Walk Journal ~ Finally

Finally! A truly beautiful day.  The thermometer in my car read 84 degrees ('way above average for this time of year) as I headed home from the tax filer's office. Having completed that odious chore for another year, I gave myself the gift of a couple of hours to get outside and walk some @CharityMiles for Nothing But Nets, a charity that provides bed nets to people living in Africa to protect against malaria-carrying mosquitos.  I braced my knee which seems to be keeping it aligned (as opposed to the crazy popping that's been happening a bit) and headed out and over the highway to the lake.  The 84 degrees felt absolutely like I was being wrapped in spring with a gentle breeze swirling all around.

It's April! The Last Part ~ Gavin DeGraw in Port Chester

I've decided that eggs are the older person's raman noodles.  I'm eating a lot of eggs this week, having had the wonderful opportunity to see Gavin DeGraw three times in five days.  It's a good thing I know about a hundred things to do with eggs since there are more concerts in my future.  How does that lyric go?  

Baby get used to that hole in your pocket

That's the price of love.

You know, a girl's gotta do ....

Last Wednesday:  Starland Ballroom, Sayreville
Last Friday:  House of Blues, Atlantic City

So, if this is Monday, I must be in Port Chester.

The Make A Move Tour was announced before Christmas I think (maybe not ... that's what happens when you get old ... the memory is the first thing to go).  In any case, I'd had my April tickets for months.  We  tweeted often "Is it March yet?" "Is it April yet?" "Is it May yet?" all winter long, depending on where we lived and when we were seeing Gavin in concert. Well, it's April now and I've had three experiences.  And I want to turn back the clock.

I'd barely recovered from the HOB concert when Monday rolled around.  My New York concert buddy, @SheeZAmaZing called me just after lunch to let me know that she would be able to use one of my extra tickets (long story there--but I'm glad I had them).  I was thrilled she'd be able to join me and hurried to get ready.  Sheeza lives in Manhattan so I was in for another mini road trip. 

I reached her place by about 4:00 or so and we headed out of the City for Port Chester, slightly north of Rye, NY.  The traffic was impossible and I got a little panicky at one point thinking we'd be stuck in New York all night.  It didn't help that I'd gone the wrong way over the Triboro  Bridge.  But eventually we arrived.  It was about 6:45 when we approached the Capitol Theatre and we had no expectations of front row.  And yet, front row, albeit far left, is where we found ourselves.  Because as the song says,

I want to be where you are

And I'm willing to get there.

The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester is a beautiful place.  Built in 1926, it has a story similar to many grand old spaces.  A one-time movie palace that fell on hard times after the big Hollywood studio productions had run their course, it was reinvented as a music venue in the 70's but eventually closed down for many years.  After changing hands several times, it's now been reopened for mostly music performances and it's stunning with gorgeous plasterwork and the most innovative light show on the side walls and domed ceiling.  It was dramatic.

I'd long ago decided on a second meet and greet opportunity tonight (one of the reasons I had extra tickets).  So after Rozzie Crane's opening set, I went back to the merch table to get in line.  We waited a long time but as usual, I met a new fan friend from Long Island.  I also ran into Delores and her sister Joyce again (they'd been at HOB, Atlantic City too).  And standing in line I recognized Deanna.  By then Parachute was on stage and it was really hard to chat but we managed to get a few words in.  I'd left the CD I wanted Gavin to sign in the car when we rushed to the venue.  So when we finally got downstairs ('way below the stage in the catacombs of the theater), I thought I would dispense with the autograph and just talk an extra second or two. At the last minute, however, I had him sign my ticket and I asked him to use my Twitter name:  @GSKath.  I told him how grateful I am that he and his music have brought so many new, interesting and special people into my life, that it was one of his greatest gifts ... bringing people together.  Finally, I managed to say something that was on my heart.  Because,

I just want to thank you baby

I just want to thank you.

I didn't get lost coming out of the bowels of the theater by myself (although at the time, it was actually a real concern).  I found my way back to the front row and it wasn't too long before the familiar darkness and smokey fog enveloped the audience and the music that "excites my every cell" flowed all around.  It was the third show in five days.  I knew exactly what to expect.  I closed my eyes and let myself be swept away.  For some reason I can't get enough of this music that seems to provide me with an energy that comes from nothing else I know.

The crowd was enthusiastically receptive.  There were only a few screaming teens and, near me, only one who sang loudly out of both tune and rhythm.  I watched Gavin use the whole stage as he always does, entertaining us with stories (well known to a lot of us by now), that trademark charm and moves that are uniquely his own. 

Song after song until the set list was complete.  Then, the now trademark selfie for this show and he disappeared from the stage.  I went off to complete my shopping list for fan friends at the merch table and SheeZaMazing stayed near the stage ... just in case.  Gavin did not come back out this time but she was rewarded anyway with one of the set lists.


I don't eat much before a show and I'm always famished afterward.  We found a nearby diner and I ordered, what else ... eggs benedict.  And lots of coffee.  Okay--not real coffee; I only drink decaf.  It wakes me up anyway.  We chatted, tweeted, read tweets ... I appreciate those who give us glimpses of their concerts when it's their turn.  I like to see what others are feeling who've just had the same experience as I.  

Back on the road we make it back to Manhattan in far less time than it took to get out.  I imagine the band getting on the bus and leaving for Toronto and the happiness in store for all my Canadian fan friends in a couple of days.  @SheeZAmaZing and I promise to make plans for another adventure soon now that the weather is on our side again.  And I point my little red car ... (hmmm ... my red carpet ride) in the direction of home.  Five days, three shows with three road trips and I can't help but think that  

A red carpet ride

can take your mind away from anything.

It did but this lovely red carpet ride is coming to a close.  For now.

It's April! Part II ~ Gavin DeGraw at House of Blues, Atlantic City

Sometimes I wonder about this concert writing ... after all, I've been to a lot of Gavin DeGraw concerts now.  What is there left for me to write about?  But every experience has been unique:  new people to meet or friends I'm meeting up with again, something new to discover in the music, a unique highlight that becomes the theme of that concert diary's entry.  Sometimes it's a cool venue.  Sometimes it's just an idea or feeling that comes during the waves of happiness that swirl about me while this man is singing.

Last Friday's show at the House of Blues in the Showboat Casino, Atlantic City had a couple of unique and memorable aspects. First of all, my mom came along for the ride!  I was going for the music and my mom had a good time checking out the hotel and casino.  It was also finally time to deliver drummer Ian O'Neill's birthday present from some of his fans.

If you're a fan of Gavin DeGraw and connected on Twitter, you probably know @GDGBirthday.  This twitter account is managed by a couple of dedicated, creative fans who help others of us celebrate and appreciate Gavin and the members of his band around the time of their birthdays.  They've organized us--this rather random, loosely gathered group of fans in the Twittersphere--to make a sizable donation to the Wounded Warrior Project for Gavin's birthday back in February.  This is a well-known veteran's charity that we know he supports.  For guitar master Billy Norris's birthday last fall we raised money to donate a selection of                      learner's guitars to the music school that was instrumental in the foundations of his music education in Tampa.  It was drummer Ian O'Neill's birthday last month while the band was out of the country.  This was the first opportunity for someone to "make contact."  I was sent the gift that @GDGBirthday had had specially made: a drumhead with thirty words we'd sent to celebrate Ian's many talents and engaging personality.  There were cards for him as well as belated cards for Gavin and his bass player, James Cruz who also recently had a birthday.  Putting the GS in @GSKath, I tucked lots of Girl Scout cookies into the packages.

After checking in, my Mom and I went in search of lunch.  Immediately we ran into Phyllis whom I'd met a while ago on Twitter and in person finally on Wednesday. The three of us walked over to the House of Blues restaurant which wasn't busy.  The hostess seated us immediately--at a table just across from Gavin and his tour manager, Chris Freeman.  Phyllis and I were so happy to see them and I was thrilled that my mom would get a glimpse of this guy who has a special place in my heart.  We didn't bother them--that's not how we roll.  I had a "meet and greet" later anyway so there would be time to have a little conversation then.  Phyllis managed a "hi Gavin" as they left the restaurant and he said hi back.  Then I think I started breathing again.  No kidding.

After lunch we parted ways, mom to enjoy the casino floor a little and Phyllis and I to get in line.  It was about 3 PM again.  Up to the House of Blues venue we went.  This sign was out front.  The instructions said we could line up an hour before the show.  Nice try HOB.  Security was there putting up rope lines so we chatted and found out that if you ate in the restaurant you were entitled to "skip the line" cards.  These entitled you to get in a line that "got in" first.  I dashed back to the restaurant to pick up cards and we were the first ones in the skip the line line.  Front row insurance.  This was a pleasant long wait--it was inside; there was a ladies' room right there; the security guys were friendly and helpful.  Once again the time went by much faster than you'd suppose given that we were standing there for four hours.  Courtney arrived and then we were eventually joined by fan friends from Virginia, Maryland and Massachusetts.  Because that is how we roll--friendships formed through a common appreciation of this talented guy, his band and the music that brings us together whether in person or in cyber communities.

Boston, Virginia, NJ, Baltimore, PA, NJ 

Eventually the doors opened and we walked quickly to the front of the stage, arranging ourselves squarely in the center.  It would be an hour before the concert started and Courtney and I needed to plot the logistics of leaving our prime location for our meet and greet appointment.  With so many of us there to spread out and occupy our space, we were pretty confident we'd make it back.  This crowd was different as you needed to be over 21 or with your parents to be in the room.  There was no pushing.  There was, however, a lot of drinking.  And that made for some interesting moments as the night went on.

Before we knew it Rozzie Crane took the stage again.  She didn't impress me any more than she had the first night.  The only song that made any impression on me is one she wrote called "Crazy Ass Bitch" but I wasn't so "crazy" about it that I'd go out and buy it.  After Rozzie's set Courtney and I pushed through the crowd to report to the meet and greet location at the "merch" table.  We received the stuff that comes with the purchase of the meet and greet (poster, tote bag, laminate, tee shirt)--stuff that I usually don't want.  I just appreciate the opportunity to speak with him.  There were a lot of people--more than at my encounter last summer.  In the room that we found ourselves in, Gavin's "people" were ushering the line through very quickly.  I spotted Chris, the tour manger and I finally was able to give the bag of gifts to someone I knew would deliver it.  I finally started to relax a little.  Courtney and I were towards the end of the line.  I tried to compose myself and remember what I want to say.  Of course, I really have little idea of what I said.  I think we talked about the east coast tour dates.  Not at all what I had in mind.  Time was very tight.  He signed my copy of Free (the third album) and Chris took our picture.  He was warm and lovely as always.    Courtney had a photograph signed, her picture taken and then we gamely made our way back to the front row.

We'd missed most of Parachute's set.  As we settled back into our spots, we noted that a couple of people behind us were significantly more drunk.  Fortunately, they were more funny than obnoxious.  Jarrod, the husband of a fan (men on their own are in the minority at Gavin's shows--but they become fans through their girlfriends and spouses), was really drunk but quite entertaining.  The solo woman directly behind us--well she was a different story.  Suffice to say, our encounters with her were 'way too close.

Soon we had that first thrill of lowered lights, smoke and the shadowy figures of Billy, Ian, James and David finding their spots.  The opening chords of Make a Move announced that Gavin was taking the stage and our exciting ride, so familiar and yet so distinct to this evening, began.  Courtney, Phyllis and I had seen the show a couple of days earlier but Jenna, Nicole and Kris were seeing this new show for the first time.  It's relentless, in the best possible way.  Hard driving, sexy and highly energetic most of the time with quiet moments interjected so we can catch our breath with the plaintive beauty of songs like We Belong Together and Follow Through.  The set that Gavin and Billy have put together is like a feast.  It's carefully paced so we (and they) can enjoy each course on it's own but strung altogether they make up a whole experience that is greater than the parts.

We are all singing and trying to slow down time--wishing the night would never end.  The set covers so many favorite tunes--Gavin DeGraw standards like Chariot and Soldier--and very nearly every song from the current record.  As always, we are also captivated by his band.  Billy's brilliant solo in Every Little Bit makes my pulse race and I could listen to him play longer every time.  Gavin covers the stage from corner to corner, interacting with both the audience and his band in a seamless performance.  As usual, I'm transfixed.

When I let it, my mind wanders a little.  I wondered if Ian had received his gift and if he liked it and realized how appreciated and admired he is.  His performance, too, was wonderful.  When you've been to as many shows as I have, you begin to recognize the unique characteristics of each of the guys.  Ian is focused and driven.  Billy is equally intense, controlled and completely synced up with each person on the stage.  I don't mean musically ... they are consummate musicians so that's a given.  I mean I can sense the music director in him keying in on the vibe in the room and communicating with the other band members.  James has a steadiness and a deliberate, dependable quality that I imagine is essential in a bass player.  David, the "new guy," fits in well.  He appears laid back behind his fenced in bunker of keyboards.  But I've no doubt he's every bit as compulsively meticulous as the others.  Simply stated, when it comes to the band ... the word perfect gets tossed about a lot.

All too soon the first closing number "I Don't Want to Be" is being played.  I'm sure I'm not the only one who realizes this means the end is near.  It's too upbeat of a song to allow me to give in to my feelings of sadness that the end is in sight and so I ignore the ache and sing.  Lights are lowered and the stage is emptied but just for a minute.  Crew members reset a few mics and instruments and set the smoke and fog to rolling again.  Before we know it, the Billy, Ian, James and David take their places again and our Leading Man appears to give us "Leading Man."  Then Not Over You signals that this amazing experience is nearly over.  I do have trouble concentrating on his biggest hit because I'm acutely aware when the song is over, this concert is over.  As always, Gavin encourages us to sing the chorus after the bridge to him and we do.  This crowd, with fewer young people, manages to sing it pretty well.  After the song, Gavin thanks his band and performs some distinctly Gavin-like dance moves (nothing that you saw on Dancing With the Stars) and then he is gone.

We linger a bit, hoping that he'll come out and chat for a while.  And shortly, he does.  There are a lot of people on the right side of the stage and he signs autographs and speaks with them all.  We're patient but suddenly the schedule kicks in and Chris whisks him away.  However, I've had the answer to my wonderings. Ian opened the gift and sent his fans a message.  His Instagram thank you note was a thrill for me to read and I saw the drumhead get tucked by a crew member into the box that holds his "drum stuff."  Delivering Ian's gift was a highlight of this show for me.  These guys put so much positive energy into our world that it was a pleasure to be a part of letting this one in particular know how much he is loved.

Strolling around the casino, we actually had a hard time finding a place to have a drink and relive the evening, but eventually we do.  We see Chris and have a short conversation with him.  He's as charming and personable as everyone associated with Gavin.  He has surrounded himself with people who are much like him ... fun-loving, professional, caring and approachable.  Courtney has to drive home but Phyllis and I are staying over.  We grab some dinner at the only restaurant still open and I suppose it was about 3 AM when we finally turned in.  Twelve hours of magic.

The next morning my mom could tell I'd had an amazing night.  You'd think I was twelve as I enthusiastically fill her in on my latest concert adventure.  She seems genuinely happy that "Operation Birthday Gift" has gone so well.  We found a place for breakfast, visit the casino floor for a very few minutes and then head for home.  I don't like to impose my musical tastes on her but shortly after we head out, mom says she can't hear the music.  I'd had it playing very softly.  I respond I didn't want to make her listen to it if it wasn't her cup of tea.  She told me that it was okay--she liked it.  And that made me happier than anything could have.  

#Imseriously

It's April! Part I ~ Gavin DeGraw in Sayreville

It's finally April and Gavin DeGraw has made his way to the East Coast after playing elsewhere in the U.S. and all over Europe since February.  I can feel my nerves tingling and my heart beating faster as I make the short drive down to the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville in Central New Jersey.  I've taken a half day off from work in order to get in the line for this general admission show early. Early today means 3 PM for an 8 PM show.  That's what we do...

As always I've met some fun people--all younger than I--in line.  Most are seeing him for the first time tonight.  We compared thoughts and "favorites" for a while--there were only about 6 or so of us there for quite a while.  My concert buddy, Courtney, arrived and joined me on line. Suddenly Gavin was spotted near the buses.  My new young friends dashed around the corner of the venue while I held their places in line.  They'd never met him and I have a few times.  They returned, all smiles, thrilled with the new pictures on their phones.  Courtney and I started around the corner but he was on his way back to the bus while explaining that there was an interview waiting (you can read it here).

So we settled into the line and the wait.  Three hours to go before the doors would open. Kelly was dropped off and then Phyllis arrived, more fan friends. As usual, I marvel to myself that I've connected with so many wonderful people through this man's music.  It's a richness that I appreciate as much as any other aspect of this new concert-going addiction I have.  Amazingly, this time before a show always seems to pass by quickly--at least it does for me.  Shortly before 7 venue personnel came out to wristband us and check ID's. There was another line of folks on the opposite side of the entrance who'd paid a premium price for parking in advance.  They were the first to enter the venue.  So, despite having waited 4 hours in the April chill and being the 3rd, 4th and 5th people in line, we were not in the coveted front row.  Not only that, the room had a lot of young people who were very pushy (shades of the Paramount, back in December).  It was uncomfortable.

Another hour went by and finally the opening act appeared on the darkened stage.  Her powerful voice cut through the darkness; the lights sparked on and a young lady with a bit of a band stood singing on the stage.  Rozzie Crane is the first singer signed to Adam Levine's new record label.  She sang well but she reminded me of someone else ... I've yet to figure out who that is.  I can't say that I'm sure she's the next best thing despite having Adam Levine behind her.  I find it really hard to judge singers who are just starting out unless they are very unique and special.  Rozzie sang 5 songs to warm up the room.

The second opening act, Parachute, had a lot of fans in the crowd.  They have two or three albums and EPs out so they've had some exposure.  I'd downloaded their latest album, Overnight, and listened a handful of times.  It's a good record.  One member of the band plays saxophone and I always love when the instrumentation includes more than the basic four.  They were high energy and included a cover of Bruce's Dancing in the Dark which is always a dependable way to impress a New Jersey audience. There were 7 songs on their set list.

An odd thing about this tour is that if you are a holder of VIP tickets to meet Gavin, you miss the Parachute set (or most of it) while waiting to chat with Gavin.  You also lose whatever space you had claimed in the crowd because the moment you leave your spot, people fill in from behind.  It seems rather unfair that the people who've paid nearly triple the price of the general admission ticket miss hearing one of the bands and are relegated to the back of the room once they've met Gavin.  When you're paying that much, you should be allowed to be close to the stage.  Phyllis had a meet and greet ticket so we did not see her again until after the show.  I was worried about this arrangement as I had VIP tickets for two more shows on this tour.

No time to stress though--all right that's not quite true.  I was slightly stressed over all the talking, loud singing and pushing that was happening all around me.  But all anxiety vanishes when first his band and then Gavin take the stage.  He's as generous a performer as ever--giving everything he has and leaving nothing behind.

David & Billy backing up Gavin.

Talking about Billy Joel

I love the set list for this show. From the opening title track of the current album, Make a Move through the older hits and other songs from this record, I'm spellbound, hearing them live.  Every song he's singing this time out, I count as a favorite (except for Rumor Has It by Adele, that is; I don't care for that song very much.  He does, however, sing it incredibly well.)  There are some very special moments like his bringing back some older songs (We Belong Together and More Than Anyone) and his talking about his childhood idol, Billy Joel, and then singing Always A Woman.  Rumor Has It is paired with his new song Every Little Bit which has a similar driving beat and sexy vibe.  Always A Woman is paired with the gorgeous and equally sentimental I Want to Be Where You Are.  Both are perfect pairings like a fine wine with the perfect entree.  It occurs to me as I write this that this is an apt comparison given that Billy Norris, Gavin's musical director, is a wine aficionado as well as a stellar musician.

The audience was singing along to everything.  I was surprised that the youngest ones in the room knew songs from the first album.  They were probably only 5 years old when it came out.  Their chanting and pushing continued all night and I wondered what the point of security was if not to curtail this rudeness.  But mostly my mind never strayed from the stage.  Gavin seems to enjoy it (I imagine all songwriters do) when the audience sings to him.  It must be amazingly gratifying to hear your artistic endeavors being given back to you by a thousand people.  He's always so appreciative of this.

James Cruz on bass.

The night passes by far too quickly. I'm excited to hear Finest Hour live for the first time.  Since I'm on the older end of his demographic, I have lots of "finest hours" committed in memories.  I don't know what others are thinking when they hear it, but I see a lot of my youth flashing before my eyes and I feel pretty nostalgic for spontaneous adventures which rarely happen these days.   He closes with his huge hit I Don't Want to Be.

Ian O'Neill

The first encore was Leading Man.  I would love to sit down for five minutes with him and ask him the true meaning behind a few of these lyrics and where they came from.  Or perhaps, it's more fun to weave my own interpretation through his words.  Either way it's an outrageously good song and his performance is spectacular.  He closes, as always, with Not Over You.  I'm always slightly sad when I hear the beginning chords of NOY.  It means this bliss I've been experiencing is coming to a close.

But I'm lucky.  There are two more shows within a 5-day period for me.  So as sad as I am for this evening to end, I'm already looking forward to Friday and Monday.  Courtney and Phyllis and I will meet again in Atlantic City.  Kelly and I have a show together later on in May.  I drop Kelly at her place and head north for home.  The concert high keeps me awake past 3 and I arrive at work the next day having had about 2 hours' sleep.  But the energy I absorb at a Gavin DeGraw concert always fuels me for days. 

Who needs sleep?

~~~~~

Experience Leading Man the way I did.  This is where I was also standing.  Thanks for sharing this video MedicoMG!