It's a family affair

Originally posted on MySpace on November 12, 2009

The last show of Five For Fighting's acoustic tour was at L.A.'s Largo at the Coronet. I went with a couple of friends, and due to a lucky connection...we got front row seats! Sometimes, it's not what you know...it's WHO you know! My main goal of the night was to see John one last time, and have him autograph a photo for me. It's been awhile since I've had John sign anything for myself...lately, it's been for others. We were hoping to wait for John to arrive via the backdoor, but were thwarted by a Nazi dweeb working for Largo. His power trip was the only black mark of the evening. Not wanting to fight him, I suggested that we try to see John after the show. I DID talk to Jason...Angel Taylor's guitarist...again. He was so nice in San Francisco, and was sympathetic to my desire to see John. He even offered to have John sign the photo backstage...such a sweetie! But, I really wanted to see John myself, so I declined his generous offer.

Right before doors opened, we were amazed at the arrival of Augie Nieto and his wife Lynne. If you've read my previous blogs, you know that I attended his Beach Bash last year to raise funds for his ALS charity, Augie's Quest. Augie was in his souped up motorized wheelchair with computer voice system. As he rolled in I greeted both Augie and Lynne. Like John Ondrasik, I'm a big supporter of Augie's Quest, too. As we entered the theater, it soon became evident that John had a lot of friends and family attending. I saw his wife Carla, his kids Johnny and Olivia, and even his parents! I really wanted to talk to his mom and dad, but had to wait for the right moment. I DID get to talk to Carla. She remembered me from our previous encounters. I told her about my current groupie road trip, and she thanked me for my support.

John's performance was basically a repeat of his previous shows, but it didn't make it any less entertaining. I've said it before and I'll say it again...I never get tired of watching John perform live! He DID add one special song to his set list. As part of his encore, and in honor of his friend Augie, John sang Augie Nieto. It was a touching performance, with John and his microphone, and Greg Suran accompanying him on guitar. Afterwards, we hung around, hoping to see John. At one point, someone asked Johnny if his dad was backstage, and Johnny found out that John was actually in the theater with Augie. I went back and stood in the doorway as a few other fans got photos and autographs. John saw me standing there waiting, and said "Hi Wynne!" I watched as a gal wanted John to sign her CD, but her ballpoint pen didn't work. Now, everyone knows for signing autographs...you need a Sharpie! I told John that I had a Sharpie, and offered it to him. I'm always giving John my pens...I think he depends on it now! Then, it was my turn. I showed John the photo I brought...it was a vintage 1997 pic of John with long hair and huge goatee. John looked at the photo and said "Wow, look at the devil." Yes, John DID look almost Satanic back then! I thanked John, told him I had fun following him for the past 3 shows, and wished him a good night. As I exited, I ran into Jason again. He asked if I got my photo signed, and I said that I did. I told Jason that I it was fun, and that I hoped to see him again in the future...he replied likewise. Such a nice guy! As I rejoined my friends, I noted John's family talking in the lobby. When the opportunity presented itself, I went up to John's dad, and told him about my Five For Fighting fan site. He thought it was nice of me to do it. John's dad is a cool dude!

And, so, my Five For Fighting groupie road trip has come to an end. But, my actual road trip is not over yet. I'll be staying in Los Angeles for the next 4 days, seeing the sights. I have some interesting stuff on my agenda. Hope you hang around for that!