Atlantic City NJ tour thread from DDB
part one:
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Post by: kali on August 02, 2008, 04:26:17 PM
here ya go post em LOL ;D
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Post by: Amee on August 02, 2008, 09:44:02 PM
I guess I'm the first one back. The idols arrived late and didn't get to greet anyone when they arrived. So I'm glad I didn't go early. Jason said he wanted to go on the boardwalk. I hope he gets a chance before they have to leave. We got really lucky with the weather. 70% chance of rain with thunderstorms and hail, and there was not 1 drop of rain.
Jason's set was waaay tooo shooort. The girls sets were waaay tooo looong. David A (not David C) got the best reception from the crowd. Two guys in my row were actually Syesha fans. I kept thinking "Wow, Syesha's two fans are here tonight!" *lol* You all may hate me for saying this but I thought in general the other AI concert I went to, season 5, was much much better. I thought the girls' song choices, except for KLC's God Bless the USA, were long and boring. And I really missed the duets, and more group songs. I went to season 5 concert twice, and I couldn't imagine sitting through this concert twice just for Jason's extremely short set again. I'll just watch it on YouTube.
My expensive camera, that I went through so much trouble to hide from security (who were just looking for water bottles), was somewhat useless from where I was sitting. I don't have a zoom lens. But I filled the disk anyway. I'll have to sort through them and see if any were any good.
I can't wait to see Jason on a SOLO tour!
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Post by: Amee on August 02, 2008, 10:08:51 PM
Me with my dread braids. I forgot to crack that blue glowstick necklace that I was wearing. Oops.
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Post by: CathyAnne on August 02, 2008, 10:09:54 PM
It was storming here in NY today and tonight so glad you didn't have any in AC.
Heard him on the live feed and he was good.
Sorry you missed meeting Jason but I truly believe he will be back out our way again in the future. Thanks for sharing.
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Post by: May78 on August 02, 2008, 10:15:54 PM
Hi all- I went tonight as well- i waited about 2 1/2 hrs, left ate lunch and the line was just breaking up after people were told they werent coming out. It was so nice to see Jason and he was great. I agree with the other post- a little slow and drawn out- another group number or duets would be great. I would only go to another show to see Jason and then would leave. I actually really liked David A! But I cant wait to see Jason in a smaller venue. Overall a great night....I feel a little sad now...I need more!!!
Hope all who attended had fun and safe trip- traffic was crazy.
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Post by: worldwartori on August 02, 2008, 11:37:42 PM
i had sooo much fun ;D
i'm glad i didn't go early because they didn't come out. but i feel bad for all the fans that went early.
i almost fell over when jason came on because i was screaming so loud. i cried (i didn't even think that i was going to, it just kind of happened when he came out. haha.) and my hands were all tingly. jason was so amazing live, i was so happy during his (wayy too short) set. it was basically the best feeling ever.
well, until i stayed after outside and met jason
he signed my shirt and poster, took a picture with me, and i got a hug! jason was sooo nice, and even more gorgeous in person. i didn't think that was possible.
i waved to jackie and mandy too, and they waved back! haha.
oh and i also gave jason a blue beaded bracelet. i didn't plan on it, but i was wearing it so i though "okay, why not" haha.
i knowww i look terrible but it was hot and i was sweaty and excited! lol.
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Post by: kimberlywq on August 02, 2008, 11:40:02 PM
amee.... LOVE the dread braids!!! Looks like you have thick hair--did you do all the braids yourself, or did you have help? The shirt is really cute too
Cant wait to see your pics!
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Post by: keahgirl8 on August 02, 2008, 11:57:28 PM
I have that shirt, Amee, only mine is pink!
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Post by: Altrock4u on August 03, 2008, 04:23:32 AM
How was Jason's reception?
Seems like Archie is usually receiving the most applause and screams. Good for him. I like the kid.
Anxiously waiting for more of you who went last night to post..
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Post by: Amee on August 03, 2008, 06:17:05 AM
Quote from: kimberlywq on August 02, 2008, 11:40:02 PM
amee.... LOVE the dread braids!!! Looks like you have thick hair--did you do all the braids yourself, or did you have help? The shirt is really cute too
Cant wait to see your pics!
I did them myself. The back looked pretty bad so I put them in a ponytail until I got to the show. I used to have thicker hair. Once when I was a teen and got a perm they had to open a new bag of curlers because there wasn't enough for my hair. But its been falling out during the past few summers. When I did my hair I was thinking Jason must really have thick hair to get all those dreads.
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Post by: Amee on August 03, 2008, 06:20:47 AM
Quote from: worldwartori on August 02, 2008, 11:37:42 PM
i had sooo much fun ;D
i'm glad i didn't go early because they didn't come out. but i feel bad for all the fans that went early.
i almost fell over when jason came on because i was screaming so loud. i cried (i didn't even think that i was going to, it just kind of happened when he came out. haha.) and my hands were all tingly. jason was so amazing live, i was so happy during his (wayy too short) set. it was basically the best feeling ever.
well, until i stayed after outside and met jason
he signed my shirt and poster, took a picture with me, and i got a hug! jason was sooo nice, and even more gorgeous in person. i didn't think that was possible.
i waved to jackie and mandy too, and they waved back! haha.
oh and i also gave jason a blue beaded bracelet. i didn't plan on it, but i was wearing it so i though "okay, why not" haha.
i knowww i look terrible but it was hot and i was sweaty and excited! lol.
When and where did he come out? It was a stampede when I left. We just made the 10:49 train. I thought I was going to die, we had to walk so fast to get to the train station. If I was alone I would have waited around for Jason and took the 12:45 train. But 10:49 was already way past my mom's bedtime!
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Post by: May78 on August 03, 2008, 06:26:25 AM
Im so happy you got to meet him! Did they come out on the boardwalk or somewhere else?
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Post by: Daisy939 on August 03, 2008, 07:13:01 AM
Background Info:
OK, let me start with a warning. This post was written on a max of 2 hours of sleep. I couldn't shut my brain off long enough to sleep last night. It often takes me 2 hours to fall asleep, and the sunlight often wakes me up in the morning... not a good combo when you don't go to bed until after 3 am!! This post will be long, and it will ramble and have tangents, but it’ll also have lots of details.
I know some of the other moms are curious how it went with a child (age 4), so I’ll try to include all that. I do have to say that I taught preschool through first grade before becoming a stay-at-home mom. I know preschoolers, and my daughter is not your typical 4 year-old. She was a very challenging infant… colic etc., but she is a very easy child. I guess we paid our dues in those first few months. LOL! She is the type of 4 year-old who likes to spend an hour coloring without a break… her attention span is longer than mine usually.
American Idol is one show that my daughter and were able to watch together and both enjoy, and she loved so many of the contestants this year, and especially Jason and David A.. I checked with some Dreadheads to see if the concert was OK for kids and decided to bring her… with back-up. My husband is not an American Idol fan (He’s still mad about Bo Bice not winning… does feel votes are counted, etc..), but the hubz was there for our daughter and for me. I asked him if I should just go with a friend. Atlantic City is not the safest city, and he didn’t want me taking the train in without him ( I won’t drive in the city), and knew there was no way I’d bring my 4 year-old without help.
Pre-concert:
So we knew that Jason wasn’t making it out to the buses before the shows, being stationed in NY this week. We also knew that they were driving from NY to AC, and that it would take them FOREVER to get there. My daughter wanted to meet Jason so badly, but we decided not to go down too early. We got there around 3:30, in time to meet up with some DreadHeads for about 30 minutes, take pictures, etc.. I got to meet Gloria and Lakendra and a few others, but I didn’t catch their names… sorry guys. My daughter was going back and forth between my hubby (in the shade) and me (in the sun with the DH’s), and she started getting antsy, so we left just before they announced that the Idols were not going to come out to sign. Ramiele later apologized and said they were stuck in traffic. My hubby, my daughter and I went to hang out in the mall right near Boardwalk Hall. The hall is right on the Boardwalk with the casinos and you can see the ocean from top floor of this mall. It’s on a pier that juts out into the ocean, and the view is awesome. Oh, for my live-feed friends… we also stopped in the Mac store, and I fell in love with the white Macbook. We had dinner, and then went to find our seats early before it got too crowded.
The Concert:
The concert was awesome. Some of it was a bit loud for me. My father is a musician (not famous… just local gigs), and I grew up with a recording studio/oil-painting studio in our dining room… see why I love the artsy vibe? This means that when my dad had band practice (esp. when the drummer was there), they would practice the same song over and over and it was very loud. Therefore, I do not enjoy loud music, and believe it or not, I can’t listen to even my favorite musicians every day.
The mood definitely shifts when it is Jason time. He truly is reaching out to the audience with every note he sings. He pours his heart into his music. I was doing the live feed, so the first half of the concert flew by just making sure I was all set for that. Seriously, thank you to all the DH’s who have done feed so far because I had to pass the phone off to hubby. I am big on living in the moment and balancing documenting the moment just a little with lots of just being present in the moment. I had to remind myself of this a few times. I missed a little bit of his banter, but you can actually hear it a little if you turn your speakers up and listen to the live feed recording. I am so excited to listen over and over to what he said to ME.
It was such a mix of excitement and clam… kind of surreal in a way. Let me just say… I am not one to ever be fan-girly. I do not scream at concerts. I certainly have never screamed out “We love you.” To any artist. I don’t know how it happened last night, but fan-girl-Daisy took over. Some of those things (read as all of those things) might have happened (read as really did happen). I thought, "This is a big week for Jason. I have to make my DH’s proud." Not so sure I made my hubby proud,
but…. he’s a good sport, really. The best, actually. I owe him!
Jason was the biggest breath of fresh air in the concert, but there were others. I really enjoyed Ramiele’s first 2 songs. MJ was fun, and the audience sang along with him just a little. Brooke was amazing. My daughter was up and dancing to her “numbers song.” I loved her set. It is soooo awesome in person. The mood shifted for her too. I liked KLC’s last song “Cowgirl” way more than I expected. I like Syesha way more than I expected. I totally enjoyed Archie’s set. I had my baby girl on my lap and she was so, so happy and waving her glowstick and just smiling ear to ear. Honestly, I have no idea what she was doing during Jason’s set… see why I brought the hubby? LOL!! Every so often, my daughter would let out a scream. Before the concert, I showed her a Disney Channel special with Hannah Montana in concert so she would see how there would be screaming, etc.. She liked the screaming part!
After the Concert:
So we had 2 plans for after the concert. We were leaning toward Plan A, so I left it that we were not going to do shout outs after the concert. Plan A was to stay and enjoy the whole concert and go straight home. Then we would all 3 go out to meet DH’s and idols in Philly on the 13th. Plan B was to leave a bit early, I line up to meet Jason. Hubby brings our daughter to the car and lets her sleep in her car seat or in her stroller if he needs to walk her around to help her sleep. If she didn’t fall asleep or had any trouble, call me and we leave ASAP. Plan C was my daughter starts to whine and we leave after Jason (or earlier). I knew from live feeds that Jason was usually singing when my hubby was putting my daughter to bed…. So I thought she would make it that far.
During DC’s set, she started to whine a bit, so we decided to give Plan B a try. We packed up and left after his 4th song. We took a potty break and put my daughter in her jammies. Then Please Don’t Stop the Music” was starting. My daughter and I slipped in the doorway just to see from Jason’s part up to where he and MJ dance (love that part!!). Then I picked up my daughter and hurried down to the boardwalk… made a last-minute decision to take my posters back and found them quickly. I handed my daughter off to my hubby. I found a spot that was 2 or 3 people deep with wiggle room. Then I saw more room farther down and got a spot in the front on the rail. I wiggled in there and taped up my Jason sign. While waiting, I saw someone with the Dreadheads jersey, and said, “Hey Dreadhead!” It was DH1693 and her 2 kids. They were soo sweet. Her daughter is a huge Jason fan. The signing area was right outside the doors to the concert hall, so the crowd getting out was not moving AT ALL. Complete stand-still… INSANE. Someone passed out. Thank God we chose Plan B. My daughter was already making her way to the car. We would have been stuck in that building for a looooonnnnggg time. Then my hubby said we would have been stuck in the parking garage for a looooooonnnnng time as well…. Only instead of meeting Jason, I would have been in the car with them. He said meeting Jason MAY have taken 30 extra minutes.
While waiting, I tried to call my hubby to check on them. We had switched phones, and his phone (the one I was using) was not getting ANY reception at all. I saw Gloria across the barrier, and could not even call her. I had Kali’s #, and couldn’t call live feed. I hope that all worked out.
As indecisive as I was (you can read our meet-up thread… I changed my mind 98749879835798 times), I ended up making all of the right calls… the AC crowd was mellow… didn’t scream through entire songs (not even the Davids'), no bad aroma in the air
, no more intense for my daughter than the circus was. Arriving late just in time to meet Dreadheads, with the perfect amount of time to eat and fall in love with a Macbook before the concert…. Oh and to peek inside Juicy Couture to check for Jackie and Betsy… no luck there. LOL! We found our seats in time to take a walk with my daughter to “get the wiggles out,” and best of all… meeting Jason and most of the others while my daughter was peacefully sleeping. I have no regrets…. I admit, I felt like a really bad mommy standing there trying to meet them rather than taking my daughter home, so I was very glad when my hubby told me that it only cost us maybe 30 minutes, and she was asleep anyhow. I had packed him some movies and the DVD player, but he didn’t even think to use them. He was too tired. Have I convinced you that I am not a terrible wife and mother yet?
I’m still working on convincing myself. LOL! It’s 9:45 am, and I think I hear my daughter just waking up. I am going to let my hubby sleep as late as he wants today…. Like I said, I owe him BIG. My hubby is just one of the best, most easy-going guys in the world.
Stories of meeting the artists and the crowd's reaction to Jason to come….
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Post by: SoAddicted2DDB on August 03, 2008, 07:48:30 AM
I can't wait for more
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Post by: mbbluets on August 03, 2008, 10:25:18 AM
fun times! amee your dreads look great! daisy thanks for the live feed!
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Post by: worldwartori on August 03, 2008, 10:32:50 AM
amee.. he came out right in front of the venue. there was a long stretch barricaded off. it took a while because nobody was moving from out front of the doors and the security wouldn't let anything happen until everyone cleared the area. i wiggled my way in so there was one person in front of me, but she wasn't a jason fan so she let me get in front of her when he came around.
kirsty lee cook came out first, then i think it was carly. i don't remember the order of everyone else, but i also met syesha, brooke, and of course jason
i left after archie because my dad had to get up early today so he didn't want to stay too late.
i think jason came out around 11:20, but i'm not sure. maybe someone else can clear this up?
people started chanting "jason" a lot when he was coming around signing stuff. it was great!
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Post by: lindah1960 on August 03, 2008, 10:51:54 AM
Well, Daisy, I'm convinced that you are an awesome wife and mother (with a great hubby!) It sounds like you all had a wonderful time! Thank you so much for sharing, especially your "Concert" comments - you did a great job getting the feeling and atmosphere of "Jason time" across to those of us who can't be there in real life!! I'm looking forward to the rest of your story...
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Post by: Daisy939 on August 03, 2008, 11:48:37 AM
Awww, thank you. While I was there, I was thinking I must be crazy... funny because I thought that when we stayed out late at Disney World, and I'd do that again in a heartbeat 11 o'clock bedtime and all. Just never imagined myself to be one who would take a 4 yo to a concert. LOL! I am usually the "mean" mommy who doesn't do much junk food and insists on using good manners. But you can't follow all the rules all of the time. Hey, I think I convinced myself!!
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Post by: Amee on August 03, 2008, 11:59:42 AM
I saw babies and other kids younger than your daughter there.
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Post by: Daisy939 on August 03, 2008, 12:04:10 PM
OK, here is another long one for ya:
Meeting the Idols:
I think they came out right after 11. I think they felt bad that people waited out all day and none of them made it out to sign. They were stuck in traffic. Getting from NY to AC on a Saturday during the summer is seriously horrendous because everyone is headed to “the shore” as we say here in Jersey. Brooke’s husband was talking to people near me and said he hasn’t even seen traffic like that in LA. He said they kept wondering when they would see an accident, and they never did. They arrived at 3, right when they were due for press and then M&G, dinner, sounds check, etc..
So as I mentioned, I was there at the barrier with DH1693 and her son and daughter. They were both at least 18 or close, haha! Chatting with them made the time go by pretty fast. Honestly, it did get pretty nerve-wracking when the crowd was not moving. In Atlantic City, we have these “taxi’s” where guys push people who don’t want to walk down the boardwlk. Well, a bunch of them were stuck in the middle of all the people. No on could get around them, and they were going against the traffic. Security was telling us that they would not have the idols come out if the crowd did not move. At first we thought they were going to make us leave, but we were told we were fine. We were between 2 barriers… about 3 or 4 people deep. One lady fainted and they had to squeeze a medic through the crowd to help her. I got pretty nervous at this point. Eventually, everyone cleared out and from that point on, the crowd was pretty calm. NO one was puching or shoving… People were excited but did not scream the whole time. It was actually very nice.We did chant for Jason, and I believe that he was the only one who got a chant. Betsy was there and loving every minute of it.
First out was Kristy. She started down on our side and signed her way up. She wasn’t very talkative, but was very sweet. My daughter had made cards for all of the idols, and I gave it to her and she thanked me. Gosh! She really is beautiful and very tall.
Next was Carly. Someone was telling her that she was losing her accent, and I said, she still has it and it’s beautiful. She signed for me and then signed the card that I was trying to give her. Then she was like, “I’m just signing away; is this for me?” I told her my daughter had made it for her and she said, “And now I’ve written my name on it.” I said, “That’s OK. Now it’s even more special.” She was really sweet and down to earth. She told people that if they wanted photos, they would have to sneak them quickly because they weren’t really supposed to stop and pose. She hung around our area a little to make sure that she hadn't missed anyone. That we could take photos of her, but just she wasn’t supposed to pose with us. DH1693’s daughter said she was going to ask Jason for a photo, and I said that I was too and that I’m sure he will if he can find a way.
We knew Jason had come out with Carly, but we couldn’t see him around the bend. He was taking his time and being really sweet as usual. I saw him coming and realized that it was only 11:30 and that he would definitely make it to us. We were so excited!!! Betsy, Jackie and Mandy were there, kind of hanging int he back. They were nice enough to come up to people when we called them over. So while Jason made his way over, I called Betsy over and introduced myself. I have to tell you that I was so excited to meet her. I just love reading her posts on here… love her energy and her no-nonsense attitude. She so down-to-earth. She was such a proud mama of Jason and also of Jackie. She took the time to point out Jackie as well… like I wouldn’t recognize that beautiful face! I didn’t get to talk to Jackie, and I wish I had. I wanted to tell her how much my daughter and I love her YouTube video. I also wanted to ask her if she got a chance to check out the mall. There are some great stores in AC. I didn’t call her over because Jason was getting close, and I was getting my page turned and a collage I had made for my daughter that I wanted signed all ready to go. I still forgot to turn my camera on. He signed the collage and didn’t do the smiley guy. I knew my daughter would get a kick out of that, so I made myself ask him to do it, and he looked up and said, “Oh, sure.” Then I asked for a photo, and he said sure. He was the only one I asked for a pic. I had to turn on my camera because I had forgotten. I was trying to take the pic myself, which I am not very good at when I security guy offered to help. The security guy was shaking and someone behind me commented on it. Haha… maybe he was star-struck? LOL! Anyhow, the security guy moved the camera away before the picture snapped. Jason noticed, and the guy was trying to give me back my camera. Jason turns the camera around so he can check to see if the pic came out. It did not, so he kinda smiled like, “You can’t do that.” He made him try again. That time, the guy was more careful. Sooner is not exaggerating when she tells you that Jason knows how to "fight" for what he wants. I put fight is quotes because it is the most peaceful determination, but he lets you know how it is going to be. I also get the idea that he chooses his "battles" wisely. He politely stands his ground in a way that is respectful yet firm. I never would have said a word, but I would have been disappointed when I checked the pictures. Jason helped me out and I am so grateful. He went down the line a bit, and I realized that I forgot to give him the card from my daughter. I knew I’d be in big trouble with my little girl because she had also made him a bracelet with wooden and shell beads. She was so proud of that bracelet and even made a pattern with the bead color. Let me know if you see him wearing a bracelet with tan and white beads. My daughter would flip! Anyhow, Jason was circling back to make sure that he got everyone and I was able to give it to him. He even had the security guy telling him if he missed anyone. After I met Jason, I got to meet Mandy too! She is the female version of Jason…. sweet and genuine… takes the time to really connect when she speaks to you. I was so excited that they were all at the concert. I knew it was a possibility, and I was trying not to get my hopes up. It was so nice to meet some of the people closest to Jason. By the time Jason was out of my area, Jackie was already too far away to call her over. Maybe next concert, when Jason tours on his own!
I think Syesha was next. She was pretty quiet. Thanked me for the card from my daughter. As she was walking away, she opened it and then handed it to her fiance.
Brooke was next and she really did take a long time. She was really sweet, talking to people as she signed. Her hubby was too. They are just the most adorable couple. Brooke was an early fav of mine, but I didn’t like how the competition tore her down. It was sooo nice to see her just be herself and enjoy the whole experience of connecting with the fans. I gave her the card from my daughter and she folded it and put it in a little gift bag that she had. She said it was very cute and thanked me. I told her that my daughter loved her “numbers song” and that she was up dancing to it. She said that was cute or sweet. She was moving down the line, and I asked her if there was a recording of that that I could download for my daughter. She said the original by Feist, she asked “or do you mean of me singing it?” I said yes of her, and she said, “No but check YouTube and I do have a recording of ‘Yellow,’” which I knew from her MySpace.
David A. was the last one to come out. He was also really genuine and sweet. I remembered to give him his card and told him that my dd loves, loves, loves him. He said to tell her that he said hi! He was very sweet. I have always loved his voice from his first audition… he and Brooke were my pre-top 24 faves.
There was only 10 minutes left until midnight, so I figured I’d leave before the crowd. I don’t know if Cook, Ramiele, Chikeze, or MJ ever came out. Those were the 4 that my daughter never really connected with, so I figured my work was done. Personally, I would have loved to meet all of them, but I still wasn’t able to speak to my hubby, so I just left and called him. Now, back at the car, the hubz was trying to call me just to tell me that he decided not to drive around. He thought I was ignoring his calls, but I honestly had checked the phone at least 5 times for messages. I had also tried to call him at least as many times. Once he realized that I had no missed calls on his phone, he wasn’t mad anymore. He was just worried about me in AC alone and nervous about meeting up with me again. I met him at the car and filled him in, and he was genuinely happy for me. I thanked him a million times for being so patient.
Our impression of the crowd’s reaction:
AC is a strange crowd. Kind of reserved. I mentioned before that the crowd did not scream through entire songs, which I appreciated. Lots of people came late. MJ was the first to get them excited. I thought I could faintly hear some singing along with “We Are the Champions.” DA got the most screams, DC was next, maybe, but people around me weren’t really screaming for him. When he came over to get us pumped up, not very many people stood up. I kind of felt bad I was packing up. Jason was just under DC in my area, followed by MJ. People were definitely singing along with OTR, and Jason seemed to command the whole atmosphere of the arena to fill with the peace that he pours out of his soul. And then he'd stop singing and everyone would scream. I just cannot wait to see him on his solo tour.
Hubby’s review (remember not an AI fan): He said that he liked MJ’s “Dream On” and Carly’s “Crazy On You.” He said they are all talented, but those were songs he already liked. He wasn’t impressed with Ramiele. He found Cook arrogant and the encore too staged. He found it rude that they never introduced the band and he loved that there was an upright bass in one of Archie's songs. Oh he liked the Guitar hero commercial with Jason drumming... hubby was a drummer through high school and college and also played and some piano. Jason reminds me a bit of my hubby. Hubz is mellow and almost always happy... very intellectual but forgetful at times... in fact in college people used to ask me if he was a stoner because he was always so mellow and he had long hair. Guess that is why that stuff with Jason hit a nerve with me.
My daughter’s review: She says she liked how they say the numbers when they introduce each musician.
She said her fave was Kristy, but she didn’t remember any of the songs that Kristy sang. LOL! I asked her what each idol sang, and she remembered one song of Brooke’s “1,2,3,4.” One song of Archie’s (“Apologize” she’s only heard that one on the finale night). I’m surprised she didn’t remember Angels since she loves that song. I’ll bet she remembers more later. It took a while, but she did remember all of the songs that Jason sang without help. My hubby can testify to that fact that no bribes or clues were given… just time.
I am so glad I didn't make her stay home because she had so much fun and has been talking about it and looking through her program with the signatures all day. It was so nice to see my shy little girl talking away to a nice lady behind us because she was just so excited. My daughter said, "Mommy, someday, when I get bigger, can I be on American Idol?"
This Morning:
We decided to be very careful with how we told our daughter about me meeting all of those guys. I didn’t want her to be sad that she missed out. We also were thinking that now we don’t really have to stand out in the heat in Philly. I asked my daughter how she liked the concert, and she said she loved it. She liked Over the Rainbow. I told her, “I have a surprise for you.” I showed her that I had gotten a collage signed for her by Jason, and she loved his smiley face guy with dreads. I’m so glad I asked Jason to add it for her. Her face lit up and I told her that I got a pic of me with Jason him to show her. She was very happy to hear that and very thankful. I thought, “OK doing well so far. She is happy not upset with me for letting her fall asleep and miss out on the fun.” Then she said in the sweetest little voice, “Mommy… someday, can you AND me meet Jason?” I melted and said, “I don’t know, honey. We have to ask Daddy.” Then I told her about all of the other idols, what they said when they got her card and that DA said to tell her he said, “Hi!” She was beaming. She said, “Mommy, I have a surprise for you too.” I said, “Really?” She said, “I don’t know what it is… I will make you a surprise.” She wanted to make me something to thank me for getting the guys to sign for her. She’s such a sweetheart.
She might just make us have to go out to Philly on the 13th to try! I have to say that I was wishing she were there the whole time.... well at least after the crowd thinned out. I may not even tell her that it’s an option. I think I’ll let my hubby decide.
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: Daisy939 on August 03, 2008, 12:08:38 PM
Amee, I really enjoyed meeting you. I am so glad I ran into you at the mall and that you came over to say hi. I'm also so glad that we didn't end up taking the train like we usually do! On a regular weekend visit to AC, it's great to avoid the traffic, but I can't imagine rushing to the train station after such a long day. I don't think we would have made it, and I couldn't imagine waiting for a 12:45 train. You must have been exhausted. I know I was, and I only had to walk down to Caesar's.
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: sierrach on August 03, 2008, 12:24:35 PM
Thank you for the wonderful post. I am so glad you met Mandy too and that she is just as sweet as Jason. Makes me happy.
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: heartjason on August 03, 2008, 01:10:17 PM
Daisy,
What a wonderful experience for all of you! Awww, your dtr sounds sooo adorable! I really enjoy reading everyone's experience, it's as if I were there with you, haha!
Amee, loved reading your experience too! Loved all the pics and videos! Can't wait for our concert 22 days!
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: nursemelinda on August 03, 2008, 01:28:08 PM
Thanks Amee and Daisy 939 thanks for posting about your experience!!Met Jason in St. Louis and he was just as you described Daisy939---kind and humble, trying to get to every fan!!! I wouldn't trade that expereince for anything. Met some wonderful dreadheads!!!
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: overstrung on August 03, 2008, 01:31:57 PM
Daisy, your last story telling your daughter about meeting the Idols is welling me up with tears
in a really good way
Thanks for the livefeed, and so glad you got to meet Jason, Betsy and Mandy!
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: SuzyCastroFan on August 03, 2008, 03:08:46 PM
Daisy, thank you so much for posting this!! What a great experience:) I love the camera story with Jason making sure you got a good photo. How awesome:)
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: HannaB2 on August 03, 2008, 03:35:55 PM
Thanks for your reports, ladies! I love all the details; felt like I was there! The after concert crowd sounded scary, but I'm glad it worked out for you!!
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: mbbluets on August 03, 2008, 03:40:52 PM
thanks for your post today and live feed last night! thanks for taking the time, i really get a sense of what it was like for you and yours! Very glad you had a great experience, and yeah, i have to agree with you..."he lets you know how it is going to be" ha ha. cheers!
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: castro-archuleta on August 03, 2008, 03:48:13 PM
its so cool that some of you met betsy, mandy, and jackie too!!
sounds like you had an awesome time ;D
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: samantha829x on August 03, 2008, 04:12:11 PM
Quote from: overstrung on August 03, 2008, 01:31:57 PM
Daisy, your last story telling your daughter about meeting the Idols is welling me up with tears
in a really good way
Thanks for the livefeed, and so glad you got to meet Jason, Betsy and Mandy!
That's what I was going to say! That was soo precious
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: keahgirl8 on August 03, 2008, 04:37:57 PM
Quote from: samantha829x on August 03, 2008, 04:12:11 PM
Quote from: overstrung on August 03, 2008, 01:31:57 PM
Daisy, your last story telling your daughter about meeting the Idols is welling me up with tears
in a really good way
Thanks for the livefeed, and so glad you got to meet Jason, Betsy and Mandy!
That's what I was going to say! That was soo precious
Thank you for sharing that story, Daisy. Your daughter sounds adorable!
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: BlondeB on August 03, 2008, 04:48:38 PM
Hiya All !
Finally back from my Castro filled weekend in AC ! Running on only 4 hours of sleep so my review will come a bit later but needless to say, Jason was simply awesome! I second all the comments that say his set is too short. I could've listened to him for hours and hours and hours. What a tremendous talent! The concert crowd was overall somewhat subdued, but there was still plenty of love for Jason. Went with my boyfriend (who is not an AI fan) and he was most impressed with Jason -- and Michael Johns (mostly for his high notes in Dream On)....and Carly. I'm still sorting through my hoards of pics and video but thought I'd just drop some off in the meantime. I'll try to upload my videos later (if I don't pass out ;-) ) but here are some quick screencaps from my videos.
If I'm bogging down this thread with too many pictures, let me know and I'll post links instead.
It was a thrill to get the chance to see him come out after the show to greet the fans. What a doll ! He came out somewhere around 11:30 ish pm (somewhere around that time). There was a boatload of fans lined up so I just decided to stand back and watch him graciously go down the line patiently trying to get to each and every one....and of course, I joined in on the choir of "Jason chants" ! He came out and started the line with his dreads tied back but somewhere along the way the dreads were let loose. Gotta love the dreads!
Here are some of the pics I managed to take at the greeting of the fans (after I finally remembered how to turn ON the flash--which had been set to off for the show). I have some videoclips of his interaction with the fans as well but they are somewhat dark. I'll try to upload some of those as well.
Running off to get some rest...and hopefully get some videos up.
Oh..and red shoes took the night off. White shoes in effect for Atlantic City. (Don't ask me how or why I even notice these trivial details) ;-)
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: keahgirl8 on August 03, 2008, 04:54:34 PM
Thanks for sharing that! Your pictures are fantastic! The ones during Daydream (I'm assuming that because I have watched one too many YouTube videos of it) are beautiful! He looks so happy! Love the shoes! Maybe they finally let him pick out his own!
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: HannaB2 on August 03, 2008, 05:04:55 PM
Quote from: BlondeB on August 03, 2008, 04:48:38 PM
o m g .
If after you go through all your pics and you don't decide to use this pic for yourself, may I steal it for my avi? It is TOO beautiful.
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: dream*girl on August 03, 2008, 05:08:21 PM
wow, amazing pics!!
jason's looking gooooood! ;D
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: ilene0124 on August 03, 2008, 05:16:30 PM
Looks like Mama Castro got after Jason with the razor..........not quite as much scruff in these pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOLOLOLOLOL
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: Amasette on August 03, 2008, 05:31:22 PM
Those photos from the signings are stunning, BlondeB. Simply stunning...
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: glotrovato on August 03, 2008, 06:12:54 PM
Hey all
I finally made it back from my A.C. weekend and uploaded my pics.
What a fantastic weekend it was and the show was just amazing. Everyone was really good and of course Jason was my fav
The venue was right on the boardwalk with a view of the beach and was so much fun to visit the area.
Was so nice meeting many other Dreadheads while waiting and hoping for them to do autographs before the show. Even thought that didn't happen, was still a fun gathering and we even got filmed on the A.C. local news station to chant and spread the Dreadhead love
There's a vid that shows some of that at...
www.nbc40.net/view_story.php?id=6409 (http://www.nbc40.net/view_story.php?id=6409)
I was so happy that they were going to meet the fans after the show being that they couldn't beforehand so I ran out of the arena just before the last goup song ended telling my husband, "OMG I've got to go get in line, gotta run, just meet me out there when you get out", poor guy he's been so patient and supportive through all this lol
So I get to the barricades in front of the venue and find Debi there and join her to wait. Was going to try and get a shout out for Kali for the live feed but my cell was not getting enough signal by then, sorry.
So after Jason finally came out it was great to hear all the fans doing the "Jason Jason Jason" chant which I naturally joined in lol and he was so patient and sweet to all the fans, I got a quick pic and was so excited that I forgot to have him sign a pic of him I had for an autograph :-\ Then to my surprise, comes out Betsy who came right up to us, noticing us and our JC shirts and gave me a big hug and said "Hi I recognized you!" She was so happy to see us and freindly and was looking so beautiful. She is a Hot Mama Castro lol. We also saw Jackie & Mandy who came out too, all were in front of barricades where Jason and the Security guy was, we called them over and they were so nice and talked to us some. They also took a few pics with us. They are both so adorable and sweet.
Debi who was next to me hadn't gotten a pic with Jason yet after trying in Newark 2 times already, when Betsy heard that, she got Jason to come back over near the end of greeting fans to take more pics ;D She's so awesome and loving
After all that I decided to leave cause I had my special moment with Jason and his loved ones and I also had to figure out where my husband went lol. I finally caught up with him and was not ready to call it a night and sleep from the high I was still on from that wonderful experience so we went to the beach bar across the way where they played music and had a great time and looked at the pics I was so lucky to get and I just felt so blessed.
Here's a few of the pics...
To see more go to...
s206.photobucket.com/albums/bb58/glotrovato/AI%20Concert%20Atlantic%20City/ (http://s206.photobucket.com/albums/bb58/glotrovato/AI%20Concert%20Atlantic%20City/)
~Sharing the Dreadhead Love~
Gloria
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: blaker on August 03, 2008, 06:28:41 PM
oh my gosh, I loveee everyone's pictures!
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: canuckab on August 03, 2008, 06:29:24 PM
Thanks for the update and great pics everyone ,glad you had fun.
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: Andybaby07 on August 03, 2008, 06:31:12 PM
ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!! i love reading the recounts and i love seeing the pictures!!! amazing!!!!!
how was jason received in altantic city?? i hope it was so loud it blew the roof off....since his family was there!!!
thank you to everyone who shared their stories!!! cant wait to read more...and hopefully some of you guys will post some videos as well!!
oh oh oh....and what did he say in between songs...i love hearing about that...cause he always says the cutest things...
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: rosequeen49 on August 03, 2008, 06:32:42 PM
WOW I am just lovin these reviews! It's like reliving it over and over..... I hated the movie "groundhoungs day" but this..... THIS is fun! Thanks for all the gread reviews and pictures!
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: May78 on August 03, 2008, 06:47:06 PM
Thanks for sharing the pics...im SOOO mad I wasnt able to stay after and that I didnt meet those in line (before the show)- I was in the back bymyself and didnt want to lose my spot. Im glad you got to meet him and his family!
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: curls on August 03, 2008, 07:45:21 PM
whoa more amazing stories & incredible photos!! im sooo happy you all had the chance to meet Jason & his 3 favourite girls!!hahaaa
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: CathyAnne on August 03, 2008, 08:05:46 PM
awesome awesome pictures girls.
Such beautiful candid closeups of Jason and
Beautiful pictures of Mandy, Betsy and my DH sisters!
Glo and Debi... WHOOOOOPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!! You did it! and you made the news too!
I am soooooooooooo happy for you!
pray for me because I am going to the bus tomorrow in NY!
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: SuzyCastroFan on August 03, 2008, 08:15:24 PM
That is so cool that you both got to meet them!! I'm so happy for you guys:) It was fun hanging out with you in Newark, and I'm glad you finally got the chance to see him! Awesome you got to meet the mom and Mandy too, perfect timing:)
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: Texasgirl44 on August 03, 2008, 08:46:50 PM
WOW !! BlondeB...I want your camera.....? How far were you ?
? What brand of camera to you have? ? How many Pixels does your camera have?
Just Plain good picture taking....Thanks for posting.. ;D ;D
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: gailer on August 03, 2008, 08:52:37 PM
Quote from: Texasgirl44 on August 03, 2008, 08:46:50 PM
WOW !! BlondeB...I want your camera.....? How far were you ?
? What brand of camera to you have? ? How many Pixels does your camera have?
Just Plain good picture taking....Thanks for posting.. ;D ;D
i want to know the same things!!
great pix!
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: SoAddicted2DDB on August 03, 2008, 08:53:33 PM
Quote from: gailer on August 03, 2008, 08:52:37 PM
Quote from: Texasgirl44 on August 03, 2008, 08:46:50 PM
WOW !! BlondeB...I want your camera.....? How far were you ?
? What brand of camera to you have? ? How many Pixels does your camera have?
Just Plain good picture taking....Thanks for posting.. ;D ;D
i want to know the same things!!
great pix!
Me too they are so clear!
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: gailer on August 03, 2008, 09:02:31 PM
Quote from: BlondeB on August 03, 2008, 04:48:38 PM
Hiya All !
Finally back from my Castro filled weekend in AC ! Running on only 4 hours of sleep so my review will come a bit later but needless to say, Jason was simply awesome! I second all the comments that say his set is too short. I could've listened to him for hours and hours and hours. What a tremendous talent! The concert crowd was overall somewhat subdued, but there was still plenty of love for Jason. Went with my boyfriend (who is not an AI fan) and he was most impressed with Jason -- and Michael Johns (mostly for his high notes in Dream On)....and Carly. I'm still sorting through my hoards of pics and video but thought I'd just drop some off in the meantime. I'll try to upload my videos later (if I don't pass out ;-) ) but here are some quick screencaps from my videos.
If I'm bogging down this thread with too many pictures, let me know and I'll post links instead.
It was a thrill to get the chance to see him come out after the show to greet the fans. What a doll ! He came out somewhere around 11:30 ish pm (somewhere around that time). There was a boatload of fans lined up so I just decided to stand back and watch him graciously go down the line patiently trying to get to each and every one....and of course, I joined in on the choir of "Jason chants" ! He came out and started the line with his dreads tied back but somewhere along the way the dreads were let loose. Gotta love the dreads!
Here are some of the pics I managed to take at the greeting of the fans (after I finally remembered how to turn ON the flash--which had been set to off for the show). I have some videoclips of his interaction with the fans as well but they are somewhat dark. I'll try to upload some of those as well.
Running off to get some rest...and hopefully get some videos up.
Oh..and red shoes took the night off. White shoes in effect for Atlantic City. (Don't ask me how or why I even notice these trivial details) ;-)
jason in a vest is THUD!!!!!!!!
#####################Title: Re: 02 AUG~ Atlantic City NJ
Post by: lovinjc on August 03, 2008, 09:03:59 PM
Great stories everyone. BlondieB, your pics are beautiful -- you can bog us down anytime, please do!