Thursday, May 28, 2009

A celebration of humanity

Well, for all of you who didn't attend the Point Hope concert in Seattle...you missed a terrific show! First of all, Delilah is truly a wonderful, giving human being. What you hear on her radio show is the real deal. I got a chance to finally meet the lady who I've heard on the airwaves in person. I came away with an autographed photo, a Kodak moment, and a deep respect for everything that she does.

I had never heard India.Arie's music before tonight. I was VERY impressed by her vocal talents...I can now understand why she won a Grammy award. But, my greatest praise is reserved for my favorite music guy, John Ondrasik. After the brief euphoria of my earlier parking lot encounter with him, I was ready for more...and John certainly delivered! At the pre-concert VIP reception, I enjoyed some gourmet appetizers and received a gift bag with Delilah's book and CDs of the two artists. When John arrived, he greeted some people, then headed directly toward me and my friend Johnny Wing. I managed to get my photo with John before the other guests converged on him. I had to wait my turn to get a few things signed...none for myself, as I already have enough Five For Fighting autographs. I also had a special gift for John. It was a CD/DVD set called Rove Live...an Australian variety/talk show. The discs contained Five For Fighting's Superman performance from 2002...John's last and only visit to the Land Down Under. The video of John's appearance on that show is awesome...and I thought it was something that he and his family would love to have. John was surprised such a thing existed and asked me where I got it...eBay. Needless to say, it was wonderful talking to John...I just can't say enough good things about him!

As VIP Friends of Delilah, my friend Johnny and I got preferred seating at the concert...we sat second row center. John took the stage after India.Arie, and he never sounded better. The acoustics in the Town Hall venue were just fantastic! The building was once used as the church, and the domed ceilings just seemed to capture and reverberate the music. John's set list consisted of 100 Years, I Just Love You, '65 Mustang, If God Made You, Superman, Freedom Never Cries and World. The latter two songs he performed while videos played on a screen. My only disappointment of the night was that John didn't play longer, but it was such a treat to see him again! It will help keep me sane until he goes on tour later this year.

John, you're the greatest!

Well, I'm relaxing in my hotel room before I head over to the Town Hall in Seattle for the Concert for Point Hope. The event will be hosted by radio show personality Delilah and Warm 106.9, and raises awareness and funds for Delilah's Point Hope charity. Entertainment for the night will feature R & B/soul artist India.Arie and the awesome John Ondrasik, better known as Five For Fighting. I was at the Town Hall earlier with my friend and fellow Five For Fighting fan Johnny Wing. We wanted to say "HI" to John before the big event, and I wanted to get a pic of John with my beloved groupie mobile. It worked out perfectly! John arrived for his soundchecks and kindly indulged me in some photos with my ride. I'll be posting another blog post event! Stay tuned.