Concert day was traffic day in the Dallas Fort Worth area. It just seemed agony counting the minutes before getting to the House of Blues. Roxygal offered to drive to the concert. Hubby, my youngest son, and I were originally going to the concert with Roxy and her family, to meet up with other area Etrainers at the HOB. The day prior to the concert, we decided that our son had to say home to catch up with school work! I was thinking that we couldn't waste the concert ticket allotted for him so I thought of Julian. Julian works at Jamba Juice (for those who aren't familiar, JJ has the best fresh fruit juices you can buy out there) and because my family and I are crazy about their juices and fresh fruit smoothies, we patronize this store on a daily basis!! Anyway, we've known Julian for a long time and from our past conversations, I remembered he told me he liked Elliott Yamin and that he also auditioned for AI this year. I actually requested for him to sing to me on one of my JJ visits, not bad at all!! So, it was either throw the ticket away or get someone to tag along...I thought of giving Julian a call asking him if he wanted to watch Elliott's concert (he wanted to watch him but the tickets were sold out months ago)and he was definitely interested, so we pick him up from JJ, much to his delight!

We get closer to the HOB and we saw the bus. Of all people, my dh blurts out "there's Elliott!" (he was supposedly kidding). We all looked at the direction of a guy in a blue shirt talking to a couple and 2 young girls (later to find out it was Jaime's family). When I heard dh, I immediately feel my hand fiddle to get my window to roll down (not fast enough). I get the window to roll down and thinking at the same time that Brandon, kiddingly, told me to leave fangirly at home, lol! Before I knew it, I was shouting "Elliott, Elliott!!"...not knowing if it was really him or not. He turned around and waved...it was such a rush to see him after 15 months. I just wanted to jump out of the car. Dh is probably thinking, "oh, my! my wife of close to 20 years is acting silly"....but I could care less at this point! Roxy opted for valet parking, the car was still rolling and I had my car door opened and ready for me to jump out and run in my heels, adrenalin rush!!

In my spanking brand new shoes (man, did I have sore feet later on that night, ugh), I started running and didn't even look back, all I could remember was telling my dh, Roxy, and Julian, "let's go, hurry, c'mon before we lose him!!" I was thinking irrationally and I didn't have to rush over to see Elliott because I knew I had backstage passes...but, the fan in me took over, and you know what, it was a good feeling! I turned the street corner (gawd, it seemed forever to run to his bus with high heels) and I can hear myself calling Elliott's name. I extended my arms to hug him and at the same time telling him who I was (didn't want to scare him off)...and he extended his arms to hug me! He recognized me, thank goodness!! I'm telling you, he has a good memory. He even asked if we met in the Nokia last year (aside from Richmond)and I said, yes, but through the fence! We exchanged pleasantries, lots of hugs, and then I suddenly noticed that hubby was standing there with the rest of the group. Haha, I told Elliott that this is my dh and that he has been patient with me all through out my E-addiction, all the volunteer work and time I spend on the Etrain. Elliott and dh are shaking hands and Elliott asks my dh how long we've been married!! Dh tells him close to 20 years and I can see Elliott's mouth drop and says "wow". Elliott is thanking us for all the love and support and what I do to contribute on the Etrain. I introduce Roxygal (she's the one who was bidding on Ebay for meet and greet and lost by a few dollars, total around $750) and Julian. I also told E that Julian auditioned for AI this year...paved the way...and they started talking. At this point (I finally start to compose myself), I also notice the couple and the 2 young girls. From the Nokia last year, I knew the lady was related to Jaime because I saw them seated together and facial resemblance is a give away. They might have thought we were rude to intrude but I say hi and blurted to ask if she was Jaime's aunt! Her face lit up. Elliott said no, that's Jaime's mom! Gah, I'm glad she liked my question by saying thank you, I'm her mom! Where's Jaime, btw? She was on a Starbucks run. Back to business, I asked him about the shirt, the barong (Philippine formal wear), and the shot glass I got for him from the Philippines last year and he said they were all in LA! Sigh...I understand about the barong, but the shirt, I would love to see him wear it on one of his concerts, but it's cool...I just wanted to know if he got the stuff!

*Autograph time* I asked E if he would sign my cd covers (seeing that he didn't have a Sharpie on hand)and I added that I didn't have a Sharpie. This guy is sooooooooooooo down to earth:
Elliott: I have a Sharpie, let me go get it from the bus.
Me: *thinking* this guy is too kind
Elliott: *walks back from the bus* I got the Sharpie, but it's brown!! Is brown okay?
Me: Of course, brown is okay!! *didn't care if it was blue*....I can't believe he had to ask if brown was okay!!
*cell phone rings, MMFL ringtone* hahaha, was oblivious, didn't know if E heard it, but it was Willow on the line!
I tell her hurry to the back where the bus is!

Jaime arrives with her Starbucks goodies. She is stunning. She hands Elliott his drink and to think that this was their first day together, she was very gracious to us! She recognized me from Myspace and gave me a hug and vice versa! I thanked her for "sharing" Elliott and she was like, oh, no problem at all!! Anyway, Willow arrives and I announced her to Elliott as one of the Moosak Sistahs! They took pics and exchanged pleasantries and we all decided to give Elliott and Jaime and her family some privacy. We left and went into the venue.

Willow was going to meet up with mama4elliott and her family having dinner in one of the HOB restaurants, we split up and decided to meet up after the show. We saw the HOB "search" team and Roxygal was skeered that her videocam might not be allowed inside, and because, my bag was big, it seemed like all things that needed hidden ended up in my bag, haha. We got searched and nothing was said about the video that was sitting underneath my wallet, makeup bag, glasses case, etc! Success, I thought, and we walk up the steps and there was another search team. We find out it was the staff giving wrists bands for people who were legally allowed to drink. Roxy, dh, and I ended up with pink wrist bands. Julian, who is 19, didn't get one for obvious reasons. We queue in to be led downstairs. The set up was weird because downstairs where the stage was had a dance floor of some sort or for people who had general admission tickets only. Standing room only, in other words. The balcony was were you found the assigned seats. Downstairs had 2 bars and a beer stand, a few tables and stools that were all marked reserved. I was thinking it was going to be hard to find other Etrainers who were supposed to meet up at the bar. We buy food and drinks and we remain standing around. The people there were a good mix. Young teeners, young kids like 12 or younger, college kids, different ethnic backgrounds, a lady in a wheelchair, and baby boomers. As I was walking away from the bar, someone recognized me from my avatar of 15 months until yesterday, lol. Eiregal said, "you're Txrangerette?" Anyway, we bonded quickly...soooo loved her Team Yamin hat. She and her dh are from Ireland, loved their accent! Our topic of discussion veered toward Elliott and how she cried when he got the boot from AI. We also talked about our voting strategies every Tuesday, haha, our husbands were just in awe listening to us talk. We have to give them kudos for indulging us with our EY addiction, I mean these guys are just the best! My dh was my camera man the whole night, no complaints, no bitching at all. Roxy's family arrived to join us. Roxy's sister told me that she asked for John Edmond (E's road manager) at Will Call and they told her that the backstage passes were under my name. Elliott did mention earlier to me at the bus that he had backstage passes for me and my guests...and duh, I didn't even asked him where to get these backstage passes. Julian and I run to Will Call, and voila, backstage passes AND tickets were really waiting for me to pick up. It was hard to believe that this was really happening. For me, meeting Elliott earlier was more than enough! I got to ask him questions I've wanted to ask, got the vid shout out for my dear Yaminoys, got dh to meet him, got Willow from Moosak and her aunt to meet him, Roxygal (last year, she was tongue tied)finally carried a conversation with him, Julian, who is not an Etrainer but an Elliott fan, got to meet him. My evening was made. The backstage passes were just a bonus. The tickets, it was nice, but we didn't need them..BUT....at Will Call, I recognize Sarah and Laura (twins) from last year's AI concert. I could hear them saying that their names were not on any guest list, and they didn't have tickets to get in either! There's a story behind the loss of their tickets and I knew about this a few days ago through Myspace. A family member stole their tickets and they blogged about it on Myspace...someone out there wrote Elliott about it and supposedly E forwarded the message to Monet and in return Monet got their names on a guest list. And this is the reason why I try not to expect anything when it comes to meet and greets. It has been experienced in the past that things don't always work out as expected! Hence, I was pleasantly surprised that I did get backstage passes. Back to the twins, they were nearly in tears learning of their situation...to make things worse, it was their 22nd birthday. I asked them if they wanted me to ask Elliott, but then, I also didn't want to bother E. So, I took 2 tickets off the bunch I got from Will Call and gave it to them! They were so excited to get the tickets and I said "sshhhhhhhh, just calm down and get yourselves in there!"

I can't wait. I'm getting ready to hit the road again so I'll have to. Oh but you're sleeping anyway. :1word:

Can't wait to hear the rest of the story!!!!! Sounds you guys had a blast!

Been there. Done that. hee hee

Now I'll wait patiently to hear the rest.

OK, I didn't want to have to do this but I'm going to protest this delay by eating chocolate until part 2 of this recap is posted!

Girl...you hang on because I've got a part about you and your brisket!!

Well, that makes it easier!!!!

*unwraps another Hershey bar and shoves it in*

Ooh I so look forward to the rest of your recaps, Tx. And hopefully the other E-trainers who watched will share their stories as well!

hey, don't be a ya-meanie!

:groan:

*surrounded by chocolate wrappers and empty trick-or-treat bowl*

I added a few paragraphs!! Haha...it's going to be a long one...I haven't even started talking about what happened in the venue, the concert, people I met, the green room where I had to bring up your brisket...those guys need good food *you guys listening to me?* Imagine them eating peanut butter and crackers...sigh....

OK, that will tide me over for a minute. Thanks.

I'll get to my recap as soon as I can, but I'll warn you I'm not very good at writing them. But TXRangerette, how in the heck did you get a backstage pass? I was looking for you, but never saw you. I did meet Elliott, though. :thud: :thud: Two times. And got 3 pics. Yayyy!!! I also met Sway & got a pic with him.

I have to go to a baby shower...more later! :hide:

Oooh, you're sneaky! There's more since I last checked! Love reading this. Are these the twinsthat went to a radio station to hear one of E's interviews, I wonder? I seem to remember one being late and one being mad and some such story, but they did get to meet him, if I recall.

I was wondering about the 'no cameras' rule at HOB. So if I bury it under my other stuff deep in my purse I should be able to get in? The problem is I will have nowhere to put it if I can't bring it in to the venue. Did anybody try flash photography? Were they beaten, gagged, and removed from the premises? I'm just wondering how serious these people are.

Yes, it's them! More later, girl!

All were allowed, surprisingly!

AARRRGGGGHHH!!!
I am going out for a bike ride and when I get back.................

I'm so jealous, I want to see him on Monday when he's here in Memphis, but I've been sick all week and went to the doctor this morning, he just told me I have pneumonia. I couldn't be more depressed on being so close to seeing him again. Now that I'm this sick....I can't go.

I was gonna ask him for his autograph this time. I always carry a sharpie.

Hope you get feeling better soon!! Any chance you'll be well enough to go Monday?

Okay, here's the rest:

On our way back in, mama4elliott came up to say hi for a minute but she was with her family as well and had to rejoin them. Roxy and her family decided to have dinner and that left us talking to Eiregal, her dh, and Julian. Eliz, my radio request buddy, arrives (her boots gave her away). We're all chatting and what not and I could hear my feet telling me that I really needed to sit down. Josh started performing and for some reason, I couldn't get into his gig! It was either I was too busy saying hi to everybody and the moments I wasn't, I was thinking of taking my shoes off or getting a seat. That said, we decided to go to the balcony to take our seats. Eliz, Roxygal and family decided to stay downstairs. The Last Goodnight's turn finally came and they were pretty cool. They had their own fan following. The seats were comfortable but I also noticed that there were some empty seats....NO...it was not because of the lack of Elliott fans. I find out after the show that people opted to stay downstairs because the acoustics sounded better and plus if you were taking vids, it was a better view. And because I chose glamour over comfort, my behind was stuck in the chair until Elliott's concert was finished.

I will not elaborate on the concert because we all know that our boy can perform! He did a shout out to the Paetz family and to Kidd Kraddick who were in the audience. Although, my comment would be: what a difference! Elliott's voice is truly amazing. The power and the enigma that emanates from Elliott's voice is captivating (forgot about my sore feet, lol). What a difference, indeed! Elliott has acquired some sexy moves. I noticed his hips moving to the beat on one of his songs....and, what do you know, I forgot which song it was, my bad! Was I captivated with the song or was it the hip movement? ;-) Gaaaah, I don't know because I'm stupid like that! Encore song was ASFY. This song always moves me...wait did Paula Abdul say: "you move me"....well, I'm feeling what she was feeling. When he sang ASFY, he moved me. If his old gf was in tears listening to him sing this (especially after dedicating the song to her), I totally understand. I would be sobbing, too. Crying would be cathartic...it cleanses your soul, so to speak. Anyway, I didn't cry but I was moved and I believed in Elliott's voice from the very beginning, and hearing him again last night justified my dedication to this once pharmacy clerk...my 18 months of volunteer work on the Etrain....my international phone calls to Philippine radio stations so I can promote him....my dedication to make sure the Filipino fans get to meet him in person....my dedication that the other international fans who flew to Manila get to meet him...to make sure my homegirls go to his concert and meet him, get the Etrain #1 member (Loth) to his concerts and meet him....you guys get the drift...I'm not trying to toot my own horn here...what I've been trying to say is that Elliott's voice is something that I want to share with the world! If I'm given a chance to promote our boy, I'm there. When I went to Target last week to get my xmas cd's and asked for 10 copies...it's my way of sharing his voice/music to my friends who don't own an Elliott Yamin cd! Hearing him live again sealed the envelope...I'm here for the ride! The voice is purely amazing and breathtaking.

The concert is done and we meet up with everyone downstairs. While Elliott was signing autographs at the merch table, Josh and the rest of the guys were all over the place. Josh is gracious...he kept thanking people who wanted to take his pics. Since we had backstage passes, we were allowed to hang around and meet up with the band members! Russell was first up. I think he's aware that people talk about his non-existent smile, haha! I kept telling him to smile and even tickled him a little. We talked about the Philippines. He truly had a grand time and would not hesitate to go back (this was before the Glorietta bombing recently). He loved Cebu...I think they all loved Cebu because they had beach time and it was more laid back. Aaron did mention that they went and saw different places, but didn't elaborate where. There was a long line at the merch table so we decided to go to The Green Room. The door had a sign "ELLIOTT YAMIN"...how special for us to walk into EY's Green Room ;-) We knocked, just in case....the door was ajar so we walked in and there was guy there (later found out it was E's road manager)and asked who we were. Introduced ourselves and we find this small room that looked grungy. The sofa was old and dirty looking. It was literally a square room with a fridge, a small dresser and a bathroom. I was imagining how many rock stars have been through this room...it was shocking to me to find such a slovenly conditioned room for a performer. It made me proud to think that Elliott and his band were probably on cloud nine while performing in the Philippines...5 star hotels, good food, not that they needed a lot of body guards...but they surely had the royal treatment. Okay, in the Green Room, we find a small fruit platter that was close to empty, crackers, peanut butter, and a few apples. Ollie and Kurtis walk in, Aaron walks in...clearly, these guys were starving. They were dipping the crackers into the peanut butter jar....sigh...my heart sank. I soooo wanted to make them peanut butter cracker sandwiches, lol...I'm pathetic...but these guys looked pitiful! Jackie: this is where the talk of your brisket came to place. I asked if they wanted me to buy some pizza so they could eat properly...they said not to worry about it. So, I said: "you must have enjoyed the brisket!" In unison, they said, yes!! They ate it all to the last morsel, it was that good. Forget those shirts or trinkets...think food the next time you want to give these guys something! Gawd, they need it!! Jaime, later on, confirmed, that the guys don't eat very well on the road. She's like there's not much to choose from in a gasoline station! Hint, hint....we want Elliott to remain healthy and we want his band to stay healthy!! Home cooked meals, any takers??
Anyway, when Kurtis (TLG) walked in, Julian mumbled something to him and he accidentally said The Last Goodbye...hehehe...my husband nearly spewed his beer....Kurtis corrected him politely, though. Kurtis was really nice and sociable. His face lit up when I told him that I knew TLG posts on the Etrain and that we read their Myspace blogs. Aaron, on the other hand, carried a convo with me like we knew each other forever. All the guys were friendly and sociable (but they dug into that peanut butter jar like they had not eaten for a day) but Aaron is more open...and he's also a touchy feely kind of guy. He kept his arm around my shoulder majority of the time...in front of my dh...ack! So he tells me that the Philippines has made such a great impact in his life. He was awed by the Filipino hospitality and the music appreciation over there. He said he likes to spread the word to all of the people who would listen to him that the Philippines is such a great country. I was so touched with Aaron's sincerity and how open he was to me! It made me proud to be Philippine born. He shared with me other thoughts that endeared him to me in a short period of time.....he just kept touching his chest, to mean his heart, btw...get those thoughts out of the gutter, haha. We stay in that room for a good half an hour or more and Elliott never made it back to the green room. I can't blame him...his bus was probably more comfortable anyway. Before we walk to the bus, Elliott's road manager confirmed the Malaysian Tour. Side note: I asked Kidd Kraddick for a picture and I also thanked him for supporting Elliott and he responded: "He is so good, I'm a fan!"

The night was ending and I still couldn't find Joonie. I was on a mission to find Joonie for a dear Yaminoy, I had to hunt him down! Dh kept asking who is Joonie and I told him just follow me. We go by the bus and people were still around. Jaime saw me and called out my name...boy, I was flattered, ha! She gave me a hug...awwwwww. Found Joonie and my mission was accomplished, yes! Anyway, we mingle with everybody. Eliz finally had her time with Elliott, which was nice. Roxygal whispered to Elliott (this was cute and priceless), I was the one who lost by a few dollars on a bid for meet and greet that ended at around $750...and she adds, I was willing to pay $1000! Elliott's facial reaction to that information = priceless!! Because I was being a dork, I just had to ask Jaime if her hair was all natural, lol....she said it was and she asked me to touch her scalp...no extensions, no nothing...which lead me to ask her about the Pantene commercial. She said she wishes it was her but it's not. We talk about Maxim and she thinks she's not going to win but it made her feel good to be on top 10. For those of you who have seen her vids...she's really funny like that!! I'm not going to judge her character but it's no wonder Elliott loves her. From my rapport with her, I found her funny, down to earth, very interesting, charming and no diva attitude at all! The twins, and some other fans joined the conversation with her (this is where she mentions about eating healthy)....then get this, there's a bug crawling on the wall behind her and it was freaking me out so I told her...and guess what she did..she tried to catch the bug. She likes bugs, she said! Too funny!! The convo lasted for a good 15 minutes or more. It was time to say our goodbyes...more hugs and more hugs! We walked to our car, waved to the bus while it passed us...and you guessed it, my friggin' feet were hurting again!

What a night! Julian kept texting his friends about his E-mazing night experience, they were all jealous, he said! This was his 2nd concert ever and a concert he will treasure. He's only 19 years old...hopefully, after watching Elliott tonight, his hopes of making it to American Idol is revived. He was in awe how down to earth Elliott was....well, we were all in awe!


p.s: my feet are rested now...my fingers hurt from typing...gaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!

Thank you so much for all of the details. What a night! You so deserve it. Thanks for all that you do! :grouphug:

Aww...Toni! Thank you so much for going to this much trouble (in your dang new heels and aching feet!). That "dear Yaminoy" :wub:s you dearly! I (and the other Yaminoys) can't wait to meet you (next year? :) )!

That's really nice about Aaron. Too bad I missed out on him when he was in Manila. Hmm..next time, that Joonie would have some serious competition for my attention and affections. LOL

Jaime does sound adorable. Too bad if she isn't going to win that Maxim contest; I admit I didn't check out the other girls, but I really think she is just gorgeous (those curls!).

Great recap. I'm so glad you had an awesome experience! It seemed like going through it in your sore feet was all worth it and more! :)

Txrangerette, you really outdid yourself with that detailed account. It's very, very much appreciated--you know we can't get enough and all the little bits you remembered bring the whole scenario to life. And yes, thanks so much for your love and dedication!

It was a pleasure, Meg!! My time with Joonie was short because I found him toward the end of the evening. I did mention Dwayne Wade and he laughed. Personally, I think he's more good looking than Dwayne! Joonie was also accommodating and if I spent more time with him like Aaron, I would have had more details for you.....I wish there was more light in the vid but it was next to impossible!

Don't worry about your writing...what's important is you tell us your experience the best way you can. We love to get different points of view. The backstage passes was arranged by Brandon. Post those pics, ok?!! Can't wait...lol...

I'm glad you liked it, Angell!! I try hard to remember details...I have a couple of vids that we're uploading soon. The quality might have to suffer a little bit to accommodate the file size...still working on it!

Great recap! That made my night!

I totaly LOVE Aaron! he is a genuinely nice guy!

I am glad that you had such a wonderful time! You totaly deserved it!

Thank God your poor feet are feeling better! :D

I love your story Tx. At some point, I think when you mentioned about how the guys were eating, I cried. You're right, I could just imagine how different their experience was here.

^ I think they need a road mother :)

Tx, thanks for the amazing recaps! And thanks as well for all the things you've done for E and for the E-train :)

thank you so much for the recap Tx. :D

Toni, what an awesome recap! So envious of you but at the same so thrilled you got to spend so much time with our man E.

I was squealing in delight when I saw the video of E's greeting to the Yaminoys with a special mention of the scrapbook album. woo hooo!!!! :cloud9:

I felt so bad reading about their not being fed properly. I hope E and his group know that when they come back here, I will personally see to it, they won't ever go hungry here. :elliottelliott:

Thanks so much for your recap Tx. Makes me love each one of them even more than I already did. We must make these guys food!!!!! I have to travel hrs to the two concerts I am going to, but I am going to bring them something. I can't stand the thought of them eating out of a PB jar :(

I wanna sign up for the Road-Mama position.

Toni, you are so sweet to share every wonderful detail. Since you haven't seen him live in 15 months (is that what you said?) I'm sure you noticed a HUGE difference in his comfort level on stage. Even in the months between June (Tempe) and October (Chicago) I saw a drastic change. I think he's finally starting to understand how good he is (not in a bad way) and how much people just absolutely adore him. The girls loose their minds. Every little hip movement is met with roars and screams. You can see on his face that tickles him and I think he's still a little surprised by it.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us, even as we banged on our computers for you to hurry.

As for the brisket, I'm glad the rest of the guys enjoyed it too. When I saw Elliott in Chicago he said they ate that brisket for days and that they loved it. It was towards the end of the tour and they were just so ready for something that wasn't from a convenience store. I also made him banana bread and rugelach (pastry cookies) for their breakfast the next morning so they wouldn't have to eat greasy donuts or something.

Those twins - I remember listening to that interview. They were so cute. And how nice of you to bring the boy from Jamba Juice! Aren't you a doll!

Well, thanks again for your recap, Toni!

Jackie

Toni, thanks for sharing all those little details with us. It's wonderful that you gave Julian the extra ticket. Just another example of how very thoughtful you are. I'm sure that will be a fond memory for him for the rest of his life.

My concert is in a few weeks. Among the Etrainers I know who will be attending, I think we can come up with a feast for the guys. I hope they never have to deal with such paltry food offerings from a venue again.

I think the guys would love that. When they were here, Elliott thanked all the restaurants where they ate and mostly they were steak houses.

Thanks for that wonderful recap TX. Felt like I was right there with you (wish I had been)..........

I would love to feast in your restaurant, anj!! And, I believe you will personally see to it that they won't ever go hungry, lol!