As everyone knows by now, I got to attend my first ever Elliott concert.

I called Harley's cell and we arranged to meet at the front of the theater. My mom and I arrive and we meet Harley and we find this little dive pizza place that seemed to be the only thing in the town. I had a half of a half a chicken sub, my stomach has been bothering me so I couldn't eat much. My mom and Harley had the pizza, but I have no idea how it tasted. It didn't really matter, we were there to see Elliott.

Next, we enter the venue and it looks beautiful on the inside. They roll me down to my seat which is literally 5" from the stage and 5" from the speaker as well lol. Harley unfortunately has a seat about 12 rows back so I could only see her during the intermissions.

Before the show I made a new friend Bob who was a security guard. His job was to keep crazed fans from running on the stage. He was telling me about the Taylor Hicks show and how Taylor was nasty to him. I am not here to start a fight, just saying what he said. Next a guy starts looking for Mike something. I told him it wasn't me, well I found out later he was looking for me.

The lights come up and Josh appears. He opens with “Take it or leave it”. which was awesome. He then sang “360” which I liked on myspace but I thought it was even better live. I couldn't stop laughing when Josh dedicated “Work that body” to Russell. He then talks about signing his new record deal with an indie upstart based in NYC.He said Hagerstown will always be special to him because he signed his contract there. He says that Elliott will be singing a duet with him on his next album. He also mentioned that Geico is a sponsor of his tour and he is the first musical act sponsored by them. He said they will be putting in commercials to promo his new album when it is released. He finished with Bill Wither's "Ain't No Sunshine" and it was simply incredible. I thought it was the best remake ever. I was truly amazed by Josh's talent and beyond happy for him getting a new record deal because he deserves it.

Next was the intermission and my mom went to the merch table to get Josh's CD and get her free Geico tshirt and tote bag since we are geico customers. I had a few guys asking who I was and whatever and Harley joined us and we started yapping about the concert so far. She went to see if Josh was out there to bring him up to me, but he wasn't.

The Last Goodnight comes on stage and opens with Poison Kiss and I loved it live. I thought it was better than the CD. I can't remember everything they sang but Pictures of You was awesome to hear live as well. They thanked us for making it #6 on VH1 and MTV and were talking about how proud they are to finally be making music after 10 years together. I thought they were awesome and I love their Maroon 5 type sound. There was a ton of screaming teenage girls and Kurtis started laughing. One girl shouted "We Love You Drummer" and Kurtis gave the mic to Skeeter and Skeeter replied with "I love all the ladies in the house." Kurtis mentioned how he rarely talks so that is good when he says that.

Now another intermission and this was the intermission I'll never forget. First, Josh comes to talk to me and take a pic. I thought it was super nice of him to come down and chat it up. I told him how impressed I was and congratulated him on his new record contract. He remembered chatting it up with me on PM here. Next, Kurtis comes out and says how much he appreciated me coming and how honored he was to meet me. He was such a nice guy and I told him I love their CD and Pictures of You is so inspirational to me. Now like 3 different guys come to me and say Elliott has asked you to go backstage after the show. They told me to move the car around the back so I can get backstage. I said I can go up a few stairs with my cane and help. Now, unfortunately like 1 min before Elliott began out popped Skeeter, Leif, Ely, and Mike. They all told me how great it was for me to make it, but I couldn't get a picture off in time because the woman behind me was getting ticked that they were blocking Elliott. I thought I might be able to meet them after the show but I didn't realize the only way to get downstairs was to go around the back.

Now comes the man of the hour, no not hour, Century. The E man himself. He opens with "alright" and everyone starts getting up and clapping. He was moving around a lot more than I anticipated. He had some moves I didn't know he had before lol. Everyone knows by now what else he sings so I won't bore you with that. I loved seeing him in the flesh. A CD recording doesn't do his voice justice. Even him with a cold sounds better than anyone I have heard before. He ends with Movin' On and starts singing with Sway. I wish I got to hear more of Sway because I liked him on Idol. Everyone was applauding and Elliott comes off the stage. I thought he would encore with ASFY but he didn't and people around were wondering why as well. Harley comes and says she didn't think he was feeling well.

Everyone or mostly everyone leaves the stage. I have Elliott's friend Roy come down and offer to help me up the stage. I needed a lot of help because the steps had no railings and I have a hard enough time with real steps with railings. I was riding on Elliott anticipation so I didn't think twice about it. Roy is the nicest guy ever. He is joining Elliott on the bus for a week. He met him when they were in 10th grade and they have been friends since. I can honestly say that Elliott and Roy have great taste in friends.

I get up on stage and I see his curls, I see his tshirt dripped in sweat. I hesitate for a min because I was in complete awe. Harley I think it was her pushed me to go up to him. He said his mother told him he had to meet me. I told him about my surgery I had. He said oh I talked to my mom about you in August or September and wondered how you were doing. He said he was thinking about me and praying for me. I let him touch the wire going down my neck and showed him my pulse generator in my chest. He said he wasn't having a good night, and I said I thought he was excellent. Obviously he holds himself to a high standard. Harley said she noticed he wasn't his normal self, but my mom and I couldn't tell. Elliott signed a bunch of stuff for me and started just chatting. We talked about so much. I told him that his was the first Christmas CD I bought and please don't tell my rabbi. He joked and said don't tell mine either. He wants to do a Hanukkah album in the future when it isn't under Target's control. The guy that runs the venue asked if Elliott needed anything. Elliott said the shower was busted and he needed it fixed. I wanted to run down there and fix it myself (then I remembered I haven't ran in years lol). I was seriously ticked. I knew Elliott wasn't feeling well so I tried to go. Elliott kept on talking to me and wouldn't let me go. I tried to get away, so I'm not guilty lol. We talked about One Word and he mentioned we will see how many adds it will get tomorrow. He seemed very informed on the chart progress. I threw in my 2 cents about how bad he needed to release Movin' On next. He said he would keep that in mind. I wouldn't let up about it and said that 6 stations played it when it wasn't even released. We talked more, it was easily over 15 min he spent with me. I found out he wasn't going out to sign stuff because he wasn't feeling well. I felt bad for the other people, but I was the only one to get to meet Elliott that night which made me feel special. I wish others on here that went got to meet him as well though. Elliott gave me so many high 5's and toward the ends Aaron joins us and chats up a bit. They both say they are going to pray for me and hope for the best for me. Elliott mentions any concert I go to he has my back, which was so nice of him. Elliott has to be the nicest and most genuine musician ever. He deserves everything and more.

After I finish up with Elliott I get rolled to the front of the theater and Josh is there yet again. I talk to him some more and he tells me to stay in touch. I meet dance2 and elliott!fan and they seem very nice. Roy was talking to me some more as well. I don't know if anyone else has got to meet him, but he is such a nice guy. He helps get me in the car. I give Harley a hug and tell her how much I appreciated everything.

I had a memorable night and it would not have been possible without the help of so many of you. Chloe and Claudette are such incredible people and I told Elliott how awesome his fan base is. I said and mean that you can tell a lot by an artist's fan base.

This group is the best in the whole world. I know that and Elliott knows that as well.


Pictures are located at:
http://community.webshots.com/album/561345...vhost=community

That is the most awesome recap ever. I'm speecheless...I am so happy for you Mike. You deserve it.

I transcribed it in a word processor and added lines, so I eliminated some of that to make it more readable. I hope the recap was worth the wait.

Mike,
All I can say is, it was worth the wait!. i am having a rough time right now, keeping it together, so I'll just say that I am humbled by you, and am so very happy that at least one of your dreams has been realized. If I had one eensy part in that, then I am honored. Be well, my friend, you are loved!

What a great recap! Thanks so much for sharing it with us!

I'm so happy for you, Mike! I am so glad you got to meet Elliott and have such quality time with him. How great that you got to meet Josh and TLG as well! And what a great seat you had for the concert! I'm really glad you had the chance to see Elliott perform live. Sounds like the whole evening was wonderful, and you wrote about it beautifully.

P.S. I've never seen a picture of you, but I had always imagined you with the exact same style of glasses that you wear! How funny is that?

Thank you so much for that long-awaited recap; we were all so hoping you would have an experience you could treasure and remember always and sounds like you did. Really appreciate your sharing that special night with everyone here. Hope your Mom had a great time too! Just saw your pics and love the ones you had with you with E and the others! They all seem so sweet to us fans! It's upsetting to hear that Elliott is not well. Sounds like he needs a break and there is no time for a break! We need to be praying for him!

Thanks for the beautiful recap, Mike. I was sitting here smiling and crying at the same time. I am so happy that your dream of meeting Elliott, Josh and the TLG guys came true. I'm also happy that you had such a good time.

Love your pictures. Thanks for sharing.

This certainly was worth waiting for. Felt like I was right there with you. Elliott surrounds himself with good people. I like that. I'm so glad things worked out for you. Thanks for sharing.

Mike,

That was a truly superb recap. I am so happy that you had such a wonderful night. You deserve every bit of attention that Elliott, Josh, and TLG gave you.
And what a great picture of you, Aaron and Elliott.

Mike, your recap really moved me.
Elliott only talking and signing stuff for you.....
You are a star!!

:awe: Mike what an awesome recap and to include me in the title, I'm so honored. Luv ya sweetie!

Brandon, thanks for your help in this special night as well! Luv ya also.

That was one kick ass recap Mike!!! I am so happy for you. I know you love Elliott as much as the next Etrainer & with all you've had & are having to deal with, you deserved your first Elliott show to be as wonderful as possible....& it reads as though it definately was! Thanks so much for the pics. It is great to be able to put a face with the name!

Thanks again for sharing you experience & pics with us!

This was so truly beautiful to read. I couldn't be any happier for you. You deserve the whole world to smile on you the same way Elliott and the guys did.

To quote a "friend" of E's

"You Move Me!"

Fantastic recap, Mike!

Thanks for the great recap. I'm so glad things went so well for you. It is for acts like this that I'm a big fan of E. Congrats.

beautiful post, mike. so wonderful to meet you.

Wow Mike - it was really worth the wait! Im so glad this night was everything you hoped for and more - and that you got to experience Elliott and the wonderful bunch of guys he surrounds himself with.

Wow - just wow.

It wouldn't have been a success without you. Even if I never got to meet Elliott, it was a joy meeting you. Now I want to meet so many more of you. Maybe in the future.

ahhhh....WONDERFUL !! Great to read and I am so very Happy for you !

Mike the recap was wonderful. I am speechless- there are not words enough.
Thank you,
emmy

Congratulations, Mike. It is so heart-warming to hear about how wonderful your first Elliott encounter was. :)

:awe: Likewise. BTW the pizza wasn't bad. LOL


I love meeting E-Trainers.

Mike, your recap was touching and inspirational. I am thrilled for you!!

Do you think Elliott was just suffering from his cold, or possibly from his blood sugar? I worry about him!

Yay Mike!!! You have no idea how happy I am that you finally got to meet Elliott. Very moving recap.

In honor of your special day:

:cheerleader1: :cheerleader1: :cheerleader1: :cheerleader1: :cheerleader1: :cheerleader1: :cheerleader1: :cheerleader1: :cheerleader1: :cheerleader1:

He was definitely sneezing and begging for a hot shower. It didn't sound blood sugar related to me.

Oh another thing I left off:
We heard the stories about them living off peanut butter and crackers. I asked Elliott if they were feeding him well. He said yeah and I told him the story and he laughed. The people in charge said we are taking good care of them don't worry. I noticed several people with beers and diet pepsi. (No Elliott didn't have a beer with him lol)

Mike, you're recap was wonderful! My heart was really touched by it and I felt like I was right there with you. I'm so happy for you, what a wonderful night you had-so many memories to cherish. Thank you for sharing with us, it was a blessing to read. You and Elliott are both in my prayers.

eta: :grouphug:

Mike,
Words just cannot describe how much your recap touched me. What an amazing night for you!!!!!! Posttime and I were nearly in tears this morning at work talking about your story and pix. (And hey... you remind me a lot of my brother. He's a cutie too with a big heart and a great sense of humor!)

That was so sweet of you to try to give Elliott some time... but sounds like classic Elliott that he insisted on spending more time with you. I'm sure he really enjoyed talking with you as much as you enjoyed it as well. (He was probably thinking... "Whew! Finally an articulate fan who can put more than 3 words together. Most of the females just screech and get all flustered for some reason..."

Here's a wish and prayer that this was only the first of several more wonderful Elliott/Josh/TLG events for you! Have a great evening!

Congrats, Mike. You've been a dedicated fan of Elliott for a long time, and you deserved every bit of this concert experience. Thanks for sharing all the details on the Elliott conversation, too. You sounded really composed and relaxed.

On a side note: has Elliott been sick for a while now? I hope he can get some time to catch up on sleep and rest.

Beautiful recap, Mike. Thanks for taking the time to share it in such detail. I'm so happy for you and it is always wonderful to hear again just how special Elliott is. Thank you for saying how wonderful the people on the etrain are. Of course, you are a part of that train!!!! :grouphug:

Mike thank you for your heartwarming recap and pics--I'm happy for you that you got to see E in concert finally (which every fan should ) and that he was able to spend so much time conversing afterward . Hope sitting close to the speakers didn't mess with your hearing!

Wow, wow, wow. Between this amazing recap and Josh's new blog, (everyone should go read it) I'm sitting here in awe.

Mike, thank you so much for sharing your adventure with us in such great detail. I'm thrilled for you! Your pictures are fantastic. :rocker:

Mike, Josh's blog about meeting you is wonderful. You are a star!!!

Mike, I'm so glad you had such a wonderful time. Thanks for sharing your evening's experience with us. Your descriptions and keen observations took us right there with you.

Aw Mike, I'm so happy for you!!!


What a wonderful evening you had, and I felt it as I read your recap word for word.

Much love,

Sk8888

Mike, what an incredible read...I cried happy tears for you, especially after reading Josh's blog...what a memorable night to treasure.

Just have to add one more thing...obviously, Elliott has NOT been taking his Emergen-C!! :dunno:
Somebody go find that box and give it to him! :beg:

I packed a small gift bag for him in Orlando that included some Airborne -- I had to give it to Sway when Elliott didn't come out. It's not much good once your cold starts, but it can boost your immune system to help you fight off germs.

I really wanted to throw in some thoat lozenges, but everything I found had sugar in it!!

Mike, I totally agree with Carol's post. I really hope we can meet you one day. You are truly an inspiration. :elliottcap: