A few months ago...after seeing Elliott play Great Adventure and meeting so many cool Etrainers...I decided...one more show in NYC in the fall was just not going to be enough...so armed with frequent flyer miles and carry over vacation days...I plotted my own mini Elliott Tour...Orlando FL, Norfolk VA, NYC, and Boston. This weekend was the first stop of my tour...The House of Blues...Orlando.

I left Saturday and experienced my first delay EVER while flying...the flight was supposed to leave at 6:35...we did not leave until 8:45...now I am a nervous traveler...so I called wee_moggie in CA for moral support while I was waiting. I told her what my plans were and I told her if I had the chance to meet Elliott I would try and get him on the phone to say hello. I also called elliottcrazy, who I would be meeting up with the next day and we began plotting how we were ABSOLUTELY going to meet Elliott...come hell or high water. Leaving Orlando without a photo of the three of us was not an option!! (Cue Mission Impossible Theme song)

I made it down to Orlando and remembered the minute I stepped out of the Airport why I had moved back to NY many moons ago from Miami....I HATE THE HEAT!! It was hot and humid...and it was 12:30 in the morning!! I could only imagine what tomorrow was going to bring! I stayed at the Disney Pop Century Resort...anyone who knows me knows I HATE DISNEY!!! No offense to the Disney Lovers out there...but Mickey just makes me want to swallow razor blades. (For 13 years I worked one cubicle over from a Disney fanatic who used to hum It's A Small World After All...and Beauty and The Beast ALL DAY LONG...my hair loss is not hereditary...i used to pull it out in clumps at my desk...but I digress!!) The clerk who checked me in asked me if I was there to visit the park...I said nope. He then asked if I was there for a convention...again...I said nope. I told him I was going to the House of Blues...he said who are you going to see?? I said...Elliott Yamin...he goes...WHO? I had a long night and I was in no mood to hop the front desk and beat him about the head, neck and chest with Elliott's Christmas CD...so I gave him the short version of who Elliott was...and before he could wish me a MAGICAL evening...I was off to search for my room in The Lady and the Tramp Pavillion to put the finishing touches on OPERATION Meet Like Yamin It!!!

To be continued...

Keep it comin Rick...I see ur being a tease like I was...heehee.

The next morning I went to the Pop Century Diner for coffee while I waited for elliottcrazy to arrive. You would think that the HAPPIEST place on earth would have better coffee.

Elliottcrazy arrived and we met at the check in line...I stepped over a bunch strollers and kids and parents all wearing crocs and in various stages of melt downs...to get to her and she gave me the biggest and warmest Etrain hug you could imagine. I was also suprised to find out that elliottcrazy is not her birth name...it's Sharon!! We walked in the blistering mid morning sun to our rooms to drop off her bags and prepare to head off to The House of Blues...and our date with destiny!! We had our cameras, maps, silver sharpies, pictures of Elliott, packs of gum...(one does want fresh breath when hanging with celebrity types!!)

Turns out...Sharon drives and has no sense of direction, and I don't know how to drive and have no sense of direction...we asked at the front desk how to get to the House of Blues...and the clerk asked who are you going to see...I said Constantine Maroulis and she said OH I know him....ARRRRGGGGGHHHH!!!
With directions in hand we set off and were already lost by the time we got out of the parking lot. Again we asked a security guard for directions and after praying for strength...set off to find the two rights and a left that would get us to the House of Blues in 10 minutes. Luckily some one up there was looking out for us...we made all the right turns and the HOB was right where they said it was. We found a spot right in the parking lot that put us right across from the HOB. We walked up to the box office and while I took some photos of the signs announcing the concert, Sharon walked over to a security person to find out what time the sound check was and do some preliminary snooping around...looking for open doors or windows or other places we could sneak in if we needed to. The guard told us that they weren't expecting the bus until around three and that sound check was at four. He explained where the bus would pull in and also told us that if we ate in the HOB we could use our receipt to get on the Pass on Through line (or something like that)...which would get us into the venue before all the regular ticket holders. SO as we were both starving we decided to eat at the HOB...it was about 1 pm...that gave us 2 hours before the bus was scheduled to pull in.

To be continued...

The House of Blues restaurant was very cool. The atmosphere, the decor...everything. We both had cajun meatloaf...which was out of this world...while we tried to pick out which other patrons looked like Elliott fans...we disagreed almost on everybody...but some people just had the LOOK...Elliott fans have a LOOK...I can't describe it...but I know it when I see it!!! (AND you all know what I am talking about). We finished up, got our receipt signed for the Get Inside Early sweepstakes...and walk outside...and what do we see? The Bus is pulling in to the House of Blues. Now this part of Downtown Disney has no cars or anything...so the bus has to back up through an alley right into a slot next to the House of Blues. So it takes about 10 mins and a crowd is starting to gather. I see alot of young kids excited that Elliott is there but I don't see anyone I recognize as an Etrainer. The bus finally backs all the way in and they put up a partion that blocks the whole front of the bus so you cannot see inside. There are still spaces you can see through and people keep peering trying to get a glimpse. There is a boy about seven or eight who is REALLY excited about seeing Elliott. It was really sweet to see him all excited running back and forth.

Sharon found a staircase that led to a landing that put you above the alley where the bus was. I followed her up there and a mean old looking man told us to get down...so we did...well at least I did...someone else kept trying to sneak back up there. Sharon then went around the front to see about the sound check again. And the door by the bus opened up and out came...SWAY...he came out with someone and they walked away from the crowd. Now people were excited because Elliott had come off the bus and was standing in the alleyway. He went back in the bus and was waiting in the stairs of the bus and making faces at the kids who were peeking through the cracks.

Finally the moment we all were waiting for comes...the door swings open...and out steps...

to be continued...

Oh, Rick! You're a tease! LOL

Keep it coming, please... :D

Rick........wake up........did you fall asleep on your keyboard????? :whistle:

We're waiting....

I want more! This is great Rick!!!! Thanks!

Rick, you were not allowed to sleep or work until you finished your recap *in its entirety". Time to get back to typing.

H E L LO!!!!!!!!!! RICK WHERE ART THOU?????

Great recap so far, Rick.

We need a finger-tapping emoticon. lol.

I am lovin this recap Rick... =)

Oooooooooooooh, you are BAD rick!!! Get your tush back here pronto & give us the rest of the EMAZING story!! :fangirly:

haha...Where is Rick ???

tap, tap, tap

So then we head inside to the House of Blues for the concert...oh wait I forgot...rewind...the door next to the alley where the bus is opens and out walks...oh wait...I almost forgot...before this Sharon and I spot another Etrainer...Poor Me, standing with the group....we make our way over and introduce ourselves...she is very nice and friendly and we chat a bit....mostly about...Elliott...oh yeah you wanted to know about Elliott...

He steps out and we are in sort of a semicircle around him...and we all take a step back...and he stands there saying hello and waiting for someone to make a move...but we all seem to be frozen...because no one steps forward...it was really bizarre...It was like something out of Children of the Corn...we just stood there getting ready to drop to our knees to start singing How Great Thou Art...to this guy in jeans a white v-neck t and an LA Dodgers Baseball cap...when the excited little boy breaks free from the cosmic forces holding the rest of us back and gives Elliott a high five....which seems to break the spell on the rest of us. As usual Elliott is gracious and friendly with everyone...he did seem to look very tired...but was making a great effort to pose for pictures and sign autographs and talk with all of us. Now this part gets a little fuzzy because...I was borderline slipping in and out of conciousness...trying to keep it together to say something relatively intelligent and not just stand there with my mouth open looking like I was missing a chromosone with a silver sharpie in my hand. I had brought the picture that I took in Great Adventure that the Yaminoys used to make a banner hoping to get him to autograph it. I finally just stepped forward and shook his hand and he said "How ya doin?" I started to tell him about the picture and he did not seem to get what I was saying...which started making me think that maybe what I was formulating in my head was coming out sounding like Charlie Brown's teacher. I repeated it...and he asked me again where did I get the picture...I felt a rising panic that I might be having a stroke and he just was not realizing it...so I said that the picture was used to make a banner in the Phillipines...and he says to me.."You took this in the Phillipines"...which made me just laugh and so I just asked him to autograph it. He said it was a great shot. We shook hands again and he asked if I was going to the show...I said yes, he said great. I blurted out that I was an Etrainer...and he pumped his fist and said Go Etrain...and that was it. I am very proud of myself...my memory of being a blithering idiot just like I was the first time I met him in Sayreville last May in still intact!!! I did nothing to ruin my reputation!

Now it was Sharon's turn...she went over and started talking to him while I got ready to take the photos...her plan was two pics...one of him kissing her on the cheek and one of her kissing him on his cheek. I heard her ask and he said sure...She went first...but I jerked and my shot went off before she connected...and then they switched and he kissed her...but that one I got. I think Poor Me got the shot where Sharon connected. SO she got her wish and it has been recorded for posterity!!

As things were winding down...I remembered the original goal...a photo of me Elliott and Sharon. As he finished up with the last of the fans...I walked over again and asked if we could get one more photo of the three of us and he said sure absolutely. I gave Poor Me my camera...and realized that I had left the zoom on...so she had to keep backing up to get us all in the picture....It was so funny...because she had to move really far away...and it felt like it was taking too long and I was afraid he was gonna say he had to go but he was a great sport and waited until she got the shot. We shook hands again and as he turned to leave he said he would see us again after the show.

The whole thing lasted about half an hour. It was a small crowd so it was great because it was not as rushed and as org anized as a meet and greet might be. He took his time talking with everyone and posing for pictures and signing autographs. He really looked tired, so it really impressed me that he took the time out to meet with everyone and was so good natured about everything. It was really good to see his interactions with the younger fans. They were so excited to meet him and he did not dissappoint. He goofed with them and talked with them...it really is great that they get to see a celebrity who is down to earth and upbeat and positive. And even with us MATURE fans never makes us feel silly or unappreciated. My advice to anyone wanting to meet him...get to a show early and try find the bus and hang around. Both of my encounters with Elliott were by chance...a meet and greet is never guaranteed, plus a meet and greet doesn't lend itself to the spontaneous kind of meeting that leads to awesome pictures and intimate stories that get posted here.

to be continued....

tap, tap, tap, too.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your recap, Rick.....you are just so darn funny....missing a chromosone :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: I am ecstatically happy for you!!! glad you didn't ruin your reputation :rotfl:

Oh this is so fun. I love your recap Rick. I knew I would. And the pictures, too. They are delicious and wonderful, as expected.

More, more, MORE!!!

...you're a MEAN one, Mr. Rick...(set to the tune of the Grinch, hahaha) Just kidding--really loving it--but can we EVER go out to lunch????

ummmmm....excuse me, but HOW are you getting to Boston again?????
SPILL IT!!!!!! :rotfl: :elliottporsche: :elliottporsche:

Ok, so this accurately describes my first meeting w/ Elliott and I've come to believe that it is a disorder that affects the majority of those riding the E-Train (maybe it is the fumes, I don't know). At this point I am not sure we have to identify ourselves as E-Trainers to Elliott because he should be able to identify us by the deer-in-the-headlights look on our faces and inability to speak coherently.

Loving your recap and waiting for more.

HEY...I am saving that for my Boston Recap!!!!

I don't think there has been an Etrain Road trip story yet!!

Cant wait for the rest of the story rick! I am lovin it all so far...

I went on an Elliott Road trip last June! It was a blast!

JudyP and I just recently road-tripped to Tulsa. We too had a blast!

Great recap Rick! Hope to meet you in Norfolk.

Operation Meet Like Yamin It...the Final Chapter...

Now that our mission had been accomplished...we were now faced with the challenge of having to wait another 6 hours before Elliott would take the stage. Sharon, Poor Me and myself went to stand on line for the folks who had dinner in the House of Blues and would be getting in early. The line was right outside the restaurant and we were able to use the chairs and tables set up outside to sit while we waited. I forgot to mention that we had also met SandyB and her husband when Elliott was by the bus. He greeted both of them warmly as they has been to another of his shows during the previous week. Sandy is a hoot and a half. I think we may have to give her an award for the most enthusiastic Etrainer...she loves Elliott and don't care who knows it. While we waited trading stories of what Elliott said to us and looking at each others pictures...AngELL, arrived with her husband. Sweet does not even begin to describe her. We told her how we had met Elliott and while she was disappointed that she hadn't, she was so happy for those of that did and joined right into our deliriously happy little group.

Sandy and AngELL and their husbands went to dinner at the HOB, while Poor Me went off to have dinner with her Sister and Brother in Law. Sharon and I waited in line and got our wristbands. We got to meet some other fans who were not Etrainers and it was really nice to see and feel the love for Elliott that the masses have for Elliott. Sandy and AngELL and their husbands came back and since their husbands were in wheelchairs they were able to get in their own line that would get them in early as well. They graciously gave up their dinner receipts that helped some other fans get fast tracked into the venue.

They finally opened the doors and we all went in after they took away our cameras and make us check them. We were going to try and sneak them in...but decided to just enjoy the show and live in the moment. No worries about getting that great shot...and after the afternoon we had it was a wise decision. The crowd was pretty big...like most men...I am a terrible judge of size....but i would say there had to be about 700-800 people. they were well spread out up in the balcony and on the lower level. the floor in front of the stage was almost full. We had decided to hang in the back and found some bar stools and a table to sit at. Sandy and AngELL invited us to sit with them in the handicapped section once Elliott took the stage.

Josh came out and performed his set...and I have to admit he is growing on me. I have never been a fan of opening acts...I am usually there to see the main act so I can never really get into it. This time I really found myself enjoying his music...except when he does that scary screamy thing at the end without the mic.

The Last Goodnight was also not too bad. But by that time I was ready for Elliott...and I don't care if Elvis and Frank Sinatra came down from heaven to do a few songs...I would have felt the same way. After they were done sharon and I joined Sandy and AngELL and their husbands...I spoke with AngELL and it was so awesome to hear the love and passion she has for Elliott. It was great to be able to talk with someone who actually gets it. In real life people think I am just strange so I never really bother to go into it with anyone...but Sharon, and Sandy and AngELL...they get it. You see it in their eyes and hear it in their voices. It was an honor to be there with them that night.

As the band took the stage...Sharon was overcome with the need to get down close...so she left and made her way right down front. As the music for Alright came on...I too felt the need to get down into that crowd too...so somehow I made it through the crowd to where Sharon was. Elliott finally took to the stage and the whole place went wild. His energy was electric and flowing off the stage into the audience. To see how he has grown as a performer in such a short time is amazing. The band, which was always great to begin with...has really come together and holds it's own against Elliott's powerhouse vocals. I won't give a blow by blow account of every song as others have already done so and there is nothing else that I could add to it...but I will say that Sharing The Night Together is BRILLIANT. I think it would be a great single...he makes it sound fresh and contemporary.

It was great to see the crowd moving and grooving along...guys, girls, young old...his audience crosses all demographic lines. The whole place seemed to know Wait for You and sang along...and the reception to One Word was very enthusiastic. Think he has another hit on his foam hand!!

He wrapped up with ASFY which was great even though he goofed up the last line which he joked about.

I don't remember anyone saying that there would be a meet and greet and while we waited around and took pictures with the band members and Josh Hoge...someone came out and said that he was not coming out. HOB security started telling people to leave. After the day Elliott had already given us...just his performance alone would have earned him a well deserved rest IMHO.

A crowd was gathering around the door by the bus...but Sharon and I decided we had had an already perfect day...so we said our goodbyes to everyone, took some final photos...and headed for the parking lot. This time...we got lost and it took us about an hour to get back to the hotel...but it was fine we played some Elliott tunes and just laughed and talked about the amazing day we had. I hate to use a Disney term...but hot damn...IT WAS MAGICAL!!!

NEXT STOP...VIRGINIA!!!

And Virginia is waiting for ya Rick!!! Bring the magic with you!

Thank you for the kind words...I am so happy just knowing you Rick!!!

Awesome Rick! Thanks for all of the details.

By the way...Sandy and I and Charlie and Grover pulled a fast one on HOB and actually sneaked our cameras in right under their noses...acting totally innocent as they aimed all kinds of tasers, lasers, sonar whatever all over our bodies, making us raise our arms, empty our pockets, for what seemed hours, hahahahahahahahahahaha...SEE? We are not so sweet after all! We are rabid ETrainers!!! We'll NEVER tell how we got away with it..That is why I was waiting with Cathy--she did not have a camera but WE DID, hahaha!

Rick I just luv you! You write the best recaps and the best posts and take the best pictures. :awe:

If I weren't already stalking Elliott, I just may stalk you.

Wonderful ending to your recap, Rick. Just awesome!!

:rotfl:

I knew you would come through with something to split my sides :grin:

That was a great recap Rick!! You really make me wish I could have been there, you guys look like you had a blast!!

I guess just NYC will have to be enough for me.... :( :bawl:

I guess I will have to live vicariously through everyone else...LOL

Rick,
I'm glad everybody had such a nice time!

You had me at the edge of my chair, enjoying every word. To describe you in ''One Word''' would be ''amazing'' You're fun, funny, a super talented writer and a loyal etrainer.

Because my kids' school schedules, I won't be going to anymore concerts in this tour. I'm lucky that I got to meet Elliott twice. I'm really disappointed that I never got to meet you.

I look forward to your future recaps and pictures.

I thought I was the only non driving over 16 ( way, way over) e-trainer.

Fantastic recap! I was on the edge of my seat, eagerly awaiting each installment.

I'm glad you all had a great time. I'm looking forward to the recaps you'll be writing :)

Great recap Rick.

Word!

Awesome recap, Rick. You are a truly talented and wonderfully entertaining writer. Glad that you had such a great time in Orlando. Look forward to your recaps from future shows.

Loved, LOVed LOVED !!! The recap Rick!! I can't wait for VIRGINIA ! I haven't seen a concert by E since May and that has been way too long!! It sounds like a lot of E-Trainers are going to be there and I iust can't wait! I hope I don't embarass my friend that is going with me. She likes E but is no where near Rabid! Whoa boy! Gonna be a fun time!