Title: I Have Been Quiet Too Long--My NJ & Philly Recap
Description: AWED by NJ show--took the kids 2 Philly!
Description: AWED by NJ show--took the kids 2 Philly!
robyns - May 27, 2007 04:53 AM (GMT)
EDITED-- to show MY FAVORITE PIC !!! (there are a few more at the bottom and I will be adding more!
Hi all-
Like I say in the title-- I am a big lurker-- but dont really post-- but I couldnt keep quiet any longer! Sorry if this is long--it's been held in too long--LOL!
First let me say I am a 43 year old woman-- married w/ 3 kids. I havent had a "fan crush" since David Cassidy when I was about 10.
I have watched AI since season 2-- I was a big Reuben fan. Saw the AI tour that year with my now 12 year old son. After that season--meh--not too thrilled with anyone until SEASON 5.... this voice coming from my TV, this angel-- I was HOOKED-- he had me at If You Really Love Me. I was an AVID fan. My kids were not allowed to talk to me when MY ELLIOTT was on-- and they grew to love him as well (its all in the training--LOL- hubby too). So proud of him week to week, sad when voted off (yet happy because I didnt want him in the evil Clive's clutches). Took now almost 9 year old to the AI tour-- just to see E.
Pretty much listening only to E in the car and the house--rarely listening to anything else. Bought all the CD's on the 1st day- plus the bonus tracks. It is all we listen to in the car and house.
Then I heard he was coming to NJ--in concert- and I could see him LIVE! That was my Birthday/Mother's day gift to me-- could there be anything better?? (and a free babysitter thanks to my neighbor) Hubby even missed an IMPORTANT poker game to come with me.
Sayerville NJ- getting ready- I am careful with my make-up and straighten my curly hair because-- "WHAT IF I MEET HIM?" And I think to myself-- What are you doing-- get a grip-- you arent going to meet him! Well, hubby and I pull into the parking lot at about 6:15-- SRO and I wanted to at least be towards the front. I notice a tour bus on the side of the building and a small crowd. I say to the parking guy--"whats that?" He says-- oh-- Elliotts out there....I dont think I heard the rest of what he said-- I had grabbed my CD cover and was already running halfway across the parking lot. I was literally SHAKING and almost hyperventilating-- and it wasnt from running. That is where I 1st met Chloe and Aunt Sheryl and Yellin-- they pushed me up to the front so I could talk to him. What did I say-- I dont know. Something about how my 5 year old knows every word to every song on the CD--blah blah blah-- he said something about a Christmas CD (Target exclusive) ...(head was in the clouds--couldnt focus). I got a pic with him, he signed my cover-- and then I walked away and started to CRY! A 43 year old woman crying --what is wrong with me?? I felt like E must have felt when he met Stevie! Afterward, I was kicking myself because there were so many things I wanted to say to him-- and I had plenty of chances-- it was really a relaxed setting-- no rush, just a few people hanging out. He is so gracious and sincere-- I do remember that. I just wanted to tell him how proud we (the fans-- I thought it would sound weird just saying me) were of him, how thrilled we were for his success, how much I loved the CD, and I wanted to ask how Claudette was.--BUT I didnt say any of those things-- UGH!
The concert was amazing--Josh Hoge is awesome and adorable- E sounded incredible-- you have read all of the other reviews-- it was all you have read and more. I was in the front row--at one point E nodded and smiled at me (BernieFan confirmed that!). I was on a high all week!
Didnt make it to the Bowery-- school functions--but I said to my husband-- "Lets take the kids to Philly to see him" (Doesnt everyone take a 5 , 9 and 12 year old to a concert??LOL) I will note that the little one is a very cool 5 year old with great taste in music. So-- we wait until the kids get out of school and head to Philly-- right in the middle of Memorial Day traffic!! It actually wasnt that bad-- we got there at around 6:15, parked and walked to the TLA. Picked up the tix and saw Chloe and Linda4Elliott. I have to say the guys working at the TLA werent very nice-- and they lied alot. They told us E wasnt even there yet-- but when we were walking to wait on line-- we heard him doing a sound check and singing Im The Man. Whatever.
Met more E-Trainers on line--so very sweet-- all of you!! Hi!!! ( I am terrible with names)
My kids all had their E buttons on their shirts (Thanks Chloe!!)-- and suddenly there HE was on the STREET! ELLIOTT WAS WALKING DOWN THE STREET!! TOWARDS US!! I motioned for the kids to come over-- he saw them and without even being asked-- whipped out his sharpie and signed all of the kids pins!!My husband then mentioned that this was the 5 year old that we told him about in Jersey that knew all of the words to his songs-- and he laughed- you could tell he thought that was pretty cool. We then took a pic with him- the kids and I- and I finally got to tell him the things I couldnt say in NJ. I felt a sense of calm this time--because I had rehearsed it it my head all week--just in case-- LOL. He graciuosly thanked me--but this time he was pretty mobbed and was on his way to somewhere. Linda4Elliott had just met him-- and was almost in tears-- I could so relate!
MY FAVORITE PIC!!
The concert was even better than NJ-- how could that be?--better?-- how can you get better than perfection?- but it was. There was a different energy-- he is getting even more comfortable onstage-- his band is meshing ( is that a word?) - it was just pure heaven. It was amazing for me to watch the kids faces- and to see them singing along- knowing that they were truly witnessing a piece of music history. We were standing so close to a man that will surely be known one day as a music legend. I was thrilled that they - along with all of us- could be there from the beginning of the next part of his journey. His voice was pure silk that night, especially on One Word, Wait For You, I'm the man and my personal favorite-You Take My Breath Away. When he sang the final notes of ASFY, I could swear I heard a collective sigh from the theater. We will never be this close to our man again-- he is destined for more than we ever could have dreamed of for him. The next time he tours-- I predict it will be in venues like the PNC Arts Center-- and then stadiums. But--trust me- I will remember these 2 nights for the rest of my life. AND I GOT TO MEET AND SPEAK TO HIM TWICE!
I think I fell in love a little with josh hoge also-- especially after meeting him after the concert and hanging out with him for awhile. What a humble, sweet, funny, personable guy. I also was able to talk to many of the guys in the band- they are all very sweet and got a big kick out of meeting the kids.
If you can make it to see him--even if you have to take a road trip-- DO IT. It will be a life-changing experience. :elliottcap:
Did I mention that I will be taking a solo trip to Lancaster-- because I have to? I know I am 43-- with kids- but I just feel like if I dont do it now-- SEE HIM LIVE ONE MORE TIME- I will be saying to myself in a few months that I should have-- and if I have the opportunity-- then I have to. Right now I have that opportunity. My husband thinks I'm nuts-- but now he is so impressed with MY ELLIOTT after being to 2 live shows-- he understands and is very supportive. I am actually meeting 2 girls that are mainly Josh fans (but love E also) in Lancaster. I met them because we were standiing next to each other at the NJ show--Josh has great fans too!!
Thanks for letting me ramble and outpour-I hope I wasnt too confusing and all over the place- sorry its so long and for the typos-- I tried to not get too detailed or this would have been PAGES long. You by now have read lots of recaps about the music--and they are all great and so true!
All I can say is (that the last 10 days have been) AMAZING
Hi again to all the E-trainers I have met-- thanks for being so sweet-- here are some pics-- my Josh Hoge pal just e-mailed them to me- will try to post mine another day-- I got a great pic of the Underdog shirt :awe:
robyn
This is him signing the 5 year olds pin
and the 12 year olds pin
and just chatting- where was my 9 year old??LOL
there he is--white shirt-- my 3 kids are in AWE--check out their expressions
Hi all-
Like I say in the title-- I am a big lurker-- but dont really post-- but I couldnt keep quiet any longer! Sorry if this is long--it's been held in too long--LOL!
First let me say I am a 43 year old woman-- married w/ 3 kids. I havent had a "fan crush" since David Cassidy when I was about 10.
I have watched AI since season 2-- I was a big Reuben fan. Saw the AI tour that year with my now 12 year old son. After that season--meh--not too thrilled with anyone until SEASON 5.... this voice coming from my TV, this angel-- I was HOOKED-- he had me at If You Really Love Me. I was an AVID fan. My kids were not allowed to talk to me when MY ELLIOTT was on-- and they grew to love him as well (its all in the training--LOL- hubby too). So proud of him week to week, sad when voted off (yet happy because I didnt want him in the evil Clive's clutches). Took now almost 9 year old to the AI tour-- just to see E.
Pretty much listening only to E in the car and the house--rarely listening to anything else. Bought all the CD's on the 1st day- plus the bonus tracks. It is all we listen to in the car and house.
Then I heard he was coming to NJ--in concert- and I could see him LIVE! That was my Birthday/Mother's day gift to me-- could there be anything better?? (and a free babysitter thanks to my neighbor) Hubby even missed an IMPORTANT poker game to come with me.
Sayerville NJ- getting ready- I am careful with my make-up and straighten my curly hair because-- "WHAT IF I MEET HIM?" And I think to myself-- What are you doing-- get a grip-- you arent going to meet him! Well, hubby and I pull into the parking lot at about 6:15-- SRO and I wanted to at least be towards the front. I notice a tour bus on the side of the building and a small crowd. I say to the parking guy--"whats that?" He says-- oh-- Elliotts out there....I dont think I heard the rest of what he said-- I had grabbed my CD cover and was already running halfway across the parking lot. I was literally SHAKING and almost hyperventilating-- and it wasnt from running. That is where I 1st met Chloe and Aunt Sheryl and Yellin-- they pushed me up to the front so I could talk to him. What did I say-- I dont know. Something about how my 5 year old knows every word to every song on the CD--blah blah blah-- he said something about a Christmas CD (Target exclusive) ...(head was in the clouds--couldnt focus). I got a pic with him, he signed my cover-- and then I walked away and started to CRY! A 43 year old woman crying --what is wrong with me?? I felt like E must have felt when he met Stevie! Afterward, I was kicking myself because there were so many things I wanted to say to him-- and I had plenty of chances-- it was really a relaxed setting-- no rush, just a few people hanging out. He is so gracious and sincere-- I do remember that. I just wanted to tell him how proud we (the fans-- I thought it would sound weird just saying me) were of him, how thrilled we were for his success, how much I loved the CD, and I wanted to ask how Claudette was.--BUT I didnt say any of those things-- UGH!
The concert was amazing--Josh Hoge is awesome and adorable- E sounded incredible-- you have read all of the other reviews-- it was all you have read and more. I was in the front row--at one point E nodded and smiled at me (BernieFan confirmed that!). I was on a high all week!
Didnt make it to the Bowery-- school functions--but I said to my husband-- "Lets take the kids to Philly to see him" (Doesnt everyone take a 5 , 9 and 12 year old to a concert??LOL) I will note that the little one is a very cool 5 year old with great taste in music. So-- we wait until the kids get out of school and head to Philly-- right in the middle of Memorial Day traffic!! It actually wasnt that bad-- we got there at around 6:15, parked and walked to the TLA. Picked up the tix and saw Chloe and Linda4Elliott. I have to say the guys working at the TLA werent very nice-- and they lied alot. They told us E wasnt even there yet-- but when we were walking to wait on line-- we heard him doing a sound check and singing Im The Man. Whatever.
Met more E-Trainers on line--so very sweet-- all of you!! Hi!!! ( I am terrible with names)
My kids all had their E buttons on their shirts (Thanks Chloe!!)-- and suddenly there HE was on the STREET! ELLIOTT WAS WALKING DOWN THE STREET!! TOWARDS US!! I motioned for the kids to come over-- he saw them and without even being asked-- whipped out his sharpie and signed all of the kids pins!!My husband then mentioned that this was the 5 year old that we told him about in Jersey that knew all of the words to his songs-- and he laughed- you could tell he thought that was pretty cool. We then took a pic with him- the kids and I- and I finally got to tell him the things I couldnt say in NJ. I felt a sense of calm this time--because I had rehearsed it it my head all week--just in case-- LOL. He graciuosly thanked me--but this time he was pretty mobbed and was on his way to somewhere. Linda4Elliott had just met him-- and was almost in tears-- I could so relate!
MY FAVORITE PIC!!
The concert was even better than NJ-- how could that be?--better?-- how can you get better than perfection?- but it was. There was a different energy-- he is getting even more comfortable onstage-- his band is meshing ( is that a word?) - it was just pure heaven. It was amazing for me to watch the kids faces- and to see them singing along- knowing that they were truly witnessing a piece of music history. We were standing so close to a man that will surely be known one day as a music legend. I was thrilled that they - along with all of us- could be there from the beginning of the next part of his journey. His voice was pure silk that night, especially on One Word, Wait For You, I'm the man and my personal favorite-You Take My Breath Away. When he sang the final notes of ASFY, I could swear I heard a collective sigh from the theater. We will never be this close to our man again-- he is destined for more than we ever could have dreamed of for him. The next time he tours-- I predict it will be in venues like the PNC Arts Center-- and then stadiums. But--trust me- I will remember these 2 nights for the rest of my life. AND I GOT TO MEET AND SPEAK TO HIM TWICE!
I think I fell in love a little with josh hoge also-- especially after meeting him after the concert and hanging out with him for awhile. What a humble, sweet, funny, personable guy. I also was able to talk to many of the guys in the band- they are all very sweet and got a big kick out of meeting the kids.
If you can make it to see him--even if you have to take a road trip-- DO IT. It will be a life-changing experience. :elliottcap:
Did I mention that I will be taking a solo trip to Lancaster-- because I have to? I know I am 43-- with kids- but I just feel like if I dont do it now-- SEE HIM LIVE ONE MORE TIME- I will be saying to myself in a few months that I should have-- and if I have the opportunity-- then I have to. Right now I have that opportunity. My husband thinks I'm nuts-- but now he is so impressed with MY ELLIOTT after being to 2 live shows-- he understands and is very supportive. I am actually meeting 2 girls that are mainly Josh fans (but love E also) in Lancaster. I met them because we were standiing next to each other at the NJ show--Josh has great fans too!!
Thanks for letting me ramble and outpour-I hope I wasnt too confusing and all over the place- sorry its so long and for the typos-- I tried to not get too detailed or this would have been PAGES long. You by now have read lots of recaps about the music--and they are all great and so true!
All I can say is (that the last 10 days have been) AMAZING
Hi again to all the E-trainers I have met-- thanks for being so sweet-- here are some pics-- my Josh Hoge pal just e-mailed them to me- will try to post mine another day-- I got a great pic of the Underdog shirt :awe:
robyn
This is him signing the 5 year olds pin
and the 12 year olds pin
and just chatting- where was my 9 year old??LOL
there he is--white shirt-- my 3 kids are in AWE--check out their expressions
cfans - May 27, 2007 05:06 AM (GMT)
I am so happy for you and your kids that you all got to meet and spend a little time with him. I'll be in Lancaster too and hope we get the chance to meet.
MistyluvsE - May 27, 2007 05:08 AM (GMT)
so cute!
Thanks for finally letting it all out! Great Job!! I can never read too many recaps.. even from the same show, everyone seems to have a different view of things! Thanks again!
Thanks for finally letting it all out! Great Job!! I can never read too many recaps.. even from the same show, everyone seems to have a different view of things! Thanks again!
tulee - May 27, 2007 05:10 AM (GMT)
Thanks for your wonderful recap. I feel like I went through all the emotions with you and your pics came out great.
Nana2160 - May 27, 2007 05:13 AM (GMT)
Thank you for "Speaking up"...Lurk no more...The Etrain is the place to be!
I am a 47 year old "Nana Groupie"...Elliott is bringing back "Good Music" to the industry and I am on the journey all the way to the top!!!
:kaowelcome:
I am a 47 year old "Nana Groupie"...Elliott is bringing back "Good Music" to the industry and I am on the journey all the way to the top!!!
:kaowelcome:
Sk8888 - May 27, 2007 05:16 AM (GMT)
First of all Robyn...don't be a stranger anymore!! What a fantastic and heartfelt recap.
I haven't even been to one of his solo concerts, but already I agree that we are witnessing "history" and that seeing Elliott in these intimate venues will be something to look back on and treasure.
Thank you so much and enjoy the next concert!
Sk8888
I haven't even been to one of his solo concerts, but already I agree that we are witnessing "history" and that seeing Elliott in these intimate venues will be something to look back on and treasure.
Thank you so much and enjoy the next concert!
Sk8888
robyns - May 27, 2007 05:26 AM (GMT)
Thanks guys!
cfans- I'd love to meet you! Look for me-- now you know what I look like!
I love reading all of the recaps too-- I am devouring every word-- even if I was at the show-- i love to hear other peoples thoughts.
I totally agree about E bringing back good music-- thankfully!!
I feel I could write so much more-- but you guys all know what I feel-- I love this place! E has the nicest fans-- and you (we) are all so supportive of each other-- it's truly like a family.
Those werent my pics-- they were taken on a cell phone I think by my new friends Priscilla and Kim. They follow Josh Hoge-- but are huge elliott fans as well. They are 2 of the nicest people I ever met. I was nervous about going to Lancaster alone- not about driving there-- but I dont like to actually walk into places alone--and they were so thrilled that I was going to the concert they were like- "oh--cool--you'll be with us!!". And realize-- I only met them by standing next to them in the front row at the NJ concert and just chatting with them. Josh fans are great also-- I think it's kismet that he and Elliott got together.
I have about 75-100 pics that I took between NJ & Philly-- i will go through them and post the best ones in the next few days.
Thanks again guys-- you've made me feel so welcome! :awe: :grouphug:
robyn
cfans- I'd love to meet you! Look for me-- now you know what I look like!
I love reading all of the recaps too-- I am devouring every word-- even if I was at the show-- i love to hear other peoples thoughts.
I totally agree about E bringing back good music-- thankfully!!
I feel I could write so much more-- but you guys all know what I feel-- I love this place! E has the nicest fans-- and you (we) are all so supportive of each other-- it's truly like a family.
Those werent my pics-- they were taken on a cell phone I think by my new friends Priscilla and Kim. They follow Josh Hoge-- but are huge elliott fans as well. They are 2 of the nicest people I ever met. I was nervous about going to Lancaster alone- not about driving there-- but I dont like to actually walk into places alone--and they were so thrilled that I was going to the concert they were like- "oh--cool--you'll be with us!!". And realize-- I only met them by standing next to them in the front row at the NJ concert and just chatting with them. Josh fans are great also-- I think it's kismet that he and Elliott got together.
I have about 75-100 pics that I took between NJ & Philly-- i will go through them and post the best ones in the next few days.
Thanks again guys-- you've made me feel so welcome! :awe: :grouphug:
robyn
judyp - May 27, 2007 05:37 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (robyns @ May 26 2007, 11:53 PM) |
| "..........but I just feel like if I dont do it now-- SEE HIM LIVE ONE MORE TIME- I will be saying to myself in a few months that I should have-- and if I have the opportunity-- then I have to." |
believe me, I understand that need to see Elliott - I've become a real groupie!!
this was a great recap and the pictures are priceless!! He sure looks happy, doesn't he? I also believe that we are just at the beginning of the greatness (a word??) of Elliott Yamin.
have fun in Lancaster!!
itslate - May 27, 2007 08:30 AM (GMT)
Thanks for your recap and pictures robyns. Great to see you post! I too am terrible with names. Now I have a name to put to our group picture... it's complete. It was nice meeting you although quickly. I looked over occasionally at your kids and they really seemed to be enjoying the concert. They held out through the entire day, great!
I'm taking my 11 yo to the Lancaster concert. Perhaps we'll meet again. No, I'm sure we will. We'll all be there early again I'm sure. I plan on getting there by 2 or so. I am meeting a Chris fan I met at one of the AI concerts (who I keep in touch with) and her friend... and WeloveUElliott is bringing her grand daughter. So don't feel alone :). I went to an AI concert myself too... thought I'd never do such a thing lol.
I'm happy you and your family got to see and take pictures with Elliott.
I'm taking my 11 yo to the Lancaster concert. Perhaps we'll meet again. No, I'm sure we will. We'll all be there early again I'm sure. I plan on getting there by 2 or so. I am meeting a Chris fan I met at one of the AI concerts (who I keep in touch with) and her friend... and WeloveUElliott is bringing her grand daughter. So don't feel alone :). I went to an AI concert myself too... thought I'd never do such a thing lol.
I'm happy you and your family got to see and take pictures with Elliott.
Etrainrider - May 27, 2007 12:55 PM (GMT)
Thanks for your recap and pics Robyns. It's so nice to see new fans coming out of the woodwork for E. That's so cool your kids love Elliott as much as you do.
Linda4Elliott - May 27, 2007 03:04 PM (GMT)
Hi robyns...it was so great to meet you and I love your recap. I love reading everyones perspective of the same night. It was magical, wasn't it?? I wish I was going to Lancaster with you....well, maybe I better not rule it out, yet... :lol:
wowhesgood - May 27, 2007 03:27 PM (GMT)
I loved reading your recap and so glad you shared your experience with us (don't lurk anymore!). I can feel your emotions and it continues to amaze me that he has affected all of us in the exact same way. He's an incredible person and it is reflected in his music! I'm thrilled for your family's experience.
TxRangerette - May 27, 2007 05:48 PM (GMT)
Robyn, thanks for sharing your heartfelt emotions!! It's like reading excerpts of a "romance" novel!! I would love to read more after your Lancaster concert, you hear??
realitymom - May 27, 2007 06:03 PM (GMT)
AWESOME recap! So glad you left Lurkerville...your post was great!! Hope to read lots more! :glomp:
KittyloverforElliott - May 27, 2007 07:56 PM (GMT)
I love your story and I love your pictures. I can identify with never having an idol crush before. It is not so much a crush but I feel like I have been there from the beginning and have an invested interest in his carrer. I feel to proud to see how he is developing into this wonderful singer with so many fans. 
Benito - May 27, 2007 08:57 PM (GMT)
OMG, what a heart-felt, raw, and beautiful recap. Your family definitely has a nice taste in music. Elliott Yamin for everyone? WOW!
Elliott definitely has this MAGIC with people, as in he just mesmerizes, awes and affects a lot. And I mean A LOT! I wonder what the soldiers will do when they see him live. Maybe they will just surrender and stop firing their guns. Then world peace will reign.
Elliott definitely has this MAGIC with people, as in he just mesmerizes, awes and affects a lot. And I mean A LOT! I wonder what the soldiers will do when they see him live. Maybe they will just surrender and stop firing their guns. Then world peace will reign.
rockermanross - May 29, 2007 03:07 PM (GMT)
When I read some of the posts in here, I'm constantly reminded what a beautiful bunch of people Etrainers are. So genuine, down-to-earth, REAL and caring.
Couldn't have asked for a better group of people to support one of my favorite artists.
Couldn't have asked for a better group of people to support one of my favorite artists.
yellin4yamin - May 29, 2007 03:55 PM (GMT)
Awwwwwwww hon I remember you in NJ!!!! Please, don't ever feel like you can't or shouldn't post here, we are ALL one big, happy, E family!! We are all here for the same reason, and just LOVE to have you added to the bunch!! Your recap is just lovely, and TY, TY, TY for posting the pics in the underdog shirt!!!! It looks so adorable on him;) Your boys are precious, and I am so glad you all had such a fabulous Elliott experience, then again..is there ever an "E experience" that is anything BUT?? I think NOT!!! Welcome, and don't be a stranger!!!
xxoo
:grouphug: :awe: :etrain:
xxoo
:grouphug: :awe: :etrain:
AvivaDove - June 3, 2007 04:16 AM (GMT)
Robyns,
I couldn't help but notice how well behaved your kids were. Your youngest was incredibly mature. You must be so proud to have such great kids and they're such big Elliott fans too!
I couldn't help but notice how well behaved your kids were. Your youngest was incredibly mature. You must be so proud to have such great kids and they're such big Elliott fans too!