I was a little disappointed, I must say. LUX had performed at the Roseland two years ago and were on the big stage, which has a area big enough for at least 1500 to stand and also a balcony for additional seating, so that was where I expected Elliott to be. I think others who had been to concerts there in the past had the same expectation, as I know some were saying they wanted to get balcony seats, but alas, he only played the small bar stage to about 350+ people. The sound was WAY OFF! My son and I got to the front row, right next to the speakers, with an exellent view of the stage and Elliott, but due to the overwhelming reverb coming out of the speakers that literally HURT my inner ear, I had to move all the way to the back of the crowd after the first two songs. Believe me, I like it loud and had no trouble standing next to the speakers at my son's rock concert, but the sound guys really went overboard with Elliott's set up. Even my 15 year old hard rocker son had to move due to ear pain.

Once at the back, I just became lost in the wonder that is Elliott Yamin. I moved and swayed and saw several members of the audience dancing and groving to every soulful beat. I, too, closed my eyes to relish the sound of that velvety voice enveloping my being. Somehow, the small bar setting was perfect for him and those songs. They are perfect for intimate settings, drawing in everyone there and forming a personal connection to each and every one. I was in heaven! Elliott, you've got to come back soon!

Anyway, we arrived at the Roseland around 5pm and found a few E-trainers waiting for E outside the back gate, so I stood off to the side and waited too, in the off-chance I may see Elliott up close and personal. After about an hour, HE CAME OUT! The small group did a great job of monopolizing his attention and he was so patient and sweet to pose for all of their pictures and even talk to some of their friends on their cell phones! Anyway, I was beginning to think I would never get an autograph. Elliott kept glancing at me, probably knowing that I wanted to get closer, but couldn't get the opportunity. Finally, I saw a break and took it. I inched next to him and quietly asked if he had time for just one more. He graciously said sure and I GOT MY AUTOGRAPH!

Standing next to him, I felt very tall, as I was wearing three inch heels. He was so skinny too! Elliott, you gotta eat boy! I was afraid to ask for a hug, and I didn't have a camera, so no pictures, but I hear other E-trainers got some great photos and are posting them. I walked away after he took off down the sidewalk, very depressed that I didn't have a chance to talk to him for a few minutes, as I've heard others have at other venues. Oh well, maybe next time he swings through.

Josh Hoge was TERRIFIC and gained two new fans in my son and I. We bought his CD after the show and he signed it for us. Funny thing, Spencer, my son, was sick of my E obsession, but asked to go the concert anyway. He was VERY impressed with Russell and his guitar. He wants Russell's guitar bad! The opening song, "Alright" seems to be Spencer's favorite now, as he immediately put in my Elliott CD on the way home just to hear it. I now have another convert on my hands! It's terrific!

Elliott, if you get wind of this message, I hope I get a chance to see you again and maybe this time actually talk to you! Today, the Roseland, tomorrow, the Rose Garden!!! (Portlanders will understand the significance of this statement!) Love you E! :lotsolove:

Really nice recap, Lux. Thanks for taking the time to post it!

I'm sorry you didn't get a chance to talk to Elliott!! Maybe that small group who monopolized Elliott's attention were "star-struck" and in return were oblivious of other fans waiting?? I don't know...but here's hoping you get another chance in the future.

Thanks for explaining the concert setup Luxrocks. I was wondering what happened to the balcony seating as I was expecting that too. That's what my friends and I were planning on, sitting in the balcony. You are right on about the sound quality or lack of. But in spite of everything Elliott was still outstanding! And I do understand your Rose Garden reference, next time Elliott will be there! :rocker:

Lucky you seeing Elliott by getting there so early and getting his autograph! :cheerleader1:

Funny thing! My son and I left Forest Grove at 3:45pm to make sure I got there early to try to see him before the show! Spencer wanted to make a couple of stops for food and drink, and I was so worried that I would miss my chance! Thank goodness I made it, because even though I wasn't able to talk to him, just being that close to him sent tingles up my spine, although I think I played it really cool, you know? I'm in my thirties and can't believe I'm so infatuated with this guy. Too bad he doesn't have a thing for slightly "older" women! :rotfl:

Great recap lux! Sorry that you werent able to actually talk with him. Unfortuantely, some fans are simply not courteous or respectful of other fans. It is easy to get overwhelmed though, I am sure, finally seeing the object of your affection in person. The important thing is you were able to meet him & get an autograph, :woohoo:

Great review! I as well, was right next to the speakers in the front row...I just finally became immune to the sound, but I loved the concert! I didn't notice the sound all too much.

Great recap, Lux. And, yes, "Rose Garden" is very significant to this Portlander. ;)

I’m back from my weekend in Portland. Elliott is a darling! Here are my memories which I will cherish for a long time. I have a very supportive family who humor me in my Elliott addiction. For my birthday, my husband booked me a trip to Portland by train. I went with my husband and two daughters. Our hotel was walking distance to the show and the weather was great. It was sunny and had been 80 degrees that day. We got in line about 6:30 and met some wonderful people who are also from Etrain and FlipSide like Dlewis and luxrocks1.
When we got inside, my family managed to get to the second row from the stage almost in the middle and it was a wonderful viewing spot but near the speakers. It was a very LIVE concert, probably louder than that room needed to be and my ears rang for the rest of the night. But it was worth the ear strain just to be there--to see and hear him in person and be sooooo close. The party really got started when Elliott came out! It was a good crowd and he got lots of lovin’ attention from Portland. The room was full. His concert was pretty much what he sings on his album plus a duet with Josh called Living in the City and Little Ghetto Boy. They mix it up each time to keep it fresh and post the order on a sheet on the floor for Elliott to read. He did forget once which song he was singing and announced a different song then needed to be corrected by the band. He was very sheepish about that but it was all in good fun. His energy level is tremendous. He bounces around the stage and I know he must be exhausted by the end of the concert. At one point he ran into Ollie's guitar and apologized for being a klutz afterwards. I love everything Elliott sings and he did a great job with all the songs but my favorites were Train Wreck and A Song For You, done only with piano. Needless to say I was swaying, grinning, and clapping during the whole set. My daughter, Laura, being younger and hipper, lost her voice!
The highlight of the evening for me was after the concert when they announced Elliott would be there in just a few minutes and to get in line if you wanted to meet him. My husband and other daughter, who wasn’t feeling well, headed for the hotel while Laura and I got in a line. They turned it around and we ended up near the head of the line. The person right behind us was a young man named Dean. He did not know you could take pictures so did not bring a camera. We volunteered to take his picture with Elliott and email it to him which made him very happy. Elliott came right out, did not wait to take a shower and still had his sweaty shirt on from the concert! I did not notice anything but his blue eyes and the sweet spirit he has greeting each person. Laura and I told him we have been supporting him since we first heard him sing on American Idol and one night our family managed to get in 1600 votes. His eyes widened and he smiled and said, “Only that many times?” He is so sweet and endearing and I cannot say enough wonderful things about him. It was a trip of a lifetime.
Josh Hoge was good but not Elliott! I think what I appreciated the most about Josh was that it seemed so intimate because he only had a guitar for accompaniment. My preference would be to hear Elliott at a night spot where he only sang with a guitar or piano just to hear his wonderful voice instead of a band that played a little too loud for my taste but I am not part of the younger generation who like their music loud! And I would really appreciate a chair to sit in! They had no accommodations for people in wheelchairs or other handicaps. One of the ladies in front of me had MS and stood for the whole 4 hours with the rest of us. I admired her for that! She did have a good time.
We got in line at 6:30 and I finally got to sit down when the concert was over about 10:30 but it was so worth the tired feet! :elliottcap:

Thank you for sharing your recap and pics, Kitty!! Your daughter's smile and your's with the signed cd: priceless!!

luxrocks1 and KittyloverforElliott,

Those were two great, well-written reviews.

At the Pittsburgh concert, there was no announcement about Elliott meeting fans afterwards; I and two other E-trainers waited outside with a small group of other fans. Even when I started to see people walking out with signed photographs, I assumed they had attended a private meet-and-greet. Through the ingenuity of one of us, we were able to get some autographs but we didn't meet him.

Kitty! Great to see you and your daughter got autographs and pics! I'm so happy! It was nice chatting with you in line at the concert and who knows? Maybe we'll bump into each other again at another 'E'vent!

Hope the trip home was a good one! :elliottporsche:

Kitty, you were right behind me in line! I remember you and your daughter, I was with 3 other women and recognize you from your picture. I'm glad that you had such a good time, and you met Elliott too! i wanted to stay after the show too, but two of the women I was with were already heading out the door, they had worked all day.

You are right, the concert was not set up for anyone with a handicap or middle aged folks like me and my friends, we were sitting in some chairs near the back.

Good for you for standing all those hours, you are definitely a trouper. :rocker: