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

Concert Diaries Chapter 20: Paramount 2013 (a Let's December It post)

Everything will change ...

After yesterday's adventure in the snow, I think Brenda and I were ready for anything.  We set off for Long Island around 11:00 but first had to make an all-important stop for me:  Best Buy.  Fangirl had to replace her camera before the evening.  iPhone pictures just don't cut it.

The roads were pretty good by the time we hit the highway.  Some slush on the road causing a filthy spray on the windshield was the worst we had to contend with.  We made good time and arrived in Huntington (central Long Island) around 1:30.  Plenty of time--"doors" wouldn't open until 7:00.  For this General Admission show, it was essential to be in the front of the line to assure that front row position.  We collected our tickets at the Will Call window and set off in search of food.

We found Portofino's, an Italian restaurant across the street from The Paramount that had been highly recommended and settled in for a leisurely lunch.  Just as we were enjoying dessert though, we saw a couple of people begin to line up.  It was only 3:00.  There was nothing else to do but get in line as well.  We met up with Courtney out on the street and together we joined the handful of people who comprised the front of the line. The long wait began.  It was below freezing but I was more prepared this year than last year even while still choosing a little black dress over jeans.

The time passed quickly with friends meeting us in line and chatting with other fans sharing the frigid yet friendly experience.  There's always a lot to talk about ... concerts we've been to, concerts lined up in the future, how we all became fans, favorite songs and more personal chat too.  Every meeting like this results in at least one person pointing out how many friendships have been formed because of this man and his music.

Someone from the venue came out to check ID's and give us wristbands.  I'm always amused at having my ID checked.   After all I've been legal to drink in NJ/NY since, well, forever.  The drinking age was 18 back then.  The guy really read it too.  I guess he could do the math since I got a bracelet.

Doors opened not long after that and the sprint for the front row began.  I lingered to make sure my new young friends knew how this venue worked:  stairs to the right and left, up and through the doors, run to the front.  They wound up stage left in front of the bass and drums.  Brenda, Courtney and I were smack in the center in front of the piano.  There was no railing between us and the stage this year. There often is--it makes an aisle for security, professional photographers and the artists should they choose to mingle a little.  This year we were pressed right up against the stage.  Pressed is the operative word--the room filled quickly and we couldn't have moved anywhere even if we'd wanted to.

The first opener was a pleasant young man named Jeff LeBlanc, rather young to be called a "former teacher" but he'd left teaching to pursue a music career.  He had a nice voice and was very appealing.  I'd like to hear him in a bar setting.  It was a little hard to hear him there as so many weren't paying attention to the opening acts.  I always feel sorry for the openers.  I know they understand they're paying their dues and probably even expect people to not pay complete attention but it must be hard when you have a lot riding on your performance.

The second opening act was Austin Lucas, a country singer who'd flown in in the wee hours of the morning from Chicago.  I found him somewhat hard to understand despite his standing right in front of me, literally.  I think he, also, would have benefitted from a smaller venue.

The crew stepped on stage to position the microphones, tune the guitars, place the piano in the exact right spot, sound check the drums.  When the band appears and the music swells, there is that reaction, a roaring that builds and exquisite anticipation that seems to go on for minutes when in reality, it's a matter of seconds.  We were in the perfect place.

This was my 15th Gavin DeGraw concert in 18 months.  I've seen him in bigger venues and smaller ones like The Paramount tonight.  Something felt different to me.  For one thing, there seemed to be a lot more clusters of really young fans--the kind who scream (picture a Justin Bieber concert).  Several of us caught Gavin exchanging looks with his guitar player.  The looks seemed to say "Wow.  This is insane." or "Whoa.  This is a little different."  There was really phenomenal energy in the room and he and the band seemed to take it in and turn it back out to us tenfold.

Since he didn't headline a tour this summer, this was the longest concert of the year for many of us.  Lots of older material and several from the new album, Make a Move, satisfied new and old fans.  I was a little surprised that the screaming group of girls (okay--I need to say it: they were by far the rudest people I've ever encountered at a concert) knew his older material as well as the new songs.  It was their only redeeming quality.  I was happy to hear Crush again--it's one of my favorites off the first album.  I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearing In Love With a Girl, also from the first album.  Radiation, Sweeter, Run Every Time from the last album are some of my all-time favorites.  He sang Soldier which seems to continue to mean a great deal to him--with good reason.  The lyrics are pretty powerful.  Make A Move and, particularly, Everything Will Change from the new album have my heart.  Especially Everything Will Change--it describes the last 20 months of my life to perfection.  The first time I heard it (at Mixfest in September) I felt as though he'd written it for me.  "Take those boots off the shelf, Wipe that dust off yourself, Even if you've been through hell, you're back." I didn't exactly go through hell after my divorce (thanks to my family) but there were some hellacious days and I definitely had been living on a shelf ... for a lot of years.

This being a December concert, we were given a Christmas song.  I think he does one each year.  Last year it was Oh Holy Night.  This year he's been doing White Christmas.  He sat on a stool within arm's reach (check out the video that Brenda caught) and gave us his special rendition.

After White Christmas, the night became truly magical.  Gavin walked to the edge of stage right and got down low.  He was talking to a child in the crowd and we could hear bits of muffled conversation between them.  He asked him how long he'd been playing the piano and we could hear him say since he was a baby.  Gavin invited him on stage and disappeared behind the scrim to meet him.  When he was led onto the stage, it became apparent that this young man, Anthony, was visually impaired.  I've since read some posts that say he's also autistic.  I can't confirm what his disabilities are and truly, that's unimportant as I can confirm that he's a gifted and talented young person who stole all our hearts that night.  Gavin got him seated at the piano and he immediately captivated us with a classical piece.  No one was expecting a little prodigy!  Then he mashed it into That's Amore!  The looks on the faces of Gavin and the band were priceless.  Anthony then blew Gavin away with the opening chords of his huge hit, Not Over You.  Within seconds the entire room was singing with him.  To say it was a special moment would be an understatement.  I think on Twitter I said "Some kind of wonderfulness is happening right now at the @GavinDeGraw show at @TheParamountNY."  And it was some kind of wonderfulness.  Anthony took a bow with Gavin and then rejoined his folks.  It felt like a Christmas present--a lovely surprise that no one was expecting that made the already awesome night extra special. Since that night, I've had some interactions with Anthony's parents on Twitter and it's clear that this is an amazing family with a treasure in their midst.

And this is one of the reasons why this man is firmly lodged in the hearts of so very many of us.

Back to the set list, Gavin did his pre-Follow Through banter with the characteristic acting.  I've seen this so many times that I'm amazed I still find it amusing.  But I do.  It's part of his charm.  His heartfelt, Who's Going to Save Us blew me away again.  When it came to his closing trademark song, I Don't Want to Be, followed by the encore, Not Over You, I wished, as always, that he'd not stop there.  There are so many songs I'd love to hear him do live.  Songs from Free like Mountains to Move and Glass and I'd give anything to be in the room if he ever brings back Let It Go. In other words, I didn't want the night to end.  But you know what they say about all good things ...

We lingered for as long as we could.  I think everyone was hoping Gavin would come out and say hello.  He did last year.  But that was not to be.  I'm okay with that--I never expect those things to happen so I'm always surprised and grateful when they do.  There was no Cinderella party for us this year either.  Last year, we were lucky to attend the after party where Gavin and the band were on hand to talk to folks.  I call it the Cinderella party because that's how I felt that night, hanging out until the wee hours of the morning with my friends and chatting with his band all night.  Tonight Brenda and Courtney and I walked just a couple of doors down and had a drink at a pub (where Billy Joel used to hang out when he lived--for 20 years--in Huntington) with a bartender who told us some fun stories.

Courtney, from Pennsylvania, was staying over but Brenda and I had an hour and a half drive ahead of us so all too soon we said goodbye and got back on the road.  Two days, three states; two shows, unlimited happiness.

We talked on the way home about how different that show had felt to us.  I selfishly worried aloud if everything had changed--if the resurgence of success that appears to be coming would change things for our little fandom.  Terrible thoughts--I'm excited for his success and wish for bigger and better things to come his way.  But I'll miss the respectful crowds and the more intimate settings.  Tonight's pushing and screaming bothered me.  I wondered if I can stand in line longer than 4 hours if it comes to that.  We'll see.  One thing hasn't changed ... will never change:  the joy and energy that flows through me for days following a live Gavin DeGraw performance.  It's like a drug that went straight to the vein.*

*Make A Move

~~~~~

Brenda's video of Gavin and Anthony.  In the last couple of days since the concert, we've talked about this moment quite a lot on social media.  What a joy and privilege it was to be a part of it.

I love this picture of Billy.

Concert Diaries Chapter 19: Winter Wonderland (a Let's December It post)

My friend Brenda is here from Colorado and we have tickets to not one, but two Gavin DeGraw concerts.  Saturday night in Wallingford, Connecticut and Sunday night, out on Long Island.  Saturday's show also features Plain White T's, Sara Bareilles, Avril Lavigne, and The Backstreet Boys.  As it turned out, it also featured a huge snow storm.

The storm had been predicted.  All week.  The original plan was to drive to Connecticut and back and then to Long Island the next day.  As the storm predictions grew worse and worse I contemplated getting a room near Wallingford.  The morning of the show, I booked it.  The weather folks had me sufficiently scared.

We set off for the Oakdale Theater in Wallingford earlier than planned because we hoped to arrive before the worst of it.  And basically we did.  Except for the last 10 miles or so when it started to really come down totally obscuring the exit ramp, resulting in my missing it.  Thank goodness for GPS.  We checked in at the hotel but didn't stop there very long.  Even though we had seats for the performance, who knew how long it would take to get to the venue.  Under normal conditions we were about 15 minutes away.  In ice and snow?

Jarlsburg on my lap.

Big decisions needed to be made.  Stop for food or not?  We hadn't even had lunch.  We had, however, packed a nice Cabernet Sauvignon, Prosecco, a variety of cheese and crackers.  We decided that would do.  We arrived in the parking lot at 4:30.  Doors were not to open until 6:30.  And thus our first blizzard tailgate happy hour was born.  Gavin fans are good at waiting.  We arrive early; we stay late.  We have our fellow fans for company and no end to the great conversations.  Time passed quickly.  (And we highly recommend the Smoking Loon Cab.)

Tim Lopez of the Plain White T's

So our seats weren't the greatest.  We stayed put for Plain White T's who were really good.  I enjoyed the folky vibe to their music and the tight harmonies.  Hey There Delilah is such a pretty song but their new single, The Giving Tree (sort of based on the book) was really heartfelt.  I could never read that book to my kids without crying and the song gave me the same feeling.

Put up your hands and surrender to me (Make A Move)

Gavin was next.  As the lights went down, we moved to the front of our section.  The storm had kept a lot of people away so we improved our sight lines slightly in the vacant seats.  The sets are on the short side when there are so many acts taking the stage.  Only seven songs but he spent three of them in the audience, one of them very close to where we were.  He sang old standard favorites (In Love With a Girl, Chariot, I Don't Want to Be, Not Over You) and a couple of songs from the new album (Make a Move and Best I Ever Had).  I think I'd have been somewhat disappointed in the brevity of the set list had I not known the best was to come the following night during a solo concert.

During Gavin's set the unthinkable happened:  fangirl dropped her camera.  Yes, I broke the lens on my new camera.  I was leaning over the railing where I'd set it down and knocked it over the edge.  It was a stupid preventable accident and I was more than annoyed with myself.  This is the last picture I took that night.  We were too far away for good iPhone photos.  (That's one above.)

When Gavin goes into the audience at a seated show, he stands on seats or the arms of the seats.  He'll walk across them while singing and when he finds just the right spot, well, some people get really lucky.  We were those people in Yonkers.  Watching him sing while balancing on the arms of the chairs while people are clutching at him made me a nervous wreck Saturday night.

Avril Lavigne was up next.  I confess I am not familiar with her and wasn't sufficiently interested to look her up or give her a listen.  She was loud and I suppose she was good but I'm the furthest thing from an expert in rock music.  I thought all the songs sounded rather alike.

Next to last was Sara Bareilles.  I think after Gavin DeGraw, she might be my favorite singer.  She and Michael Franti.  She, also, played older favorites and numbers from her new album.  I was thrilled that she sang Manhattan.  It's probably my favorite song of any she's recorded.  She sings it so ethereally and it conveys a truthfulness about life after a relationship has ended that I think everyone could relate to.  I was hoping she'd sing her beautiful Christmas song too (Love Is Christmas) but sadly, for me, she did not.  She did sing December though; it's a beautiful song too.

Last up were the Backstreet Boys.  I know I'm going to take some heat for this but I just don't see the big deal.  The radio folks spent every introduction of every other artist emphasizing BSB and I thought that was kind of rude.  These other artists never took a break; they're not "getting back together." They've been working hard for a lot of years.

There was a lot of energy on the stage when they came out.  Their choreography was--okay, truthfully, I thought it was silly looking for guys their age. They're not a "boy band" anymore.  They're dads themselves.  Someone should tell them it's okay to just sing.  I also have this question:  if there's no band on the stage and no instruments in your hands, where are the sounds of guitars and drums coming from?  Is that recorded music they're singing to?  Is that how they've always performed?  So they give a partially live performance?  They did pause and do a few acoustic songs in the middle of their set.  They played and sang sitting on stools set in a semi circle on the stage.  That was nice.  But I will go on record as the only person who's fallen asleep during the Backstreet Boys live.  I'd been up until 3 AM the night before and had driven two hours in sub optimal conditions.  Those are my excuses.

Brenda, being from Colorado, drove us back to the hotel.  Thank goodness.  She is 'way more confidant in crappy road conditions than I am.  It was after midnight and we'd still not had a proper meal all day.  We drove around the "slip sliding" roads for a while in my "skate" which was her nickname for my little red Fiesta until we found a Burger King.  I ordered more food than we needed and let's be clear:  we still never had a proper meal that day.

Tyler Hilton (another favorite)
and fast food.  It will do in a pinch.

Post concert, there's lots of rehashing to do and we did it over burgers, onion rings and assorted other fried brown food.  At 1 AM.  Pretty unhealthy but it tasted good at the time.  The new Tyler Hilton Christmas movie was on television but the signal kept going out because of the storm so I settled for writing and outlining my impressions after Brenda fell asleep.  There is no going straight to bed after having heard Gavin DeGraw.  At least not for me ... I'm just completely wound.  So I saw 3 AM for the second night in a row.

But sleep would come and so would the morning.  The best was yet to come.

~~~~~

Sara Bareilles sang December at the Paramount earlier in the week.  We would be at The Paramount the next night for Gavin DeGraw.

Not Over You at the Oakdale Theater.





Gavin's set list.


                   Sara's set list.

Concert Diaries Chapter Six: A Full Day

Yesterday.  The day was crammed from start to finish with anticipation, excitement, great music and friends  Every hour was filled experiences that fed my memory.

I believe that really good things happen for really good people, people who go out of their way for others, who are continually kind and generous. This is true for one of my concert friends. She has amazing concert karma and shares this very deserved good fortune with many. 

I've spent the days surrounding our concert with this and other friends who are Gavin DeGraw fans. N, who has opened her home to me and shares her great karma had arranged for ten of us to attend a private show and lunch with one of the night's artists, Michael Franti. The show and lunch were sponsored by the local radio station 94.9 The Point.  The Point had also sponsored the previous night's Sister Hazel concert. 

Up close and personal, it doesn't get much better than that. Michael brought with him his guitar player, Jay Bowman and singer, Gina. They  performed the upbeat songs with messages of love and peace that he's known for. N's and R's daughters went up on stage to join him on one fun number. From his new single, I'm Alive to the hit The Sound of Sunshine and several others, we were treated to the positive vibe and joy created by Michael and his friends. They generously posed for pictures with everyone and chatted for a few minutes. 

It's really pretty special meeting these creative people who fill the world with their gifts of music and message. Michael's unique humanity that shines through both his music and his character inspires one to want to put that type of attitude into the world too. Oh... and dancing. We should all be dancing. 

After lunch N managed, with her legendary contacts, to get us all in as guests at the radio station for a private performance with Gavin DeGraw, Billy Norris (guitar) and Ian O'Neill (drums). Gavin sang his new single, Best I Ever Had and his hit from last year, Not Over You. A woman in the audience was taking video of him singing Not Over You so he took the phone and continued to film himself.  It's a great video, now on YouTube.  She must have been beyond surprised and thrilled.

Up close. Personal. Acoustic. Amazing. He, too, stayed and posed for pictures. Meeting Gavin is a lovely experience. He's incredibly warm and friendly to each individual whether a fan or a station executive. He puts you at ease (well, not me; I'm nervous even though I've had this pleasure a few times now). You're not aware of the other people around you because you're concentrating so hard and his focus is solely on chatting with you. I don't have a clue what I said to him.  

Are you still with me? That was two private performances by my favorite singer and a newer (to me) amazing performer. 

And this is all before the concert.