Ventura Review
Posted by Jeryl
[Insert usual disclaimer here about 'giddiness': poor typing/spelling, etc., so pardon it please. Also, I will sound like a complete FOOL at times, but then again, I AM!!!]
OH MY GOD!!! (Ahem, sorry, just had to get that out of my system).
I keep thinking that these 'show experiences' of mine can't get any better, but I am always wrong! I will try to type this in 'chronological order' to give it some form of cohesiveness, but I may jump around a bit in my enthusiasm.
We drive up, we get there, and the guy at the box office window actually acts like he KNOWS me, 'oh, YOU'RE Jeryl, 20 tickets, right?' It was too funny. We go in, and our tables (the two center ones, front row) have our name on them and 'reserved'. I took my place at the 'stage end' of the table, with MY Chris next to me, and got to look at Linda's WONDERFUL Tahoe pics. (Akemi, you rule!, nice boots there, girl! And Linda also is in posession of the best 'mirrored suit' pic I have ever seen. Hopefully plans will be made soon to share them on the net.) The 'buffet style' dinner left something to be desired, but it got us front and center, so I wasn't complaining (besides, who could eat at a time like this?). I just kept being so totally STRUCK by how CLOSE we were! I was literally leaning on the stage and could tuck my feet in this little space under it. We were a bit cramped when all sat down, but managed to climb over each other and get real friendly when someone needed to use the restroom.
In attendance we had: Michelle D, Linda/LJD, and April/WooopyCat (and her sweet mom - who seemed to really enjoy the 'raunchy side' of CI!) from the BH. Then came my husband's friend Bill and two of his guests, another friend Jack and his date. That rounded out the table on the 'Hershy side'. On 'Roly side' we had ME and Chris, my two nurse friends, Annette and Wendy (note to self: Jeryl, next time think long and hard about bringing women who are that much better-looking than you! Annette sure drew some looks!), our good friend Tom and his date, and my 'computer guru' James and three of his friends (incidentally, James, who prior to me 'converting him' owned only HSW, has now purchased every CD!). It was very cool to watch all these people and their reaction to the guys, the music, the jokes, etc. (see, I DO actually take my eyes off CI sometimes!) I kept hearing 'this is great' from the back of both tables, and could feel the tables 'rocking' as they all just got into it. I felt proud to have introduced some new folks to the 'magic' of a CI&S concert.
The opening band was OK, some I'm sure thought they were great, but I just kept biding time until I was gazing up at Chris! What was really cool about being so close was that we could see the 'back stage' area, and the stairs, and it was neat watching all the lighting prep going on. Later we noticed CI, Kenney and Roly (at different times) watching the opening band play from the stairs, and I started to get really exited as I knew the 'time was near'. We made a quick break for the restroom, with explicit instructions to the ones left at the table, that under no circumstances was the band to start before we got back!
They take the stage (band in the silvery suits - very 'suave'), and CI comes out resplendant in blue velvet with little swirly sparklies all over it. I LOVED it, as all I had ever seen was the purple suit. I guess this one is older, but the blue made his eyes stand out even MORE (is that possible?). He was, at most times, close enough for me to reach out and touch (don't worry, I resisted the urge). I know that I had this huge grin on my face the whole time, I was just so happy to be that close, to enjoy the concert so intimately. I felt so GOOD, with my friends near, and my husband right behind me (I kept leaning back on him during the show, and he would say 'having fun yet?'), just enjoying a band and a man that I have come to truly LOVE! I took a whole roll of film in about 3 songs, but am not sure if they will turn out as the stage lights kept shining toward me (not a good thing, right camera buffs?) and CI would not hold STILL! I noticed that he did slow down a bit later in the evening, so next time I will save more film for then. [I will get them developed as fast as I can and post the ones that turn out good on my page in the next few days.]
I got a LOT of eye contact from Chris (and Roly a few times), not the 'flirty' kind, but the 'just because I was right up front and having a great time' kind (which I prefer). Every song was that way, it seemed. During 'Wicked Game' CI looked straight into my eyes for a whole line of 'I never knew....'. I almost melted! (I could hear my Chris laughing at me, knowing what it was doing to me!) They also came over to the EDGE of the stage several times, where their feet were inches from my hands (which were resting on the stage most of the night - never know when I'll get that close again). At one point Roly leaned over me while playing his bass and the arm of it was right in my face (he was smiling real big at me too! - sorry, 'giddiness' running rampant again). And I swear that I felt Chris' sweat drip on me a couple of times! (hey, it's the only 'way' I'm going to get him sweating, so I'll take it!)
(side bar: At the table next to Linda's, was Robin, a BH 'lurker' who we had met before - she had brought these cute little 'devil horns' headbands, important for later)
OK, when SOTD began, Linda, Michelle, and Robin put on the little devil horns, which cracks Chris up! Someone picked up one of them later, when it was just sitting on the stage, and put it on Hersh! Too cute! (these horns are important later too, so remember them!)
Hersh 'rocked' the house! Even my 'music snob' friend was VERY impressed. They did the 'everyone plays Hersh's guitar' thing somewhere in there too. (Jeryl is getting a bit lost now, you'll see why in a minute). Brett was great, and Chris can PLAY the keys too! He and Brett traded instruments during some song, and Chris went to town! And, as always, Kenney works his a** off back there on the drums. I was hoping to get some great pics of Kenney, who is usually too far away, but tonight, though I had some great 'zoom' shots, they never had the lights up enough for them to turn out. (note: any tech crew reading this - we want to see Kenney too!)
The stories were the usual, CI just cracking himself up, really seeming to have a great time. One of my guests (who shall remain nameless) wanted him to 'quit talking and sing' but I informed her that some of us LOVE this part, and it gives him a chance to 'rest a bit' too. He is truly gifted in this part of the show, and even though we had heard the stories before, I just get such a kick out of CI and the way he tells them! (sometimes he looks like a little kid telling a 'dirty' joke!) All my 'virgin' guests were really cracking up, totally surprised by the stories, as well as CI's comic timing. I know there was a new 'twist' to one....oh yea! When CI was talking about guys just 'taking the blame' and getting on their knees in front of their girlfriends, well, SOME of us couldn't contain ourselves and kind of 'whooped'. He 'caught the jist' of what we were thinking and kind of blushed, did this surprised, "I can't believe you are thinking that" look (right at ME!), then made some comment like 'Yea, you LIKE it when we do that, huh?'. My Chris was ROLLING with laughter! (I could feel the chair shaking behind me - I had my face hid at that moment as not to show the bright red color it had turned.)
Ok, I'm not sure when this happened, but I wanted to save it for 'almost to last', as it was the highlight of my night. At some point, apparently, the blue velvet suit got a bit hot for our fair boy. He walks right up to me, says 'here baby, hold this for me', and hands me his guitar while he takes off his jacket! I held it for him (hands trembling, I'm sure) and could feel my face just 'beaming' as I looked up at him. I missed April tapping me on the shoulder to get a pic of me holding the guitar, with CI in the background, as I just couldn't take my eyes off him (and was scared to death I might drop it!) Chris was smiling really big at me, and then he took it, and said 'thank you', of course (always the gentleman, isn't he?). When I sat down my Chris said 'way to go baby' and gave me a little hug. I have two pretty cool Chris', I think. It was kind of like the 'light show' moment; just a fan having a great time with her favorite 'star'. (deep, satisfied sigh!)
We are now at the 'mirror suit' time, and the crowd goes wild. All my 'virgins' are in awe, and cracking up. And you know, if you are right next to him you don't get 'blinded' as much! (I did notice a few mirrors missing, so will have to offer him the dress as a replacement, I think.) At one point I caught him doing his little 'aim the lights' at a very attractive young woman in a tight, low cut white t-shirt. She was oblivious to the 'light show' goin on on her chest, but he was having a great time bouncing the light 'back and forth', if you get my drift. His smile during this was pure 'devil'! More jokes, more great music, on to last encore. (I am really bad at the order here, Linda will fill in the gaps when she posts, as she kept a set list). Still more great music, and finally they start 'Bonnie Bee' (it's funny how us 'seasoned' fans know which songs signal what, but no-one else does!). They are a little way into it when Chris comes over to the edge and says 'I need some devil women up here', to Michelle and Robin (who are wearing their horns -see, I told you they were important!) They are the first ones 'invited up' and they made a cute 'Chris sandwich' when he told them to 'come over here by me'. I really hope that the pic I took of them turns out. Then the 'hordes' started coming up, poor Ross and others were out-numbered, though they did escort some off. They kept using our tables to just walk on stage, which I guess is the norm (to just 'rush' ), but I remained steadfast in my oath to not go unless invited. CI ran off stage at that point, I am sure to find a way to the balcony, but he never showed up there. More women rush the stage, Roly invites a few up, but most just 'go'. (Annette was 'beckoned' by both Roly and Kenney, but would not go. Lots of 'eye contact' toward her during the evening, from Chris too, cementing my relsove to 'look before you invite' - Only kidding, folks, that would be like reverse descrimination, huh?) CI finally came back on stage, was surrounded by women (didn't seem to mind, as long as they did not 'hang' on him) and soon it was time to say good-bye. I did manage a 'thank you' mouthed at him as he was leaving, and he gave me a warm smile. Michelle, trooper that she is, stayed on stage to nab two set lists, and did not go 'back stage' with the rest. She and Robin looked mighty fine dancing up there on stage - I know it was a highlight they will never forget. (Michelle will fill you in from her vantage point this weekend when she has time to post, but told me I could share this with you all now).
We all waited around for a while at the tables, then headed for the bar/lobby area. The line was pretty long, though it seemed to go fast. We ran into Roly, who, when I asked if they had time off from the Coachhouse to Hawaii, said no, that they were doing all kinds of things (I don't think he meant shows, though). He then asked if we'd heard of Melrose Place, and wanted to know what it was. He says they are on it, so we'll have to watch out for that! I think he meant that they are filming during the time between next week and Hawaii. Saw Kenney too, chatted for a while, but had to keep up with the line. Met Annie (non-poster from BH) in line, who heard someone say my name and introduced herself to me. It turns out we live 2 towns from each other. Also met Betty Lou before the show, and saw her again in line. The line moved on, and my Chris ended up staying with Kenney and buying him a drink (he's not into the autograph thing). I bought a baby tee and another poster (other one got wrinkled), but mostly as I didn't want to just put up my Leno ticket and card for him to sign. They were not saying 'nothing but bought merchandise' but I wanted to support them some more. I was at the end of the table, and a photograper (professional) was next to me taking pics of CI while he was signing autographs. I asked what mag. they were with and they said (Jeryl is drawing a blank now - if I remember I will let you know). Chris got down to me, really hurried, and signed my poster (he's drawing sideburns now!). I also had put out a card for Steph for him to sign, one I had made for her since she had to stay home. He signed that and my Leno ticket. I kind of thought that he might indicate that he remembered me there, at Leno, but he was really rushed. He looked up at last, and, YES! I kept my composure this time! As he was turning away to go back down to the other end of the table I said 'thank you for another great show'. He stopped, a warm smile came over his face, he looked deep in my eyes, touched my hand, and gave me a very sincere 'you're welcome'. (OK, composure gone now!) They are always only for an instant, but I do love those 'moments'. I know some will say that the 'connecting with fans' and 'politeness' is just an act, but I really feel that he understands where we are coming from and appreciates us. (there were some girls at the other end who wanted to dictate to him what he should write to them, 'to sexy....', and he wouldn't, even when they complained - he appreciates politeness too, I think)
While in line I heard Sheryl Lewis say to the photographers that he would only be there for another 5 minutes or so, so I figured pics were not going to happen. We waited just in case, but as soon as autographs were done they ushered him back through the now empty theater and on to back stage. One of the crew told us he was leaving soon, so we did not waste our time waiting around. As we walked to our car we passed the back stage door, saw Roly, thanked him, and watched the roadies start loading stuff up. I noticed the limo across the street, but did not want to wait or intrude. I had had a perfect night, and it was time to come home and share it with you all! I am still 'glowing' as I sit here typing, some two hours later! Chris Isaak and Silvertone, you are WONDERFUL!!! You will be in my 'good thoughts' and dreams tonight, I am sure.
Well, that is all for this VERY LONG review. (I think I may have broken my own record!) Off to dreamland folks, talk to you soon! HOB on Thursday!
~Jeryl
Posted by Jeryl "Morning after blues"....
NOT!!! I can't believe how still 'flyin' I am this morning! The 'glow' is definitely still with me. (OK, technically it is the same day as 'last night' when I posted, but I thought I might lose some during sleep). I have to go teach reading to a bunch of 6 & 7 year olds in a minute (oh yea, getting my mind off CI and last night and on to 'The Good Bad Cat' will be a breeze), but wanted to share some 'forgot-to-mentions' with you all first.
Having never been so close before, I noticed some things last night that I never had. (I hope all my 'rantings' are not killing those of you patiently waiting to see them, who have never seen them, or who have never had the chance to be up close. That said...) I never realized how 'intimate' the front was going to be/feel. As we were in the stage lights most of the time, it kind of felt like we were part of the stage, not part of the audience (does that make sense?). We could hear the crowd behind us singing along, cheering, etc., but felt 'seperated' from them in a sense. I could also hear some of the 'off mic' talk that goes on' (nothing earth shattering), and see in intimate detail how they all 'work together' to make a song happen. For instance, I never realized how much Hersh and Chris 'share' the guitar parts, one playing part of a riff and then the other chiming in. This is really cool when Hersh and Roly do it on SOTD! Also came away with a new appreciation for Chris' guitar playing - I had not realized how much of it was him, always assumed he was rhythm and Hersh was the virtuoso. Not so, they really do SHARE that role. Roly still cracks me up with his 'head bobbing', I fear he is going to be in need of some serious chiropractic services someday! And Chris and Roly's feet never stop moving, the whole night.
Those of you 'seasoned' fans who have done the 'front row' thing many times probably find me a bit silly right now, but for a 'first timer' it is too cool. I highly recommend doing it someday, to EVERYONE. It is just such a different vantage point, and feels more like you are part of the show, instead of just watching it. The interaction is great too, something you don't usually feel when you are 'out there in the masses'. OK, enough making you green, just try it sometime if you can (remember, I pestered the poor box office for a month straight to get these tix, it was not by chance, but by design. "Where there's a will, there's a way!")
I really LIKE Chris' new haicut. Shorter, but still 'him' (I was afraid he had a buzz or something by the descriptions on the board!). He still looks 'eternally young' and I want to know his 'good skin secrets'. All this couldn't be just 'good genes', could it? (and speaking of jeans, I was hoping for them last night, instead of one of the suits, but after seeing this one I am glad he chose it. It conformed to him better than the purple one, much nicer 'fit' on the pants, etc. Pictures will explain what I can't put into words.) As mentioned above (but always worth a second), the eyes were their usual 'sparkling blue', and I love the 'pink front lighting, blue backlighting' on Wicked Game and Blue Hotel. Hope it photographed well. He truly is one of the most handsome men on the face of the earth, but would not be so handsome to me if he did not have the great 'insides' to go with the outside. (at least that's my take on him, so let me have it, OK?)
Well, gotta go now.
~Jeryl
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