Warning - this is quite long!

I met up with Lauren (LovingelliottinPa) and Denise (vwgirlpa) - the SILs - at Lauren's house just off the Reading exit of the PA Turnpike and we headed off to the Big Apple. We pulled into the parking garage a block from the Highline Ballroom around 12:30. This garage was something else - cars are parked side-by-side by the attendants with inches to spare on either side. I don't know how they got out of some of the cars after parking them. Others are parallel parked between posts with even less space remaining between the fronts and backs of the cars and the posts. So, we walk out of the underground garage, start walking in the direction of where we think is the Highline, and who do we see coming towards us - Linda4Elliott and Rick. The timing couldn't have been better.

So the five of us start looking for the Highline. We're actually on the "even" side of the street looking across at the numbers on the buildings on the "odd" side, and can't find it. We found the addresses on either side, but where's the Highline? We cross and walk right past it, before realizing that there is a narrow building between the market and another building with an address, and maybe that's it? There are some guys working on ladders on the façade of the building, and we look down on the pavement in front of the market and see the "Highline" sign. Found it! There's no bus in sight; in fact, this was the "meat packing district" of NYC, and there were trucks parked all along both sides of the street. We decide to go around to the back of the building to see if the bus is there, but it wasn't. We surmised that either "they" weren't there yet, or they were dropped off and the bus is parked elsewhere. (We're brilliant, aren't we? :rotfl: )

So, what to do for five plus hours until the doors open? Lauren, Denise, and I needed to find a restroom somewhere, so we parted company with Linda and Rick for the time being. We found a Starbucks with the necessary facility, got beverages and prepared to sit down and wait for Chloe, with whom we had arranged to meet as she was on her way into the city. I had only been sitting for a minute or two when we got a call that Chloe was double-parked across the intersection from the Starbucks. We hurried outside and as we were waiting for the light to change so we could cross, we saw a police car with its lights flashing turn around the corner right towards Chloe. We held our breaths as he inched his way toward Chloe's car, and then breathed sighs of relief when he kept going. We jumped into the car and headed off to do some quick shopping (or so we thought).

We couldn't find parking near the store where Chloe wanted to get her items, so Lauren and I volunteered to go get them while Chloe and Denise went around the block. Hah, hah - do you know how long it takes to "go around the block" in congested NYC traffic? A heck of a lot longer than a non-New Yorker can even imagine! No, seriously, a heck of a heck of a heck of a lot longer. Lauren and I joked that they spotted Elliott's bus and were following it and we were being abandoned. Finally, finally, though, we met back up and headed back to the Highline.

Chloe was going to park in the same garage as we had. As we approached the intersection separating us from the garage, we noticed what appeared to be a construction worker (he was in civilian clothes and wearing a hardhat) waving a flag and preventing cars from driving down that street. Cars coming from the street perpendicular and trying to turn right onto the street were being waved off and made to continue going straight. We couldn't see why - there were no emergency or police vehicles around and nothing appeared to be wrong, but he wouldn't let anyone down the street. Oh no! Were we going to have to go around another block?? This would take forever!! As our light was changing green allowing us to move forward, we could see the guy was still in the street partially blocking our way across, but he was closer to the sidewalk, so we just continued across. He came running toward us, Chloe rolled down her window as we came up beside him, she said "oh, we didn't see you", and kept going! Laughing, we then made an immediate turn into the garage. By the time we got back outside, the guy was gone.

It was now around 3:30 or so, and we decide to get in line and stay there. There were already two girls there, so we stand behind them. The guys are still working on getting the Highline sign up. John, Elliott's road manager, is there on the sidewalk. He doesn't look happy at all. The four of us had spent a lot of time talking with John in Allentown, but he isn't interested in talking to us now. I went up to him and said hello, but he barely acknowledged me. Okay, John wants to be left alone, so I complied. A minute later, the bus pulls up. Chloe did get from John that Elliott and the guys had been left off some time earlier and were not on the bus. So we wait.

Not long after, the bouncer from the club comes out and moves us to the other side of the door. Someone who works at the building next to the Ballroom complained that she didn't want people standing in front of her door. So now, we're lining up in front of the market. Someone joins the line in back of us and asks if we are E-trainers. It's Bear88. We introduce ourselves and start getting to know her. It isn't too long before we spot Elliott walking down the street toward us. He doesn't look in our direction, and walks into the street to get to the door side of the bus. He looks over when he hears his name, smiles big, and comes over. We are all greeted very warmly with hugs all around. Well, except for Bear88. She introduced herself to him and shook his hand. I asked her why she didn't go in for the hug, and she said that she would be too overcome if he hugged her. Awwwww, Bear!

Aunt Sheryl arrives. Love, love, love her. We catch up with her since we had last seen her in Allentown. Elliott comes out again after she arrived, and as you saw from Rick's photos, they got to spend some time together. In the meantime, Chloe's talking to John, to the bouncer and to Elliott about getting us in for the soundcheck. Elliott assured us that if he could swing it, it would happen. We had to give the bouncer a count, and that number kept increasing as more E-trainers arrived. Penni, Aunt Sheryl's sister, and her husband, Bruce, had joined us by that time, so the number was increasing steadily.

Elliott comes out a third time, but this time, he's with a film crew (probably for the local news). He's greeting us all again, and this time, with a little encouragement from us, Bear gets her hug. Sure enough, he starts crying, which made my eyes water. He's talking to people in line while they're filming him, he's cheering us, and we're cheering him. Then he moves away and gives them an interview.

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
It was Bear88 that started crying, not Elliott :rotfl:
although, maybe he did get a little teary-eyed, as he looked and thought "it's THEM again!!!!"

And John did have a remarkable mood change by the end of the show. I have a good pic of him with us Carolyn, i'll post later.

Bear88, where did you go after the sound check???? We were looking for you. You should have stayed with us!!!! Gail, I didn't get a pic of the hug, but I did get a really nice pic of you and Elliott, will post later

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
I'm so tired, I can't see (or type) straight.

For the record, it was Bear
Here's more:

The line was getting longer (and had been moved down the street away from the market because the workers were finally finishing putting up the sign and they wanted to be extra careful about keeping us away from any danger (lots of sparks from soldering and stuff), and people were massing all around. The bouncer came out and told us he was ready to take us in for the soundcheck. The whole line followed us because they thought the doors were opening early. I was last in line of the E-trainers and I had to turn around and tell the people behind me that we had special access and I would be the last in. I felt so bad for them, but honestly, soon forgot about it as the door closed behind me. We went up the steps and into a waiting area. The bouncer wouldn't let us in to the ballroom itself, and it looked like we would have to stay there. But soon Elliott saw us and waved us in.

He was in an especially happy mood. He was smiling and dancing around the stage. It was so infectious. I turn around, and the film crew is up on the balcony. I'm not sure if they were still filming or not. But they sure seemed to be enjoying watching him.

He did two songs for the check while we were there. He purposely messed up on the second, singing off-key and laughing. He had us all laughing. He was having such a great time.

When the check was over, we were told by the bouncer that we had to go back outside, but he would put us back in the front of the line. I started to leave, but then heard Lauren and Denise ask him if they could use the restroom first. When he agreed, I joined them. When we came out, most of the E-trainers were still in the Ballroom. Elliott had found out that we were being asked to go back outside and he talked the bouncer into letting us stay inside. We had to go back out to the waiting area and line up there, but it was all good. I lost track of Bear here. I'm sorry Bear that you left so quickly. I didn't see you during or after the concert, but it was great meeting you.

At 6:30, they let us back into the Ballroom before anyone else was allowed in. So we all lined up in center front. Trying to save some space for other E-trainers who didn't arrive early enough for the soundcheck, I moved to the far right. I got separated from the rest of the group, but my spot was ideal, so I stayed where I was. Crissy found me when she arrived, so she moved in to stand beside me (along with her sister).

The Highline is beautiful, by the way. The stage is very large. There is a seating/restaurant/bar area on both sides of the floor and also in the balcony. Aunt Sheryl, Penni and Bruce sat down at a table to the right of the stage.

It was a long wait for Josh's set. Two hours of standing listening to ear piercing music being played by the DJ. The place was really starting to fill up. By the time that Josh came on at 8:30, people were lined up from the front to the back of the room, and every table appeared to be occupied.

To be continued . . .
:evilgrin:

Hey everyone...this is getting to a part in the story that I feel I need to interject...no matter what cfans says or any pictures that may surface...I WAS NOT PICKING MY NOSE!! I was just scratching my moustache!!!!

Honest, Rick, I wasn't going to mention it at all. But since I never did erase it from my camera (darn memory - mine, not the cameras!) :rotfl:

Should I or shouldn't I? . . .

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Digging for Gold, were ya???????????????? :rotfl: :rotfl:

BRING IT ON...

I HAVE NOTHING TO HIDE!!!

Don't have to...Elliott has already been certified gold!!! :rocker:

great recap cfans----

my head is still spinning from yesterday. Great hearing what happened to you guys before I got there. SO GREAT seeing all of you

robyn

Okay, here it is. E-trainers - you decide, was he going in, coming out, or stalled on the moustache? (Hmmm, reminds me of a Seinfeld episode!)

Actually, I think he was telling me to shut up!

OMG, Chloe, you crack me up :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:

Here is the last of my recap:

I forgot to mention that on the way to NYC, we stopped at a rest stop on the PA turnpike and spotted some shirts with "Pennsylvania" imprinted on them. We joked that we should get one for Elliott and Josh as a reminder of their Pennsylvania rabid fans. We went for it - we got a green one for Elliott and a blue one for Josh. The three of us put our names on the inside label of the shirts so that we will "never be forgotten". We were able to present them to both Josh and Elliott before the show. Josh told us he wanted us to autograph his shirt for him after the show, but we all forgot. Darn!

- -------------------------------------------

Josh gave his usual set - five songs accompanied by Trey on guitar and back-ups. He was in great form tonight, as usual. I love how, even though he makes the same jokes about Elliott and him kissing, and dedicating his "stalker song" to Russell, Trey laughs so hard. At the end of the night, we spent a long time talking to Josh. He has a lot of plans, some of which he is not ready to announce, and really seems to have his life in order. He genuinely cares for Elliott; they will be lifetime friends. He also told us that in all honesty, it is his opinion that Elliott has the greatest voice of anyone, ever, bar none. He loves the E-train and hopes to stay close to us.

The more I hear The Last Goodnight, the more I am becoming a fan. Last night they really rocked the house. I didn't realize they were together for ten years. Maybe that explains why their street team is so organized. We have got to get organized like that.

From my vantage point, I could see Elliott backstage clapping along and moving to the music. Every once in a while, he would wave out to us.

Kurtis still seems nervous on stage when he's talking between songs. He does, though, make a lot of eye contact while he's singing and he smiles and gestures a lot. I love when performers do that. If you haven't met him yet, I urge you to do so. He, as well as the others in the band, is a really nice, great guy, and even more endearing is that he (or his mother) has invited Elliott, Josh and all the guys to his mother's for Thanksgiving.

There was a huge break in-between The Last Goodnight and Elliott. Even more than usual. There seemed to be a problem with Elliott's mic, I believe, and it was taking them an extremely long time to figure it out. I could see Elliott behind the stage and he was pacing off his energy. At one point, he went into one of the rooms beside the stage and just flicked the light switch on and off about a dozen times. Then he hid behind the curtains and put his arm out and waved. Another time, he made funny motions with his arm and hand. I don't know if he was entertaining us or himself.

Elliott's set was the same 11 or 12 songs, but he seemed to have a different type of energy - like he was in an extremely happy mood. He's always happy up there, but there was something extra tonight. Maybe it was because of the packed house, or that the venue was so great. One of my favorite times of the night was when he sang parts of "360" and "Pictures of You". He was so funny; he had this twinkle in his eye.

There was a group of young ladies behind me who started screaming when Elliott gave his little speech about his diabetes fundraiser. One of the girls (a teenager, I believe) has diabetes, and they were pointing her out to Elliott. Elliott acknowledged her and said something like "diabetics band together". I thought they were all going to need CPR after that.

How can "A Song For You" be so incredible, yet be even better each time he sings it? I was once again moved to tears listening to him.

So, it was over, and time to go. Lauren and Denise and I had decided earlier that we were gong to leave immediately since we had a long ride home and both Denise and I had to work on Wednesday. I found Aunt Sheryl, Penni, and Bruce and said my goodbyes. They were going backstage to see Elliott. But when I caught up with the SILs, they didn't seem to be in a hurry, so I was content to stay. We stood around and talked to Josh, Kurtis, Aaron, Russell, Eli, and Leif, and then after a good half hour or more, Elliott came out. We waited while the rest of the small crowd that had stayed got their pictures and autographs. We looked over to where everyone was and saw that the bouncer and his assistant were standing behind Elliott and posing in all of the pictures that people were taking of themselves with Elliott. :rotfl: When Elliott finally noticed this, he laughed so hard.

A little earlier I had talked to the bouncer and thanked him for being so nice to us. I asked him if he enjoyed Elliott, and he said that, yes, he was really good and that he would love to travel up to Hartford to see him there. He wasn't sure he would get the chance. I loved that - a new fan! Later, he even bought a shirt and had Elliott autograph it for his daughter.

While we were waiting, I got to talk to John. He seemed much more relaxed and I mentioned it to him. He said that he was very stressed earlier and was concentrating on getting some technical difficulties fixed. It was nice to see him back to smiling, and Chloe and I had our picture taken with him.

Finally, everyone was gone except for Aunt Sheryl, Chloe, Lauren, Denise, and I. It was getting really late and Elliott was getting rushed to leave. We didn't get to take individual pictures with him, but he did give us all parting hugs and told us each that he loved us. Man-o-man, what a feeling!

The five of us walked to the garage together, said our goodbyes, pledging to keep in touch and getting together just for us. Lauren, Denise, and I followed Chloe out of the city and then turned toward home. I had another hour to drive from Lauren's house and walked into my house at 5:06 am, totally exhausted but filled with memories that I will cherish forever.

what a great recap cfans! Thanks for pointing out that Elliott was in an especially happy mood - seems he's not too stressed out about where OW is on the charts - so I hope we can take a pointer from him - LOL!

It sort of makes me sad - there may never be another tour where Elliott's fans can get so up close and personal again. These 2007 memories are ones to be cherished. I think on New Year's Eve we need to gather here and celebrate the memories of 2007!

Linda, you've hit the nail right on the head! I have felt rather foolish feeling disappointed that I'm not going to see another concert on this tour. Even in my young, carefree, wild days I've never followed a group concert to concert. Why am I disappointed -- I saw 2! The thing is, if Elliott is as successful as we all want and expect him to be, it's doubtful I will ever see him perform up so close and it's doubtful I'll have another cd signed, et...

The recaps are wonderful!

Cfans, I just love your recaps. :1word:

Thanks Linda. Elliott just seemed to be having a very great time yesterday. Whatever the reason, it was infectious.

I can't think of any other fan group, organization, fanclub, or whatever you want to call it that has as much to celebrate as we do. He hasn't sold the millions of records that other artists have, but heck, that's not important to him. We have had two tours, two records, one of which went gold and spawned a gold single, many, many TV appearances, countless radio appearances, and best of all - access. We know that Elliott loves and appreciates us. In addition, we have pride in seeing him give back with his untiring work to raise money find a cure for diabetes. What a year!

Thanks cfans and rick for your recap and pictures .... Don't tell hubby, bruce, but i have been sitting here at the computer for the last hour reading, looking at the pictures,( again and again) remembering a great night (I should be making pumpkin pie and cake ... hey, rick, want some for your trip to Boston?? I'll send with Auntie Sheryl) I can't pull myself away - which i had to do before y'all left last night --- Elliott (and his fans) have a hold on me! Kisses to Robyn, Lauren and Denise (thanks for sneaking me in upclose for Kurtis and TLG ... I thought they were great too!

Well said.

True That!

I don't know Linda, We thought the same thing after the spring tour, and yet Elliott has been even more accessible than the last time. I really don't see him ever changing, unless, of course, he's playing some huge venue, where the security is really tight.
But yes, they surely ARE memories to be cherished.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QCBeZi0bRI

Still one to go, and I feel so sad today! Well, happy ,sad, really. Last night was another magical night, and I feel so very fortunate !

(tugging at ear)I'm so glad we had this time together,
Just to have a laugh, and sing a song.
Seems we just got started and before we knew it
Came the time we had to say, 'So long.'

LOVE the recap cfans!! The recaps mean so much, it allows those of us who aren't able to make multiple shows (or even one of the shows) feel as though we are apart of the experience. :glomp:

Chloe-- did you NEED to make me cry with that song today ?? But these last few months have really been " the times of my life"

and as for the next part-
OMG- thats the song (from the Carol Burnett show for you young omes) that I used to sing to my kids before they went to bed.

so--people--after all this concert craziness ends-- when is our lunch date?-- I dont think I can get through more than a frew weeks without seeing you guys :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :grouphug: :elliottelliott:

I enjoyed reading your recap so much. Thanks for taking time to share with us.

Who is Carol Burnett?

That is way before my time!!

:rotfl: :rotfl:
DAMN KIDS!!!!!!
:rotfl: :rotfl:

Did you guys have fun or what?????? :rotfl: GREAT recap! Thank you.

Hey - I know who Carol Burnett is - and Chloe - you remind me a little of her...

So glad y'all had a great time!

ok-- Rick and anyone younger than Rick-- you'll never be able to answer this trivia tidbit-- but everyone else:

After the last part of the Carol Burnett song that I used to sing to my kids- I always went straight into this song--can anyone name the show?

intro for effect (carol Burnett)- Comes the time we have to say--so long..

(me) see ya (see ya)- hope you had a good good time (ba dum)
Hope you had a good good morning (hmm hmm)
Hope we get to see you again...... bye bye (whistle whistle whistle) :whistle: :whistle:
(me) walking out of the room whistling.........

(sorry for going OT-- but I am still giddy from last night)

robyn
:woohoo:

What a great recap, thanks cfans. I feel like I was right there with you all. Loving all the pics and can't wait to see more. wow on the night you all had, wish I was there... and so sad to think I'll have to wait until next year to hear him again... and yes, this year may be the best year ever, getting so upclose with E... but I do wish him to have even more of a succesful career.

BTW I was wondering why Elliott was crying :rotfl: Heck anyone check the local news to see about that interview?

Carole you WERE with us. I can't even tell you how many times someone said "Oh I wish Carole was here!"

ya ha we MISSED YOU!!!!!! :grouphug:

Thanks everyone for your compliments. I love doing these recaps - they really help me enforce in my mind the memories I collected during the day.

I realized I left out a very important aspect of the day, and I apologize profusely to Robyn and Matt. I can't believe I did that.

Once we knew that we were going to get into the soundcheck, we called Robyn to see how close she and her husband Matt were to the venue. We knew all along that they couldn't get there as early as the rest of us, and hoped they would be there in time to join us. We kept getting a status check and it looked like it was going to be close. We were so happy to see Robyn make it in time, but where was Matt? He's such a doll - he didn't want Robyn to miss it, so he dropped her off and went to park the car. As it turned out, though, he made it as well.

I'll let Robyn tell the whole story, but she had something special she wanted Elliott and the band to sign. Matt wasn't about to miss out on making sure that happened. He is a big guy with a commanding presence (but a heart of gold), and she has to tell you how Matt got Elliott to sign it.

They weren't able to stay and wait with us after Elliott's set because they had to get home to relieve the babysitter, so we sadly said goodbye. But we made plans (Robyn and I pinkie-swore for the whole group) that we would get together and call and email each other like the real friends we had become in these last two weeks.

I say "no pick". :rotfl:

Cfans--I adore you!! That was so sweet-- I hope you know I was only kidding when I spoke to you before-- I didnt feel left out of your recap--not with all the love surrounding me last night--and how big of you to say such nice things after I was such a b---- to you in Lancaster-- LOL






:mademyday: :hug:

whoa!!! cfans, you better be careful,if it was the SILS you left out, you might have gotten "punched in the face"!! :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :headsmack: :fryingpan: :rotfl:

Thank you!!

At least someone came to my defense!!!

While I admit to nothing and never will...

If we pick do we not bleed???

I am not an animal!!

Wow, Shakespeare AND The Elephant Man...you are so knowledgable! ;)

Are you sure about that...we have incriminating evidence!! :rotfl:

Aww, that really warmed my heart. Thanks so much gang. :grouphug:

So when is the next concert?

"One of my favorite times of the night was when he sang parts of "360" and "Pictures of You". He was so funny; he had this twinkle in his eye. "

That was my favorite part too Cfans. I really wanted him to sing the entire songs. He sounded great.

Did anyone else notice when the piano started playing for WFY Elliott moved a little towards Russell and he made a gesture with his hand and gave Russell a look like a lover's look saying I will wait for you, . It was very quick like a second but I was cracking up it was hilarious. I love how they all constantly joke around with each other. :D