Since travelling with Jolene this past summer, and learning that the US puts high fructose corn syrup in almost everything (Canada does not) I have been much more careful in what I choose to eat. I usually always go for yogurt at breakfast but wouldn't you know it... US yogurt has high fructose corn syrup in it!! Bah. So I stuck with raisin bran and an egg sandwich (which probably was full of other junk too but tasted better at least). We weren't on the highway 15min before finding a Starbucks. I needed coffee in a big way! The drive home was nice. Somehow the drive home is always much faster than the drive down... it seemed like we were back in Portland in no time. About an hour outside of Portland we stopped for gas. When we left the gas station and were driving back up the highway... Sarah says "what's THAT?!" I look back at the gas station we just left and it is being encompassed by this white smoke/mist that seems like it was coming from a tank truck. I have no idea what it was or if anyone was injured or anything.... I am just really thankful it didn't happen 5 minutes earlier when I was standing outside my car pumping gas!

In Portland we looked around the mall for about an hour. I bought a hat! I didn't think I could ever pull off this kind of hat, but I love the look of them, and Hot Topic had them in 2 different sizes, so the large one actually fit me! Hooray! I've bought two hats on this trip. I guess I'm a hat person now?
We also looked inside of Forever 21. I love this store and there were so many cheap and awesome things. If I hadn't already spent all my money in Northampton I may have gotten some things, but I don't "need" anything right now so I resisted the urge. Sarah & Kyle looked around H&M a bit (which I also love but did not want to buy anything) so I went to the Apple Store and played with the new 11" Macbook Airs and iPads until they were ready to leave. I'm glad they came to find me when they did or else I may have walked out with an iPad! Those darn little things are so awesome, but I definitely don't need one. And I shouldn't put myself farther in debt for a toy I don't need. Be sensible, self!

We left Portland and pushed our hungry tummies onward to Bangor for a late lunch/early supper at Applebees. I actually ate junky this time - cheeseburger sliders. So good. Then we took off to Houlton and filled up the car one last time before the border. Can I just say that my car can go from Houlton ME to Northampton MA roundtrip, all gas and all toll booth charges, for about $92 US? That is pretty flippin fantastic. All 3 of us got $20 back from the gas money. Sweet. The border crossing was semi-smooth.... the dude was young and scanned our passports. I think he thought we were lying or something. He kept asking random questions and he was making me nervous. I thought for sure we were getting pulled over but we weren't. I think he thought we were lying that Hanson still play shows. The drive from the border to Fredericton was NOT fun. By this time it was long past dark, and it was FOGGY. There were times I had to slow down to 80km or so because I literally could only see 3 feet in front of the car. We finally got back to the Salvation Army church by around 9pm, and I said goodbye to Sarah & Kyle. They are so great to travel with - best Hanson tour buddies ever!

After I dropped them off I still had almost 2 hours of driving to do, alone, to get to Jim and Tash's house in Moncton. It also was quite foggy and I was not a happy camper. My GPS did not lead me astray and by 11:00pm I was at their house! I have to thank them SO MUCH for letting me stay there overnight. I had an awesome sleep and cuddle with their cat :) Watched some "19 kids and counting", got a super long shower, checked the internets, and ate breakfast. It was a super break in between legs 2 and 3 of my vacation. My car is now hanging out in their driveway - Tash was nice enough to drive me to the train station! THANKS TASH :)

So now I am on the VIA Train on the way to Montreal!!! If you know my family at all you know my Dad LOVES trains (like I love Hanson, and my brother loves his Tuba). Because of this I have been on dozens of tourist trains, some lasting 8 or 9 hours roundtrip. But I have never taken a train to GET somewhere. When Hanson announced the Montreal date I felt like I had to go, since they haven't played this far East in Canada in 10 years, and I'd like them to not take that long next time (or maybe even come FARTHER east??) I didn't want to drive it because a) I'd be going alone, b) the highway to Montreal from NB sucks, and c) I don't have enough miles left on my car lease. I've wanted to take the train somewhere for awhile, and said I'd try to do it for a show. The train is expensive (still not as much as flying though). I talked to Mom & Dad who thought a train ticket would make a lovely Christmas gift for me (thanks, parents!). So that was that!

It's been nice so far. I have a berth, which is like a couch-type seat that turns into a bunk bed. It's a 17 hour train ride. I stayed at my seat and edited pictures until my supper time which was 6:30. I had a great supper (chicken, potatoes, and veggies, and chocolate truffle cake for dessert!). The food on board is a bit pricey... but it was nice. To avoid my late-night munchies costing me an arm and a leg I walked to Sobeys before the train got to the station and bought some things for later. The only weird thing about this train (maybe because it's the older cars?) is that there is no internet and no power outlets by my bed! This is unfortunate since my only source of entertainment is my laptop, and I need to charge my phone. Luckily in the dome car there is a lounge area that has an outlet. So I've been sitting here since supper ended, editing concert pictures and writing this blog while charging everything. A little while ago a Mom & Daughter walked by, saw my Hanson shirt, and told me they're going to the show too! They are both big fans and it is their first concert!!!! The Mom (Pierrette) bought the daughter (Brigette) a fanclub membership as a surprise for Christmas, but then she won a M&G so she had to break the news haha. We had a nice chat and I filled them in a bit on what tomorrow's going to be like. They are both SO excited. There are going to be a lot of first-time concert people at this show, it makes me so happy! Now I am the veteran haha. This is one of the reasons I am so glad Hanson are coming to Montreal again :)

So the show tomorrow should be sick. I can't wait. I'll be in Montreal in 13 hours... Until then, I may edit some pics from the last show, watch a movie, or perhaps even get some sleep :) Vacation is still awesome.

Hanson in Northampton

2010-11-16T02:05:00.002-06:00

I feel like I may have just seen my best Hanson concert to date. It is 2:45am and I kind of just want to go to bed but this will all be a blur in the morning!

Northampton is a cute little town that we explored a little today. It was bizarre to go to the venue at 11am and see not a soul outside. Hooray for assigned seating! We spent an hour in Starbucks and then did some shopping. I found this awesome store called "Faces" where I got a matching mitten and toque set (and the toque has ear flaps!), purple tights, and a dressy pair of boots! FINALLY! I've been looking for 3 years :) I was soooo happy. We came back to the hotel to hang out for a bit and meet up with some friends who had arrived. 2pm or so Sarah & I went back to the venue as we were doing walk registration. The bus was there by then. Meetup time came and went and nobody came to get us. We got to talking to a man that works at the venue who was super nice. He went backstage and got their tour manager for us. We were told what to do, and I slipped Isaac's birthday card to him :) So then we sat outside in the cold for 2 hours cause we're that awesome! Fans began to gather and we got most of the walkers registered... The walk was shortly after 4. Unfortunately they started and ended the walk away from where we were, so we never saw Hanson at all. We didn't get to walk since we were doing registration. Once it was done more people came to register... in total there were 140 walkers! Sweet!

Once the walk was all wrapped up Sarah & I went to Friendly's for supper. Then it was only 6 and I was still cold so we went to Starbucks to warm up. Got back to the venue about 10min before doors. It was easy getting in... our seats were in 5th row center, pretty decent! As soon as we got our seats I went to get merch... t-shirt and sunglasses. There was only one opener, Jarrod Gorbel. I knew I was going to like him because I bought his album on iTunes the day it came out! It streamed on AP.net ahead of time and I really liked it. He was also pretty hilarious... called out a girl ahead of us for being on her phone for his entire set, haha. After Jarrod's set I got some snacks from the bar, and within no time Hanson were on!

I definitely feel different at a Hanson show now compared to my first couple. I'm "used" to it. I still LOVE it; it's just different. They were all very happy and sounded spot on (even though apparently a couple of them have colds). 5th row was nice and close. This show brought back a lot of memories from 5 of 5, especially since most songs from Shout it Out I heard for the first time there :) Isaac was especially dancy and silly tonight. Taylor was wearing the Hanson tshirt I almost bought. Zac had the Elvis lip curl going all night long. In fact... I sort of wondered if he may have something happening that's making the right side of his mouth droop. But perhaps I'm over-sensitive and it is just his "face" for when he's concentrating. I just noticed it a lot more than in April.

Setlist highlights... Madeline, Underneath acoustic, Give A Little... probably more. I'll get back to you on that haha. Everything was tight. I don't know how many songs they played but the show was actually 2 hours long! They went on right at 9:15 and when they were playing the last song it was 11:15. The encore was "It's a Long Way to the Top" with Stephen Kellogg and Goose. That was pretty fun.

After the show Sarah & I went out to the buses and waited for 90min at least... Isaac came out and signed for people briefly. I got my Shout it Out CD signed. Shortly after the bus left. Sad we waited all that time and never got to see Zac or Taylor but I will survive. It was really cold anyway. Now we're all warm and cozy in our hotel, leaving here in about 5 hours to drive 9.5 hours back to NB! Oh man. I'm gonna need an extra shot of somethin in my Starbucks tomorrow. I do love driving though and am actually looking forward to the trip. Plus, in a few days I'll be at another show :)

Photos

Day 1 of the 2010 Shout it Out Tour

2010-11-14T21:59:00.003-06:00

Since I woke up this morning I entered a new country and travelled through 2 states. Pretty impressive hey? :) This morning I was a complete seminary/pastor nerd and went to 2 churches. I have been wanting to check out Crosspoint for quite some time so I got to go there this morning! It was great, similar to NMBC in several ways yet different in several others. I spoke briefly to Mark & Tim who I follow on Twitter. The message was powerful, and 3 people came to Christ! That always gets me so excited. I took off fairly quickly after that service as I only had 15min to make it to The Salvation Army for church 2! It is always nice to visit with old friends. It was Community Care Sunday and the guest speaker was great. So I guess with 2 services this morning I was doubly blessed? :)

After church I said my goodbye's and then Sarah & Kyle arrived, and we took off for the USA! We left Fredericton around 1pm and got to Northampton MA at 9:30pm. It was a great drive down, nice and sunny and no crazy traffic to report. I am starting to know this stretch of highway a little too well. I really enjoy travelling with Sarah & Kyle. We had some great conversations and listened to every single Hanson CD (the latest one twice!). Got some Starbucks, had Ruby Tuesday's in Portland for supper. I just love driving so much. The adventure of the Interstate Highway System down here is a thrill in and of itself. I'd love to explore more of them someday. We felt like it was really late in the night when we were driving but it wasn't really... it got dark at like 4:30pm! Anywho, great drive, lots of fun. I am addicted to this life.

We are now at our hotel in Northampton, all ready to go for the walk and show tomorrow. The hotel is decent... it's a Quality Inn. There's nothing awe-inspiring but it's clean and has free breakfast and free internet. And that's all you need really. We haven't checked out the venue yet or how close it is. We are hoping to walk there. I am so excited tomorrow's show is seated! No lining up or sore backs or anything. I am really excited for tomorrow's show... show #13... but I will say I am beginning to feel seasoned at this :) Like I am still excited but I am actually going to sleep tonight. That usually doesn't happen the night before a show. haha. Anyway. My buddies are already in bed so I'm gonna join them! Hanson tomorrow :)

Mercy Me in Fredericton (and vacation part one...)

2010-11-13T22:32:00.004-06:00

Well, this November vacation is off to an absolutely fantastic start! I left Wolfville lunchtime on Friday and got to Fredericton by suppertime. I am staying at the Schriver's home. They are an AMAZING family with huge hearts and an amazing gift of hospitality :) I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for all the food, conversation, the use of Daniel's room (thanks Daniel!) and everything else. When I arrived we had a big chicken dinner! YUM!!! After supper I went into the city to meet up with a dear friend who I haven't seen in a couple of years. It was awesome to reconnect and chat over a Starbucks chai latte :)

This morning I was so relaxed it was like I was drugged. Mary & I stayed up until 1am last night watching What Not to Wear so I slept until 9 when Joshua came and woke me up :) I got a shower and then we went to the Sour Grape for a coffee and lunch. It is a cute little cafe place in Oromocto that has great espresso drinks and is reasonably priced. They also have tons of baked goods and sandwiches for cheap! As a side-note I should say that I only learned today that espresso has no X in it. haha. Anyway, after coffee I came home and had a nap for almost 3 hours!!! Seriously it's like I am drugged. I am so relaxed and carefree. The schoolwork I have to do when I go home is so faint in my head I can truly relax and just rest, physically and mentally! I LOVE VACATION. Why can't I do this for a living??? Anyway after my nap we had a yummy supper and then Mary & I, along with the 2 boys, went into Fredericton for the Mercy Me concert!

The show was at Sunset Church and was sold out at over 1200 people. It felt way bigger than David Crowder but I think that's because of the different setup of the church. We got 2nd row on the right side. Phil Wickham opened the night. I didn't know anything about him except for a friend of mine likes him, and someone I follow on twitter tweeted about listening to his music. He was quite good! Only 26 years old (but married, darnit, haha) and had a great energy on stage. After his set was over we went out to buy some merch, and Mary & I got a pic with Phil. The line wasn't too long but when we got back to the sanctuary Mercy Me had already started!

Mercy Me were great. I honestly wasn't sure how much I would enjoy it... based on their CDs alone they're a little lighter than what I normally like at concerts. But they definitely kick things up a knotch in the live setting. They did several songs that I knew, including "Homesick" and "So Long Self". All the guys seemed really genuine. They took time to share stories and tell us the origins of songs. The lead guy just glowed with a deep-set joy. They pulled out a Tom Petty cover and ended the night with "Where the Streets have No Name" by U2! Of course the "last song" (before the encore) was "I Can Only Imagine" which got everyone to their feet. There was lots of crowd participation, from learning choruses so we could sing them, to singing some old church songs like Amazing Grace and I Love You Lord. The crowd was REALLY engaged. There was an old guy about halfway back that never sat down or took his arms down for the whole show! And he knew every word to every song. He had to be at least 85 years old, and the joy of the Lord was in him! I was overwhelmed/surprised at the volume of the crowd in the singing and the yelling/applause. There were 1200 people there but it felt more like 2000. Just an awesome place to meet with God with an awesome Band leading the way. One more note about Mercy Me... they are quite the snappy dressers :) OH! And the drumset GLOWED IN THE DARK!!!!!!

So yup, I definitely don't regret coming to this show. It was awesome. We came home and I had quite a substantive snack... concerts make me so hungry. I am still pretty tired despite my nap today. Starting tomorrow vacation kicks into high gear... I am going to not one but two churches tomorrow morning. Then I meet up with Sarah & Kyle and drive to Northampton! 1 concert down, 2 to go :) Loving life. I am so blessed.

Photos

David Crowder Band in Halifax

2010-10-11T16:57:00.002-05:00

I gotta say, the Maritimes have been stepping up their game lately for getting good Christian bands to come to the area. Last night over 1200 people got their faces rocked off by the David Crowder Band. The concert was at the Rock Church, just outside of Halifax NS. I drove in with a few friends and arrived at the church around 5pm I think. Doors weren't scheduled to open for another 90min and there was already a good 30-40 people there! And it was not warm outside. I decided I valued warmth and food over front so a few of us went to A&W! I love me some onion rings and root beer. We got back around 6 and the line was much longer, 150 people at least! So we parked the car and got in line. The doors opened just after 6:30, hooray for heat! Jon is awesome and had some spaces saved in the 5th and 6th rows so I snagged one of those :) I normally am one to run up to the front in the thick of it all, but my energy level was quite low so I was content to remain in my seat. So many people came from my church... probably 40 at least. It was fun to sit with some of the women from church :) And with Jon - we kept showing each other the pics we were taking!

The show opened with The Contact, a band from Halifax that I have heard a lot about but I don't think I've ever seen live before. They were good, sounded tight. I didn't know most of what they sang but I appreciated that they ended their set with "Hungry", a worship song we could all sing along with. I am really glad I had my ear plugs in my purse - I think this show was probably even louder than Starfield was. I'm not a fan of ringing ears - I go to so many concerts, and music is so important to me, I gotta keep my hearing! Also it sounds better with ear plugs in. So partway through The Contact's set I decided I was getting them out, much to the jealousy of some seated around me :)

The Contact's set wasn't too dragged out, and before we knew it the lights were down and everyone was screaming for the band of the night. Their show was really great... entertaining, fun, worship-filled, and just all around enjoyable. I knew more songs than I thought I was going to... apparently some songs done by other bands I know are actually David Crowder songs (like this one). Crowder has a little more electronic/keyboardy sounds than I normally like in my music, but it was all so fun that it didn't really matter, especially in the live environment. Hands down my favorite part of the night was "I Saw the Light/I'll Fly Away"! I played this song with a Band I was in a few years ago, and it was fun to hear the original CD version live! It was big ol party.

So yeah. Great show. Would definitely recommend you check both these bands out if you ever get the chance. I didn't hang around much after it was over. A quick stop at Tim Hortons and it was back to the Valley. Next show coming up is Mercy Me in Fredericton on November 13 :)

Photos

Soulfest 2010 - Toby Mac

2010-08-06T00:32:00.002-05:00

Another long and super fun day today! We got up for breakfast and then Life Support hit the road for Toronto. It was sad to see them go... I teared up a little bit. Jolene and I came back and got ready to shop. We went back to the outlets, got some Starbucks, and made our rounds. It was a good day to shop because it was raining. I bought a nice load of stuff at Gap, Rue 21, and Dress Barn. Weeeee. $3 t-shirts FTW.

After shopping we ate salads at Applebees, then came back to the hotel. At that point the sun was out so we decided to head to our hotel's beach. We went to the beach bar and enjoyed a strawberry daiquiri. Sitting on the beach, with the sun setting, Lake Winnepesaukee and mountains all around us, boats, people swimming and suntanning, and acoustic guitar music playing.... I'm telling ya, that was relaxed vacation at its finest. It was so wonderful!

While we were on the beach, Chelsea texted Jolene and said she had 2 free passes to Soulfest.... so we pretty quickly decided we were going again! We didn't get back to Gunstock until close onto 8, and I had thrown away our VIP parking pass (d'oh!), so we had to park in a faraway land and get bussed in. We met up with the girls and headed for the main stage. We caught the end of Sanctus Real - they were really great! I enjoyed their worshipful spirit. When they came offstage we learned a bit about the "Not for Sale" campaign to abolish slavery in Peru. It was powerful. They took up an offering to help build the second story of Victoria's house. Then after a little bit Toby Mac came on!

I didn't know what to expect really... I mean I knew they were kind of dancy/rap/hip hop so I wasn't expecting to actually enjoy it much... but I did! They were animated on stage, and they did a really good job with getting the crowd involved. Lots of dancing and fist pumping. They did a couple songs I knew. In the middle of the set Toby and a couple others went to a mini stage halfway up the mountain and did some songs acoustically, including "In the Light" by DC Talk which I was super pumped about. For the encore they played JESUS FREAK! I completely lost it and went nuts. hahaha. We danced, we partied, it was a good time! Toby Mac quote of the day: "We're gonna have a God-sized party up in hurrrrr." hahaha.

After Toby Mac we headed partway downhill to get some food, then to Mercy St Cafe to catch some of Paper Route. They are not my favorite band in the world, but the few songs we caught were good. They had a nice sized crowd to play to. For a band I don't like that much it's funny I've now seen them live twice. Thank you, Paramore concerts. So once Jolene & I felt done with Paper Route we took the bus back to our car and came on home. Then we did devotions which was really awesome. And now it's sleep time. Tomorrow we head off to Old Orchard Beach! This has been an insane 72 hours of concerts and I LOVE IT. So tired, so sore, so happy.

Photos

Soulfest 2010 - Switchfoot

2010-08-05T00:26:00.002-05:00

Today has been so long, I can hardly remember it all. After breakfast this morning the 4 of us went to an outlet center for Rob to buy sneakers and for all of us to get Starbucks. We saw Phil Joel there which was fun. Then we headed to the hotel for Life Support practice/meeting. It was a bit long so Jolene and I left partway through to get some snacks at the grocery store... the rest of the time I played on phones and looked at pictures. After all that we headed to Gunstock for Soulfest!

Arriving there was a little chaotic, as I am learning it is for all (non-main-stage) artists who play festivals. Apparently someone had already checked in as Life Support... meaning, someone pretended to be them and took all the passes. Like who does that? So after waiting for awhile they got it sorted out, the band got their wristbands and the bus went to unload. Jolene and I had to hang around a bit for a parking pass, and we ended up being given meal cards and I got a bracelet. So basically, $70 spent on tickets I didn't need. D'oh. Oh well, at least I was there right? We got led to the VIP parking area, parked the car, and met up with the band at Mercy St Cafe. I watched free food flee before my eyes (we gave the cards to the band) and then we had supper. Asian chicken salad. I approve of (good) salads at festivals. Then we went back to Mercy St and the Band got ready to go.

I've never seen Life Support live before but man, they rocked it. They all came alive on stage. It was fun watching Rob & Pale. Andrew was AMAZING on drums, and Alex and Deanna were in hardcore worship mode, I just loved it. They were tight and energetic. Yep. Good show. I really hope they keep pushing with this band, they will go really far.

After Life Support got off stage we sat and chatted a bit; I was feeling really out of place, and really anxious to get to Switchfoot. Eventually I was like "why am I sitting here feeling crappy when I am at Soulfest???" so I left everybody and took off to the main stage. When I got there Maeve was finishing their set and they were great! 3 girls, a guy playing a cajon, and a 2 year old girl running around on stage haha. I'm assuming one of the girls is married to the cajon player and the 2 year old is their daughter. Maybe. Anyway they played acoustically and it was basically just percussion and 3-part harmonies. It was really nice :) I started off about 16 rows back center. I started chatting with 2 guys next to me about how many people we thought were there. My guess was 12,000 (found out later it was actually 13,000). They were really sweet; I ended up being with them for the whole show and they even looked out for me when a crowd surfer almost fell on me.

Eventually Switchfoot took to the stage and my sour mood left. They were amazing! Switchfoot aren't a band I ever really wanted to see live, but I realized tonight they really should have been on my list! I've been buying their CDs for a long time, and I know so much of their stuff. Their energy was awesome. I never expected them to jump off of things and run around as much as they did. They played a bunch of great songs... my favorites were probably "Gone" and "Mess of Me". The crowd was energetic for sure, I had a blast right up in the middle of it. The 2 guys I made friends with weaved up to 8th row, so I followed behind them. Partway through the set, Jon Foreman jumped down into the crowd and everyone went left towards him... so I took the opportunity to move up to 4th row center. So I had a great view. Energy was great, I had fun. When I was in 4th row there were guys in front of me that were jumping a lot and didn't have much of a concept of personal space... so I got stepped on a bit. And there was one single crowd surfer in the whole place, haha. He almost went down so I got under and helped push him forward... but he fell down like a row or two ahead, haha. The guys I was with were like "are you okay? Did you get hurt?" I was like no haha I'm used to this stuff. Anyway.... two days of rock shows. So much fun. Sad it's over.

After Switchfoot I found everybody else and we headed back to Mercy St Cafe to catch a tiny bit of John Reuben... a rapper who came out dressed in tin foil despite the insanely hot weather. It was so hot in there I only stayed a bit... eventually we got out of there, came back to the hotel and I practically ran to the shower. It looked like I had a tan but it was dust, and I blew my nose and dust definitely came out.... rock n roll is gross. Anyway, GREAT show. It's been a great trip for concerts!

Tomorrow the guys leave with Life Support to head to Toronto. I'm actually looking forward to low-key shopping with Jolene and hanging out with her parents in Maine. It's been super fun with the group of us but it'll be nice to not feel like a 3rd wheel for awhile. Home late Saturday night.

Photos

Paramore - Honda Civic Tour

2010-08-04T00:37:00.002-05:00

Well, I just saw my 6th Paramore show and it was a blast! I haven't blogged yet on this roadtrip... I'm going to try to recap the last 2 days or so....

First of all, there are 2 Rob's on this trip, so one is nicknamed Pale. Just sayin.

So Sunday night Pale and I drove into Halifax to meet up with Jolene & Rob. After having some AMAZING gluten free cookies we went to bed... I did not sleep a wink. Too excited. I kind of thought Jolene was also awake and so around 4:30 I asked her and she wasn't haha. So we talked until about 6am and then we got up and got the show on the road. After showers, breakfast, Starbucks, and bringing Rob's car to Dartmouth, we were on the highway by 8:30am. The drive yesterday was good... Pale is a crazy guy with a crazy heart for Jesus. It's been cool getting to know him, and everyone else, better. I drove most of the way minus a couple hours where Rob took over for me. Tried to sleep but that wasn't happening in the car. We got over the border without a hitch, and by 5:30 we were in Portland! We checked into our slightly sketchy, smoking hotel room (EW EW EW) and then we went to Old Orchard Beach to go to the Salvation Army New York Staff Band Concert. It was awesome, lots of variety and talent. At intermission I said hello to the bandmaster (family friend) and some other Nova Scotians that were there. Then we left and met up with Jolene's parents, who are also vacationing in the area! Got some food with them, then went back to their condo... WHICH IS THE SAME PLACE I STAYED WHEN I WAS A KID! Ocean Park Meadows!! haha. I was soooo nostalgic. Anyway the parents and friends are hilarious and we had a good laugh, then we went back to Portland to sleep.

This morning we got up at 8 I think. After breakfast and showers we checked out of the hotel, got some guitar strings for Rob and Starbucks (obviously), and then we hit the road for the final 2 hours of the trip, to Gilford NH. We passed the concert venue on the way to the hotel... it was an exciting moment. We checked in, then went to Friendly's for a late lunch. I was dyin for a salad, needed something healthy. At 3:30 my crowd dropped me off at the venue - I had to go early because of the M&G I won! :) On the way in there were a bunch of guys on bikes going down the road, and Jolene was like "hey look it's the band!" totally joking. But it WAS. hahahaha. I'm pretty sure it was Taylor, Zac, Josh, and Brandon. So funny.

I got there and met up with some other fanclub people, including Chriss who I've known online for quite awhile but have never met in person. After about a half hour they came and got us and gave us these (really cool longterm) bracelets. We then went through the gates and got led backstage under a tent, and got put in a line. Then Paramore came :) M&G's are so awkward haha but it was fun. Everybody was friendly. Taylor introduced himself to everyone ("hi, I'm Taylor") and shook our hands. I asked Zac about playing drums to Careful... he was like "dude I would love that but I dunno if it's possible" and we chatted about click tracks and in-ears and how I don't have any of that haha. When Hayley came through I reminded her about my drum cover and she was like "yeah! I watched that again the other day!" I dunno, it makes me awfully happy to know she's watched that, more than once :D Anyway, similar to Zac, she said she'd love to make it happen but it's complicated. Oh, and when she first got to me she said "I love your hair!" Thank you Jolene for doin me up today or else I would have had a bun haha. I also had a gift for the band that I gave to Hayley/their assistant person... it was my version of a tour bus survival kit. Hayley especially appreciated the air freshener hahaha. Once Zac & Josh were done signing they went a little ways away and played basketball. Taylor came back over to me and Chriss and talked to some people about Paper Route. I piped in that I am seeing them on Thursday at Soulfest. Taylor asked who else was going.... so we had a chat about that, I mentioned Switchfoot and I'm pretty sure he said he's seen them recently and they're quite on their game these days (which makes me excited for tomorrow's show!).

Anyway once all the signing was done we all took our turn getting our group picture. I love this band. I dunno, they're just all so nice and personable and I feel like I could be friends with them. My pic came out good, I mentioned the drum thing one more time and they said they'll see if they can make it happen but I assured them it's not the end of the world and I'll love the show no matter what. Hayley asked where I was sitting. I didn't hear this, but my friend Chriss was next in line and apparently as I was walking away Hayley said to the guys "man, she's so cool." Or something to that effect. Again, if Paramore thinks I'm awesome, I'm happy!

Alright. So after the M&G we got led out of backstage, and the doors hadn't opened yet. I bummed around with Chriss and her friends. We went and got merch and spray-on tattoos, and played Rock Band before the doors really opened. No lines, no crowds. Fun times. I grabbed a water and some Reeses Pieces and then we all went into the bar and hung out for a bit. I went in to my seat for the first band, Kadawatha, and they were pretty good! Josh (Farro, of Paramore) played a song with them. They played for about 30min, then I went out to the gate to wait for my crew to get there. Jolene was sitting with me up in 9th row center and the guys were back farther. We hung out around the outskirts during New Found Glory, and then Jolene and I went in for Tegan & Sara.

BREAK. I forgot to talk about the venue! The Meadowbrook Pavillion is proabably the best concert venue I have ever been in. Here are but a few reasons why. It has landscaping. It is IMPECCABLY clean. Prices are reasonable for food and beverages. You could do things like photos and Rock Band for free. People were NICE. The bathrooms have a staff member in there for the whole time with cleaning stuff, so the bathrooms are always like it was just cleaned. It was MAGICAL. I was so afraid to pee at a concert, I usually don't but it was a dire situation, but this was awesome! So clean. Um what else, the venue just rocks. Great view everywhere. I want to come back to this venue again. Love love love. Meadowbrook Pavillion, Gilford NH. You should go.

Alright, back to the timeline. So Jolene & I went in for Tegan and Sara. They were pretty good, but somehow not as good as I remember from Halifax. I don't know if maybe where they were opening they didn't have as much time to interact and play more of their repertoire. There were a couple songs I really didn't like... but most were cool. It was chill. The calm before the storm? :)

After Tegan & Sara we met up with some more friends who were there, and ran to the bathroom before going back for the main course! Paramore, as usual, NAILED IT. I think this might be my favorite show out of the 6 I have now seen. They are just so fun, and so GOOD. I love watching them run around, all the energy. And I love singing along and dancing. My goal tonight was to spend more time having fun and less time trying to get good pictures. Even though I LOVE concert photography, I need to learn to enjoy the moment and not watch the whole thing through a screen. The setlist I am pretty sure was a new one compared to earlier dates.... we got Misguided Ghosts, and For a Pessimist, and Playing God. We did not get Turn it Off. Highlights of the show.... Hayley recognizing me partway through the show and waving at me :) Let the Flames Begin with outro, You Aint Woman Enough, Misguided Ghosts, Careful.... oh heck the whole show!!! hahaha. Loved the acoustic set on the couch. And I just love the energy! Pressure flip.... and the fans getting on stage at the end :) That's always fun. The drum thing never happened but I TOTALLY understand. Drums are not an easy thing to sub in on, and it could seriously destroy the end of the show if it didn't go right. But, the show was AWESOME. I think Jolene really liked it too. Every time I looked over to check on her she was mezmerized, watching what was happening on stage :) And the guys had all great things to say! So yeah, good show, great time, loved it, etc etc etc.

I am now suffering the usual concert hangover. 2 nights of no-to-little sleep and 13 hours of driving has finally kicked in since the anticipation is now gone. It's like somebody let the air ouf of my tire. I love these kinds of hangovers though :) Sign of a good time!! We're all back at the hotel now, wiped... except Pale is practicing bass. Rob & Pale are in a Band called Life Support who are playing Soulfest tomorrow, so Pale is practicing. This is a week of music for sure. Vacation is AWESOME and I love that I get to spend it with these people.

Photos

So... how many concerts have I actually been to?

2010-07-28T21:57:00.032-05:00

I've been asked this a lot, and I honestly don't know. I just spent almost an hour trying to recall every concert I've ever seen, and I have landed at 61. I'm not even sure I believe I remembered everything. It is especially hard to remember pre-digital camera. My blog that's been going for 10 years helped a bit, but I think I'd need my oldschool photo albums from home to double check I didn't forget any. Anyways, here they are... I'll just keep updating this as I go...

1) Great Big Sea/Blue Rodeo: July 1999
2) The Moffatts/McMaster & James: July 2000
3) YCNL (Capstone, Paul Oakley): October 6-8, 2000
4) Steve Bell: September 29, 2001
5) YCNL (Starfield, Sheryl Stacey, Surreal, Capstone, Phatfish): October 7-9, 2001
6) Starfield: April 6, 2002
7) Starfield: April 12, 2002
8) YCNL (Tim Hughes, Phatfish, Paul Oakley): October 2002
9) Starfield/Jake: October 23, 2002
10) Capstone: February 24, 2003
11) YCNL (Steve Fee, Jeff Deyo): October 2003
12) Starfield: March 6, 2004
13) YCNL (Reuben Morgan, Candi Pearson, Charlie Hall): October 2004
14) Sum 41: February 10, 2005
15) Avril Lavigne/Butch Walker: August 31, 2005
16) YCNL (Jeff Deyo, Reuben Morgan, Vicky Beeching, Salvador): October 2005
17) Ignition (Joy Williams, Salvador, Tree63): October 2005
18) Hanson/Pat McGee Band: November 10, 2005
19) Rex Goudie/Melissa O'Neil: March 23, 2006
20) The Rocket Summer/Paramore: May 24, 2006
21) Starfield: October 9, 2006
22) Rex Goudie/Melanie Doane: March 26, 2007
23) The Rocket Summer/Melee/Nothing Ever Stays: April 12, 2007
24) The Wilkinsons: July 11, 2007
25) Hanson: July 21, 2007
26) The Keats: August 30, 2007
27) Worship in the Square (The LaPointes, Jeff Deyo): August 2007
28) YCNL (Vicky Beeching, Amanda Falk, Krystal Meyers, Salvador, Sonic Flood, Geoff Moore, Manafest): October 2007
29) The Keats: October 16, 2007
30) The Keats: October 23, 2007
31) Paramore/The Starting Line/The Almost: November 24, 2007
32) The LaPointes: December 2007
33) Hedley: February 9, 2008
34) The Keats: March 27, 2008
35) The Keats: March 28, 2008
36) Hanson/Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers/Kate Voegele: April 22, 2008
37) Hanson/Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers/Kate Voegele: April 23, 2008
38) Hedley: June 18, 2008
39) The Silent: June 19, 2008
40) Ignition (Barlow Girl, Kutless): June 22, 2008
41) Paramore/Jacks Mannequin: August 17, 2008
42) Worship in the Square (the LaPointes): August 2008
43) Melanie Doane: August 29, 2008
44) YCNL (Bluetree, Vicky Beeching, Paul Baloche): October 2008
45) The Keats: October 2008
46) Paramore/Paper Route/The Swellers: October 10, 2009
47) Hanson/Hellogoodbye/Steel Train: October 11, 2009
48) Hanson/Hellogoodbye: October 12, 2009
49) Craig Cardiff: January 21, 2010
50) Tegan & Sara: January 27, 2010
51) The Keats: January 30, 2010
52) Martina McBride: March 17, 2010
53) Hanson: April 26, 2010
54) Hanson: April 27, 2010
55) Hanson: April 28, 2010
56) Hanson: April 29, 2010
57) Hanson: April 30, 2010
58) Bamboozle: (Relient K, Hanson, Something Corporate, Paramore): May 1, 2010
59) The Keats: June 19, 2010
60) Cavendish Beach Music Festival (Tara Oram, Taylor Swift, Jason Blaine, The Keats): July 10, 2010
61) Starfield: July 17, 2010
62) Paramore/Tegan & Sara/Kadawatha: August 3, 2010
63) Switchfoot/Life Support: August 4, 2010
64) Toby Mac/Paper Route: August 5, 2010
65) David Crowder: October 10, 2010
66) Mercy Me/Phil Wickham: November 13, 2010
67) Hanson/Jarrod Gorbel: November 15, 2010
68) Hanson/Jarrod Gorbel: November 18, 2010
69) Craig Cardiff: March 3, 2011
70)Steven Curtis Chapman: March 22, 2011
71) Starfield: April 30, 2011
72) U2/Arcade Fire: July 30, 2011
73) City & Colour: August 19, 2011
74) Maple Noise (Newsboys/TFK/Manafest/Greg Sczebel/Jonny Diaz/Jodi King): September 13, 2011
75) Toby Mac/Jamie Grace: October 5, 2011
76) Hanson/Charlie Mars: October 11, 2011
77) Avril Lavigne/The New Cities/Evan Taubenfeld: October 19, 2011
78) Shania Fillmore & JD: January 6, 2012

79) Deep Purple: February 6, 2012
80) City & Colour: February 22, 2012
81) Chris Tomlin: March 7, 2012
82) Hedley: March 10, 2012
83) Michael W Smith: May 3, 2012
84) Mercy Me: May 5, 2012

Starfield

2010-07-21T22:15:00.000-05:00

So last Saturday I went to what I believe was my 6th Starfield concert... I was trying to add them up. I've seen them several times since YC 2001, when they were just starting and didn't have a record deal yet. I love their concerts because they are more like worship services, and this show was no exception. 10 of us drove into the Rock Church from New Minas and managed to get 4th row center. Of course, as soon as the band came on stage several of us went to the front anyway :) This tour was The Saving One CD Release Tour, but they only played 3 songs from that new album. It was kind of okay though, because I haven't seen them live since 4 years ago, and they have released 2 albums since then. We got a nice few from "I Will Go" as well. The songs were great, the energy was great, I definitely connected with God, and we had a lot of fun! After the show we stuck around to get some autographs and pictures. Tim & Jon remembered me vaguely which was pretty impressive, considering it's been 4 years and they keep seeing me in different cities (Moncton, and Newfoundland). When it was all over the girls went to Dairy Queen and then headed home. A fun trip for sure!

I should say that some of my photos and video are credited to Meghan Levy. She asked to use my camera during the concert so I figured why not :) Good job Meghan!

Photos

Cavendish Beach Music Festival - The Keats

2010-07-18T19:23:00.001-05:00

After a leisurely morning and breakfast at Cora's, it was back to Cavendish for day 2 of my first country music festival experience. It was pouring rain; luckily since The Keats were playing today we got to park close. The grounds had turned into a huge mud slide. It was crazy gross but you just kind of have to go with it. When we first got there Krista & I went and caught the end of Jason Blaine's set. I wish we were there for more of it, it was quite good!!! He is a cutie and the band was super talented. I don't understand how it was packed last night with mediocre music, and had minimal people there today with insane talent on stage. This is why I have issues with fame. Anyways, once Jason was off stage we had to boot it to the Kitchen Party for The Keats! They played a 30min set and did great. Rob is playing with them now... the second guitar really added a lot of rhythm and energy to the mix. Besides some feedback and an overly loud keyboard the sound was great. The girls were right on, great harmonies! AND there is a new song about a girl with a fishing rod in Newfoundland and I LOVE IT.

After their first set we had an hour or so before they went on again. Krista & I went to get coffee for everyone, I met some new people, and we had a good chat. Then at 5:15 they played again to a larger crowd. Thank goodness this stage was under a tent, cause it was really pouring rain. The second set was definitely tighter than the first and I really enjoyed listening and singing along :) And taking pictures of course. There were a couple of hardcore Keats fans to be seen, and a couple of REALLY sweet kids that asked for autographs and pictures :) It's so cute that my heart melted.

After the girls were finished meeting & greeting their adoring fans, we left and went to the Sandbox for supper. Then I said goodbye and drove 4 hours back to the Valley. I have to say, that 30 hour mini-vacation was a ton of fun. I LOVE going to shows and taking pictures and hanging out with friends. I do it so much already but I still wish I could do it more.

So that's a couple more summer concerts knocked off the ol calendar.... next up is Starfield on Saturday!!

Photos

Cavendish Beach Music Festival - Taylor Swift

2010-07-11T09:49:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I left a Youth Group Camping trip at 7:30am to drive to PEI to take in a day of the Cavendish Beach Music Festival - Taylor Swift was headlining! :) It took me about 4 hours to get here and the traffic wasn't too bad. After getting to Charlottetown and eating brunch with friends we all headed to Cavendish. It was a bit crazy getting around.... there were 35,000 people at the show last night and PEI is full of tiny 2-lane roads. Not such a good time. Before the show we went to Sandspitt and rode a few rides. That was fun but the adrenaline rush of the roller coaster + go karts probably didn't help my excitement level haha. I always get pumped up before shows... what can I say, I like them :)

We got into the Festival just before Tara Oram took the stage and I was super surprised at how close we got to the stage. I guess they have designated areas for sitting in lawn chairs or standing, and so the back of the standing area wasn't even that full. I was pretty happy with where we ended up. I probably wouldn't have minded weaving a bit closer, but staying with my friends > getting closer. I don't know any of Tara's songs, but she did a cover or two that I thought was pretty good. As far as country music goes it wasn't that bad, haha :) She talked a lot between songs which got a little annoying after awhile, and for a good portion of the set the crowd was just kind of sitting there (minus the teenies trying to push through the crowd as close as they could for TSwift). But by the end of her set the crowd was pretty into it.

Taylor came on at about 9:30 in a silver sparkly dress (that she changed a couple times into other colors of the same sparkly dress) and started with "You Belong With Me". I had no idea what to expect out of a show from her... never seen one. I guess for what it was it was good. I mean, I do like her "Fearless" album, but she is a 19 year old who had a ton of young kids in the crowd loving every second, and so it was great for them. I felt too old to be there which I guess was expected :) From beginning to end Troy couldn't stop talking about how bad/too quiet the sound was. He was right to a point, although I like shows at a reasonable level as supposed to blasting, it could have been a tad louder (the girls yelling the lyrics next to us drowned out the stage sometimes). It was really bad/noticeable during "Love Story" because there was a (loud) computerized drum beat during the verses that cut out in the chorus. You couldn't even hear the real drums in the verse and then in the chorus it sounded like the bottom fell out of her. I dunno what the sound guys were doing.... anyways. I heard pretty much all the songs I wanted to hear. Her stage presence was.... interesting. I felt like everything she said in between songs was scripted, like someone wrote it out for her and she memorized it. I thought she was going to break down and cry 3 or 4 times (from being overwhelmed, or something) and during "angry about love" songs Rebekah was sure she was going to kill us all. Evil stare (I have a picture!). But, for what it was, it was fun and I had a laugh.

After the show we walked to a little restaurant to grab some food, came back to the hotel in Charlottetown and I got to sleep as soon as possible. Today is day 2... I'm seeing my friends The Keats play two sets at the sidestage today and then it's back home!

Photos

The Keats

2010-06-21T19:46:00.004-05:00

On June 19th I saw my friends The Keats play in Sackville NB at The Music Barn. First of all, this venue was so cool. A man bought a barn and turned it into quite a nice space for live music! Especially country, it fits the barn atmosphere quite well :)

The girls and Kurtis did super well! Definitely the best and tightest I have heard them to date. It's hard to sell me on an acoustic show sometimes (I love my drums and bass) but they pulled it off. My favorite was a new song called "Wasted". I also loved their cover of Lady Antebellum's "Need You Now"... I wish I brought my video camera!!!!! "Life in a Northern Town" was also awesome. Kurtis sang on that and the 3 parts were wicked. Anyway, here are a few of my favorite pictures, the rest can be seen here.

Winning a Meet & Greet is the best

2010-06-01T20:25:00.003-05:00

Just got an e-mail from the Paramore fanclub, and I won a M&G for the show in NH this August! :) I am so excited! I am sad I can't bring a guest, because now Jolene will not be able to come with me and see what it's all about. But I am pumped. Since Paramore are so big now it is difficult to actually chat with them before or after shows, so this will be nice. At least, I hope there's some time to chat.... the last M&G I was at was in 2007, I won the Helio contest thing, and we had FOREVER and I talked to them all for quite awhile. It was so nice. Something tells me this one will be shorter, but I hope not! I've also never had a M&G with Taylor in it... I met him on the street in Chicago last fall, but the pic of us came out so terrible that I can't even post it. So now I'll get a do-over. Even if it is only a group pic.

I realize I sound like I am 12 right now. I am really trying hard to act like a 25 year old. But this trip will be that much sweeter now because of this :) Also now I can get Brand New Eyes signed, which means all 3 of my albums will be autographed by the whole band :) Sweeeet.

Alright. My internet bedtime was 30min ago but I had to flail a bit about said M&G. Summer concert lineup is looking sweet and I'm PUMPED!

NYC wrap-up

2010-05-05T19:08:00.002-05:00

I figured I'd write one more blog to just kind of wrap up the whole trip. I feel like I did 2 trips at the same time: one of sightseeing and one of concert going. They exist as two seperate entities in my memory. Both parts were insanely fun. I've just finished editing my pictures and I have to say that for 4.5 days in NYC we sure did see and do a lot of stuff. I definitely need to go back again. I've already talked to Mom about the possibility of going with her and Dad sometime :) Probably take the train down, in true Rowsell fashion. I'd like some more time on Ellis Island, more time in Central Park, more time shopping, and I'd like to do a double-decker bus tour of all 5 sections of NYC. I'd like to go back once the 9/11 Memorial is finished and opened. I'd also like to go back when a band I like is playing there if possible :) OH and I have to go to a Broadway show next time!

The shows, obviously, were incredible. It's so cool that I saw Hanson live 6 times in one week, and that I've heard them perform every album song they have to date. It was nice to see some familiar fan faces and to meet some new ones. It was fun to see how incredibly elated Taylor was every single night. And to watch Isaac's crazy antics. And to just watch Zac ;) I have to say that as far as crowd drama, pushing etc. NYC was probably the single best experience I've had. I swear, most of those issues on tour come from locals and not from the hardcore fans at all. It is very hard for me to say no to Hanson tour this summer, but after this expensive week in NYC, seeing them 6 times, and planning a vacation to New Hampshire/Maine in August, I am okay with foregoing it. This trip was so special it's going to stick with me for a long time.

Bamboozle of course was also great! Not quite the same since I was alone for it, but it was great to see the positive response Hanson received, and also to catch Relient K, Something Corporate, and The Maine live. And obviously Paramore KILLED IT. This was my 5th time seeing them and they were fantastic. They never disappoint. I'm pumped I get to see them again, from 9th row center, in August!

Our drive home on Sunday was long but good. Krista & I took turns and I had a nice nap for a couple of hours. We kind of ran out of gas money which I blame on NJ parking being more than I thought it would be, and expensive tolls. The Canadian gas situation was messed up, probably due to my own fault/not planning enough/trusting too much, but it's fine. What's a few more dollars after all we just spent? And now I know to organize it better for next time.

So all in all I give this trip a 9 out of 10. SO glad I did it, even though in the back of my head I keep thinking "if I didn't go, I'd be in Israel right now." But I wouldn't change my decision for anything. It was a fantastic trip! Now if only those 5 of 5 DVDs would get out by Christmas.....

NYC day 6 (except I'm actually in NJ) - let your body lose control

2010-05-02T00:16:00.010-05:00

Well today has been even more music-packed than the other days of my trip. We left NYC around 10am, headed for the train station and back out to New Jersey. It was nice to see my Yaris again! I missed her! We drove to our hotel, and after a delayed check in we got ready and drove to Bamboozle. I have never been to a festival like this before. It is HUGE, very dirty and very crowded. It was a far cry from the glamour of the Gramercy this week, but once I adjusted I was good with it. The first thing I did was get water and put on sunscreen. It was 30 degrees!! Heat stroke = not the best way to start a 15 hour drive home. I walked around a bit and checked out some merch tables, then I went to the stage to see Relient K. They were quite good and I knew all the songs :) After they were done the crowd got small and I found a spot on side barricade. The crowd is split down the middle so security can pull out crowd surfers. So I was maybe 10th row or something right in the middle for Hanson :D Their set was only 30min but I thought it went super well, they played all new stuff except Penny & Me, they had the horn section, and I heard several people say they thought they were good. So woohoo! It was a nice little conclusion to my week of Hanson :D

After Hanson the girls left... they had to go back into NYC to grab something left at our hotel. So I was on my own. I felt kinda sick after Hanson, I am guessing hunger/dehydration related so I got a pita and fruit smoothie for supper (which cost me a total of $16... welcome to festival life). SO MANY people were commenting on my I heart Hanson shirt... asking where I got it, asking if Hanson had a merch tent (they didn't... which I think is dumb), saying they liked it, asking if they could take a picture with me. hahaha. I am so glad I decided to wear it cause I say it helped with promo a bit! After supper I wandered booths, bought a TWLOHA shirt and 2 belts with music on them, and I hung out in the Sony tent, checking Facebook and trying to win a bloggie. I listened to The Maine and Something Corporate from afar, saving my energy for Paramore.

When Ke$ha's set was almost done I started weaving through the crowd a bit. Once she was finished several people left and I got up to probably about 35 rows back (like I said Bamboozle is HUGE). We waited forever... the day was about 20min behind but then on the other stage Drake just would not end his set!! Finally he did and Paramore came on super fast. Their set was amazing. Of course we got to hear Whoa :) And the Let the Flames Begin outro! This was my first time having my new camera at a Paramore show and MAN my pictures rock if I do say so myself. Can't wait to get home and edit those suckers. The crowd SURGED forward when they came on so I probably got to about 20 rows back. There was some pushing and some crowd surfing but nothing that was unbearable, and I just decided screw it. My last night of my trip, I'm gonna have fun! I really truly enjoyed the show. Now I am PUMPED for New Hampshire in August!!

After the show was over I drove back to the hotel to find the girls. I'm packed, sleepy, but ready to head home. This has seriously been an amazing vacation. Can't wait to get back to normal life though... whatever normal is at this point!

Photos

NYC day 5- shout it out! so everybody can hear

2010-04-30T23:06:00.003-05:00

I can't believe today was my last day in NYC! We started it earlier than normal because we had so much we wanted to fit in. It wasn't long before I realized, to my horror, that I had left my camera at the hotel! :( So I came back to the hotel to grab it. This morning we finished up our shopping. I got a purple zip-up I <3 NY hoodie, and a black I <3 NY t-shirt. I also got a skirt and beautiful sundress in H&M. At 11:00 Sarah & I went on the NBC Studios Tour and it was pretty fun! We got a history lesson on the dawn of the network and got to visit several sound stages and learn how it all works. We went on the Doctor Oz stage, the Sportsroom, and Saturday Night Live! Note to everyone, if you are going to a TV show taping be sure to wear bright colors and be happy looking. They'll sit you in direct shots. Also TV studios are all much smaller in real life. Camera trickery.

Next we headed to Central Park and went to the Zoo which was fun. Today it was actually WARM here which was great, I was lovin the heat. We unforunately did not get to see the snow leopards, they were in hiding. The polar bears and penguins were cool though. After the Zoo we went on a horse carriage ride through some of the park. It was nice and relaxing, our guy knew all the key places for movie scenes and celeb housing, and it gave us a chance to rest our feet. After this we went back to Times Square and had an early supper at TGI Fridays. Then we had to say goodbye to Times Square and take our last subway ride of the trip :(

We came back and got ready for the show and then off we went. Since we have stood on the floor for all the first 4 shows, and we are dead tired, we opted for the seats in the back for tonight. Tonight was the premiere performance of Hanson's upcoming album "Shout it Out" (which, as you can guess, is album #5). It felt really awkward hearing Hanson songs for the first time at a show, and not being able to sing along because you'd never heard it before. It was an interesting experience to sit (or stand/dance) and listen. I have to say, the night was basically epic. They had a 5-piece horn section on stage with them which added a lot to the performance. The album is fun and upbeat and full of life. After being there all week, it has almost started to feel like one big party instead of a concert. I know I say this every night I blog but I am SO HAPPY I got to be a part of this!! At the end of the show they decided that wasn't enough, and broke into 3 covers: Never Been to Spain, Shake a Tail Feather, and Gimme Some Lovin. My 13 year old self freaked out a bit at the last two. Then they had to redo 3 of the album songs because of mistakes made the first time around. So basically we got a whole Hanson concert time-wise, almost 2 hours! They also got us all to sing Happy Birthday to their Mom. Some sweet. And uh.... that's all I can remember. My feet are burning from all the dancing but we definitely had a blast!!!

So here ends my 5 days in New York. Trip isn't quite over yet though... tomorrow is Bamboozle! Hanson are playing a 30min set, I will get to see a full Paramore show, plus sets from Relient K, Something Corporate, and the Maine. Also Paramore's fanclub is going on about following tweets and having our membership cards with us, so it'd be cool if something awesome happened there. It'd also be awesome if I could randomly run into Zac (Hanson) and get my pic with him since I never managed to on Monday. I heard he just came outside at the Gramercy a little while ago but I am in my PJ's and tired and my voice is gone. Sorry Zac, I love ya, but I just want to sleep right now.

And that's all I got for today!

NYC day 4 - when you can't get through it, listen to it

2010-04-30T00:48:00.005-05:00

It seems as though every night I blog later. Tonight I would like to blame it on Paramore because I just watched them on Jimmu Fallon. They were in NYC today. Sad I didn't run into them but what are the chances haha. Oh well, Saturday's a comin! Anyways this blog is about my other favorite band and my tourist adventures. Today we headed to Lower Manhattan. We went to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island which were great. Takes a long time though, wish we had more time/weren't as tired to look through all of the Museum on Ellis Island. Another time. Also the tickets to Liberty's crown were all sold out :( But the island was still fun and beautiful. And you can get a great view of the NY skyline. I really really wish I could have seen NYC with the twin towers there. It would be so different. Like I can almost tell something is missing even though I've never seen it before in real life.

After Liberty we took the subway up to Ground Zero. A wave of just like reverence and awe kind of came over me. Seeing the gates and hearing/seeing the construction of new buildings going up inside, getting Starbucks across the street and realizing that all of this was covered in rubble, it's just nuts. You can't imagine what it must have been like on 9/11. You can't see much at the actual site but we went to the preview of the 9/11 Memorial Site. Walking in kind of felt like walking into a wake at a funeral parlor. There were timelines and images, memorabilia from the WTC and information about the new WTC and memorial that is currently being built. They had a room where you could record your answer to "where were you on 9/11?" which will be used as an opening exhibit to the musuem. So I went in and recorded my story, and how I remember helping at my church with the passengers from Delta Flight 65. I was the first Newfoundlander to record so I am glad I did it. I want to come back to NYC after the memorial is all done. Anyway, it was a very moving experience. Probably one of the highlights of my trip here. After that we headed to the Brooklyn Bridge; we only walked out about 1/4 of the way to get some pictures. Then Sarah bought hair dye and we came back to the hotel when I grabbed some food.

Tonight was the 4th Hanson show, "The Walk". It was amazing. I heard 3 songs for the first time, 2 of which I have been dying to hear (Fire on the Mountain and Tearing it Down). The crowd did all of the children's choir stuff, Taylor was like amazed at how well we knew it all. He was just like "...*blank stare* Amazing." Maybe they don't realize that most of their fans are really REALLY into their music. Like when I got The Walk in 2007 it literally did not leave my CD player EVER for an entire year. Hundreds and hundreds of listens, paying attention to every detail. I always know the slightest thing they do differently live, from Taylor leaving out an "oh" to Zac doing a different fill or missing a cymbal. So of course we're going to sing in all the right places with all the right words, this music is engrained into us. The crowd did a LOT of singing tonight and I cannot wait to hear/see it when the DVD comes out. It was another fantastic show. I am so honored and happy that I get to be here for this.

After the show we went to eat in Times Square and then came home to crash. We are definitely getting more tired as the week goes on. I hope it doesn't show on the Hanson DVDs :P Kudos to bands and fans that tour man... it is hard work. Of course we are doing double duty as tourists too. Tomorrow night we are going to try and find seats at the show. Save a little energy for Bamboozle on Saturday. Also it's not like we know all the words to tomorrow's show since it's new music (well a few songs are...), and we'll have lots of room to dance in the back :) Can't wait to hear Thinking bout Somethin live. It's gonna be sick. Tomrorow also includes Times Square shopping, NBC Studio Tour, and Central Park. Last day in NYC :( It's been AMAZING!

NYC day 3 - this music is a place to hide

2010-04-29T00:17:00.005-05:00

So much happened in today I am having a job to remember it all! Let's see... after we slept in and had breakfast we headed for the Empire State Building! This is now the tallest building in NYC. Outside of it we got talked to by a NY skyride guy who convinced us to do the ride + the observation deck. Probably wasn't worth the extra $20 but I always just go with majority vote. Being up there was cool, you got a GREAT view of the city. The wind and cold reminded me of Signal Hill back home in Newfoundland. Got some great pics which will all be posted after I am home.

After that we did some souveneir shopping and then went to Grand Central Station. The whole time I was there I couldn't stop thinking about how much I wish I could have been there with Dad. He is to trains what I am to Hanson. I took lots of pictures and a video for him. It's also cool to be in that big lobby, it is pretty iconic. After this stop we went up to 60th so Sarah could go into her first Betsy Johnson store. We went into Bloomingdale's where someone tried to sell me a zit zapper cream thing. I was like "my friend has her own laser treatment clinic and is fixing my face!" Then we had a quick lunch at McDonalds. Did you know that the only adult nuggett meal in the USA is 10 pieces? But they have these "mega kid meals" that are basically the same size as our adult meal?? What the heck, you trying to make everyone obese or what? So I had a kids meal obviously. Also they don't even have McFlurry's here, or at least at this one they never. Strange.

We then decided to take the subway back to the hotel to rest up before the show. Funniest thing ever... while we were on the subway an announcement something to this effect came on: "a crowded subway is not an excuse for sexual assault. If you feel you have been a victim of abuse, please see a security officer or MTA staff." We also sometimes here "have a safe day" and "please watch your cameras and other electronic equipment." Not to freak anyone out about NYC subways or anything.

So after resting a little we got in line for tonights show. I don't know what it was but tonight was definitely my favorite night so far. I didn't hurt as much as last night (we walked too much yesterday), I sang and danced like a maniac, Hanson were like SPOT ON. The crowd continues to be nonpushy, sings along when it's good to and is actually (mostly) silent when it should be. There were 7 songs on Underneath I have never heard live before so I was pretty excited for almost every song. Taylor & Isaac both on guitar for Dancing in the Wind is probably the coolest/best thing in the whole world. When You're Gone was neat with Taylor on acoustic guitar and Isaac on electric. I loved how Broken Angel was basically a Zac solo but the other 2 were there for shakers and AMAZING backup vocals. Even though the album drums weren't there I liked it this way better I think. HEY was super fun as always... esp since Taylor started repeating the little ramble bit at the end and then the crowd basically took over. The whole week he just seems to be in disbelief this is all happening. At one point he said "you guys are all amazing. Don't let anyone tell you any different."

Taylor dedicated Penny & Me to his daughter who was in the audience and I teared up. Just the love of a father for his daughter, I know what that feels like and it was just SO sweet :) Before they started Deeper Isaac said "I didn't know what this song meant when I wrote it.... but I found out in September" and he spent the whole song smiling at his wife which I think is precious. ZAC PLAYED LULLABELLE. I was SO EXCITED about that!!! The crowd was remarkably quiet and we could hear every little thing. It was so special.

My love for the Underneath album was rekindled tonight. Like they said a couple of times throughout the show, that album took so long and has so many stories surrounding it, so much pain, struggle, and then triumph. It was a defining moment for the Band for sure and I think that's why tonight seemed to special. I am so honored and happy to be able to be a part of this whole week! I can't WAIT for tomorrow's show!!!

After the show we headed to the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square. Neat place obviously, listened to some Alanis Morissette (go Canada!), New Found Glory, and POD while we ate. I am definitely out of American cash but that's what the visa is for ;) I don't want to buy anything else anyways except perhaps an I <3 NY shirt. And Paramore merch maybe on Saturday? We shall see. Alright it is 1:30 and I need sleep... tomorrow we are heading downtown to the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge!

NYC day 2 - what's going on in the city

2010-04-27T23:55:00.005-05:00

Well today was another full day in NYC. We actually got a decent amount of sleep last night followed by a hot shower. Felt like a million bucks. We have a wonderful free breakfast at the hotel so we took advantage of that, then we were off to our bus tour! On the subway on the way there a guy got on with a guitar and started singing worship songs! Hillson's "Now That You're Near" and "Open the Eyes of My Heart." I kind of enjoyed it because he was good and I like that music obviously, but at the same time I was afraid he might get shot by someone who took offense. Anyway, we went on the "On Location" TV and Movie Sites bus tour. We were a little disappointed that it wasn't a double decker, but the coach with AC and tinted windows and a bathroom was nice and comfy. It took about 3.5 hours, we went all over Manhattan and our tour guide pointed out where certain scenes in shows and movies were filmed, and then we watched clips of them on the bus TVs. He also told us about city permits that are needed to film. I took so many pictures and I have now idea how I am planning to remember what picture is from what movie(s). We got to see the Friends apartment, and the Cosby's house, and we ate a "black and white" cookie that Kramer talks about in Seinfeild as being gender equal because it's half black and half white. We also had pizza at Ben's Pizza which was in Men in Black 2, and tons of celebs have been there (pics + autographs on the wall). So yeah, the tour was great!

The tour ended right next to the Plaza Hotel so obviously we went inside the lobby just to gawk and feel like Macauly Kulkin (how do you even spell his name???) Then we went to the FAO Schwarz Toy Store to play on the big piano and look at custom Barbie's. Then we went into the Apple Store and I was in heaven. I played with an iPad, they are actually quite nice and if I had $800 to blow I'd be all over it. I also compared the 15" MBP to the 13" and am pretty sure I'll go to 15 next time I upgrade. Even just for the bigger screen and speakers. Anyway I could have stayed there all day but I am the only tech nerd in our group :) After Apple we walked down Madison to take pics of the building used in Gossip Girl (I think) for their apartment building? We even went inside. I have never seen the show but Sarah & Krista were quite intrigued. I took some pictures of a beautiful church across the street.

After that we went to NBC studios and I bought an official Office Dwight Shrute bobble head!!! I am so excited!! Sarah & I also decided we would do the NBC studio tour on Friday so we bought our tickets today. Then we walked pretty far out of our way trying to find Times Square and eventually came back to it (we turned a 15min walk into a 40min one easy. Dumb). We ate at the Olive Garden for supper. I splurged and got salmon and spent like $30 (tourist markup, whatup) but man it was SO GOOD and I haven't had some decent food in a few days. After that we came back to the hotel to freshen up and it was time for the show!

Tonight's show was AMAZING. For starters, before it started they decided to start playing the new album on the speakers! We had a good singalong and dance party to "Thinking bout Somethin" and it was so cool to get to hear some of the new stuff! I'm telling you, this next album is going to be the best one yet. I think it's going to boost their fame level. Like it just sounded SO GOOD even dimly over the murmers of the crowd. I cannot wait to own it.
Anyway, the show. The whole night Taylor had a look on his face like "wow... I can't believe this..." I heard several songs for the first time. I love that the shows are all electric. It is so special to be here. Hands down my favorite performance of the night was Hand in Hand. Isaac went NUTS. Like he always rocks out but I have never seen him like this. Taylor and Zac were like "what the heck?" Also when they did "A Song to Sing" they did the "glassy surface" 3rd verse, woo! Unfortunately tonight they did everything right the first time and so we got no second performances. I have to say the crowds are good at this, I have never really been pushed at all. I swear the people that cause the most issues on tour are the people that aren't even the diehard fans, they are locals or casual fans that don't think of others, aren't friendly, and just want to force their way through. I was on the live stream a couple times tonight so I am hoping I make the DVD :) That would be amazing.

I am dead tired. Tomorrow we go to the Empire State Building, Central Park Zoo, shopping, and hear Underneath played live!!

NYC day 1 - it started at a bus stop

2010-04-26T23:38:00.005-05:00

Today has been so long but so great. Got up at around 5:30am in Newark and drove to the parking without any issues from Karen! Parked and lugged our stuff to the train station. I have to say it wasn't that busy at all. Found our train and headed into NYC! Penn Station is HUGE (I don't know why I thought it wouldn't be insane) we eventually found a way out of it and there was a beautiful SUV taxi sitting right outside that we got in. We were WIDE-EYED just looking at the big buildings and all the hustle and bustle of NYC. It was a super short drive to our hotel and only cost $5.30! Our driver was quiet but nice :) We dropped our luggage off at our hotel and they said we could have free breakfast even though we weren't checked in yet.. ummm yes please. Then we left to find the subway to take us to Rockefeller Center! Didn't get lost and got there even earlier than scheduled.

The Today Show was a great experience and I am so glad we decided to go. Oh yeah, the dance/walk/listening party that I wrote about yesterday did not happen today due to rain and cold. Which meant I got 4 hours sleep instead of 2, so really I don't mind. They are going to do this stuff later in the week they said :) But they also said they'd come out and say hi at TODAY so we went, but later. We ended up still getting a spot right on the barricade and got on TV a couple of times :) Hanson came out pre-interview and made their way around signing things, chatting, and taking pictures. I got a pic with Taylor and Isaac :) I was also talking to a really nice lady who is an avid Hanson fan, and a girl around my age who saw Hanson live once in 98 and not since. I took pics for her with Ike & Tay as well, she was so starstruck and it was awesome :) I love people's first experiences because it reminds me of my own back in 2005. Zac got to us but then had to go inside for the interview. We couldn't actually see or hear it because it was in the studio. It started to rain a LOT. We were about to leave, but then they came out again! They started at the opposite end though and so my new 2nd row spot did not earn me a pic with Zac :( But it was nice seeing him and just being there all the same even in the rain. NBC brought out umbrellas for them and Isaac started to pretend he was Marry Poppins. If only my camera was ready, haha. It was amazing how happy and high-spirited all 3 of them were today! Their positive energy was contagious (as if the fans don't have enough already!).

After the Today Show we found a Starbucks and warmed up. Then we went to Times Square! It is pretty hard to take it all in. I took several pics and a video. We started working our way through the stores. I bought a NYC Starbucks shirt :D M&M World was probably my favorite place. I wanted to buy things but I am really looking to save money and not buy a ton of stuff so I resisted. Another highlight was Toys R Us. Krista & I rode the ferris wheel inside, on the Barbie car. There was a life-size Barbie house in there, and a huge moving Jurassic Park dinosaur! He seriously scared me. We didn't even get to finish Times Square today, we were so tired. We will finish it tomorrow probably. So around 2 or so we took the subway back to the hotel, got our bags and checked in. After some internet/down time, we headed to the Gramercy Theatre!

Seeing "Hanson - April 26-30 - SOLD OUT" on a building's billboard is pretty much the best thing ever. There were a fair number of people lined up already, even in the pouring rain. We went to will call and got our ticket packages with no problems at all. I opened the envelope and saw SIX ticketmaster tickets that all say Hanson. Seriously. Actually the last one just says Bamboozle (Paramore etc woo!). I was holding the total # of concerts I had been to, and was about to do. So fun to double my number in one week!! Anyways after we got the tickets we walked a few blocks looking for a sit-down restaurant (we hadn't eaten besides the breakfast the hotel let us have that morning). We couldn't find anything, and it was wet and cold, so we gave up and went to the deli style place right across from the Gramercy. It was actually nice in there, I had pasta and it was fabulous! We also met up with Kylie and her Dad which was awesome. We sat in there for about 2 hours, chatting and keeping an eye on the line. When doors opened we went to meet up with Carly, Rachael, and Bianca, and then we went and got in line.

The Gramercy is a nice and small venue! We didn't even go in until about 7:20, I was about 15 rows back maybe, and there were about another 9 behind me to the back door. So it's small. I had a great view, I love being tall. Best thing ever = the Albertane Tour drum head!!! I was SO happy, I was hoping they would do that!!! We only had to wait one hour, and no opening bands. My feet/back didn't even hurt (I also took advil though). There was no prep time... they just kinda walked onstage and looked at us haha. They did the album in chronological order. I had so much fun. Dancing like a maniac, singing along, clapping, etc etc. Seriously so happy. I heard like 6 songs live for the first time tonight. When it was over they came back and asked if we'd like a couple of repeat performances. They are recording these shows for DVD (lots of cameras, I hope I make some crowd shots!!) and the guitar wasn't on for Lucy, and they messed up Look at You. So we got to hear those twice :D So in the end it was 15 songs and about 90min.

I have to say it is very obvious that Hanson have put a LOT of work and practice time into learning this album. Things that they have changed/forgotten in playing these songs live were reverted back to exactly how they were done on Middle of Nowhere. Speechless was at it's MON slower tempo, 95% of the lyrics and "whoa's" were right on... Zac even did the crazy "one-eyed goose" stuff at the end of Look at You! hahaha I laughed so hard. My favorite part was With You in Your Dreams when they divided the crowd and got us to sing it in harmony. It was just... wonderful. The whole show. I can't even express how perfect it was.

After the show we got in the merch line... it's in a tiny room in the basement so security were only letting through a couple people at a time. There were some great custom posters there but I have nowhere to put more posters really! I bought the "5 of 5" shirt and the "I <3 Hanson" burnout shirt. And I got a free Hanson tote bag because I spent $55 :) So bonus. I really like them! After that we walked back to our hotel, we picked up Brook, and now we're in bed! Getting up in 7 hours for our bus tour. It should be a lot of fun. Then we'll probably finish Times Square, possibly Empire State Building, who knows really. Then tomorrow night is a whole nother show :D

NYC day 0 - getting here

2010-04-25T23:23:00.004-05:00

Well, it is 12:23am and I am in a hotel in Newark NJ! Praise Jesus! I woke up at 6am (which was 5am here) at Krista's house, we picked up Cathy and we started the drive. After some gas and some McDonalds breakfast, we had Sarah in the car by 10:30 and were off to the border! Of course, we were all scared of the border, and Sarah said the St. Stephen one was particularly bad.Sure enough, we talk to the guy who doesn't understand how we know each other where we're from different areas (it's called the internet) and he asked us to go inside to an "interview room". So we parked the car, Krista threw out our McDonalds garbage which caused her to get yelled at by the man, he probably thought we were throwing away evidence or something crazy. Anyways we went into a room with 3 officer's behind a table, there was a picture of Obama on the wall, and we basically had to fill out the Customs sheet that you do on the plane. Maybe it was because we're here for a whole week? They asked us questions and were "intrigued" that Hanson are still a band and we are going to our 7th (for me and Sarah) or 11th (for Krista) Hanson shows. We also got asked when was the last time we were in court... I felt like saying "like a basketball court?" Anyways, we were set free because they didn't want to keep us from our long drive to NYC.

We have a GPS this trip which is a first for me. Her name is Karen. I give her a 7 out of 10. She is Austrailian, and usually knows exactly where we're going. However, in NB she thought we were in a field and kept recalculating even though we were on the road, and in NYC she was not fast enough for all the fast traffic and turnoffs. We took a detour straight through the Bronx (we locked the doors) and some other random part of NYC, and we tried 3 times to get to the Olive Garden but poor Karen kept messing up. To her credit, she recalcuated quickly and always got us to where we needed to be. Paper maps can't do that if you get lost. So good job, Karen.

We had IHOP in Portland for a late lunch. Krista & I shared the driving pretty evenly which was nice. Once we got Sarah in the car we started with Middle of Nowhere and worked through all of Hanson albums. Then the last one kept looping. I think we listened to Hanson for almost 8 hours straight. I am usually not with people who can handle this, so it's nice and fun. Plus our music tastes are so varied that Hanson are one of the very few we all like. Plus you know, spirit of the trip etc.

I drove the last 2 hours of the day and it was an adventure. There's lots of cars and lots of turns and like I said we had some adventures. I had two angry horns but I still have my car with no dents and with all it's bumpers still in tact. AND it was going from drizzle to DOWNPOUR and my windshield was streaking so bad it was hard to see a lot of the time. No pressure or anything, not like there's thousands of cars in front of me. Our biggest mistake today was after we got to the hotel at 9:30 we thought it'd be a good idea to go eat at the Olive Garden. Like I said, between me second guessing myself and Karen being too slow we drove by the place 3 times before we got there, and it took 30min instead of 10. When we got there, a lady comes out and says "we're closed." She wasn't nice either. So then we basically wanted to cry but we just laughed. So we came back to the hotel (and didn't get lost woohoo!) and just ordered food from the restuarant downstairs. We are staying at the Ramada by the airport. Only $80! I also give it a 7 out of 10. Why the -3? There was a tshirt hung in our shower when we got here. When I called about it they said no staff are on so they'll get it in the morning. I have just spent 8 months living in dorm though so whatever, a random persons tshirt is better than pee, alcohol, or worse.

The girls were expedicious in getting into bed but, even though I am DEAD tired and we are getting up at 3am, I had to get a shower and blowdry my hair. I want to look half good tomorrow for The Today Show. I also have to be organized before bed because I HAVE to be organized or I get anxiety, and I am useless in the morning. I am going to get about 2 hours of sleep but then we are actually going INTO NYC and going to the Today Show! I am not sure if I will go to Times Square in the afternoon or if I will have to nap. We'll see. Anyways, dead tired but having fun! This is tour life.

You can watch ALL of this weeks shows for free online, each night at 8pm EST! http://www.livestream.com/hansonmusic. Tomorrow is Middle of Nowhere - bring on MMMBop!!

NYC pre-game show

2010-04-24T22:26:00.003-05:00

So I am in Truro at Krista's house! Today has been awesome. I moved out of residence (goodbye Chipman) and came into Halifax to hang out with Jolene & Sharlene. Lasers, shopping, supper, music, and ice cream. I mean really, could you ask for a better day with friends? I think not. I didn't leave Sharlene's house until about 10 and drove to Truro to meet up with Krista! In bed now, have to get up in 5.5 hours to start the 13.5 hour drive to NYC. Oh yeah we are going all the way now... Hanson are on the Today Show Monday morning so we are going to that :) I cannot believe this trip is actually here. I have been looking forward to it for so long, it felt like it was never going to come. And now that it is, it hasn't even really hit yet. I've had moments of excitement today, but I don't think it'll REALLY hit until we go to the first show. Can't wait!!

I'll be taking lots of pics but probably not uploading any until I get home. Can't waste time in NYC and I want to blog each night.

PS - if you are interested, you can watch any/all of the Hanson shows online at 8pm EST. Just go here. Monday = Middle of Nowhere (1997), Tuesday = This Time Around (2000), Wednesday = Underneath (2004), Thursday = The Walk (2007), Friday = Shout it Out (June 8, 2010). Look for me! :)

Martina McBride

2010-03-18T17:18:00.003-05:00

Well, last night I got my face rocked off for the first time by a country artist - Martina McBride! I ended up at this concert as a result of taking Sharlene to see Tegan and Sara back in January. I asked her then if she was going to Martina since I saw it on the calendar and knew she was a big deal in the country scene, and Sharlene was like "yeah I should go shouldn't I? Let's go!" I was promised she was good and not twangy and she puts on a good show (I sure hoped so because tickets were not cheap). So I downloaded her "Greatest Hits" CD so I'd at least be somewhat familiar, and last night I went with Sharlene & Jolene, and their Mom.

Um... wow. This woman can SING. The show was a lot more "grand" than what I'm used to - there were so many musicians on stage! But they sounded good and Martina's voice was jaw-dropping good. A couple of times I couldn't believe she was singing what she was, and I kept waiting for a voice crack or something but it never came. A couple of times mid-concert we all gave a standing ovation, you just could not stay seated with that kind of voice. It was NUTS.

I knew a couple of the songs... Independence Day, My Baby Loves Me, This One's for the Girls, and uh... maybe some more. She also covered "Lean on Me" and "Summer of 69" which was nice for people like me :) In the middle of the show she sat on a giant blue moon that went above the crowd and right to the back of the Metro Centre to a tiny stage where she sang a couple songs, then walked through the crowd back to the main stage. She also signed a couple autographs throughout the night. I enjoyed her connection with her fans. A couple kids were SUPER excited and it was really cute.

And that's about it! I can take country if it's this kind. A little bit of steel guitar never hurt anybody, right?

Photos

The Keats

2010-02-01T19:33:00.003-06:00

I saw my girlies The Keats live on Saturday! It has been far too long, well over a year, and in that time they've released their first CD (Good to be Home, it's on iTunes, go buy it) and got nominated for an ECMA! They played 5 songs at the Haiti Benefit Concert that Acadia put on here at the Festival Theatre. I heard we raised over $10,000 from that event which is pretty cool. There were tons of different bands there, all sorts of genres. It was nice and I enjoyed it. I love going to shows of my friends because I can bring whatever camera stuff I want and don't feel bad about it. They played well, and I heard a couple of new songs for the first time :) I hope it won't be so long before I get to hear them again!

Photos

Tegan & Sara

2010-01-30T12:27:00.005-06:00

Last Wednesday I went to my first ever Tegan & Sara show! I have heard about these girls for a couple of years, I had friends who liked them, and last fall I decided to give their new album a listen on the recommendation of friends and famous people (ha). Their music is kind of on the fringes of what I listen to. It is very different... iTunes calls it "alternative & punk". There's definitely pop in there. But it's not rock n roll or anything haha. Nothing like Hanson or Paramore. ANYWAY, when I heard they were coming to Halifax I figured I had to go. No one good ever comes this close.

Sharlene came to the show with me, we had row L in the bleachers right next to the stage, pretty decent spot. I was struck by how chill this show was. At most of the concerts I go to, the fans (which usually include me) are hyper, dancing around/jumping/killing each other trying to get to the stage. This show was seated, and nobody even stood up and went to barricade until Sara told them to. We sat all night, just watching and listening. They did all the songs I wanted to hear from Sainthood, and some of the ones I liked from the Con. My favorite part of the whole show was the acoustic set at the end. I wasn't expecting it; the show was "over" and they came back for an encore which I expected one song, two tops. But they played a whole acoustic set together, just the 2 of them, and then one more full band to end the night. Another favorite part of the night was the talking they did in between songs. They are pretty funny. I also enjoyed their singing; they did some harmony, but what was even cooler is when they were singing in rounds, or like two different parts of the song on top of one another. It was really pretty.

All in all the show was great and I am so glad I made the decision to go. If they come back I will be there :)

Photos

Craig Cardiff

2010-01-22T12:44:00.005-06:00

Last night Craig Cardiff played a show at Acadia University, and it was awesome. He came through here last year and I didn't go, my friend gave me a CD of his stuff afterwards and I was super mad at myself that I missed it. So I got a ticket right away this year. The show happened in the Mackeen room in the SUB, probably about 150 people sat around tiny tables, drinking beer, and listening to this guy. It was just him and his acoustic guitar, he has a loop thing so he records over himself sometimes to make harmonies, it's so cool. Most of his songs tell stories about random things he has experienced, and I definitely sense some God coming through in some of his songs. All in all, it was a fantastic night! So good to hear some live music again! It was also the first time I got to use my new 50mm 1.4 lens at a show :) I think I did okay... next time I need to always shoot manual and not on aperture priority.

Photos

Oh my goodness.

2009-12-15T19:40:00.003-06:00

OK I have to write this and then I promise I'll go study for my exam tomorrow. How can life hit you in the face with something like this SO FAST? 24 hours ago I never would have said I'd be going to NYC for a week in April to see 6 Hanson concerts. But I am. They just announced it today, and I just bought my ticket package. They are playing The Gramercy Theatre April 26-30, and each night they will be playing the entirety of each of their albums (1997's Middle of Nowhere, 2000's This Time Around, 2004's Underneath, 2007's The Walk, and 2010's as-yet unnamed album). Then on Saturday they are playing Bamboozle, which Paramore also happen to be headlining. I got tickets to 5 of these shows and the first day of Bamboozle for $215 which is REALLY GOOD. NYC was seriously next on my list after Chicago of places I wanted to visit. I never dreamt I'd have a whole week there! I also never dreamt I'd EVER hear Hanson play every song on every album in one week. That's messed up. In one week my Hanson concert count will double from 6 to 12. The venue is nice and small, only fits 600 people. I'm going to get to sightsee NYC, and see all my Hanson friends again/prob meet some more for the first time. Not sure about hotels yet, Hanson are putting together a discounted hotel package for fans and are sending us the info soon, I'll take a look at that and then weigh my options with trying to organize it myself. I'll prob take their package cause hotels are like $300+ a night in NYC. Yikes.

With all of this I can't go to Israel anymore with school. And while a lot of people won't understand this, it makes sense to me. I can go to Israel another time, with a group from a church I pastor at, or something. Hanson will never do this again, and even if they did, yeah right I'd get the time from work to go. The timing for this is perfect with the end of school. Mom & Dad were going to gift money to me this Christmas for Israel, so now it's for this instead (I already called them before I decided any of this don't worry haha). Sooo yeah. I've made the decision and I am happy about it!

Can't believe this is going to happen.

Sweet Home Chicago... I mean, Halifax.

2009-10-13T23:32:00.001-05:00

Well I made it back alive! I did not sleep a whole lot last night... I was just catnapping when Jenna & Brooklyn came back to the room after having some drinks with Hellogoodbye and Hanson's backup players, so they had to tell me stories :) We went to sleep then and Jenna got up a couple of hours later to head to the bus station. I didn't really get to say bye :( Then I fell back asleep and when I woke up Christina was gone :( And Brooklyn was basically ready to leave haha. So I jumped up, got my quick shower and packed my things. Brook & I went to the airport together on the CTA. I will miss the train. And the shower in the hotel! That is the BEST shower head/water pressure I have EVER had in my LIFE. Anyway, got to the airport and said goodbye to Brooklyn :( Honestly I have met so many awesome people on this trip! I am going to miss them all so much!

Going through security at Chicago O'Hare sucks. It is so busy and crowded and they're REALLY picky about what to do (my shoes had to come of and HAD to go right on the conveyer belt, not in a bin. I swear every airport does it differently). And they're in such a rush that on the other side the stuff is like falling off the belt before people have time to get all their stuff. Frustrating. So I just grabbed my things, found a chair a ways away, and got dressed haha. Then I walked probably 2 miles to my gate. The good news - when I got there I saw McDonalds & Starbucks! Breakfast of champions :)

I timed everything pretty good, I had to wait about a half hour before the plane boarded. When I got on, the plane was half empty! Most empty flight I'd ever been on, most people moved around so we each had our own row! So as soon as we took off I put my head down on the seat next to me and died for 2 hours. I woke up because my ears started to hurt. Not prepping myself for landing made my ears not like me for a bit, but I got them okay by the time we were down.

My stopover was in Montreal. After getting off the plane I had to walk probably 3 miles to customs. Which took like 30 seconds to go through once I was there. I don't like how when you go through customs you have to go through security again. But I did. Canadian security = better because you can keep your shoes on. Stupid shoes. On the way to my gate I saw Tim Hortons (O, Canada!) so I stopped to get a muffin and apple juice, thanks to my Nanny's giftcard :) I had about 2 hours to wait here, you have to PAY FOR INTERNET (LAME) so I spent the time editing all my Paramore pictures from the weekend.

My last flight was short, just over an hour. I had my computer on for a bit finishing up the pictures, and by the time that was done my battery was dead and we were descending. Adeilia was at the airport with my car to get me. Tammy made us supper! So we drove back to Wolfville together and I think I talked her ear off about my amazing weekend. I don't think she minded, at least I hope not, haha. Got home around 8, so far I called Mom, unpacked, uploaded pics and a video, and took advil for my very sore throat. It feels like it might turn into strept... it better not. But if it did it would be okay because this weekend was WORTH IT.

Don't know when my next big concert will be... but I will remember this string of 3 for a VERY long time!

Chicago Concert #3: Hanson!

2009-10-13T00:24:00.009-05:00

Yeah so I'm wired haha and want to write about this!

After I posted last, Jenna & I decided (after some coaxing by Jeana & Britt on Facebook) that we should go to Millenium Park to see the cloud gate (the giant bean!) and just be tourists. We picked up Heather outside and the 3 of us set off. It was really great to see more of downtown. The bean was pretty awesome!! I took like over 20 pictures with that thing. It's funny that a big circular mirror in a city is such a huge attraction - there were tons of other people there. We sat and chatted for awhile (it was overcast but not unbearably cold really), then we went to the store that sells TOMS shoes! It wasn't too far to go at all, they only had up to size 10 (I'm normally an 11) but I tried on a canvas pair and they fit great! They are so beautiful. We got a $10 gift card at the walk so I even got a discount :) Happy to finally own a pair.

By the time we got back to the HOB/hotel it was just about 4:30/time for doors to open. I said hey to Brooklyn & Christina before they went in for front row, then Jenna Heather & I came back to the hotel to hang out and relax until Catie got here with her friend. At around 6 they got here and we decided we'd eat supper in our box since it wasn't anymore expensive than the HOB restaurant. So I ate my supper in our box, watching Hellogoodbye perform. It was pretty stellar I have to say. I got the food gone and just had time to pee before Hanson came on!

The show was awesome once again! I kind of feel the first night was better, but that may be because a) there were a lot less people there tonight b) the newness/excitement aren't as great when it's the second consecutive show. But I still danced like a retard and screamed/sang so much that I may not have a voice tomorrow. Isaac & Zac kept looking up at us so that was fun. Setlist highlights... Get Up & Go (first time hearing it live!), Runaway Run, Georgia acoustic, Use Me Up, These Walls, and Don't Stop Believing! Since the venue wasn't as full they had the whole balcony closed off except to box people, so I went on the other side for a bit to get some better Taylor pictures. I tried to record less tonight but a few things I just had to. I kind of wish I didn't record as much of Don't Stop Believing as I did... I feel like I didn't take it in in the way that I should have. It's always such a tossup between capturing the moment and actually experiencing it. But I definitely had a ton of fun, Jenna & I rocked out and danced our butts off. Before the show started I was kind of melancholy thinking this is all so close to being over. And several times during this weekend I have been in awe that I have gotten to have this experience this weekend. Before Hanson came on tonight I was like "this is a dream. This is not happening. I am going to wake up soon." I honestly think that tomorrow when I fly back home I am going to think none of this actually happened to me.

Luckily, when the concert was over, I didn't feel depressed in the slightest. I felt very content, very full and happy with what I got to hear. After we were herded out of the HOB I met up with Megan & Jen and said goodbye/got a pic with them. It's so great how many new friends I have now :) Like real life ones and not only internet friends anymore haha. They are all so nice and are just so happy that I am excited about everything. Cause a lot of them have been to 50, 70, even 100 Hanson shows! So they like it that I'm still so over-excited because I've only been to 6 (as of now). Part of me never wants to do more than 2 shows a tour. I like the excitement and anticipation I get. If it gets too routine, it might lose it's specialness.

When I was getting ready for bed and the other girls were in the room I was just like "guys... I love you so much. This weekend has been awesome." And it HAS! I've met such great people. Going places alone is really a good idea! As long as you have a game plan haha. Anyway, Jenna Brooklyn & I went searching for a vending machine only to find out this hotel is too upscale for vending machines (they prob want us to pay a million dollars for the stuff in the mini fridge). So we put hoodies on over our PJs and walked down to 7-11. The two of them are gone now to hang out with Cesar, our friend that works here. Christina is sound asleep and I'm just sitting here clicking through pictures. All 278 of them. I have a lot of editing to do.

So this is it... I get up at 7am tomorrow to catch my flight back to NS. It was a great trip; I think I may have to come back to Chicago sometime in the future :)

Photos

Hanson Walk at UIC

2009-10-12T13:53:00.012-05:00

This trip to Chicago is the best thing I have ever done. You already know from my last post how awesome the concert was last night :) This morning after I had a shower and breakfast (thanks Jenna for grabbing it for me) Jenna & I hopped the subway to University of Illinois Chicago for the second walk. We were worried we wouldn't be able to find the quad but we got to it without too much trouble. Got registered... today I gave my dollar to drilling a clean water well :) Then we just hung out, met up with Jen & Megan again. Jen said she was so happy to watch me at the show last night because I was genuinely so excited :) I think I'm glad I only go to like... a couple shows every year or so. Because it is still new and exciting for me. Some girls here have been to 50, 70, over 100 shows! That's CRAZY! In one way I am super jealous, but in another I'm glad the show still overwhelms me because I've only been to 5 as of right now.

Anyway eventually we saw Hanson approaching (with a guitar! YAY!) and they got the walk started. It was super nice to have it on a University campus because people were stopping to hear what they were saying, a lot of random students (faculty?) decided to take the walk to support the cause. It was cool. When the walk started I somehow ended up right next to Isaac. (SO FUNNY, as it was starting some fan must have mentioned Milwaukee, and I heard him say with my own ears "Mil-ay-wau-kay, which is algonquin for 'the good land'. No but it really is." SO FUNNY). I didn't ask him for a pic yesterday so I was like okay... I really should ask. So I did as politely as I could, and he said yes :) I am pretty happy!

Isaac & Me :)
I was then walking with him for the whole first half of the walk. I asked him about the note I passed him yesterday and asked if it had anything to do with the 2 songs last night, and he said "it might have had something to do with it" :) He said it was interesting because where they play so many shows, sometimes they don't realize that people that only go to a couple shows may go a long time without ever hearing some key tunes. So he was glad I gave him that note. I asked if they were consciously not doing anything from TTW, as I wasn't able to go to TWATW tour last fall and it would be great to hear something from that EP. He was like well, "we don't have the... oh wait, yes we do have the book for sale. That's a good idea, I'll keep that in mind for tonight." He asked where I was from and what shows/where I had gone. He thanked me for coming all this way to see them. I thanked them for doing walks with their fans and spending this time with us, I said I would be scared of some of the fans if I was them. He was like "oh, we are." hahaha. Legit. Anyway, then a girl chatted with him who is from South Africa and has done walks over there and stuff. It was interesting to hear her story. All in all it was just a wonderful chat with Isaac and I'm so glad I had that opportunity :)

We actually stopped halfway this time since we were on a campus, Taylor gave a very long but motivational speech. I tried to not take pictures and just listen. I think they appreciate that. Also, sidenote, I'm pretty sure I'm in all of Zac's iPhone video from yesterdays and todays walk, so look for me in the podcasts haha. Then we did the second half, I found Jenna and we just chatted. We also chatted with 2 students from the school who just came cause they saw the crowd. We were trying to convince them to come to the show tonight, they might, who knows. At the end of the walk, they played Great Divide acoustic!!! I have never seen/heard Hanson play anything outside of a concert, so this was pretty epic. I recorded it all. After the song Taylor came over near me and I was like... okay, it's now or never. So I asked as politely as I could for a picture, and he said "yeah sure but hang on a second, we have to get some group pics over here" (and touched my shoulder, yes I am 12 haha) so I waited and they got pics with the TOMS organizers at the campus (they have a TOMS group which is pretty fantastic!). After that I approached him again, he said yes, and I got a pic with Taylor :) Zac was just a foot away but surrounded by people... I was like alright, I am not going to be disappointed if this doesn't happen. So I waited right behind him, tapped on his shoulder and asked, HE said yes, and I got a pic with Zac! :) Literally as soon as I got that pic their assistant and the TOMS people said they had to leave and no one else got pics (well some people followed them to their van but we won't talk about that). So I was SO LUCKY and I couldn't help but cry a little bit after that happened. And the pics turned out FABULOUS.

Taylor & Me :)

Zac & Me :)
After that happened I cried a little bit haha. Jenna & Megan & Jen were just so happy for me :) Thank you guys for just being awesome haha, I am such a Hanson n00b compared to these girls but I feel nothing but love, it's so awesome. So after I regained some composure Jenna & I headed back to the subway, inadvertently walking right past Hanson and saw them go to their giant van and get in. haha. NOT being a creeper we had to go that way! Got on the train, got back to Dearborn St and saw a Starbucks. YAY. So I got me a pumpkin spice latte and decided to buy a 3-pack of VIA since Taylor from Paramore said it was pretty good. And for buying it I got 3 more for free. Score. It's going to be awesome to have Starbucks coffee at school this week. Then we came back to the HOB and chatted with Brooklyn (who is #2 in line!) and a couple of the security guards who were really nice. I took some ~touristy photos outside, came into the hotel and now here we are. I am going to go downstairs to the printer to get my boarding pass for tomorrow's flight, and then I may try to find a place that sells TOMS shoes. We got a $10 giftcard for taking the walk :) And I really want a pair! I also may try to find the giant bean (cloudgate) but I don't know if Jenna has the energy. It would be a shame not to see it though. We'll see. If I don't get to see it on this trip it is okay, this trip is already more than I could have ever asked for!

The show last night was seriously the best Hanson concert I have ever seen. I cannot believe I get to go again tonight and do it all over again. I am going to dance and sing as loud as I can and give it all I got. It's going to be so much fun! I wish each one of you reading this were here to rock out with me!!! If I don't write about the show tonight I'll do it on a plane... I have to leave here at 7am tomorrow for the airport so I might have to sleep haha. Depends how wired I am after the show.

Only a few hours left to this amazing trip!

Day 2 in Chicago: Hanson!

2009-10-12T00:25:00.005-05:00

So I left Monica's and got back to the House of Blues around 12:15. Our room was ready so I met Brooklyn & Christina and we brought our stuff up. It's a pretty swanky hotel I gotta say. There was already a HUGE crowd around for the start of the walk... I went inside to register (for every person that walks Hanson give $1 to a charity you choose) I chose healthcare. Then I went outside and waited... found some people I knew online but had never met (Jen & Megan!), and after a few minutes Hanson came out. Did the speech, started the walk. The walk stretched for 2 blocks, I don't know how many people were there but it was easily like... 300? 400? I wasn't expecting to see a Hanson at ALL cause I know these ones are so big it's usually pretty nuts. But I ended up next to Isaac 3 or 4 times... I gave him my note of all the Hanson songs on albums I've never heard in my 4 shows (which I think he MIGHT have read because 2 songs I've never heard b4 were played tonight!!!). I also talked to him about the weather, haha. Taylor was at every intersection making sure we weren't run over so I saw him way more than I ever have on a walk. Funniest Taylor quote EVER: at an intersection we were crossing even though the light had changed, he was trying to tell the drivers what we were doing but they honked furiously. So he said timidly into the megaphone "Jesus loves you." Priceless. Towards the end of the walk I met Will (their bass player), he's a really nice dude. Anyway I didn't walk barefoot because it is like 3 degrees here. INSANE. It was sunny though so a bit warmer than Paramore day.

Ummm OK so after the walk I went to the Rainforest Cafe with Jen Megan Heather and another girl whose name I forget :( That place is the bomb. I took a ton of pictures, and I got a cup thing to bring home that my drink came in, haha. I spent too much on a meal but it was my only meal of the day so I don't care. After that I came back to the hotel and met Jenna, the girl I'm currently sharing a bed with haha. We went down to the restaurant at 4 or so where I got to meet Catie (SEE how many people I get to meet when I do these trips?). We ate in the restaurant (well I just had lemonade) and then we went to go into the show. Catie had a box that she so graciously invited us into... it was the BEST THING EVER. We had a perfect view of the stage, had chairs, a server, somewhere to lay things, lots of room to move around. Oh and the HOB doesn't care about cameras anymore so I had my good new camera in there and OH THE PICS/VIDEOS I GOT. Absolutely ridiculous. I am so happy.

After we got situated Jenna & I went and bought merch. I got the hoodie and SUSU t-shirt (today was a really expensive day). We kinda chilled for Steel Train & Hellogoodbye (we missed Sherwood, weren't in in time). I enjoyed both the sets but Hellogoodbye is just not my style of music at all.

So the Hanson show. Was amazing. I just get so overwhelmed with how good they are musically. And their energy, and harmonies, and just their show in general. And the fact I was in Chicago, seeing them at this venue, in a box, it was just completely awesome!!! Show highlights... You Never Know & A Song to Sing (2 songs I've never heard b4), obviously the new stuff (World's on Fire, Waiting for This, and These Walls), MMMBop electric (a first for me), TAYLOR HANSON SOLO NEVER LET GO. Almost shat myself. And for the encore they invited 2 members of Cheap Trick onto the stage and they played "I Want You to Want Me" which made my 15 year old self squee because I have audio of them playing that on the TTA tour in 2000. Zac took the lead, jumping into the crowd etc, but Taylor was also running around with a mic. Like that never happens. I was recording it but then I realized I wanted pictures of this too so I switched. It was super fun to watch. I've never been at a show where something that special has happened. So all in all it was a fun show. I laughed I cried, I jumped up and down and danced and sang and yelled and clapped and looked like a complete idiot! SO MUCH FUN. I love concerts.

After the show we happened to catch Rick Nielsen from Cheap Trick outside so we said hey and got a picture :) Then we came back to the hotel, ordered pizza, and now here I am. Good day. And it's all gonna happen again tomorrow!

Photos

Day 1 in Chicago: Paramore

2009-10-11T11:09:00.003-05:00

Ohhh my goodness don't even know if I can write all this down. I could not possibly blog last night because I was up a total of 24 hours straight, with hardly any sleep before I came. I can't believe the day I saw Paramore was the same day I woke up in Tammy's house. MESSED. Anyways here is a recap.

My flight to Chicago was great, got in and was overwhelmed with the largness and trying to find the CTA haha. After a good 15min of walking I get to the train, it's part subway part L-train (elevated above the ground). I was like a little kid at Disneyworld, looking around in awe at how big everything is and how many people were around. When I got down to the platform a train was just leaving, but there were 3 and they loaded the 2nd so I got on that one. In like 3 minutes the empty track had a train again! I was like "how did a new one get there so fast?" Like trains were so frequent on the same track I thought they were going to bang into each other. So I got on the blue line and headed downtown. Train got super packed (hello big city) and the doors only open for like, 2 seconds at each stop. So I was right ready to jump out when I got to Monroe. When I got up I was like.... oh crap, is the HOB left or right??? I wish I had brought a map haha. But a nice man on the street told me which way and I got to the HOB around 11:20, 10 minutes before the store/restaurant opened for pass the line. There were maybe 20-30 people there. I met Monica and Nessa and some more PFC people, and at 11:30 we went to the restaurant and I got lunch (my only food so far!). The pass-the-line line was INSIDE in the lobby which was SWEET because it was 3 degrees here. 3!!!! It is warmer back home! So then Monica took me & my stuff on another train back to her house, dropped the stuff and booted it back to the venue. I sat and ate my lunch and a bunch of girls were just being idiots... I told them I would go back in line later but I was just hanging out to eat my food, then the venue said we had to stand up so they could fit more people in or they'd move us outside, so girls were yelling at me to stand up. I was like... there are 4 HOURS LEFT until doors. You can't tell me you're going to stand up for the next 8 hours straight? I stood up for a bit, by the time I had a backup plan the venue staff came and said the pass the line was too long and they were moving us outside, on the other side of the building from the normal line. GREAT.

So we go outside and it is freezing. At this point I was going to get into my actual line spot (I was #27) but the girls were like no you wouldn't stand up when we asked you to and we aren't doing the numbers anymore so you have to go to the back. I was like SCREW YOU haha whatever. After Hanson last year I gave up on line drama, there is no point. So I got in line and hung out with two 12 year old girls and their Dads, they were so sweet! One of the Dad's even gave me his leather coat to keep me warm :) After being outside for like an hour I was like okay... this isn't going to happen for 3 more hours, I am going to die. I couldn't feel my feet AT ALL it was SO COLD. So I started asking around for where the nearest Starbucks was, the Dad's/kids didn't mind me leaving and coming back to my spot, so that's what I did. Walked to Starbucks, had a pumpkin spice latte, sat in the warm and read through the entire BNE lyrics book, and chatted to some nice people that were waiting to eat in a restaurant run by a guy who is on the Food Network (they line up an hour before it opens, ha).

I went back around 5:00 I think, doors were opening 6:30. Spent that last bit of time talking with the two younger girls and a bunch of other people around in line. Everyone was super nice. At 6:30 doors opened and in we went. They didn't check for cameras which ROCKED but not I wish I brought my new big camera in instead of my old not as good one. But whatever, my pics still came out pretty awesome. I got 5th row center. And the venue is SO AMAZING. So much smaller than I even pictured it, and it is beautiful. I will try and get some inside venue pics tonight. The Swellers played first and they were amazing, I really dig their stuff. Paper Route was second and they were alright. One song I really dug, it was slow and ~spiritual. In between the sets I was trying to bend over as much as I could to save my back. I am getting so old!! There was a fair bit of pushing, a couple of groups of people (some ADULT MEN) who were wedging their way through with no respect for anyone. Whatever. I maintained my spot it's just that more rows formed in front of me haha.

When Paramore came on the pushing got ridiculous of course. I think I lasted 3 minutes? A full-on mosh pit formed and I was getting FLUNG around, and I was like okay, when I can't focus or even look at the Band then I'm not in the right place, so I backed up just a couple of rows, behind the mosh pit but to where people were still hyper and jumping and etc. And that's where I stayed!

Paramore were PHEMONEAL. Hayley's voice is basically back. I heard a couple of squeaks but nothing too major and they played a full set and she gave it her all. There were a lot of great songs, they were super interactive, and it was just a GREAT show. Let me try and remember the setlist.... Intro song, Ignorance, I Caught Myself, That's What You Get, Looking Up, Emergency, Crushcrushcrush, Turn It Off, Here We Go Again, Careful, Conspiracy, Where The Lines Overlap, Decode, Miracle Outro (YES!!!!!), Misguided Ghosts, Misery Business, Brick By Boring Brick. OK I copied that from a forum haha. I have videos and photos that I will post.

After the show we wandered a bit... Monica was on a mission to meet Taylor. I was kind of losing it because I was so tired and so cold and so sore and I knew I had to get up tomorrow and do this all again! But we walked around the venue trying to find the underground place where the buses live. We found The Swellers out front of the HOB selling CDs and just hanging out with people. I chatted with them and they are such nice guys!! They all gave me hugs haha. I got a picture with them (for the record all my pics look bad of me bc I was awake for 24 hours!!!). One of the dudes is from Canada and knew where Halifax was, he said they'd like to tour there sometime. I was like dude if you need help street teaming I'm all over it. They were super sweet.

So we continue our jaunt down random streets surrounding the HOB looking for some sort of garage. We turn a corner.... and there are Zac Josh & Taylor going to get something to eat with some crew & guys from Paper Route :) I was like "hi guys... we were looking for you!" haha So I chatted with Zac & Josh for a bit, then went over to Taylor and we chatted about just random stuff... he's super sweet. He's the only guy from Paramore I've never met before. I asked for a picture... I look SO BAD in it because Nessa thought my camera turned off so I was explaining what to do when the pic took. I look like I have a disability, the worst pic of me EVER. I am going to blur my face out haha. Then the Farro's were still hanging not too far away so I went over and was like "sorry if I am a pain, but could I please have a picture with you guys?" So I got one with both of them, Zac has his eyes closed but whatever. We kept chatting for what seemed like 10-15min or so, then I kind of ended the convo cause I felt bad... I mean it's freezing and they just wanna hang out with their buds and get some food. I try to empathize with bands and what it's like for them to have to meet all these fans all the time, and I mean we got a pic and had a great chat so yeah. They said they would be back later... haha. So we went to Subway down the road and ate some food/tried to defrost ourselves (constant chills the whole time we were eating).

We decided we were too cold to wait around for when they came back, we were satisfied and were cold sore and tired, so we took the train back to Monica's house. Monica & Nessa are so sweet - I LOVE travelling to shows and staying with fans I don't know, because I always make the coolest new friends. Monica THANK YOU for letting me stay here and taking care of me!! :)

OK, now it's 11:35am. Hanson walk is in 1.5 hours, I have to take a train back to the HOB and don't even know how I'm checking into the hotel. haha. GREAT. So.... onto day 2!!

This is like a dream. Ever since I boarded the first plane I'm like "is this real?" I can't believe how lucky I am.

Photos

I'm in the airport!

2009-10-10T07:48:00.000-05:00

It's 5:48am and I'm pretty sure I only slept an hour last night. Soooo excited! Yet so sleepy. I got to my gate in record time... no checked baggage, security was a breeze, and now here I am. I'm sitting by Hudson News waiting for it to open at 6, hoping/praying it has Sudafed for sale because I forgot mine, and if I don't have any my ears might block up. Especially since I can't chew gum. So here's to hoping. My flight boards in about 20min... to Ottawa, then I have an hour to get through customs and on the second flight to Chicago. I can't believe today is the day. It's so weird... you look forward to trips like this for so long, and then when they actually start happening you're kind of in a daze because you can't believe it's actually happening. It's going to be a good trip. I'm excited. I bet I'll sleep like a rock tonight because I'm going to be up for about 24 hours. I hope I sleep on the plane a bit. Starbucks is 100ft from me but I am resisting the caffeine in hopes that I sleep. I can always get Starbucks in downtown Chicago later today :)

I kind of feel like my vacation started yesterday. I left Wolfville around 4 and spent the evening with Tammy, one of my friends from school. She lives close to the airport. She has a wonderful family who I got to meet, and then me & her spent the night drinking Starbucks (YAY green tea latte I've missed you!!!), going to Costo and eating at Jack Astors and having some good conversation. For awhile I even forgot what was happening the next day! I slept there last night (putting that term lightly) and she even drove me to the airport! At 5am! So now I don't have to pay for parking which is awesome. It is great to have great friends.

Alright, 7 minutes until this place opens, then it's on to my first flight. I'll try to update this as much as I can... photos may not happen because I need to sleep at night, however when I meet up with Lindsey & Ash I might have time when/if they sleep that day, not sure. We'll see how it goes.

Melanie Doane @ Casino Nova Scotia

2008-09-01T19:49:00.000-05:00

Michael & I went to see Melanie Doane in concert on August 29th, that was pretty amazing. It was an acoustic show, just her and two other guys, but man they rocked the place! I was impressed with the various music genres, and all the instruments she played! Fiddle, guitar, piano, mandolin, bass... and one I don't know the name of. And she played them all well. Great show!

Photos

Paramore @ Providence Piers

2008-08-28T22:09:00.001-05:00

So apparently I didn't really "document" this show... probably because it was very last-minute and happened while on a family vacation. Here is the snippet that mentions it within my vacation blog post... it was a fantastic show; by far my best Paramore show yet. The Final Riot DVD is this show basically, so that is happiness for me everytime I listen to it/watch it! Best part of the video below is outro of Let the Flames begin... so epic! Also, at this show I realized it is okay to not be in the front and not meet the band. You can just have a good time, rock out, and go home!

On Sunday the 4 kids left the parents to go to Providence RI for the night, to see Paramore in concert! It was a sweet show... Jack's Mannequin opened. I was really surprised Jon wanted to come, but he seemed to like it. They stayed up with us until about halfway through Paramore's set, then they went to the back. So yeah, show was great... when it was over we found a McDonalds to get some food, and it was honestly the worst fast food experience of my entire life. The girl taking orders didn't have a CLUE. But anyway. It's over now. Don't get mad Jen, haha.

Photos

Hanson @ Higher Ground in Burlington

2008-04-30T22:01:00.000-05:00

Wednesday morning we woke up in Albany, really tired and sore. I was on a mission to make this day completely different from the previous. We went and had a nice relaxed breakfast, packed up the car and headed to Starbucks, obviously. Then the highway :) It took 2.5 hours or so to get to Burlington, but the drive was so pretty! Lots of mountains, farms, and blue sky. We got into Burlington around Noon (I think?) and checked into our hotel. Our room window was in direct eyesight of Hanson's tour bus at the venue which I thought was funny/slightly creepy. I got a shower (because the water pressure in Albany SUCKED) and then we went to Quiznos for lunch. It was my first time, and I am a fan! We ate lunch at the venue and I met up with my Hanson friends from Maine!!! They were very first in line - there since 4:30pm the day before!

Around 3:15 the walk started. Same speech, much less crazy walk. There were only 106 people there, and it wasn't nearly as hard to get to a Hanson. I however was already tired/aggravated from the day before, so Michael & I hung out at the back with Isaac. Michael actually talked to him for like the whole walk. I piped in a little, but honestly I kind of froze up and didn't know what to say. I know. I'm lame. But also they don't want to talk about anything other than Africa, since that's the purpose of the walk. All of my thoughts sounded childish and self-absorbed, so I kept them to myself. Starstruck? Maybe.

This walk seemed a lot longer than the last, and it was a lot dirtier! I didn't care much because I had my shoes on (again, advice of the mother), but Britt & Michael both went barefoot. Britt got a twig stuck up in her foot at one point! Anyways the walk ended, no photo ops for me this time (I know I am SO LUCKY for even getting that one with Zac the day before!). Michael managed a picture with Isaac :P Yes I am jealous.

After the walk we left Krista there (she had a M&G) and we went back to the hotel to chill out and get ready for the show. We walked because we had a great parking spot and wanted to keep it. We needed easy access after the show to grab the Guitar Hero guitar before heading to the bus. Our hotel was super close anyway, and the exercise and fresh air felt good after all the driving we'd done.

We got back to the venue at around 6:30pm and got in line. I LOVED THIS VENUE compared to Albany's. The security were so nice, they were SO organized. It just put everyone in a much more relaxed mood. I honestly heart Higher Ground and will go back there for a concert in the future if I can. The doors were supposed to open at 7:00. But at around 6:45, THE POWER WENT OFF. Some car drove into a street light and put the city in blackout! ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME???????? The security told us that if it wasn't on by 8:15, the show would be cancelled. But if you were a Hanson fan you should stick around because they were cooking something up (who knows what). I was honestly so upset. I was like yeah right, we drove 10 hours down to see 2 Hanson shows, and one gets cancelled????? I was preparing myself for the worst...... we met some girls in line and chatted as we waited. There were like 400 people lined up at this point (the show was sold out, go Hanson!). At around 8:10, praise the Lord, the power came on! Outside ERUPTED in cheers. I was so happy I started to cry.

About 15 minutes later (after Kate Voegele managed soundcheck, poor thing!) we were finally let in. The security came around and got all the people that went on the walk into a seperate line. We were at the end of that line (so like person 106 to go inside) and we were 5th row center! Case in point: I don't think camping out is worth it. My body can't handle it, and it's only a difference of a few rows. Anyway. Won't be camping out anymore, no sir!

Michael & Sarah chilled at the back, Krista was in front row because of her M&G, so Britt and I were together in like 5th row. We met a bunch of people from Quebec, they were really sweet! The guy that was there, to my amazement, got out of the crowd for beer TWICE and managed to get back into his spot. That is impressive. Although I have to say the crowd was GREAT - no pushing at all, even when Hanson came on! Kate & SK6ers were awesome, I seriously love them both now and bought their CD's after the show. I don't even need to say that Hanson put on yet another excellent show. Setlist highlights.... Running Man, This Time Around, Change in My Life, Never Been to Spain, and The Ugly Truth (first time hearing it). They are just so fun live and I can't even describe it. You just have to go to one of their shows and see for yourself!

I think I am getting old. I know I am only 23, but I cannot handle concerts/standing like I used to even a year ago. Even though I wasn't in line all day, and was only standing a total of about 2 hours, my lower back was KILLING me. I decided I wanted to be with Michael for some of the show anyway, so right before the acoustic set I left my spot in 5th row (actually it might have been like 7th by then, I refused to fight to hold my ground) and joined Michael & Sarah in the back. Again I say, Higher Ground is an AMAZING venue. The back was risen above the floor level, and they had a big bar and stools that faced the stage. It was such a perfect view - I wish the venue allowed cameras inside so I could have gotten some good pictures! Although I will say it was nice, for once, to not worry about taking pictures. Sometimes you can spend the whole show looking through your LCD monitor instead of enjoying it and taking it all in. The venue had little tubs of Ben & Jerry's ice cream for sale, so I bought one of those and a bottle of water, sat back and enjoyed the rest of the show. Bought some merch.... Kate Voegele and SK6ers CD's, and the Hanson tote bag. I got the Blue Sky tank the night before.

We enjoyed the encore right by the exit, and as soon as it was done we dashed for the car to get cameras and posters and the GH guitar, and ran for the bus. There were only like 10 people there or something but more came later. I wish they had barricades there because it was quite chaotic when Hanson finally came out about an hour or so later. Again, my back was dying and I almost didn't even stay. Michael got the guitar signed by all of them, and they even decorated it a little! The Canadian security guy that befriended us that day brought us setlists from the stage; I got one of them and got all 3 of them to sign it. Tim (tour manager) said no pictures with them. I asked Isaac anyway and he said no (along with Tim again, whoops) so I said okay and stopped being annoying. Later however I discovered Britt managed pictures with Taylor AND Zac! So that made me really upset/jealous. But I mean I guess I can't complain. I did get a pic with Zac in Albany, and a lot of my friends that went to other shows never got that opportunity.

After the bus craziness was over, we got into the car and went back to the hotel. Then I had a breakdown. After a not-long-enough sleep (I am MAKING people go to bed early next roadtrip, I can't drive 10 hours after 4 hours sleep) we got up and went to Starbucks again, of course :P Then hit the road for the never-ending drive on Route 2 to Bangor ME. Seriously. It did not end. 2 lanes, windy roads through towns, for 7 hours straight. I wanted to punch something. We did manage to find a Pizza Hut though, and we drove by Santa's Village which was a #1 theme park for me as a child! We got to Bangor, I passed out in the back seat, and Britt got us back to Canada without hitting any deer. And, I guess that's the end of the Hanson trip!

Photos

Hanson @ Northern Lights in Albany

2008-04-26T21:59:00.000-05:00

So I never got a chance to update while on the trip... between travel, the walks, the shows, and staying up too late, I never had the energy or desire. I'll see how much I can do now!

On Monday morning the 5 of us left NB to head for NY: me, Michael, Brittany, Sarah, and Krista. It was a long drive... about 9 hours or so. We stopped in Freeport on the way down to do some shopping. Michael got an awesome leather jacket and jeans and some things. And of course we got Starbucks :) We had supper at Friendly's somewhere in MA, and it was like the funniest meal of life. Between seeing some mans extremely hairy chest, to listening to a waitress give her sob story to her table, we just could not stop laughing. It was one of those situations where you didn't know what you were laughing at anymore, everything hurt and tears were falling. It was sooooo funny. And I don't even know why.

Anyway, after driving through 4 states, several bathroom breaks and screaming bridges, and Michael passing out on Krista in the back seat, we finally made it to Clifton Park NY. Our hotel was super nice. The only downside was that there was no wireless internet. Sad times haha. We went to the venue at around 10pm, and to my surprise no one was there yet. It looked pretty sketch though. So we went back to the hotel and got a very light night's sleep... I was just way too excited.

We decided to get up around 7am on Tuesday. We started getting ready, when I got a text from Jen (hnet friend) that they had just gotten to the venue and were only #6-10 in line! So we BOOKED IT to the venue and ended up #11-15 in line! And we didn't even have to sleep outside! The venue was in a strip mall, and just down the way was a Dollar Store. The owner was really nice and said we could use the bathroom there until the crowd got big. The girls went and bought stools to sit on and coloring books. It was SO NICE outside - like 27 degrees or something, so we sat out in the sun some of the time (the outside of the venue had an overhang so it was kind of chilly under there). At around 9 I drove Michael & Sarah back to the hotel to get showered. A little later on Krista Britt & I found Starbucks! And took a picture by MOE Rd (this would only mean something if you are a long-time Hanson fan). The line continued to grow and grow... I think the #'s went back as far as like 35. At 1:00 the bus came so that was some excitement. Meeting new people, getting excited. Then at around 3:15....

The Walk! This was my first walk and I was excited. There were a fair number of people there. I didn't go barefoot on Mom's advice. I mean, I even saw some people hurt their feet pretty badly, and I had to drive us home after the shows were over, so I kind of needed my feet! I do however support what it represents. For those that don't know, Hanson have partnered with Toms Shoes, a company that gives a pair of shoes away to a child in poverty for every pair they sell. Hanson hold one mile barefoot walks at each tour stop, to spread awareness about what it's like to not have a pair of shoes, and to encourage people to take action. The walk was fun, I was by Isaac for a little bit and Zac for a little bit. Taylor was impossible. Everyone is fighting to be near them so I just didn't bother really. It honestly felt so good to walk - we were in the car the whole day before!

After the walk most people left the venue again. Everyone else got food but I just couldn't eat anything, I was too excited. Soundcheck was happening and we could hear soooo good. Zac played "Letters in the Mailbox" and I lost it. Unfortunately it didn't happen at the show, but I did get to hear it sort of! Also looking in through the window you could see the stage perfectly. hahaha.

Time passed SO slowly and I got more and more stressed. It was obvious the venue didn't care who went in when or where or how. Everyone on the walk is supposed to go in before everyone else, and most venue's will honor the numbers of the campers. Not this place though. They had 3 doors that were all going to open at the same time. And there were tons of people hanging around the doors that only got there a few hours before, and I knew they were going to cut. It got more and more nuts.... about 10 minutes before doors, one girl from security got all the campers in order, and then the walkers behind them, and got us all to one door. She said that door would open and go in first before everyone else. So we were waiting.... then we look at door #2 and it is OPENED, and all the people trying to cut the line were now getting in before people that were there since the night before. There was PANIC. I have never experienced anything like it. Anyway, to make a long painful story short, we got let in and ended up 2nd row center.

The hanson.net reporter was in the front row and then realized "I don't need to be here" so she got out, and I took her spot. The 2 girls next to me (who cut the line) were LIVID I took the spot from them and began harassing me, physically and verbally. They said that they were locals, this was THEIR venue and they deserved to be there, not me. New York hates Canada, go the &%^@ home, etc etc. They tried to tell the security that THEY were there all day waiting and that I cut them, but they just laughed at them basically. They continually pushed me, and at one point event started stomping on my foot to try and make me move it. Now, on top of this, I was a mess physically. I had not eaten ALL day and was super dehydrated. My back and knees were giving out and I thought I was going to pass out. So, this combined with the girls next to me, I decided it just wasn't worth it. If I passed out, the whole show would have been ruined. So right before Hanson came on, I left and went to the back.

I was so emotionally charged I was like crying uncontrollably. I was tired, I was hungry, I was in pain from the pushing, I was sad that I had just given up front row at a Hanson concert, I was angry at the venue and those girls, and I was incredibly overjoyed because I was at a Hanson show. So it was like, emotional overload!!!!!! I calmed down after awhile and seriously seriously enjoyed the show. Setlist highlights.... Aint no Sunshine, Penny & Me acoustic, Oh Darlin, Joy to the World, Got a Hold on Me, and Lost Without Each Other. Michael & Sarah were also in the back and we had a dance party. I could see okay where I was so tall, and Hanson really put off an amazing show.

When it was over we went back to the bus, but it was really dark back there and the tour manager said Hanson wouldn't be out that night. We said goodbye to some of the new friends we made (like the 2 girls who came from Oregon - hey!) and headed back to the hotel.

OK I'll write about part 2 some other time!!

pre-vacation weekend

2008-04-20T20:56:00.000-05:00

Well, it's here! In about 45 minutes Krista & Sarah arrive. Tomorrow Britt flies in, and we are off to the USA for our Hanson roadtrip. I am kind of in disbelief that it's here! I know it will be a great trip. Like last time, I am going to try and blog often so I have a good record of everything.

So I'm all packed and ready to go. I got so insanely anxious/stressed out getting ready for this trip, and I don't know why. Making sure I had all the "right" clothes, getting everything organized, etc etc. I don't remember being this bad before. Although..... come to think of it..... I have only very recently come off of an anti-anxiety medication that I have been on for 6 years. So maybe that explains it!!! Oh man, I feel a lot better knowing there's a possible reason! I was like man why am I freaking out so much about packing and getting ready?? haha. I know once my new friends arrive tonight I will feel better. It keeps you on your toes a little going with strangers! Like you don't know how you'll mesh. But it was great last time, so it'll be great this time :) Once we all get on the road tomorrow morning, I will be okay. I will breathe and make myself relax, and not think about work!!! I almost went and updated the church website tonight, and then I was like nope, I am officially on vacation now! And I felt guilty for wasting over an hour on hanson.net, livejournal, myspace etc. But you know what, it's vacation time! So let's get lazy and enjoy myself :)

I will update you from the road! With pictures if I can! Here's to Hanson - The Walk Tour 08!

Paramore @ The Palladium in Worcester

2007-12-05T12:59:00.001-06:00

So on Nov 23 Britt flew up and we drove to the USA. It was real fun. I spent way too much money but ending up doing about 80% of my Christmas shopping in about 4 hours. We drank a lot of Starbucks, stayed in Portland on Friday night and ate at Friendly's. I still have happy dreams about my ice cream (see profile picture). The Hampton Inn has the most comfiest beds I have ever slept in. I highly recommend them. Saturday morning we got breakfast in our PJ's and watched America's Next Top Model.... then hit the road to Worcester (getting Starbucks again of course). We got to the Palladium (concert venue) around 2pm and there were already around 50+ people waiting in line, and it was REALLY cold. Britt & I won a YouTube contest for a M&G, which I was so glad about, because I know Britt would have wanted to get in line for front, and I really would have not wanted to. haha. Anyway, not much was going on at the venue so Britt & I went back to our hotel to check in and relax until concert time.

We got ready and were back at the venue by 5pm. Lucked out on a free parking spot right in front of the venue! We visited the line a little, I sold my extra tickets to some guy named Derek in a top hat, and we stayed warm in my car. Around 5:30 we had to get in line to wait for our M&G passes. We met all the other contest winners and we recognized them from their videos. They were all really nice and we were friends fast (even sharing jackets and things). Eventually we got our tickets and M&G wristbands and Adrian came out and was super nice, gave us free shirts and then led us to Paramore's dressing room.

The M&G was sweet, nice and long, and everyone was really down-to-earth and enjoyable to hang out with. I got to hand-deliver a thank-you note a fan's mother had written about how Paramore's music saved her daughter's life. It was an honor to get to do that, and to see how much it meant to each of them as they read it. None of the M&G pics came out "nice" because apparently they never take a normal picture. Anyways eventually the M&G was over and we were led into the concert area. Ran into the guy from the Almost on the way. We were let in first so we were front and center in a venue of about 4,000 (it was sold out too). Pretty soon the doors were opened and it got squishy. Nothing beyond what I have endured before.... until The Almost came on. Then I was like okay, I have to get out. I had to stand on my tip-toes to keep my rib cage above the barricade or else it would have broken. I was there for 4 songs and my knees still got bruised. The pushing was past pain to like, I think my lungs are compressing and my stomach contents may be forced out. And there was so much crowd surfing. I was so afraid of getting injured, plus who wants to spend a concert with their face in the hair smelly stomach of a security guard? So I got pulled out (almost broke my legs cause they got stuck) and went to the back. Chilled, put my things in the car, and grabbed a seat in the balcony for The Starting Line.

I didn't like them too much. I heard some *gasp* bad words! I got the most enjoyment out of watching the crowd. It looked like a pot of soup some imaginary being was stirring, and all the people were different vegetables in the soup. The whole group just surged and lunged around, and then people would float on top of it (crowd surfers). I was soooooo glad I wasn't in it. Although I did know I needed a better spot once Paramore came on. So I wandered downstairs to the sound booth. I was there for the start of Paramore (got an awesome video of the start!) but I was like OK this is not high-energy enough for me, and so after the first song I went to the side of the pit and started making my way in. By the end of the show I was like 4th row on the left side. It was tight, but in a fun dancing "I'm at a concert" sort of way, and not in a "I hate my life I am going to die" sort of way. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Paramore put on an amazing show. Definitely one of the top Bands I've seen live. Hayley's voice is so powerful and smooth, just as good live as on CD. Zac's drumming wasn't quite as nuts as I remembered... Josh & Jeremy were enjoyable to watch. I dunno all in all it was just a great show! Great setlist, great energy. There was something wrong soundwise cause Hayley was obviously angry and kept looking at Josh going "I can't hear you!" But from where I was I couldn't tell. It was all so loud :P Some glad I brought ear plugs!

So after the show we went to Uno's with Laura & Nichole, two of our friends from the M&G. On Sunday we shopped our way back home to Fredericton (oh yeah and more Starbucks of COURSE). It was a great trip, I had so much fun!! Next year = vacation time, so longer trips like this one! I really want to go to NYC.

Photos

Home from Hanson

2007-07-23T00:53:00.000-05:00

So we got up this morning around 9 to pack and check out of the hotel (which was perfect). Drove out of Boston, also perfect. Maybe I am a pro driver or something but navigating was not hard at all and I will drive into a big city anytime! It took us awhile to find somewhere for food that was cheap & not crowded, eventually we ate at Subway just outside of Boston before the I-95. Driving back went by fairly quick actually... we stopped somewhere before Bangor and got Starbucks cause I was falling asleep, got gas, and bought baby chuck Taylor's for Halle (Sarah's baby). No adult ones in JC Penney, sad times cause I want blue ones now. Yes I know I already own 5 pairs. We had supper in Houlton at the Governor's Restaurant.

We had a surprise at the border... for some reason there was a police barricade and they raped us basically. He was like "how long have you had your license? Do you want to keep it for longer? You were speeding coming up here" meanwhile I didn't see a sign, I stopped in plenty of time, and I didn't hear the rumble strips because we were listening to Hanson at full blast. They asked us all these questions, got a dog, and sniffed the car and all our bags on the ground for drugs. Like seriously. Is it cause we looked like druggies or something? Cause we were young? I was so angry. Then we actually got to the border and the misses was all sketch again and made us pull in to be searched, but after a few minutes said we could go (she probably found out that had already been done). Like seriously, did something happen in the news recently about young people bringing drugs across or something??? Or were they being THAT prejudice???? Going into the USA we had no problems at all, and when I went in April everything was fine. I was so stressed out about this. Anyway.

We got back to Fredericton around 9pm. All in all it was a great trip. The concert was amazing. I just spent 2 hours uploading pictures to Facebook. I kind of want to share stories about the fandom and stuff that I witnessed and heard about... but I am tired and have work tomorrow, and in the end, does it really matter. I think not. Good night!

Hanson @ the Avalon in Boston

2007-07-22T04:32:00.000-05:00

This is going to be REALLY long. First recap, then thoughts.

After I wrote my last entry and was almost asleep, my crowd came back and said the venue really didn't want them to camp, and gave them all numbered tickets and promised them to go in that order. They stopped giving them out at 2, so I RAN to the venue with Kyle & Sarah and got my ticket - 20th in line! Slept like 4 hours or so... everyone started getting up at 6, but I slept until 8, then got a shower and watched Step by Step. I went to the line around 10am and met a bunch of Hanson friends for the first time. I suck though and did not take pictures. The piano arrived, and all the rest of the gear, and then Taylor & Isaac arrived in a van. I videod all of these events with my camera.... I might turn some of this into a Hanson fan culture documentary of some sort.

Then Lorne came and picked me up!!! He took me to the Hard Rock Cafe to have a look... one whole wall is made of cymbals. I took some cool pictures, but then later I ran out of space so I deleted most of them. I got video too though. After that we went to Quincy Market and saw some perfomers, got a sandwich for lunch, and bought the new Rocket Summer CD! Finally! I got back to the line around 3 I think. I missed Zac & Kate going in, as well as some guy who made up funny songs on his guitar about all sorts of things. The time was passing SO SLOW and people were starting to cut the line and get nasty (which is why I said I would never camp for a Hanson concert). But the owner guy who gave us the numbered tickets last night said if we were 21 we could go into the club bar to hang out, so a few of us did. Time passed a LOT faster. Also it was a great chance to grab the bathroom one last time before the show.

Around 5:15 the owner told us they were about to start forming the lines and such so we left and got in our numbered orders. There was the regular line that began with peopel that were camping since 3am, then there was my early camper line which had like 40 or 50 people in it. I was supposed to be 20th but I swear I was like 10th. But ahead of us were all the M&G's and people who bought auctions for early admission. Things got a little intense and I remember why I said I would never do this. But I didn't worry, we were let in, and I somehow managed 3rd row center (ahead of most of the people that were in front of me in my line). I must be good at this naturally or something.

Of course, it was chaos at first. I nudged myself into a solid second row for the whole show, but before Hanson there was so much pushing. People in 3rd row were grabbing the barricade and trying to pull themselves forward. People in front row got pushed back into fourth. There was a war between the right-stage and left-stage people and they kept pushing back and forth. Girls in front were complaining of the pushing and the security was like "um, this is what happens, you can go to the back if you don't like it." I learned before the Avril concert that the best way to hold your ground is to get your stance as wide as possible. So my legs were spread apart as far as I could and so I never got pushed back, and my hips and shoulders were locked in. I was SO SURPRISED at how not-bad the crowd was after Hanson were on for a bit. Like I was under the impression that it was going to be war, but honestly, Avril and the last Rocket Summer show were worse. Before Hanson came on I was kind of thinking I might leave partway through for sanity, but quickly decided I was not leaving. When Hanson's stuff was getting set up, the guy threw a Hanson guitar pick into the crowd, and it landed right in my hand! My luck at Hanson stuff is like too good to be true.

Hanson came on and I turned into a basketcase. I was so mellow during the day I was actually surprising myself, but when they came on and Great Divide started, I just cried and cried for like the first 4 songs. I also cried during MMMBop, and Yearbook, and Blue Sky I think. I got a LOT of eye contact from Zac & Taylor during the show. I was air drumming of course. I kept thinking if they remembered me from reporter/CHMR interview but who knows. All of them were having so much fun, smiles and loving the crowd and getting so into the music. I was just so overwhelmed at how GOOD they are. Taylor forgot the 2nd verse to Penny & Me and I have it recorded hehe. He was like "you guys know the words, you sing it!" Um what else... One of the girls in the front left before the encore so I was actually front row dead center for the last 2 songs. I shook Isaac's & Taylor's hands when they jumped down at the end. Someone threw a braw but it landed in front of the barricade... After the show I saw a squished bra insert thing on the ground. And the security threw a sweat towel into the crowd, and 3 girls like KILLED each other. Like they were on the ground jumping on each other dragging each other around doing kicks and body slams.

After watching that I went and bought a t-shirt and poster, went outside and got a ride home with Lorne. Like half the concert was waiting by the bus and I was not in the mood to wait to watch them walk into their van. So I came back and showered, then went to Uno with everyone, and now here I am! All in all it was a great experience. Next time I am lining up at 2pm to avoid the drama. Plus people that did this time were like 3 rows behind me, and didn't have any pushing.

I want to write a lot about Hanson fan culture stuff but it's 1:40am and I have to drive everyone back to Canada tomorrow. So I'll update again really soon!

Photos

Hanson Roadtrip Day 1

2007-07-21T01:30:00.000-05:00

So it's midnight and I am in a hotel in downtown Boston. I am so tired now I could scream! I met Amy Sarah Kyle & Laura today at church and we left at 1 and drove to Boston, stopping only at the border and at Portland for IHOP. Driving into Boston went very smoothly and no accidents or speeding tickets were had. We went to the venue first and to our surprise saw not a soul camped out. So we came to the hotel and that's when I started getting stressed. I was stupid and forgot to pay my Visa off until last night, which hasn't gone through yet, which meant no Visa for room. So then I had to pay for one night in cash, plus a $100 deposit, and I had to find the rest of the money before 11am tomorrow. Then we went to the parking garage where I was supposed to leave them my car key! They pack all the cars in and move them around when they need one. I was so NOT comfortable with this, like what if they dent her or something? But what choice did I have. Anyway, once I got to the room and had a calm down and thought things threw, Amy & I went to the bank across the street and thank goodness it liked my Canadian bank!!! I got money out and went and straightened all the hotel stuff away so that is done and taken care of.

Then we decided to walk to the venue and scope out the situation. We found 2 girls already there, so my crowd are like #'s 3-7 in the line (I am not camping). The security guy came and was like "no one will show up until tomorrow" and we're like oh buddy, you have no idea. We sat and talked and people kept walking by and asking us who we were there for. I really wish I was documenting the Hanson fan culture on this trip. Like being with a bunch of other fans, and their reasoning and logic is all completely in line with mine, in fact it's usually more extreme than my own (they are the ones waiting for 24 hours outside in downtown Boston!). And I keep thinking back to Jolene and others who are like worried about me and my Hanson thing, and it's just like, all of these other fans get it. Like you can't get it unless you are a part of it too. It's such a sub-culture, nobody outside of it can understand the full extent of it. The setlist from tonight's show is on hnet and I am SO PUMPED for tomorrow's show. It's going to be so excellent.

The venue is like right underneath Fenway Park, which is huge and we kept hearing crowds cheer that sounded fake coming from a speaker. I wish I could go to a game this weekend. I will take some pictures of the area tomorrow. At around 10:30 a few of us came back to get camping gear and I stayed back for the night. We went to the car to get some things, and the guy got me to move her to the bottom lot and said I could keep my key! Praise Jesus!!!!!! I was SO not okay with not having my car key. Now she's in the lot that I drive in and out myself and lot shoved into a tiny space with a bunch of other cars that the lot owners drive around like dinkies. That car is NOT MOVING until 11am Sunday. Walking for life.

So that is the first day. I am now alone in the hotel room about to turn in. Exciting times ahead!

The Rocket Summer @ Toad's Place in New Haven

2007-04-17T12:23:00.000-05:00

I guess I should write about the rest of the trip...

Thursday morning we got up and left Portland by 8am. We stopped at Tims which was completely empty and where they don't have XL cups (but all of their cups are one size larger than ours in actual volume). My coffee tasted exactly the same as home, but they had no steeped tea and Britt was super disappointed with how gross the tea was. Anyway. I drove the whole way because we got on about 5 different highways and drove through some fairly large cities. It was quite the adventure. We got into New Haven by 12:30. The area where Toad's Place is located is very nice and University town-esque. Yale is BEAUTIFUL with huge cathedral-like buildings. We drove by the venue and then checked into our hotel. I was kind of sad I had no laptop on this trip... we had free wireless in both places but were forced to wait to use public ones in the lobby. Psh. We got ready for the concert, then parked downtown by the venue and went snooping. No activity yet. So we went to the Plaza in Hamden which was the closest shopping place. The picturesque college town quickly became a ghetto low-income neighborhood. It reminded me of the Sister Act movie neighborhood. We went shopping for an umbrella because it was POORING rain, but we went to an expensive store, and before trying a dollar store we realized the rain had stopped. We went to Subway and had kid-sized subs for $2. Then we had to go back to the hotel because Britt forgot her Calendar Days (she ended up forgetting to get it signed anyway haha).

At 2pm we found a parking spot directly across from Toad's and kept the car there for the rest of the day (we only had to pay meters until 5:00). We weren't there long when a Cruise America RV pulled up with Bryce and crew inside. They parked right next to us. We stood up outside the opened door most of the afternoon, watching gear going back and forth, talking to the opening bands and workers on smoke break, and listened to soundcheck/rehearsal. It was SO COLD. I stayed out with Britt until 4:00 and then I just couldn't take it anymore, so I went to the car to warm up and Sarah stayed with her. I came out again at 4:20 or so. At this point Britt had gotten a smile out of Bryce, her teeth were chattering and all of her fingers were white. So she went upstairs to the box office (where there were couches and you could still hear soundcheck) and I went and got us hot chocolate drinks (which she didn't like!). After we drank those we got in the car and warmed up until about 5:30, when we got in line.

We met some fun people... Kelsey & Mike were 17/20 and drove down from Maine with Kelsey's Mom (who was also a nut fan, and took photos from the door during soundcheck which resulted in the door getting closed). Kelsey & Mike are getting married next summer and they love The Rocket Summer. We also met 2 girls from NY who were in front of us in line. That hour waiting passed so slowly because it was freezing cold and wet. Of course, about 10 minutes before doors the sun comes out.

We got in and got front row center next to where Bryce plays guitar. I knew this was the best spot cause in Cali last time I was by the piano, and he can't come to the crowd while playing that. The concert started around 7:30 with "Nothing Ever Stays" from California, whom we loved. We talked to them all day outside, the drummer Ryan is so great. He plays loud though! They dedicated the song "Difficult" to us, "the 3 ladies in the front who drove 11 hours to be here tonight." I preordered their EP after the concert so I am excited for that. Their 2-song sampler we listened to about 14 times on the way home. I was asleep for some of it though. "Melee" was next and they were also good - the guitar player was super and kept going right in front of us, to the point that I had to move my hands when he came over or I would have had stepped-on fingers. The lead singer guy was also fabulous.

Then it was Bryce's turn! Started with a drum solo and confetti, and then "Cross my Heart". I thought I was going to die at first - there was a LOT more pushing than I remember last time... one guy who was 5th row was in 1st row by the end of this song. We held our ground though, and after the first song it calmed down. Originally Bryce was only the opener for this show, but he still managed to play 11 songs (over an hour according to his wife Tara). "Around the Clock" was a lot of fun (Britt and I made a music video to this song which is currently being edited!). He crowd surfed in "Skies so Blue". "That's so You" was awesome and intimate. Um what else.... his new song "So Much Love" I already really like. Only Britt and like 5 other people knew the words (Britt learned them from YouTube videos....). Partway through the show he asked if someone had flown to this show so I pointed at Britt, and he was like "from Newfoundland? Wow, thank you so much." We really wanted to hear "TV Family".... that song has been special to me lately. So near the end we kept yelling it, and at one point Bryce caught Britt's eye and she mouthed it to him. So he ended the show with it. Yay! It was definitely my favorite of the night. Closed-eyed and worshipping all the way! After the show Bryce shook hands with the front row and handed his guitar pick to Britt! The drummer must have seen me air drumming because he gave me his severely beat up drum stick. After the show we hung around and met him, got some things signed, and then we went to the car and watched all the videos we took (and waited to watch Bruce get in his RV and eventually leave). I also got to meet Smashley from hanson.net! She was at the show and we recognized each other from online. haha oh my.

We got back to the hotel and I just about died with tiredness. My feet were still numb from being outside all day so I warmed them up in the bath and then slept for a good 9 hours. We left around 10:30 on Friday, took a slight detour for 7-11 slurpees, and then hit the rock (jack). We had a 10 hour drive back to Fredericton. I drove all the way to Portland again through the craziness, and Britt drove from there to the border while I slept. We hit some snow the last hour or so, while in Canada, but we took our time and all was well.

Some things I forgot... we went to IHOP twice in Portland. I love that place. Our server on the way down was "Dustin" and he was so nice. He told us about his roadtrip to Canada (and we videotaped him). We went to visit him on the way back but he wasn't working, so we left him a note. Also, we accidentally smuggled apples across the border. I was tense going over and he asked us all these questions that I kept saying no to, so I got into like a rhythm.... "do you have any citrus, apples?" "No." 'oh wait... crap... we do have apples...' It was funny.

My arms hurt from typing so much. All in all it was a great trip!

Photos

Hello from my childhood stomping ground.

2007-04-12T00:21:00.000-05:00

Well today has been quite the packed day. Yesterday I did a week's worth of work in one day and it was craziness. Sarah and I went to Moncton and spent the night at Jolene's house. PS her dog is the best pet in the universe. I hardly slept at all the past 2 nights because I am too darn excited about this trip. This morning at 9am Britt arrived!! We went to Tim's with Jo and then started out on the trek. The drive was good, we all had a turn driving... we accidentally hoarded apples across the border... I answered no and then realized after that we did have them! Oops! I totally packed too much junk food... my tongue is sore. We got to Portland around 5:30pm and headed straight for Old Orchard Beach. I vacationed there my entire childhood so it was a bit nuts seeing everything again (we took pictures and videos so you'll see all this later haha). Then we checked into this hotel and went to the mall. If I had a lot of money I would have spent a few hundred dollars tonight. Man! I only spent $7 though and it is for a special someone ;) Then we went to IHOP for supper, which I think is my favorite restaurant of all time. Especially when you haven't had a meal all day.

We have 4 more hours to go tomorrow until New Haven CT. The Rocket Summer is now headlining and this makes me SUPER excited. His concert last May was fantastic so I can't wait to go again. I'm so tired now I could puke so I have to go sleep. The end.

1 year Avrilversary

2006-08-31T12:35:00.000-05:00

So, a year ago today Britt and I were sitting on the pavement outside the Halifax Metro Centre to claim our front-row spots to the Avril Lavigne concert. That was a sweet day and a sweet show. I made a video of stuff for the occasion...

The Rocket Summer & Paramore @ the Boardwalk in Sacramento

2006-06-01T21:46:00.000-05:00

On May 24th I saw The Rocket Summer & Paramore! The concert was amazing. It was so much fun, definitely one of the highlights of my trip to California. I met Sabra from hanson.net for the first time, plus I made some new friends. A couple of them help run this awesome website, you should check it out if you like concerts and photography. It's www.thesmokewillclear.com. One thing I do regret is that I didn't bring earplugs. First time I never since the Moffatts back in 2000 when I lost my hearing for 4 days. It was way too loud. I really liked the first band Brandston. I wasn't too keen on the second opener (Nightmare of You), but the lead singer has a head like Bille Joe Armstrong and physical features like Taylor Hanson. Yummy. I was in the front row just off to the left, as I guess you can tell from my pictures. The Boardwalk is an amazing venue. It only fits 200 people, it is SO intimate. Loved it. And fans aren't crazy like Hanson ones are! I got there one hour before doors and there was hardly anyone there. And no one tried to kill me to get front row!

The two bands I was there for were Paramore and The Rocket Summer. Paramore played first and they were awesome, much more energetic on stage than the 2 opening bands. Most of them are under 20 too. I loved their set, Hayley and the guys were really interactive with the crowd. After Paramore Bryce came on, he was awesome. He even crowdsurfed during one song. I liked his keyboard playing the best. His music is really pop, but hey, I love pop! It was fun to be in a crowd with great music and a great performner, and everyone jumping and singing and having a good time, without killing each other. It might be the best concert experience I've ever had. And it wasn't too short or too long.

After it was over, Bryce just jumped off the stage to say hi to people. I thought that was pretty fun. So I got an autograph for myself (and for Britt!) and got my picture. He's really laid back. Then I went outside and found Josh from Paramore. He signed my CD and Britt's shirt, then he was nice enough to round up the rest of them for autographs and a picture. They're pretty cool!

Paramore Photos
The Rocket Summer Photos

Rex Goudie & Melissa O'Neil @ Mile One

2006-03-25T21:39:00.000-06:00

Getting Rex Goudie tickets in St. John's is near impossible. I never got any for December's CD release, so I was super surprised when I logged on to admission.com at 10:02 the day tickets went on sale for this show, and I got some. Row N, seats 13 and 14! I felt superior cause those tickets are like gold here. haha. Anyways.

Thursday March 23rd: I had no school and no work (part-time student rocks). My Nan picked me up for lunch at Dairy Queen. While we were eating Rex & Melissa were on the radio being interviewed. They were so pleasant and sincere, I was like oh yay, I'm seeing them tonight! Both Nan and I were curious to see what Wal-Mart was like now, at around 1:30pm... so we drove up there and I went in. There were only about 180 people in line which I was actually surprised at. I could have had a bracelet to guarantee an autograph, but I was with Nan, had nothing with me, and my friend Britt was still in school. So I left. Came home, called Britt's Dad and told him we should go there, and then I ran around getting all my things together.

About an hour later Britt and her Dad pick me up and we go back to Walmart. We walked in and saw the line passing the front door. Followed it down to the food/picture frame area, and I was like "there is no way in heck we'll get an autograph in this line, they only have an hour." So instead we went up to where the autographs were taking place. We were in the first row behind the Walmart people, with a girl from Labrador (hi if you're reading! I hope some of the pictures I took for you came out!). Anyway, it was fine for awhile, but by the time 4:15 came it was getting a bit strained. People were pushing, I had a shopping cart shoved in my butt, children around my legs (I'm 21 and 5'11) and a few very vivacious mothers. I swear, the under 12 and the over 40 groups were the most ridiculous acting. Anyway, finally at 4:35 Rex and Melissa came out from the layaway door (what an entrance) and everyone erupted. Some kids/teens kind of went mental. But I can relate cause it happened to me when I met Hanson. So Britt and I stayed in the mania until about 5:10, taking pictures and videos and taking them with other cameras, and getting mad at kids for trying to knock over other people. Britt says the pushing was worse than at the Avril Lavigne concert but I disagree. It was bad but not that bad! So we left and sat down by the main doors to organize and make sure out lungs weren't broken.

At 5:27 exactly (Britt didn't want to be in the cold!) we went outside and walked around to the back where there were already about 25 people. We watched Rex and Melissa get in the van and drive away. Then Mom picked us up and brought us to Britt's house for supper and a much needed rest. Chicken chili, watching the NTV broadcast with the interview, and of course using the washroom! Man we both had to pee so bad!

So we didn't leave till like 7:40 and got to Mile One about 5 minutes before the show started. I was surprised at how good our seats were. We were close, on the end of a row, and at the front of a section, so we had plenty of room and no one to obstruct our view (except when people ran down to take pictures.... props to the Mile One staff for keeping people where they're supposed to be).

Melissa was amazing. I was blown away. I'll admit it, I was going for Rex. I was not expecting a lot from Melissa.... but I was floored by her performance. Her vocals were strong, I really liked her songs, and she has a great stage presence. Still can't believe she's 17. I thoroughly THOROUGHLY enjoyed her set. I was sad when she left. My favorite of hers was the song about her brother. I almost cried. I also think a lot of the songs she did are far better than her radio singles. I think she should release a slightly different single next time.

Rex came on and the place went nuts of course. Except not as nuts as I thought it would... (more on that rant later). He delivered a great set and put in a couple of neat covers from Metallica and Blue Rodeo. It was cool to see (and hear!) him play guitar. He was glowing on stage, he obviously belongs there. Call Your Name and Write it in Lightning were my favorite of his. I knew most of them cause I got his CD for Christmas. I was also marvelling at how much he interacted with the crowd... signing autographs? Who does that??

My favorite part was at the end of the show when Melissa and Rex sang together. They are so cute. If they aren't dating, they should be. All in all it was a good time and I was glad I was there. Concerts are my absolute most favorite thing to do, and this concert was worth the money for sure.

After the show was over we wandered around the front and Britt got a "Let it Go" black guitar pick. The guy threw a red one first, for her, and a mother took it from her! This is what I mean - Newfoundlanders, not as nice as you think! Seriously, people do not know how to behave. Between Walmart and the concert I was in awe at how some adults can behave. I mean you kinda expect it from the kids. Anyway. We went to the merch table and I bought a Melissa shirt. I didn't like Rex's... it was way too juvenille for a soon-to-be MUN graduate. Melissa's is awesome though, I love it! I am buying her CD soon as well. Anyway... we walked to Ultramar and got picked up, had tea at my house and watched my videos/pictures from the night, and then went to bed. And that was my first Rex concert experience!

Now for the rant. I have now been to a total of... 6 "real" concerts. 2 seated, 4 general admission. And I would take GA ANY DAY over seated. I thought I'd like seated better cause you don't have to line up early and crush people, but last night proved me wrong. The entire audience sat through the whole concert, unless Rex/Mel asked us to stand. wtf?? I wanted to stand and dance so bad during Melissa's set but I literally would have been the only one out of the 5000 people there. Everyone was up at the beginning of Rex so I stayed up, danced and sang and it was fun. Then the Mile One lady came over and said I had to sit down, because people behind me were complaining cause they were sitting and they couldn't see. Who the heck pays money to go to a concert to sit down and watch? No one was singing, no one was getting into it. It was insane. I was so crooked after that. All my other concert experiences (even the other seated one) people were on their feet, clapping and singing and just giving the performers the energy. Last night was basically a live DVD screening, in person. I guess it's because of the types of people there... young children, old adults... all my other shows were teen/young adult mainly. I mean it was fine, the concert was awesome... I just wish people were a little more alive in their reception to their IDOLS being on the stage.

OK so that's the end. That's my review. Am I going next time either of them come back? Heck yes.

Photos

Hanson @ the Kool Haus in Toronto

2005-11-17T21:34:00.001-06:00

The mood has struck me to write about my experience going to Toronto to see my first Hanson concert. So here I go!

Well, anyone who knows me will know I am a huge Hanson fan, ever since 8 years ago when MMMBop was everywhere. So when I finally got my chance to fly to TO to see them in concert, I was so happy! I joined their fanclub for the presale, and wouldn't you know it, I won the job of reporter! It was almost too much to handle. But somehow, I did, and it was the most amazing experience of my entire life.

I flew up to Toronto on Wed Nov 9 with my Mom, Rachel, and her Mom Doreen (kind of a mother-daughter trip idea). I was way too in shock when we were leaving, but on the flight Rachel and I watched the UAL DVD and it was so calming, I pretty much fell asleep. We were a bit delayed getting off the plane cause apparently there were lots of thunderstorms and the airport was on code-red for awhile (and there was a tornado in Hamilton? What the heck???). Anywho, we rented a car and drove to our hotel, then we had supper at a restaurant where I felt way too immature to be at :) Then we walked down to the venue. There were already over 20 people in line!! The first tent got there at 1pm. That's dedication right there. So I met fanclub people for the first time and had fun talking about Hanson and listening to Middle of Nowhere. Then I went to the hotel, drugged up on gravol, and got a semi-full nights sleep.

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Thursday I woke up and was like "Crap. I'm meeting Hanson today!" I had a hard time eating breakfast, then we went down to the venue. We found our friends and got in line and I was like actually shaking! I am so nuts. Anywho, there were 3 buses around the venue and I'm like "guys Hanson is here cause they drove up from Detroit last night..." no one could really believe it though. But when one bus left I took off after it, but it just circled the venue and pulled up by the front doors (right by the lineup) then the other 2 buses parked beside it. Hanson were on that bus, but they were asleep. At this point breakdown #1 happened. I lost it. haha. So anyway, I was in one of the tent's chatting it up with Rachel and a fanclub person, when we hear a couple of high-pitched screams... "someone is awake!" hahaha. So we ran to the fence by the door and sure enough, Hanson were awake and mobile. I caught glimpes of Ike Tay and Zac, their sister Jessica, Tay's wife and his kids (PS they are so cute!!). So it was exciting just to have them wave to us and say hi (and Zac doing some kind of dance for entertainment) and watching all the gear get brought in. I'm happy my first time seeing them wasn't at the Meet and Greet.

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After we went to Tim's for lunch it got FREEZING. From 4-6:30 the M&G winners were huddled together by the entrance freezing our behinds off. Finally their tour manager Rebecca came out to check our IDs and give us our passes. When I first walked into the venue and saw Hanson standing there... I was like ok, I think I might die right now. It was so strange seeing them in the flesh!! But they are so nice and normal, just like you'd picture them to be (if you're a fan who watches/listens to every interview they've ever done. lol). Ike and Tay signed my Middle of Nowhere CD and I was just like "guys, you have no idea... I have been a fan for so long and this is a dream come true. You guys are awesome..." and other random blabbing. Then Taylor asked who was the reporter (MEEEE!) and it was time for the picture. So I ran and got Zac to sign my CD and then went to get my camera out of my bag... except I couldn't FIND it and was fiddling for a long time... kind of embarassing when Hanson is standing there waiting for you ;) Finally I found it and took the picture, then I got to stay and chat while the 2nd group was coming in. I told them how I learned to play drums from listening to them and they said that was cool and asked what bands I played in. And I asked Zac if I could have his drumsticks after the show, he just kind of looked at me and smiled. I also talked to them about me being a fan and this was my first show, and saying how everyone who comes to Newfoundland sells out in minutes (hehe, well why not mention it?). Anywho, then the 2nd group came in, and I took that picture. Then they left and the tour manager took my picture with them. I told them I was debating where I would stand cause I wanted to be by all of them, so Taylor was like "well you can be in the middle and we'll kind of stand around you." Sounds good to me. After this they said to follow them backstage for the interview (OK!!!). I had to get all my stuff off the ground from the previous couldn't-find-camera incident, Zac was like "guys wait for her!" and he waited and then walked me out. I love him. hehe.

So yes, I went backstage. Pretty normal looking, I saw the schedule of what band was going on when, and I saw the curfew was 2am and not 11:30pm like some pple said, which was good cause the concert wouldn't have to be shortened. Zac then said "yeah, we're actually playing a 5 hour show tonight!" So anyway, we ended up in this little room, about the width of a car and about as long as 2 couches. I think Isaac's laptop was on the desk that ran the whole length. I sat in the middle, Ike on my right and Tay on my left, and Zac on the desk in front of me. And there I got to talk to them for about 10-15 minutes. Sorry I'm not allowed to post the official interview here cause it's only for fanclub members :( But, I can be vague! I asked them about the song "Rock n Roll Razorblade" and the poem "Watch me Bleed" from the Live CD and asked why they talked about cutting/self-injury to describe the passion of music. They said it has more to do with taking something out of you and how experiences are remembered by the "scars" they leave on your life. I then asked them about how they make up setlists to please first-time concert people like me, and concert veterans like the girl from Austrailia who is going to 17 shows this tour alone! They basically said this is a "Best of" tour so it's mostly older stuff, it's great for first-timers, and that the next tour for the new album will be all newer stuff. They also thought it was neat how the fanclub posts the setlists online in real-time during every one of their shows.

3rd question was asking them about the sound of the new album. They said they want to combine the sounds of the first 3 CDs to get "their sound" and that it'll be hard-hitting. Last question I asked Zac about coming up with non-boring drum beats and they all talked to me about that for awhile. It was sweet! I got a hug after from Ike and Zac but Tay had the flu so he wouldn't. Sad times. And that was the end of my first time meeting Hanson!

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After this I went to the merchandise table and bought a hoodie, t-shirt, and keychain. Yay for my first Hanson tour merch! Then I found the mother's (Rachel was in 2nd row and there was no way I was getting to her! There's a girl in hospital right now because of the crowd!) and we went into the 19+ bar which was un-crowded and had seats. During the opening bands I recorded the interview as well as I could remember. Then I got suited up with my camera, notepad, cellphone, and calling card, and I was off to the front row!

Since I was reporter I had a photo pass and got to be in front of the barricade for the first 4 songs. Hanson came on stage and I almost died. They opened with an unreleased song and then covered "Desire" by U2. But the real adrenaline rush was when "A Minute Without You" started. The crowd erupted into song and the energy was so thick it was nuts. Shivers up the spine for that one. I got some great pictures for the fanclub and then I had to leave the front :( The security was really strict, but I think it had something to do with the NUTS fans.

During the show I had to record the setlist for the fanclub, I took some pics and videos, and I called Britt on my cell for 3 songs (she like flipped out hearing MMMBop. haha). The show was fantastic. I couldn't have asked for a better first show. Even though the first 5 rows or so were INSANE, without any pushing or rudeness I could weave to like 10-15 rows back, which isn't bad. I started off on Taylor's side and kind of walked around the semi-circle during the show.

Highlights of the show for me:
- "Change in my Life" a capella - a gospel cover. Their voices were spot on and the words were so meaningful. Everyone was actually quiet for this one.
- "Long Train Runnin" by the Doobie Brothers - holy Zac's voice! He sang lead and it was awesome. Also the solid drums with the syncopated electric guitar made it really lively. It was my favorite performance of the night.
- "Can't Stop" latin version! Holy percussion and dancing!
- "Hand in Hand" cause it's my favorite on the Live CD... the passion behind it.
- "Look at You" cause it's so fun!

During the encore ('Feelin Alright' by Joe Cocker and 'Look at You') I scribbled a note to the security that said Zac will give me his drumsticks if he can see me... the guy I think felt pity for me and let me back up front after the last song!!! I almost got kicked out by the head guy but not before Zac gave me his sticks!!! He came right for me with a huge smile on his face and handed them to me. Apparently my face was priceless. After I recovered I looked to my right and Taylor was right there, he jumped down to the crowd. I was like "oh hi!" and then got pushed out by security. Breakdown #2 of the day was walking out of the venue, drumsticks in hand, knowing I just saw my first Hanson concert. The lady giving out the indie CD samplers felt bad for me and was like "you look like you need 2 CDs!" So cute.

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After I regained composure I went by the bus where there were already a good deal of people. After about 20 minutes Zac came out to sign autographs and talk to fans. He signed one of his drumsticks for me :) He stayed out for about a half hour, then shortly after Isaac came out for about 20 minutes. Then he went on the bus to get pizza :) After awhile Taylor and Natalie came out with Ezra and Penny! Cute family moment! After the kids got on the bus with Natalie, Taylor came out to see the fans. I was just in awe of how nice they are. So down-to-earth and normal and kind! All of them took time to sign things for fans and talk to them. They didn't have to, they could have got on the bus and watched a movie or something, since they did just play a 2 hour concert. I just kept saying "thank you guys so much" the whole time they were out by the bus. I guess after my not-so-kind experience with Avril by her bus, I was just so happy that Hanson were so friendly with their fans! And so after Taylor got on the bus, we went home to the hotel.

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And that's my first Hanson experience! YIPEE! IT FINALLY HAPPENED!!!!!! :)

On Friday we did some shopping, got a tour of MuchMusic, and got to be on MOD. So that was fun. Saturday we went to the Eaton Centre and we met up with Clara from the fanclub :) And Sunday I came home! And that was my trip! Wow, one week ago today was the concert.... how bizarre!

THE END! :)

Photos

Hanson and me, how cool would that be?

2005-11-12T21:27:00.001-06:00

More to come on my experience later... :)

Today is the day

2005-11-10T09:24:00.000-06:00

So I'm in Toronto, I just woke up and it's 8am. I actually slept last night! Woohoo! So anyway, today is the day I meet Hanson!!! And go to my first Hanson show! So excited. It's going to be so amazing. I gotta get a shower and head down to the venue in a couple hours.... the line started yesterday at 1pm and last night there were around 30 people there camping out! Hanson fans are so crazy. I say there's at least double that there by now. It was so fun to be in the company of that many peple that like Hanson! Today is going to be like, the 2nd best day of my entire life.

So there was a tornado in Hamilton yesterday?? That is creepy... when the heck did Canada start getting tornados?? And it's also SO close to where I am right now. Woah. I enjoy Toronto, in general. Our hotel is right across the street from the Salvation Army Gateway.... looks like a dropin place. How cool.

OK so I have to go get a shower.... gotta look good for today ;) Wish me luck, I'm gonna interview Hanson!!

Speechless.

2005-10-26T21:08:00.000-05:00

I can't even explain my emotions or what is going through my head right now. So I am going to just matter-of-factly explain to you what happened when I got home tonight, and you can make your judgements on what I must feel right now.

I'm in Hanson's fanclub, and I'm going to their TO show (if you do not know this already, you do not know me). For each show they give 9 meet & greets and 1 reporter, which are randomly selected, but favored towards people who have never met Hanson before. I was hoping for a MnG but wasn't really expecting one.

I got home tonight from work at 9:30, check my e-mail, and I discover that I have been chosen as Reporter for Toronto!
This means the following:
- I get to do an interview with Hanson
- I get my picture taken with Hanson
- I get to take all the MnG pictures of other fans with Hanson
- I get to go in front of the barricade and take pictures during the show
- I write up a tour report for their fanclub, and my photos go on the website.

My life, my 8 year dream, is going to happen. OH. MY. WORD

Avril Lavigne @ the Halifax Metro Centre

2005-09-02T20:51:00.000-05:00

Hello to whoever is reading this. I am writing one review/blog entry of my trip to the Avril concert, and it's going everywhere. So whoever you are, hi! And be warned, this is very detailed. But some people want the details :)

OK, so I went to see Avril at the Halifax Metro Centre on Aug. 31 2005 with my friend Britt. Britt is OBSESSED with Avril and saved all her money to fly up from Newfoundland to see Avril. I was working up there this summer so that was convenient for me. So on August 30th I went to the Metro Centre with a big list of questions to ask, like if we could bring in cameras or bags, and what doors were the best to be at. After that I poked a little. There was a black bus in front of the stadium which I found out was Butch Walker's bus. Big trucks came and dropped off the stage parts and such. The Prince George Hotel is next to the Metro Centre and there was a brown bus in front of there which I found out was Avril's bus, and she was staying in that hotel. I took pictures of the buses and casually walked around the block a couple of times. On my way to the bus to leave, I saw Matt Lavigne and Amy at the brown bus getting luggage off. I called Britt and told her and she like freaked out, it was so funny. She went down later that night, and she swears she saw Avril and some of the guys out in front of the stadium, but when they doubled back in the car they were gone.

August 31. I woke up at 6:00 and was at the stadium by 8:30. There were 3 people ahead of me in line. 2 girls who arrived at 6am, and a Mom who got there at 6:50am, saving a spot for her friend and they're 2 daughters. So I was happy. Britt came at 9. Britt and I took a walk around the hotel again but saw nothing. By the loading doors to the stadium we saw the stage partly set up and got really excited. The morning was basically chatting with other fans, me being on duty as Avril Bandaids rep, eating, etc. The bassist for Butch talked to us awhile, we asked him who he was and such. His bus driver was really nice, chatted to us and gave us free posters. I don't know how it happened but time FLEW. At 12:00 I went to get us lunch at Extreme Pita but I couldn't finish it. I was so excited I was stomach sick and eating made me worse. After lunch I didn't eat again until 2:00 the next morning.

After lunch more people started coming and the line grew. Both Mom's were here now in front of us, and they were worried sick about being at the right door. So they went to the Box Office to inquire. Everyone was lined up at the door closest to the stage. However, floor access was only through the back end of the stadium! So, one by one, the 6 of us friends casually picked up our stuff and relocated to the back entrance. No one was there! A couple girls came over and said that we were at the wrong door, and they were so nice. We figured it's better to have friends in line than evil shoving people. So we told them what we knew and we ended up with like a dozen of us at this back door. We took our chairs and made a semi-circle around all the doorways. We all had a number of what order we arrived in, and we were going to go in in order of our arrival time. We were all nice and fair and friendly :)

At 2:00 a guy came up to us and said he heard on the walkie talkies that Avril was coming for soundcheck in 5 minutes. So we booted it to the hotel area and waited for like 45 minutes. Most people left except for me Britt and the 2 Moms and the guy. The bus got moved right in front of the hotel doors, so we got our cameras out, and Britt and I crossed the street to get a better shot of her walking out the entrance. Like 10 minutes later, Matt and Amy came up the street with shopping bags, and they got in the bus, then Matt got out again. Then a green van pulled up with tinted windows and Matt went to it, Avril got out, and they tore into the bus within seconds. I was too shocked to do anything but Britt for a picture (back on mind you). It was kind of annoying she couldn't just say hi, considering it was only 2 people and we weren't like going to do anything. So after that Britt FREAKED that she just saw Avril, and we followed the bus back to our entrance and then got back in our chairs.

We could hear soundcheck through the doors but Avril didn't sing much at all. We heard a lot of Butch though. One girl loves him and teared up when he started to sing! So we heard soundcheck and then we went and made our last bathroom stop until after the show. This was like 3:45-4:00 and us 12 were still the only ones by this door, and the other door was packed. So, time passed and eventually we had our own little line up going. Relatives came and picked up the stuff belonging to our friends and we made a line. 2 doors were opening, so #'s 1 and 3 in line got at one door, and 2 and 4 got at another. Everyone else kind of just lumped, but I was very aggressive in telling people to go to the back of the line. hehehe. Go me. So we stood in line and got excited, and finally 5:30 came!

There was no security. The guys took our ticket stub and then we sped walked/ran to the floor. There was a line by one guard to get the ticket stamped, and people were so over-excited they never saw the guy at the next floor entrance with no one. So I booted there and got through in a second. There were only 10 people on the floor then, but for some reason they never took the very middle. They were on the sides. So I ran and got right in the middle, Britt and her cousin following suit. We were in shock. How in hecks name did we manage to get front row center?!?!?!

Security got us to sit on the floor which was such an ingenious idea. No shoving! So we sat and talked and made friends with everyone and I met Carissa from the fanclub :) at 6:50 everyone stood up and lunged forward. This was it. Front row center for Avril!

Butch Walker began playing at 7. He is super fun live. I didn't know his music and I couldn't hear his voice that well, but it was good times. He had a spiel about how Avril and him sing live, non of this pre-recorded bullshit, and he started gallopping like Ashlee Simpson did on SNL. Then he talked about Kelly Clarkson and how high she can sing and he never could do that... but he'll try anyway! And he sang Since You Been Gone. It was great. Avril's guitarist Devin played with him for his last song which just made everyone's anticipation grow.

During Butch's set I thought I was going to die. The shoving from behind wasn't bad because we made friends with the girls behind us and they said "don't worry, we won't push you!". But the sides were insane. 2 girls next to me got knocked from front to 3rd row before Avril even came on. The misses next to me was pushing a lot, or maybe it was from down the row. Either way, I was pinned in by both hips. I could lift both feet and still stay there. I was so glad I had my camera case out cause there was no way I was getting that bag at my feet. It was so hot... 3 girls fainted during Butch's set, and 2 more did during Avril's. I pitied them so bad! Britt was like "if I faint, don't tell anyone! I'm staying!" haha.

OK, so 8:15 and the intro music started, which Britt and I sang cause we have the audio from the Birmingham show last May. The Band came out, Sk8er Boi started, and out came Avril! It was unbelievable. It was just odd to see her like, in real life, in the flesh. She was beautiful. Her hair is still long and blonde. It was curly and there are some layer things on the go around her face. She wore a black and red Nostalgia t-shirt, black skirt and tights, and great big black boots. And one huge engagement ring! Man that thing is massive. Halfway through the show it disappeared. I hope she never lost it! Apparently Deryck was at this show but I didn't see him. She is seriously soooo pretty in person!!

Once Avril started the intense compression of the pit eased up. Thank the Lord! The songs she did are: Take Me Away, Together, Don't Tell Me, He Wasn't, My Happy Ending, Nobody's Home, Forgotten, Who Knows, Fall to Pieces, Losing Grip, Complicated, Sk8er Boi, I'm With You, Mobile, Unwanted, I Always Get What I Want, All the Small Things (Blink 182), and Song 2 (Blur). Seeing her play drums was fun cause I'm a drummer too (girl drummers ROCK). She was amazing on stage. She was always smiling, and from what I could tell it was geniune excitement and joy on her face. She ran around and danced from one side to the next the whole night. The amount of energy was fantastic. I don't know how she can do it night after night, show after show. Maybe by not talking to fans who are outside her bus (um.... lol). She also sounded insanely fantastic!!! I kept turning to Britt and going "she sounds really good." Cause let's not kid ourselves, back in 2003 she sometimes favored the lower half of the pitch. But this night was RIGHT ON. The power in her voice and the accuracy and just.... it was like an angel's voice. Just absolutely amazing. And it was live cause her voice cracked once! haha. She pulled off an amazing show.

It was short though. At 9:30, Complicated was done and Avril was already left the stadium by the time the lights came on. I felt really disappointed at this point. I was like, it should have been longer. She should have been more connected to her fans. Why didn't she sing more songs? And I dunno, just being all famous with the security and not being able to talk to fans, even though we are just people like she is. I think too, with the months of anticipation, the 9 hour wait, my expectations were through the roof. I tend to build things up in my head and just get way too over insane about it. So anyway, after I bought a t-shirt and walked nosily around the stadium, I headed for the bus stop.

Everyone on that bus had been to the concert. Everyone with their t-shirts and blinking devil horns, it was quite fun. Erin and Anna ended up on the bus too so that was fun! We spent the ride back looking at my pictures and video clips on my camera. On the way my phone rang and I got a huge disappointment. Although I'm okay now. See, Britt's Dad is awesome. He rocks at life! He's a public relations person in Newfoundland, and Britt loves Avril and sacrificed a lot to get to this concert. So a few days before the show, Lorne starts calling all over North America, talking to "Avril people", trying to see if we could have a meet and greet. Her manager said that we had a really good story, but that Avril wasn't doing many meets this tour, so we couldn't have one. That was fine, I knew that. Regardless, the management took our names and Lorne's phone number.

So, the night of the concert, at 6:52pm, Lorne gets a call from New York saying that Avril is going to be doing meets now and that we could go to a certain entrance to meet her. Lorne is like "that's fine... but I'm in Newfoundland." So then Lorne called my Mom, got my cellphone number, and for the next 30 minutes I got 7 calls from Lorne and 3 text messages, a phone call from Avril's manager, and 4 calls from New York City. Trouble was, as I said, I was smushed and my bag with my phone was at my feet. It was loud. We were moshing. I didn't hear my friggin phone! If I had answered it, we would have met Avril last night. Her manager was even on the stage at 7:15 looking for us according to Lorne's description. I was so upset when Lorne told me all of this. I could have met Avril, but I didn't answer my phone!!! SO INSANE!!!

However, after 24 hours of reflecting, I am glad we didn't. Cause if we got pulled out at 7:15, there was no way we were getting back even CLOSE to the front. This might have been our one and only Avril concert. Meeting Avril doesn't mean you will be her friend or impress her or even get to have a conversation. So what's better, meeting Avril, getting a group photo and an autograph? Or being front row center for an hour long show, getting amazing pictures and videos and being that close to her for that long? I think the front row is better! After all, if it's all about the music, then that comes above meeting her. So I am okay about this now. I called NY and left a message, personally thanking them for going through that much trouble to try and make our dream a reality. There are some seriously nice people in this world.

OK, so yeah, back to my timeline :) I couldn't calm down when I got home. The post-concert energy was surging. I had to shower and pack for the plane the next day, and then I just kind of lay on my bed. I couldn't sleep, realized I hadn't eaten since lunch! So I got food and then went to sleep.

Today I spent 7 hours in an airport because my only available ride there was that early. This morning it hit me. Oh my word. I went to an Avril Lavigne concert. I saw her. I was front row center. I heard her play all of her hits live. I saw Avril Lavigne live!!!! And then I realized what an idiot I was for being so disappointed the night before. The day was more than I could have ever asked for. People would die for front row center, and the pics/video I got. Avril is my 2nd favorite artist and I saw her in concert! WOW! And it was fun! And it's great memories! So yay for being there and getting this experience! And yay for Avril for deciding to come to Halifax!!

So then I was positive and I still am. What an experience. In the airport I saw people with Avril t-shirts on, and I approached them and talked and I showed them my pics and videos. Met another Newfie who flew up for the show. Avril should SO come to Newfoundland, she'd sell out Mile One in a flash. OK, there is my concert experience! Told you it would be long.

Concert Photos

HANSON

2005-08-17T21:02:00.000-05:00

So guess what? On November 10th Hanson are playing a concert in Toronto. And guess who's going? ME!!!!!!!! I can't even tell you what I'm like right now. Last night Mom let me join their fanclub so I can get better tickets when they go onsale tomorrow. Their club is AMAZING, they connect with their fans like no other band. Tonight there's a Hanson chat that I can go to! Anyway, so tomorrow the tickets go on sale and I am getting 4. Me, Mom, Rachel, and Doreen. On October 11 they're releasing a live CD recorded this past June in Austrailia. And on November 10th I am going to see them in concert!!!! They pick 9 fanclub members for a meet and greet and one to be a hanson.net reporter, and they always try to pick people that haven't met them yet!

If you know me at all you will know how insane this is for me. I only catnapped all last night, I was so tired but now I am so over-excited I feel like my heart is racing. I don't even know what to do. I'M GOING TO SEE HANSON LIVE IN NOVEMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!