Sorry it has taken me so long to get this posted. When I got home on Wednesday, I immediately had to start prep. for Thanksgiving, and then yesterday, spent all day with family and friends.

Part I

My day started very early on Tuesday. I woke at 5 am and hit the road by 6:30 en route to Rick's house. I enjoyed my 5 hr ride from the sticks to the big city, by listening to Elliott's CD, the Christmas CD, bonus tracks CD, and my new second favorite artist, Mr. Josh Hoge.

When I arrived in Rick's neighborhood at *23th* street, I was delighted to see a Dunkin Donuts a couple of blocks away. America runs on Dunkin.....I know I do. Let me just take a moment to say that Rick was the best host, a true gentleman, and I consider him a dear friend. He rolled out the red carpet. I was lucky to meet his lovely mother.

We caught the train into Manhattan around noon, I think, and immediately sought out the Highline. While searching, we ran into Cfans, vwgirlpa, and lovingelliottinPa. This was my first time meeting all of them and it was a pleasure! We all began to search for the Highline together. At last, we found it!They were working on the facade of the building and the sign was on the ground.

Rick and I parted company with the others since I had never been to the city, except for a couple of bus tours, and I wanted to see the city NY style! We caught the subway back to the Time Square area and Rick showed me around and pointed out many famous landmarks...and I even had a little Elliott pilgramage of sorts, since I was able to see Regis and Kelly's studio, MTV/TRL studios and the Virgin record store. That was fun. We did a lot of walking, and thanks to Rick, I didn't get run over by traffic. Where I live, you just cross the street when there are no cars.....it was pointed out to me that they do things differently in NY...haha..I really had a great time on our walking tour. We grabbed a bite to eat at a pizza shoppe (yummmmy) and headed back to the venue.

When we got back, the line had grown and there was Chloe and several other gathering etrainers. I met Bear88 for the first time. :) "The" bus had also arrived and was parked directly in front of the venue beside the line. We jump at the end of the line which is now about 15-20 people at around 4 pm(?) Dear, sweet Elliott is walking in and out of the bus and the venue and stops to talk with us all a few times. I am lucky enough to get another bear hug :grin: There is a camera crew following him around at this point and he just takes it all in stride. He handles every thing so wonderfully as if he had been doing this his entire life. Rick calls him over and explains to him that he has a gift from Purpledelightz all the way from Korea. Elliott is SO appreciative. He also mentions (by her real name mind you!!) that he had met Siba last night at the Toronto concert all the way from Japan. His memory and attention to detail is incredible. :awe:


More to follow, later.....

Part II

Next Elliott's Auntie Sheryl arrives with her sister and sisters' husband, followed soon thereafter by Robyn, her husband Matt, and then Atlantiskat. We have the best time talking with everyone. We see most of the band members coming and going. Chloe waves me over and tells me that we may be getting into the soundcheck......THANK YOU Chloe and Auntie Sheryl. Elliott's fans are generous people. I think Cfans already elaborated about how the bouncer at first didn't want to let us all in, but it seems someone worked their magic and we were all escorted in. We were blessed to hear the band and Elliott perform two songs and watch how they all interact with each other. They have lots of fun. When they are finished, Elliott makes his way down to us and greets everyone. There are pictures taken and hugs exchanged. I believe Elliott is so appreciative of his fans. He goes above and beyond anything you could hope for.

I am able to greet Aaron. I tell him how much I enjoy him and could I possibly have a picture taken with him. He says, OFCOURSE!! There really is something special about this man. This may sound a bit corney, but he almost "shines".

The bouncer tells us we must leave, so Elliott says, "Can you make sure they get their places back at the front of the line?" :awe: And then at some point he must have convinced the bouncer to let us stay. So we gathered just outside the door to the ballroom. We met Trey's parent's (Josh's guitar player) and had a nice conversation with them. He also has plans to release his own music.

All of this is taking place around 5-5:30 approx.The doors don't open 'til 6:30 and the concert doesn't start until 8:30.

to be continued.............

Part III

At 6:30 they let us in the ballroom and we all stake out our positions front and center. When we had entered the Highline for the soundcheck, the line was really not very long, so I was a bit worried about what the attendance would be, but I could see already at 6:30 that the crowd was starting to grow nicely. A few more etrainers arrive. Mominny arrives with Rooney. It was wonderful to meet them both. I have been talking to Rooney online since May 2006 at the Moosak site and then here on the etrain. We all instantly feel like we have known each other.

While waiting for the show to start, we are searching out the other people we know are supposed to be there. We were looking for you Frannibeth and Jamie50 :) We never did find you guys! Just before the show starts, we spot Elliott!fan and Berniefan. I scan the crowd and easily spot Berniefan because of his height and see Elliott!fan waving. I LOVED seeing you guys again!!

Josh takes the stage first. I love this man, his voice and his songwriting. If I had discovered him through a different avenue, I would have loved him just as much. I am a true jhoge fan :) If you haven't purchased his CD, I highly recomment it. You can also download it from itunes. My favorite two songs right now, are not even performed during his set. The are "Leave" and "Keeps Getting Better" Please take a listen.

coming up, The Last Goodnight......

Part IV

I had previously heard The Last Goodnight at the NorVa. I thought they were good enough, pleasant to the ears, but that was it. Maybe it was the anticipation of waiting to hear Elliott.

Tuesday at the Highline was a change of heart for me. I REALLY enjoyed them. Curtis has amazing energy and a real likable persona. I totally enjoyed the messages of their songs. The standouts of their set for me were Stay Beautiful and Return To Me. Also One Trust. I will be buying their CD. I wish them the absolute best and much success.

coming up, The Main Event.........

Part V

I really don't know exactly what to say here :grin: I have been SO fortunate to have seen Elliott perform live 4 times during the spring and fall tours. I am never disappointed. The voice and the man I fell in love with never ceases to amaze me. I love just watching him. He has become so comfortable performing. The venue seemed to be practically filled. It was a VERY enthusiastic crowd. I didn't expect that for some reason, but they really did show him so much love. The crowd was VERY, VERY diverse. All ages, cultures, and plenty of men. Lots of teenagers. For those who worry about the middle aged women making up the gist of Elliott's fanbase, it really isn't true at all. I would say our age group made up a small percentage of the crowd. Mainly 20-30 yr olds. LOTS of couples.

In attendance were Danny Buch and Mark Gorlick from Red Distribution and Stargate. Elliott gave them lots of love, thanking the guys from RED for shoving WFY down the throats of the PD's :grin: I think it would be safe to say that he did Stargate proud. The crowds reaction to OW was really crazy. Almost more than WFY.

My favorite songs of the night, (besides ASFY which was BRILLIANT and brought me to tears) were Free, Train Wreck, Little Ghetto Boy, Alright, and Find A Way. teehee...did I leave any out? FREE IS AWESOME, LIVE!!
( My friend Trouble and I already have a video worked out for this if it's released as a single..... :rotfl: )


eta: at my estimation, there were probably around 20-25 etrainers. Maybe more.

next, the conlusion.................

Part VI

After the show, I am approached by a woman who introduces herself as NJ4Elliott. She was such a lovely person. Also through the crowd during the show I was able to meet ChrissyIs Crazy4Elliott with her sister and Love4Elliott(Jeannie). Love meeting you all!!!! It is very obvious no one wants to leave. Everyone is hanging around in hopes of meeting Elliott, but also I think because we didn't want the night to end. I was able to meet Sway who was just so nice and let me take a picture with him, and talk with Josh again. These guys are just so accomodating and accessible. They could all be surrounded by young and beautiful women, but instead they talk to us. Very gracious. Their moms can be so proud of them.

Soon Rick realizes the hour is late and we need to leave if we are to catch the subway in time. We must leave. I hug everyone I can, and Rick and I head for the subway. When we get to the station, it is no longer running...ooops.....it's around 1 am, I think. We catch a cab to a different station and breathe a sigh of relief that we are still able to catch the train back to his home.

Sadly, my evening is drawing to a close. It is bittersweet for many reasons. The first being, I have no idea when I will hear Elliott sing live again. His voice is like sustenance to my soul. I also will miss the friends and aquaintances I have made and am unsure of when we will meet again. I love you all dearly.

Rick, I owe you so much. This evening would not have happened if you had not extended your generosity to me. I'm forever grateful. Also to Chloe who always looks out for me (and for so many others!)

And to the man who fills up my life with joy everyday, Thank you from my heart.
:heartbeat:

OMG! What an absolutely beautiful recap. I was so moved, just as if I were there with you all. I wish I had been. Thank you so much for making me feel as if I were. :elliottcap:

Wow Linda, you didn't miss one detail. It was such a pleasure to finally meet you. :)

Thank you, Linda, that was heartfelt and lovely!

Almost in tears reading this! It just reminds me why i love my Etrain Family so much! And i totaly agree 200% about Elliott being Sustinance to your soul! Thanks for a wonderful recap!

Linda,

Being able to share this day with you made it that much more special. This whole Etrain thing goes beyond just Elliott and his music. The friendships and experiences we are all sharing is something that will outlast chart positions, videos, cd's...hairstyles!!!

I love you all! :grouphug:

thanks for the sweet replys :grouphug:

wonderful recap.

awesome recap linda! it was so great to see u! E was wonderful! was Free incredible live! Luved it! we were feelin it! I dug Movin On, Alright, Free, Train Wreck, ASFY, Find a Way, TMBA, LGB + we were all singin to WFY! stoked! such a great nite! was so great to see everyone! we luv u E! THUD! ;) :thud: :bounce:

awwwww..I'm touched by your beautiful recap. Thank you so much for sharing, Linda.

I am very happy for Siba-san. Siba-san if you don't mind, could you take me your next Elliott tour? hahaha :fangirly:

Rick, I sent the extra cd to another korean Etrainer who lives in the Philippines. I was able to share it with her all because of you. thanks again.

Linda, what a beautiful recap. I had tears in my eyes as I read this heartfelt and true story!! You are a wonderful lady and I so enjoyed meeting you in Norfolk. I so hope we get to meet again in the not too distant future. :grouphug:

What a beautiful heartfelt recap. I totally enjoyed reading it. I can see that PED (post Elliott depression ) is setting in with you. I think I know how you feel. I really hope he will tour again in the not to distant future.

Linda Thank you so much for sharing your day with us. It WAS almost like being there. Iwish I had been. I too am getting sad at the thought of no more concerts (just for awhile -hopefully) I am seriously toying with the idea of going to DC monday after work, even tho I HAVE to go to work on Tuesday. Am I too old for all of this. I hope not!!

I can hear all your hearfelt love for Elliott and his fans! THANK YOU!

emmy

Thanks to all of you for the kind words.

Posttime, it was a true pleasure meeting you at Norfolk :)

Elliott!fan...love you guys, too. Wish I was going to DC with you!!

Purple, you are always so kind

Marylee...YES, you hit the nail on the head...PED is what I have

Emmy4E...I say, do whatever you have to do to go to DC....who knows when the chance will arise again, right?? CARPE DIEM!!

I love your recaps! BTW, What you wrote about Aaron is so sweet. I felt that about him, too. I wrote a recap of Jacksonville on myspace that said I felt he had an exceptional soul. I'm glad so many others see it, too.

thanks, and yes, Aaron is quite unique and special!! I'll go read your myspace :)

Such a beautiful recap!!!! And I need to add my total agreement re: Aaron. He exudes an inner warmth and joy that's so infectious. I absolutely adore him!

And Emmy... YES, you must do the road-trip! I'm working on Tuesday too, but just know that the adrenaline will keep me alive throughout the day. Are you in Richmond? PM me if you are and decide to go...

Linda-
What an incredible recap-- I had tears in my eyes.

I have had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with you twice-- you exude the same warmth Elliott does--you are an awesome person.

Thanks for sharing--wow

robyn

Great recap Linda. We must all count our blessings to have been so fortunate this year to meet and experience Elliott on tour. I can't wait for the next go round!

Thank you for the wonderful recap,Linda-san.

Awww Elliott rememberd me and even my real name?
OMG... :thud:

Beautiful recap Linda.

thanks so much everyone :hug:

Sweet words, Robyn...to think we've shared two VERY special nights together....that forms an isntant bond doesn't it?

Siba-san....YES!!! He told us he met you the night before and even called you by name!!!! He's one of a kind!!!!!

Excerpts of your recap is archived here:
http://etrainstation.com/index.php?showtop...0&#entry7084434