Title: San Jose Toys For Tots Recap
Description: How we nearly froze to death
Description: How we nearly froze to death
wee_moggie - December 17, 2007 05:43 PM (GMT)
What a fantastic day!
For me the day started when I met artymom at The Fountain Restaurant in the beautiful Fairmont in San Jose, around 11:15am. She walked in and I knew it was her, because of her description, but she was looking at me funny. I had described what I would be wearing, so I thought there wouldn't be a problem. Finally she said, "Are you wee moggie?" and I said yes, and she says, "You look so much YOUNGER than your picture!" That took me by surprise! We talked while we were waiting for eyfinsf to arrive to join us for lunch. Eyfinsf then arrived, and we sat down to a fabulous brunch.
I drove by the Civic on my way into downtown around 11am, and I saw that there was already about 30 people or so in line, camped out. The doors didn't open until 6pm! However, we decided that it wasn't important to be the first in line, and the restaurant was toasty warm (it was so cold outside), so we decided to take our time and enjoy our brunch. As artymom pointed out, after all, we had already paid for our brunch, why not eat all the desserts we could? ;)
During the brunch I discovered what wonderful people artymom and eyfinsf are. We commented that it was so nice to be with people who speak your language (Elliott language)! We talked Elliott and Etrain, but we also talked about other subjects, and I grew to like them more and more. I felt like we three had really bonded by the end of our brunch.
Then we decided it was time to go brave the cold and get in line. By the time we got in line, around 2pm, the line was already wrapped around the corner of the street block, but it didn't look too bad. So we set down our bags of toys, put our gloves on, and began the wait. MY IDOL ELLIOTT and his brother Roy soon found us, and joined our little group. Then EmJay found us, then nanab, then Elliottisastar and her boyfriend Gary. We had seen this woman with long blonde hair walking by the line as if she was looking for someone. We thought that it might be her, but we weren't sure. She walked past us, but then she came back and looked at me and said, "Are you wee moggie?" I said yes, and THEN she says, "You are so much YOUNGER than your picture!" to which artymom says, "See, it wasn't just me!" Then I start to wonder, how old DO I look in my picture? I didn't know that I looked older! She and Gary joined us in line and easily fit right in to our group. Our group kept growing; it started out with artymom, eyfinsf, and me, so we had someone behind us in line took a picture of us three. The our group kept growing, so we had to keep asking them to take our picture again and again! They were very nice about it.
The line itself was rather funny-looking. First, it consisted of mainly teenage girls waiting for the Backstreet Boys. Second, it looked like we were all homeless! Everyone was shivering, some people were huddled up in blankets, some were eating, some standing, some sitting, hunched over trying to get warm. The trash can near us was full to the brim with trash of the food that people had brought, and Roy suggested that we light it on fire to keep ourselves warm--not a bad idea, and it would have truly completed the homeless look!
We waited for four hours in line! We passed the time talking Elliott, of course. I texted Rick1965 and told him how we were all freezing (which was kind of funny, because he's on the East Coast, and mid-50's is NOT freezing to him!) He texted back and told me we should start a Warm Me Up singalong. Everyone got a good laugh out of that! I called elliottcrazy and talked with her for a while. Elliottisastar called JudyP and we all got to say hello to her.
While we were in line, MY IDOL ELLIOTT told us that he was supposed to be part of the meet and greet backstage. You could win meet and greet passes through the radio station sponsoring the event, but none of us did. MY IDOL ELLIOTT wasn't sure if he would be able to meet Elliott or not, it depended on if he got in touch with some people. He had a Santa hat on that he wanted to give to Elliott. More on that later!
Finally at 6pm, they started letting in a few people at a time. By that time, my whole body was uncontrollably shaking, and my legs were completely stiff! We handed our toys to the people and went in. It was nice to see so many people bring lots of toys.
We had a master plan regarding the seating: four of us would go upstairs to the balcony and see if that was a good view, and three of would go to the floor and see if that was a good view. There were folding chairs on the floor, and regular seats in the balcony. We decided by a majority vote that it would be better to sit in the first row of the balcony on the side; it was a really good view; plus we wouldn't be trampled by the teenage girls.
As we were waiting for the concert to start, I saw these two girls a few rows behind us. They were looking at us and whispering. I heard one of them say, "They know!" They had overheard us talking about Elliott. It turns out it was Millie858 and her friend! What are the odds that they were right behind us?
The lineup for the concert was to be Vanessa Carlton, Mandy Moore, Collective Soul, Elliott, (we didn't know in what order) and what we all assumed was the Backstreet Boys. The advertisement was that they would be hosting the event, and everyone assumed that they would be performing as well. More on that.....
So the lights dimmed and the radio personalities from Star 101.3 came out--Don Bleu, Sylvic Chacon and others. Sylvia is very nice and is a big fan of Elliott's. Several of the Bay Area Street Team have spoken with her. She's really beautiful! They got the crowd primed (as if they needed it) for the Backstreet Boys coming out. When the three Backstreet Boys did come out onstage, I can't even describe the sound. We decided that teenage girls can reach decibels that no other creature on earth can! I must say, the Backstreet Boys did look rather handsome, and they were very charming. They introduced Vanessa Carlton, the first artist to perform.
I was REALLY impressed with her. I had heard a few of her songs, but she is a really good live performer--a really good singer and a really talented piano player.
Then the Backstreet Boys came out again (they introduced every performance). Collective Soul was next, and they did a nice acoustic set (well, they did have an electric guitar for a few songs, but it was not backed up by a band, so it wasn't too loud.) Oh, by the way, Mandy Moore did not show, I don't know why, but we thought that would give us more of Elliott, so we didn't mind!
Sometime around when Collective Soul started, MY IDOL ELLIOTT and Roy disappeared. We were wondering if they were going to meet Elliott backstage, but we didn't know for sure.
The stage had about seven Christmas trees off to one side, a few feet apart from each other. During Collective Soul's set, I saw someone peeking out between the Christmas trees. It was Elliott, and he was wearing MY IDOL ELLIOTT'S Santa hat! I started yelling at the others, "There's Elliott, and he's wearing the Santa hat!" We all started screaming and waving our arms, because it looked like Elliott was looking right at us. Then we saw Russell join him, and Jamie also. We screamed, "Russell!" and were waving like crazy, and I'm pretty sure Russell saw us, because he suddenly ducked behind a Christmas tree! They were there for about fifteen seconds or so, then left. We were happy that MY IDOL ELLIOTT got to meet him and give him the hat. A little later, still during Collective Soul's set, Roy came back and said to us, "Elliott says hi!" That made us really happy! Roy told us how MY IDOL ELLIOTT met Elliott and got pictures taken with him, and that Star 101.3 also took photos of them. Star 101.3 has photos and video from last night up on their site, but I haven't checked it out yet. It turns out that Elliott WAS looking right at us, because he knew we were there.
Then Collective Soul was done and they began to set up for Elliott. We assumed that the Backstreet Boys were performing last, and it was nice to know that Elliott was considered the next biggest artist. It was so funny--a roadie came out and went to the mic and shortened it by quite a bit! We said, "It has to be Elliott next!" Then another roadie came out with a stack of towels and tons of water bottles, and we said, "OH, it HAS to be Elliott next!" :santarotfl: Then we watched them set up Russell's guitar, and Joonie's keyboard, and we were so excited just watching them set up!
Oh, I have to explain the crowd situation. There was about twenty feet or so from the stage to the first row of chairs on the floor. Right before everything began, all these people who were sitting in the chairs got up and rushed the stage. There were two big security guards who were trying to stop them, and they succeeded a little bit, but when the Backstreet Boys came out, they were having a really hard time keeping people back! Then one of the Backstreet Boys said, "Come up to the stage!" So who do you think the kids obeyed, the security guard or the Backstreet Boys? :santarotfl: Every time the Backstreet Boys came out, everyone rushed the stage. It was absolutely hilarious to watch these two security guards trying to hold back the people in front of them, while girls were just streaming right around the security guards! During the Vanessa Carlton and Collective Soul, many of them returned to their seats, but when they were setting up for Elliott, a huge number of people got out of their seats and filled the floor area. We were wondering if they were doing that for the Backstreet Boys or Elliott, but when Elliott came onstage, they were all about him, so that made us proud!
They had set up two mics in the front, and that made us wonder if Sway would be with him, and when they all walked out, Sway was the first person we saw. Elliott came out wearing the Santa hat, which we thought was such a nice touch. After a few songs, he took it off, and the girls next to the stage were reaching out, begging for him to give it to one of them. Elliott said, "No, this hat was given to me by my good friend Ty. Where is he?" We started screaming and waving our hands, even though Ty wasn't with us! It was just an instinctive reaction. It turns out that Elliott got MY IDOL ELLIOTT a great place to stand, front and center, for his set. I thought wearing the hat, giving the shout-out to Ty, and giving him a great view was so classy of Elliott. Just so very Elliott!
Elliott was amazing. He looked great, his voice sounded perfect. He looked well-rested and was smiling and kidding around with his band a lot. As always, he talked between songs, and he thanked Star 101.3 for "helping put me on the map," to which we grumbled to ourselves, "Well, why don't they play ONE WORD then?!" (Just a little frustration within our Bay Area Street Team lately!) He took a lot of time thanking everyone for coming out and giving toys, and how much it would mean for so many families this Christmas. He said that he and the band also gave toys, but he had to pry them away from Russell and Sway! As always, he dedicated Find A Way to the troops, and talked about how it was especially important to remember them at this time of year, when they would be separated from their families this Christmas.
The set was:
Find A Way
One Word
Free
Train Wreck
I'm In Love With You Forever
Movin On
Wait For You
I was SO impressed at how much he has improved within the last six months since I saw him! He made the songs even funkier than he did before, and it was so great to hear him do Free, because he didn't do that at Slim's, and I LOVE that song. Every time he sang the word "free," he would close his eyes and spread his arms out; it was so amazing. He truly was in top form the whole night. He looked so HAPPY. He was jazzing up the songs by his vocals. The songs were completely different because of his vocals alone. For several songs, he was doing this staccato thing where he was amost yelping out the words; I don't know how else to describe it, but it reminded me of old jazz singers. He didn't have drums, but he didn't need it because his voice provided the beat.
I must say, we did a lot of fangirl screaming! Between songs, Elliottisastar would count, "One, two, three..." then we would scream "ELLIOTT!!!" as loud as we could. The place was not that big, so I know he (and everyone else) heard us loud and clear! I must admit I was just gazing at Elliott with starry eyes and a smile on my face the entire time! :awe:
When Elliott introduced his band, each member got some applause and yelling, but he pointed to Aaron, and he didn't even introduce him yet, this group of girls at the front started that high-decibel screaming! It's like Aaron has his own little fangirl club! Elliott started laughing, and he paused to let the screaming die down, and introduced Aaron and the screaming started up again! You go Aaron!
Before the concert, we had tried to look for a back entrance to the building to see if we could find out where Elliott may be arriving, but we couldn't really find one. We didn't try to look for him afterwards--we were told that he had to catch a flight. I wasn't holding my breath about meeting him anyway. Millie, that's great that you ran into him!
So Elliott leaves the stage, and everyone is assuming that the Backstreet Boys would be performing next, but the Star 101.3 people came out and thanked everyone for coming! The Backstreet Boys did not come out with them. Then it became very clear that they were not performing. A lot of people were very disappointed. The advertisement should have been clearer; it said that the event was hosted by the Backstreet Boys, but that's all it said, so everyone assumed that they would be performing. It was so sad, after the lights came up and people began to leave, there were still a lot of girls by the front of the stage, craning their necks to try to see if they were going to come out, and generally looking like little lost puppies. We felt so bad for them. Someone said that they heard that people had flown in just to see the Backstreet Boys perform. What it DID mean, though, was that Elliott was considered the biggest artist, since he performed last, and that made us proud.
A lot of pictures were taken, mine just from my camera phone, but others had nice digital cameras with them, so be looking on the Concert Pictures thread for lots of great shots! I'll put up mine probably later today.
Judi and Monica, I was so glad to meet you both! I really enjoyed our brunch and our day together, and the chance to be silly fangirls!
Melanie and Diane, it was so nice to see you again!
Donna and Gary, I'm so glad you found us in line! It was so nice to meet you! Donna, tell Gary that he gave you a fantastic Christmas present! He was so great to come with you and put up with all of us!
Ty and Roy, it was so great talking with you both! Ty, I'm so glad you got to meet Elliott and have such a great experience, and Roy, I know I told you this already, but you really were such a trooper to come out and freeze and be at the concert and take pictures for us! I can't wait to see them!
It was nice to meet you Millie!
To everyone there:
:gimmeahug: :1word:
ETA: Here is the link to Star 101.3's pics. Click on View Gallery:
http://www.star1013fm.com/cc-common/galler...obalphotos.html
Here's the link for his interview. The sound quality is bad, but you can pretty much understand everything:
http://www.star1013fm.com/pages/TFT_SHOW/TFT_show.html
I CANNOT believe he was wearing his Dodger's hat! WHAT WAS HE THINKING???? He's in Giants territory! If anyone doesn't know, the Giants and the Dodgers have a serious rivalry that goes back over a hundred years! I'm so glad MY IDOL ELLIOTT gave him the Santa hat to wear!
For me the day started when I met artymom at The Fountain Restaurant in the beautiful Fairmont in San Jose, around 11:15am. She walked in and I knew it was her, because of her description, but she was looking at me funny. I had described what I would be wearing, so I thought there wouldn't be a problem. Finally she said, "Are you wee moggie?" and I said yes, and she says, "You look so much YOUNGER than your picture!" That took me by surprise! We talked while we were waiting for eyfinsf to arrive to join us for lunch. Eyfinsf then arrived, and we sat down to a fabulous brunch.
I drove by the Civic on my way into downtown around 11am, and I saw that there was already about 30 people or so in line, camped out. The doors didn't open until 6pm! However, we decided that it wasn't important to be the first in line, and the restaurant was toasty warm (it was so cold outside), so we decided to take our time and enjoy our brunch. As artymom pointed out, after all, we had already paid for our brunch, why not eat all the desserts we could? ;)
During the brunch I discovered what wonderful people artymom and eyfinsf are. We commented that it was so nice to be with people who speak your language (Elliott language)! We talked Elliott and Etrain, but we also talked about other subjects, and I grew to like them more and more. I felt like we three had really bonded by the end of our brunch.
Then we decided it was time to go brave the cold and get in line. By the time we got in line, around 2pm, the line was already wrapped around the corner of the street block, but it didn't look too bad. So we set down our bags of toys, put our gloves on, and began the wait. MY IDOL ELLIOTT and his brother Roy soon found us, and joined our little group. Then EmJay found us, then nanab, then Elliottisastar and her boyfriend Gary. We had seen this woman with long blonde hair walking by the line as if she was looking for someone. We thought that it might be her, but we weren't sure. She walked past us, but then she came back and looked at me and said, "Are you wee moggie?" I said yes, and THEN she says, "You are so much YOUNGER than your picture!" to which artymom says, "See, it wasn't just me!" Then I start to wonder, how old DO I look in my picture? I didn't know that I looked older! She and Gary joined us in line and easily fit right in to our group. Our group kept growing; it started out with artymom, eyfinsf, and me, so we had someone behind us in line took a picture of us three. The our group kept growing, so we had to keep asking them to take our picture again and again! They were very nice about it.
The line itself was rather funny-looking. First, it consisted of mainly teenage girls waiting for the Backstreet Boys. Second, it looked like we were all homeless! Everyone was shivering, some people were huddled up in blankets, some were eating, some standing, some sitting, hunched over trying to get warm. The trash can near us was full to the brim with trash of the food that people had brought, and Roy suggested that we light it on fire to keep ourselves warm--not a bad idea, and it would have truly completed the homeless look!
We waited for four hours in line! We passed the time talking Elliott, of course. I texted Rick1965 and told him how we were all freezing (which was kind of funny, because he's on the East Coast, and mid-50's is NOT freezing to him!) He texted back and told me we should start a Warm Me Up singalong. Everyone got a good laugh out of that! I called elliottcrazy and talked with her for a while. Elliottisastar called JudyP and we all got to say hello to her.
While we were in line, MY IDOL ELLIOTT told us that he was supposed to be part of the meet and greet backstage. You could win meet and greet passes through the radio station sponsoring the event, but none of us did. MY IDOL ELLIOTT wasn't sure if he would be able to meet Elliott or not, it depended on if he got in touch with some people. He had a Santa hat on that he wanted to give to Elliott. More on that later!
Finally at 6pm, they started letting in a few people at a time. By that time, my whole body was uncontrollably shaking, and my legs were completely stiff! We handed our toys to the people and went in. It was nice to see so many people bring lots of toys.
We had a master plan regarding the seating: four of us would go upstairs to the balcony and see if that was a good view, and three of would go to the floor and see if that was a good view. There were folding chairs on the floor, and regular seats in the balcony. We decided by a majority vote that it would be better to sit in the first row of the balcony on the side; it was a really good view; plus we wouldn't be trampled by the teenage girls.
As we were waiting for the concert to start, I saw these two girls a few rows behind us. They were looking at us and whispering. I heard one of them say, "They know!" They had overheard us talking about Elliott. It turns out it was Millie858 and her friend! What are the odds that they were right behind us?
The lineup for the concert was to be Vanessa Carlton, Mandy Moore, Collective Soul, Elliott, (we didn't know in what order) and what we all assumed was the Backstreet Boys. The advertisement was that they would be hosting the event, and everyone assumed that they would be performing as well. More on that.....
So the lights dimmed and the radio personalities from Star 101.3 came out--Don Bleu, Sylvic Chacon and others. Sylvia is very nice and is a big fan of Elliott's. Several of the Bay Area Street Team have spoken with her. She's really beautiful! They got the crowd primed (as if they needed it) for the Backstreet Boys coming out. When the three Backstreet Boys did come out onstage, I can't even describe the sound. We decided that teenage girls can reach decibels that no other creature on earth can! I must say, the Backstreet Boys did look rather handsome, and they were very charming. They introduced Vanessa Carlton, the first artist to perform.
I was REALLY impressed with her. I had heard a few of her songs, but she is a really good live performer--a really good singer and a really talented piano player.
Then the Backstreet Boys came out again (they introduced every performance). Collective Soul was next, and they did a nice acoustic set (well, they did have an electric guitar for a few songs, but it was not backed up by a band, so it wasn't too loud.) Oh, by the way, Mandy Moore did not show, I don't know why, but we thought that would give us more of Elliott, so we didn't mind!
Sometime around when Collective Soul started, MY IDOL ELLIOTT and Roy disappeared. We were wondering if they were going to meet Elliott backstage, but we didn't know for sure.
The stage had about seven Christmas trees off to one side, a few feet apart from each other. During Collective Soul's set, I saw someone peeking out between the Christmas trees. It was Elliott, and he was wearing MY IDOL ELLIOTT'S Santa hat! I started yelling at the others, "There's Elliott, and he's wearing the Santa hat!" We all started screaming and waving our arms, because it looked like Elliott was looking right at us. Then we saw Russell join him, and Jamie also. We screamed, "Russell!" and were waving like crazy, and I'm pretty sure Russell saw us, because he suddenly ducked behind a Christmas tree! They were there for about fifteen seconds or so, then left. We were happy that MY IDOL ELLIOTT got to meet him and give him the hat. A little later, still during Collective Soul's set, Roy came back and said to us, "Elliott says hi!" That made us really happy! Roy told us how MY IDOL ELLIOTT met Elliott and got pictures taken with him, and that Star 101.3 also took photos of them. Star 101.3 has photos and video from last night up on their site, but I haven't checked it out yet. It turns out that Elliott WAS looking right at us, because he knew we were there.
Then Collective Soul was done and they began to set up for Elliott. We assumed that the Backstreet Boys were performing last, and it was nice to know that Elliott was considered the next biggest artist. It was so funny--a roadie came out and went to the mic and shortened it by quite a bit! We said, "It has to be Elliott next!" Then another roadie came out with a stack of towels and tons of water bottles, and we said, "OH, it HAS to be Elliott next!" :santarotfl: Then we watched them set up Russell's guitar, and Joonie's keyboard, and we were so excited just watching them set up!
Oh, I have to explain the crowd situation. There was about twenty feet or so from the stage to the first row of chairs on the floor. Right before everything began, all these people who were sitting in the chairs got up and rushed the stage. There were two big security guards who were trying to stop them, and they succeeded a little bit, but when the Backstreet Boys came out, they were having a really hard time keeping people back! Then one of the Backstreet Boys said, "Come up to the stage!" So who do you think the kids obeyed, the security guard or the Backstreet Boys? :santarotfl: Every time the Backstreet Boys came out, everyone rushed the stage. It was absolutely hilarious to watch these two security guards trying to hold back the people in front of them, while girls were just streaming right around the security guards! During the Vanessa Carlton and Collective Soul, many of them returned to their seats, but when they were setting up for Elliott, a huge number of people got out of their seats and filled the floor area. We were wondering if they were doing that for the Backstreet Boys or Elliott, but when Elliott came onstage, they were all about him, so that made us proud!
They had set up two mics in the front, and that made us wonder if Sway would be with him, and when they all walked out, Sway was the first person we saw. Elliott came out wearing the Santa hat, which we thought was such a nice touch. After a few songs, he took it off, and the girls next to the stage were reaching out, begging for him to give it to one of them. Elliott said, "No, this hat was given to me by my good friend Ty. Where is he?" We started screaming and waving our hands, even though Ty wasn't with us! It was just an instinctive reaction. It turns out that Elliott got MY IDOL ELLIOTT a great place to stand, front and center, for his set. I thought wearing the hat, giving the shout-out to Ty, and giving him a great view was so classy of Elliott. Just so very Elliott!
Elliott was amazing. He looked great, his voice sounded perfect. He looked well-rested and was smiling and kidding around with his band a lot. As always, he talked between songs, and he thanked Star 101.3 for "helping put me on the map," to which we grumbled to ourselves, "Well, why don't they play ONE WORD then?!" (Just a little frustration within our Bay Area Street Team lately!) He took a lot of time thanking everyone for coming out and giving toys, and how much it would mean for so many families this Christmas. He said that he and the band also gave toys, but he had to pry them away from Russell and Sway! As always, he dedicated Find A Way to the troops, and talked about how it was especially important to remember them at this time of year, when they would be separated from their families this Christmas.
The set was:
Find A Way
One Word
Free
Train Wreck
I'm In Love With You Forever
Movin On
Wait For You
I was SO impressed at how much he has improved within the last six months since I saw him! He made the songs even funkier than he did before, and it was so great to hear him do Free, because he didn't do that at Slim's, and I LOVE that song. Every time he sang the word "free," he would close his eyes and spread his arms out; it was so amazing. He truly was in top form the whole night. He looked so HAPPY. He was jazzing up the songs by his vocals. The songs were completely different because of his vocals alone. For several songs, he was doing this staccato thing where he was amost yelping out the words; I don't know how else to describe it, but it reminded me of old jazz singers. He didn't have drums, but he didn't need it because his voice provided the beat.
I must say, we did a lot of fangirl screaming! Between songs, Elliottisastar would count, "One, two, three..." then we would scream "ELLIOTT!!!" as loud as we could. The place was not that big, so I know he (and everyone else) heard us loud and clear! I must admit I was just gazing at Elliott with starry eyes and a smile on my face the entire time! :awe:
When Elliott introduced his band, each member got some applause and yelling, but he pointed to Aaron, and he didn't even introduce him yet, this group of girls at the front started that high-decibel screaming! It's like Aaron has his own little fangirl club! Elliott started laughing, and he paused to let the screaming die down, and introduced Aaron and the screaming started up again! You go Aaron!
Before the concert, we had tried to look for a back entrance to the building to see if we could find out where Elliott may be arriving, but we couldn't really find one. We didn't try to look for him afterwards--we were told that he had to catch a flight. I wasn't holding my breath about meeting him anyway. Millie, that's great that you ran into him!
So Elliott leaves the stage, and everyone is assuming that the Backstreet Boys would be performing next, but the Star 101.3 people came out and thanked everyone for coming! The Backstreet Boys did not come out with them. Then it became very clear that they were not performing. A lot of people were very disappointed. The advertisement should have been clearer; it said that the event was hosted by the Backstreet Boys, but that's all it said, so everyone assumed that they would be performing. It was so sad, after the lights came up and people began to leave, there were still a lot of girls by the front of the stage, craning their necks to try to see if they were going to come out, and generally looking like little lost puppies. We felt so bad for them. Someone said that they heard that people had flown in just to see the Backstreet Boys perform. What it DID mean, though, was that Elliott was considered the biggest artist, since he performed last, and that made us proud.
A lot of pictures were taken, mine just from my camera phone, but others had nice digital cameras with them, so be looking on the Concert Pictures thread for lots of great shots! I'll put up mine probably later today.
Judi and Monica, I was so glad to meet you both! I really enjoyed our brunch and our day together, and the chance to be silly fangirls!
Melanie and Diane, it was so nice to see you again!
Donna and Gary, I'm so glad you found us in line! It was so nice to meet you! Donna, tell Gary that he gave you a fantastic Christmas present! He was so great to come with you and put up with all of us!
Ty and Roy, it was so great talking with you both! Ty, I'm so glad you got to meet Elliott and have such a great experience, and Roy, I know I told you this already, but you really were such a trooper to come out and freeze and be at the concert and take pictures for us! I can't wait to see them!
It was nice to meet you Millie!
To everyone there:
:gimmeahug: :1word:
ETA: Here is the link to Star 101.3's pics. Click on View Gallery:
http://www.star1013fm.com/cc-common/galler...obalphotos.html
Here's the link for his interview. The sound quality is bad, but you can pretty much understand everything:
http://www.star1013fm.com/pages/TFT_SHOW/TFT_show.html
I CANNOT believe he was wearing his Dodger's hat! WHAT WAS HE THINKING???? He's in Giants territory! If anyone doesn't know, the Giants and the Dodgers have a serious rivalry that goes back over a hundred years! I'm so glad MY IDOL ELLIOTT gave him the Santa hat to wear!
nanassetta - December 17, 2007 06:03 PM (GMT)
Thanks for sharing Wee! Sounds like a great day! It's so much fun being with people that "talk our E language!" How was the concert?
JackieB - December 17, 2007 07:07 PM (GMT)
Ahh - what a great recap! I almost made a pop-in at this event but didn't want to say anything about trying to come until I knew if I could or not. I wish it would have worked out, but I'm glad to know you all had so much fun!
(Wee, I don't think you look old in your picture - not a bit!! You are beautiful!)
(Wee, I don't think you look old in your picture - not a bit!! You are beautiful!)
PoorMe - December 17, 2007 07:10 PM (GMT)
Thanks for the great recap, Wee! I'm so happy to hear that MY IDOL ELLIOTT got a chance to meet with Elliott!! YAY! And now we know where the Santa hat came from! Great idea, Ty!
wee_moggie - December 17, 2007 07:20 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (JackieB @ Dec 17 2007, 11:07 AM) |
| Ahh - what a great recap! I almost made a pop-in at this event but didn't want to say anything about trying to come until I knew if I could or not. I wish it would have worked out, but I'm glad to know you all had so much fun! (Wee, I don't think you look old in your picture - not a bit!! You are beautiful!) |
Awww, thanks Jackie!
It would have been so great if you had shown up! Next time, girl!
elliottcrazy - December 17, 2007 07:21 PM (GMT)
Oh sweetie..sounds like you had a fab time...well worth freezing your butt off for right??? :santarotfl:
gerryd - December 17, 2007 07:33 PM (GMT)
Excellent recap, Wee! It sounds like you had an excellent time and it sounds like Elliott was in fine form!
Ging - December 17, 2007 08:22 PM (GMT)
Wee...Thank You for the wonderful Recap...so happy that you all had a wonderful time ! So sorry I missed all of you and....Elliott !
alienhamster - December 17, 2007 08:25 PM (GMT)
Thanks for all the detail on the experience, wee! I always like hearing about the crowd and venue.
nanab - December 17, 2007 08:32 PM (GMT)
Thanks for the recap .... :1word:
It was wonderful seeing everyone again...
Elliott in Dodger blue...it's a beautiful thing...lol...
I loved it seeing how much fun he was having last night... :xmasetrain:
:hapiholidays: :grouphug:
It was wonderful seeing everyone again...
Elliott in Dodger blue...it's a beautiful thing...lol...
I loved it seeing how much fun he was having last night... :xmasetrain:
:hapiholidays: :grouphug:
Millie858 - December 17, 2007 08:40 PM (GMT)
It was great meeting everyone. Once E was done we left right away bc we were starving! Its so funny we went out near the backstage area. I was surprised but happy. Made my trip that much sweeter.
NJ4Elliott - December 17, 2007 08:44 PM (GMT)
Wow! Love the recap Wee. I'm glad Elliott got a good reception from the crowd and that you guys had a lot of fun. :)
Linda4Elliott - December 17, 2007 08:56 PM (GMT)
Thanks for the WONDERFUL recap :) I found the link to the backstage pictures earlier today, and I thought I recognized My Idol Elliott!!! So cool :) Sounds like it was a great day and a great concert. So nice to hear about etrain family getting together. Isn't that just the best?? :gimmeahug:
eta: You know, it just makes me cry at how thoughtful he is. He appreciates his fans. We are so lucky. :awe:
eta: You know, it just makes me cry at how thoughtful he is. He appreciates his fans. We are so lucky. :awe:
georgiafan1 - December 17, 2007 09:16 PM (GMT)
Great recap. I really love the details that you provided. Thanks.
I hope someone has the screams for Aaron on video. I would have loved to have seen his reaction. LOL.
I'm so happy that everything went so well at the concert and for all of you who got to attend the event.
:grouphug:
I hope someone has the screams for Aaron on video. I would have loved to have seen his reaction. LOL.
I'm so happy that everything went so well at the concert and for all of you who got to attend the event.
:grouphug:
wee_moggie - December 17, 2007 09:33 PM (GMT)
I forgot to add that while we were waiting in line, a group of Harleys drove by, and stopped at the street light by us. The group was led by Santa! Many people rushed up and took pictures, and he waved to everyone. Artymom got a really good pic!
Also, the Civic Center is really old. It was actually rather chilly in there until things got going. We were in the first row of the balcony, and there was no guard rail, and the wall only came up to your knees if you stood up. I was a little nervous because it would have been so easy to topple over! It's a beautiful building, though, and there was really no bad seat. It actually was not completely full, but you wouldn't know it by the screaming!
Also, the Civic Center is really old. It was actually rather chilly in there until things got going. We were in the first row of the balcony, and there was no guard rail, and the wall only came up to your knees if you stood up. I was a little nervous because it would have been so easy to topple over! It's a beautiful building, though, and there was really no bad seat. It actually was not completely full, but you wouldn't know it by the screaming!
chloewannabee - December 17, 2007 09:51 PM (GMT)
:elliottski: WooooooooooooooooHoooooooooo!!!!
What's a little frostbite among Elliott fans!!!~
OMG it sounds like you had such a great time. I think I love reading recaps like this, as much as being there!. Well almost as much! :santarotfl:
What's a little frostbite among Elliott fans!!!~
OMG it sounds like you had such a great time. I think I love reading recaps like this, as much as being there!. Well almost as much! :santarotfl:
nanab - December 17, 2007 09:57 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (chloewannabee @ Dec 17 2007, 02:51 PM) |
| :elliottski: WooooooooooooooooHoooooooooo!!!! What's a little frostbite among Elliott fans!!!~ OMG it sounds like you had such a great time. I think I love readinmg recaps like this, as much as being there!. Well almost as much! :santarotfl: |
We just have to find a concert next time around where we can "ALL" be together...
chloewannabee - December 17, 2007 09:57 PM (GMT)
:santarotfl: Just looked at the pix, and saw Ty. I recognized him by all the Elliott buttons he was wearing! :elliottski:
cfans - December 17, 2007 11:58 PM (GMT)
Wee, thanks for all of the details. I loved reading every word.
wee_moggie - December 18, 2007 02:38 AM (GMT)
I forgot to add, Elliott kept saying "San HO-say." "It's great to be here in San HO-say!" We found that rather funny. We locals say "San-o-ze." So when he changes the lyric in I'm In Love With You Forever, he sang, "One rainy night in San HO-say." I don't blame him; it just struck me as funny!
:santarotfl:
:santarotfl:
dgolden20 - December 18, 2007 02:49 AM (GMT)
Wee I totally agree with you about Free. When he sings that song, I swear I'm almost moved to tears. The song alone means the world to me but when I see him perform it and feel it soo much, geeze that feeling is hard to explain. I hope I get the chance to hear him sing that again. Amazing!
eyfinsf - December 18, 2007 03:14 AM (GMT)
Thanks for the wonderfully detailed recap, Wee! I couldn't add anything to it even if I tried! Reading it made me feel as if I was there...wait.....I WAS! :lol:
It was one fantastic day indeed! I still can't believe I got to see Elliott sing live, twice this year! His voice was perfection, what else can I say? The man just keeps getting better! I started losing my voice last night from all the fangirly yelling we were doing! :fangirly:
It was the first time I got to meet fellow Etrainers so the day was very special for me. I was so happy to meet everybody! :grouphug:
It was one fantastic day indeed! I still can't believe I got to see Elliott sing live, twice this year! His voice was perfection, what else can I say? The man just keeps getting better! I started losing my voice last night from all the fangirly yelling we were doing! :fangirly:
It was the first time I got to meet fellow Etrainers so the day was very special for me. I was so happy to meet everybody! :grouphug:
| QUOTE (wee_moggie @ Dec 17 2007, 10:43 AM) |
During the brunch I discovered what wonderful people artymom and eyfinsf are. We commented that it was so nice to be with people who speak your language (Elliott language)! We talked Elliott and Etrain, but we also talked about other subjects, and I grew to like them more and more. I felt like we three had really bonded by the end of our brunch. Judi and Monica, I was so glad to meet you both! I really enjoyed our brunch and our day together, and the chance to be silly fangirls! |
Awww...Wee, right back at ya! I so enjoyed our brunch, it was so...civilized! =) What a contrast from standing out in the cold w/ others around us literally eating on the street! LOL!
I shall forever remember you and artymom as my "first" Etrain family encounter. I hope we get the chance to hang out again during Elliott's next local show! :gimmeahug:
craxymonkey - December 18, 2007 03:57 AM (GMT)
yeeepp.. the concert was AWESOME, but the wait was lame.. and ohh
to monica, judy & karen, you guys are awesome, i know i didn't stop by to say hi, and now i regret it. but hey i stayed anonymous for quite awhile... but i guess i should just give myself up. i was the person in front of you guys... wearing a brown jacket with jeans, with my mom.. hahah! what a coincidence!! oh and sorry for eavesdropping on all your conversation, they were so interesting and hilarious!
to monica, judy & karen, you guys are awesome, i know i didn't stop by to say hi, and now i regret it. but hey i stayed anonymous for quite awhile... but i guess i should just give myself up. i was the person in front of you guys... wearing a brown jacket with jeans, with my mom.. hahah! what a coincidence!! oh and sorry for eavesdropping on all your conversation, they were so interesting and hilarious!
realitymom - December 18, 2007 04:38 AM (GMT)
What a wonderful recap! Wish I could have been there with ya'll, although I would have been thinkin how NICE it felt. Freezing at 50 degress? C'mon ya'll, that is sweatshirt weather!! :santarotfl: We eastcoasters don't freeze until the water does! :santarotfl: Ya'll look adorable in your outergear though, anything for E!
It is great the weatcoasters were able to have another reunion of their own, ya'll have been waiting a while!
I also pronounce it San HO say. Must be an eastcoast thing? So, ya'll pronounce it San O Zee? Wild. Learn sumthin new everyday at Etrain!! :)
It is great the weatcoasters were able to have another reunion of their own, ya'll have been waiting a while!
I also pronounce it San HO say. Must be an eastcoast thing? So, ya'll pronounce it San O Zee? Wild. Learn sumthin new everyday at Etrain!! :)
EmJay321 - December 18, 2007 04:48 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (realitymom @ Dec 17 2007, 08:38 PM) |
| What a wonderful recap! Wish I could have been there with ya'll, although I would have been thinkin how NICE it felt. Freezing at 50 degress? C'mon ya'll, that is sweatshirt weather!! :santarotfl: We eastcoasters don't freeze until the water does! :santarotfl: Ya'll look adorable in your outergear though, anything for E! It is great the weatcoasters were able to have another reunion of their own, ya'll have been waiting a while! I also pronounce it San HO say. Must be an eastcoast thing? So, ya'll pronounce it San O Zee? Wild. Learn sumthin new everyday at Etrain!! :) |
We would not survive on the east coast. :no:
The mini-reunion was fun. I hope we get to do it again soon.
Oh and it's always been "San-ho-zee" to me. lol, guess it's kinda like all-monds and ammonds...different to everyone.
wee_moggie - December 18, 2007 05:17 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (realitymom @ Dec 17 2007, 08:38 PM) |
| I also pronounce it San HO say. Must be an eastcoast thing? So, ya'll pronounce it San O Zee? Wild. Learn sumthin new everyday at Etrain!! :) |
More like San-o-zay, rather than San-o-zee. Just to clarify! :xmascheers:
I grew up in South San Jose, and that's all I ever knew!
artymom - December 18, 2007 07:48 AM (GMT)
Wonderful recap Wee!! I had one of the best times I've had in a long time...hmmm, since the LAST time I saw elliott. No kidding, you guys are all the BEST! Meeting you all was such a blast. I will try to upload my pix but don't hold your breath. My computer skills are seriously lacking.
I found it so touching and so "Elliott" that he wore the hat MyIdolElliott gave him. In my estimation, Elliott, MyIdolElliott and his brother Roy are three of the sweetest, nicest men I have ever met. When I saw the pix of the three of them on the Star 101.3 web site I went "Squeeee!!" And to you, MyIdolElliott, tell Roy I said "You are a good brother for driving you down here, braving the cold and the screams and all the Elliott talk." BTW, Elliott looked adorable in that hat!
And thank you again Wee for giving me a lift back to my car. I really appreciated that. Above and beyond the call of duty!
Craxxy Monkey, you should have introduced yourself! I'm sure I speak for everyone...we would have loved to meet you and your mom. Is your mom a believer yet?
I think I am finally thawed out and starting to come down from the high of seeing and hearing Elliott. What a day! (and night)
I found it so touching and so "Elliott" that he wore the hat MyIdolElliott gave him. In my estimation, Elliott, MyIdolElliott and his brother Roy are three of the sweetest, nicest men I have ever met. When I saw the pix of the three of them on the Star 101.3 web site I went "Squeeee!!" And to you, MyIdolElliott, tell Roy I said "You are a good brother for driving you down here, braving the cold and the screams and all the Elliott talk." BTW, Elliott looked adorable in that hat!
And thank you again Wee for giving me a lift back to my car. I really appreciated that. Above and beyond the call of duty!
Craxxy Monkey, you should have introduced yourself! I'm sure I speak for everyone...we would have loved to meet you and your mom. Is your mom a believer yet?
I think I am finally thawed out and starting to come down from the high of seeing and hearing Elliott. What a day! (and night)
sherwood - December 18, 2007 08:25 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (realitymom @ Dec 17 2007, 11:38 PM) |
| I also pronounce it San HO say. Must be an eastcoast thing? So, ya'll pronounce it San O Zee? Wild. Learn sumthin new everyday at Etrain!! :) |
A division of the company I work for is in San Jose, and we all pronounce it San HoZAY.
Rick1965 - December 18, 2007 01:04 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (wee_moggie @ Dec 18 2007, 12:17 AM) | ||
More like San-o-zay, rather than San-o-zee. Just to clarify! :xmascheers: I grew up in South San Jose, and that's all I ever knew! |
Funny...in New Joisey we say SAN JOE-ZAY!!
wee_moggie - December 18, 2007 05:53 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Rick1965 @ Dec 18 2007, 05:04 AM) | ||||
Funny...in New Joisey we say SAN JOE-ZAY!! |
Well, what do you expect? You can't even pronounce your own state correctly! ;)
eyfinsf - December 18, 2007 06:31 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (craxymonkey @ Dec 17 2007, 08:57 PM) |
| yeeepp.. the concert was AWESOME, but the wait was lame.. and ohh to monica, judy & karen, you guys are awesome, i know i didn't stop by to say hi, and now i regret it. but hey i stayed anonymous for quite awhile... but i guess i should just give myself up. i was the person in front of you guys... wearing a brown jacket with jeans, with my mom.. hahah! what a coincidence!! oh and sorry for eavesdropping on all your conversation, they were so interesting and hilarious! |
craxymonkey! Whaaaa?? You were IN FRONT of us? You are SLICK, girl! You better join us next time if you know what's good for you! hahahaha! Did you hear us asking where you were and if anybody knew what you looked like so we can try and find you in line? Too funny!!
eyfinsf - December 18, 2007 06:35 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Millie858 @ Dec 17 2007, 01:40 PM) |
| It was great meeting everyone. Once E was done we left right away bc we were starving! Its so funny we went out near the backstage area. I was surprised but happy. Made my trip that much sweeter. |
It was so nice to meet you too, Millie! So happy for you that you got to meet Elliott again. Hope you have a safe trip back to NY and can't wait to see your videos from the show!
craxymonkey - December 18, 2007 11:38 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (artymom @ Dec 17 2007, 11:48 PM) |
| Craxxy Monkey, you should have introduced yourself! I'm sure I speak for everyone...we would have loved to meet you and your mom. Is your mom a believer yet? |
yeah i was debating in my head whether or not to.. sorry for not saying hi even though i was right in front of you're face, ha! you seem like a friendly and nice person, and thanks for talking to me a bit. "Its frreeezzziinngg ooutt here" haha, love ya. is my mom a believer yet? um no, she calls him ELLIONN YUMMY & disses him
Elliottisastar - December 19, 2007 04:30 AM (GMT)
wee_moggie
What a fantastic review of the day!!!! I love all of your details!!! It was so great to meet you and hang out!! And you look like you're under 25 in person so you have to update that Avi photo when you meet up with Elliott again!!!
Thanks again for the great recap!!! :gimmeahug:
What a fantastic review of the day!!!! I love all of your details!!! It was so great to meet you and hang out!! And you look like you're under 25 in person so you have to update that Avi photo when you meet up with Elliott again!!!
Thanks again for the great recap!!! :gimmeahug:
craxymonkey - December 19, 2007 05:06 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (eyfinsf @ Dec 18 2007, 10:31 AM) | ||
craxymonkey! Whaaaa?? You were IN FRONT of us? You are SLICK, girl! You better join us next time if you know what's good for you! hahahaha! Did you hear us asking where you were and if anybody knew what you looked like so we can try and find you in line? Too funny!! |
hhahaha thanks? yes i did... i started smirking when i heard that HAHAHA... and thought to myself "HEY HEY THATS ME!! OVER HERE!!"
hopefully the next concert will be around the corner. then i can stalk you guys again, but wait you guys know what i kind of look like eh? aww man, i can't be unknown anymore, waaahhhh
Is it just me or does Elliott's set go by so frikking fast? first it was Find a Way then suddenly it was WFY.. I remembered during Collective Soul's I kept thinking "when will this ever end?!?!"
winnielliott - December 19, 2007 05:57 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (nanab @ Dec 17 2007, 04:57 PM) | ||
We just have to find a concert next time around where we can "ALL" be together... |
Hopefully somewhere close to tennessee and on a warm night!
artymom - December 19, 2007 08:01 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE |
| is my mom a believer yet? um no, she calls him ELLIONN YUMMY & disses him |
Hey craxymonkey, Maybe your mom is the "craxy" one!! :santarotfl: I can't imagine how anyone could still diss Elliott after hearing him. Even my daughter, who didn't like Elliott at first and thought WFY was "boring" now really likes his voice. I am giving every member of my family a "Sounds of the seasons" album whether they think they like him or not.
:xmascheers:
So that was YOU I was talking to. Oh you sly boots! ;)