07/17 - 07/21/07 Costa Mesa, CA Orange County Fair
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Kristine
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Cute, Melissa!
I'm having some issues batching the photos to upload, but I'll have some up on my myspace soon, I promise!
Edit: Alright, there's a FEW on there now. But only from the first and last night.
I'm having some issues batching the photos to upload, but I'll have some up on my myspace soon, I promise!
Edit: Alright, there's a FEW on there now. But only from the first and last night.
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Driew_La_27
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Insert Coin(s) to Continue
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I flew. I spent just less than a week down in California and I went to the Thursday night concert.Driew_La_27 @ Jul 22 2007, 02:27 PM wrote: Wait! You were there?! How'd you get there?
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algonacchick
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Kristine
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Sorry about the length...
NIGHT ONE 7/17/07
I got to the fairgrounds at about 5:00pm. The first thing I had to do was figure out where the Will Call booth was. Ok, well, I guess I better get the back-story out of the way first, or none of this will make much sense. As you guys may have noticed, Ive been on Jim Wests top friends list for quite some time. Well, the short story is this: Im a photographer, Ive talked to him a bunch on myspace, he really likes my work, and the rest is history. A couple months ago, I had mentioned that I would be going to the OC Fair shows to him. I asked him whether it would be possible to meet him in person, since we had talked online all this time. He told me he could put me on his guest list for the aftershow stuff. So, we exchanged information, and he put me on his list for aftershow passes. Now, back to the fair. So I finally find the booth at the main blue gate, and I get my pass. That nights was yellow. I went back in the fairgrounds and headed towards the Grandstand Arena. I got out my clipboard with Rock Hall petition pages on it, and started it down the line of patrons. I had already finished off a few pages when a security guard approached me. She read it, and had another guard read it, and said, Ok, thats fine. Phew. Anyways, by the time the gates opened, I had about 7 pages filled (I think cant remember exactly, theyre all in one pile now). So, I put my clipboard away and walked over to meet other WOWAYers standing in front of the arena. I met Dave, and we decided to go and look at my photos in the fine arts building. That was fun! When we got back, I went inside the arena and found my seat (Sec 2, Seat C-2), which was a LOT closer than I thought. Last tour, the space between the front row and the stage was bigger. I sat next to Christina!! Yay! After taking a bunch of various group pictures, we finally settled down to wait for it to get dark. When we only had a little light left, at 8:15pm, Fun Zone began to play. Everyone started cheering, of course. The concert was great! There were some points where Al tripped over the lyrics a bit, but nothing major. Fat was the only rough song. He seemed to be pretty out of breath, and he didnt sing about 30% of the words, especially when he was on his back. Im not one to remember a ton of specifics thats Daves job. Haha. Im just a photographer. The rest of the concert played out well, and I had a lot of fun singing along to everything. I got a ton of streamers and confetti, but no money. I didnt even see them come out, thats how far they blew to one side.
Wow, this is getting long already- and Im only on the first night!! Anyways, now for the fun part: The aftershow. It took just a few minutes to get inside. Jim walked out, but was looking the other way. So, I called to him, and he turned and walked towards me. He smiled and said, Oh, hey, Kristine! Nice to finally meet you in person. Then his friend Lynne and her two kids walked over and said hi to him. Jim introduced us, and he introduced me as one of our myspace friends shes an excellent photographer. I took the photo on Lynnes myspace of the four of them. Originally, Lynne was just going to take it herself and have just the kids in the picture. So, I asked if she wanted to be in it. When she handed me the camera, Jim said, Oh, yes, get the photographer to take it! Good idea! I swear he said photographer and excellent photographer and awesome/good/etc sooooo many times that evening (or whenever he introduced me to someone else). So after the photo-op, the five of us walked back into the backstage area and got in the (short) line to meet Al. Lynne and her sons met Al as I watched. We got a little side-tracked, so I didnt talk to Al at that time. I talked to Lynne quite a bit, and I gave her one of my business cards. Lynne couldnt stay long- she had to take her boys home. So, for pretty much the rest of the evening, it was just Jim and I talking the whole time. I was wearing my lettermans jacket, and he was interested in what I had embroidered on it. Since the photos are so small, heres what I have listed: Marching Band, Drumline, Yearbook, Madrigals, Womens Ensemble, Chamber Singers. (Yes, Im a bando and choir geek.) He asked what I played in Drumline. I told him I was a marching bass drum. He laughed and said something to the effect of Id like to see pictures of that. Then Jim showed me this guys star wars car. I dont think I ever took a picture of it, but Im sure one will turn up. After we were done drooling over the car, he asked me if I was interested in seeing the tour bus. (AHHH!!) I calmly said Sure!, and we walked over to it. We walked in, and he gave me a quick Vanna White of the interior. I stood in the front area, kind of in the middle, while he moved around to show me where they kept everything. The door to Als room was open, but all I could see was a bed. Then again, I think thats pretty much all thats back there. Just in front of the door to the back room are 4 built-in bunk beds (think a small ship) for the band. There was also a door to a shower, and on the other side a bathroom. In the living room area, where I was standing, theres a HUGE flat screen TV, a mini-bar kitchen, a booth-style table, and plenty of bench seating. After that little tour was over, we were just standing around outside, and Suzanne and Nina walked by. Oh my goodness, you guys- Nina is sooooo adorable!! She looks just like her mom- and she has big, beautiful blue eyes. When the line to meet Al died down, Jim and I went back over so I could say hi. Jim introduced me, but Al said Yeah, I know Kristine! Haha, he still remembers from the signing (and from the extras casting). Jim took our picture, and then I switched spots and Al took a picture of Jim and me! Then Al met with another fan, who also happened to be the owner of the star wars car, so they went over to see it (I have no idea how he got to park backstage the first night but he was one of the storm troopers, so his car was there other nights, too). Jim had drove himself that night, so at about 11:20pm we said our goodbyes and he left. I walked over to Al on my way out to ask him for a favor. My sister is in Germany right now on an exchange program, and she was pretty bummed that she couldnt come to the shows. So, I decided to get a little present for her. I asked Al to record a quick video message. Its on my myspace videos, if youre interested. She totally flipped when she saw it!! After that, I went home. There was construction on the 405-S, so it took a few extra minutes to get home. I emptied my cards off my cameras, and called it a night.
NIGHT ONE 7/17/07
I got to the fairgrounds at about 5:00pm. The first thing I had to do was figure out where the Will Call booth was. Ok, well, I guess I better get the back-story out of the way first, or none of this will make much sense. As you guys may have noticed, Ive been on Jim Wests top friends list for quite some time. Well, the short story is this: Im a photographer, Ive talked to him a bunch on myspace, he really likes my work, and the rest is history. A couple months ago, I had mentioned that I would be going to the OC Fair shows to him. I asked him whether it would be possible to meet him in person, since we had talked online all this time. He told me he could put me on his guest list for the aftershow stuff. So, we exchanged information, and he put me on his list for aftershow passes. Now, back to the fair. So I finally find the booth at the main blue gate, and I get my pass. That nights was yellow. I went back in the fairgrounds and headed towards the Grandstand Arena. I got out my clipboard with Rock Hall petition pages on it, and started it down the line of patrons. I had already finished off a few pages when a security guard approached me. She read it, and had another guard read it, and said, Ok, thats fine. Phew. Anyways, by the time the gates opened, I had about 7 pages filled (I think cant remember exactly, theyre all in one pile now). So, I put my clipboard away and walked over to meet other WOWAYers standing in front of the arena. I met Dave, and we decided to go and look at my photos in the fine arts building. That was fun! When we got back, I went inside the arena and found my seat (Sec 2, Seat C-2), which was a LOT closer than I thought. Last tour, the space between the front row and the stage was bigger. I sat next to Christina!! Yay! After taking a bunch of various group pictures, we finally settled down to wait for it to get dark. When we only had a little light left, at 8:15pm, Fun Zone began to play. Everyone started cheering, of course. The concert was great! There were some points where Al tripped over the lyrics a bit, but nothing major. Fat was the only rough song. He seemed to be pretty out of breath, and he didnt sing about 30% of the words, especially when he was on his back. Im not one to remember a ton of specifics thats Daves job. Haha. Im just a photographer. The rest of the concert played out well, and I had a lot of fun singing along to everything. I got a ton of streamers and confetti, but no money. I didnt even see them come out, thats how far they blew to one side.
Wow, this is getting long already- and Im only on the first night!! Anyways, now for the fun part: The aftershow. It took just a few minutes to get inside. Jim walked out, but was looking the other way. So, I called to him, and he turned and walked towards me. He smiled and said, Oh, hey, Kristine! Nice to finally meet you in person. Then his friend Lynne and her two kids walked over and said hi to him. Jim introduced us, and he introduced me as one of our myspace friends shes an excellent photographer. I took the photo on Lynnes myspace of the four of them. Originally, Lynne was just going to take it herself and have just the kids in the picture. So, I asked if she wanted to be in it. When she handed me the camera, Jim said, Oh, yes, get the photographer to take it! Good idea! I swear he said photographer and excellent photographer and awesome/good/etc sooooo many times that evening (or whenever he introduced me to someone else). So after the photo-op, the five of us walked back into the backstage area and got in the (short) line to meet Al. Lynne and her sons met Al as I watched. We got a little side-tracked, so I didnt talk to Al at that time. I talked to Lynne quite a bit, and I gave her one of my business cards. Lynne couldnt stay long- she had to take her boys home. So, for pretty much the rest of the evening, it was just Jim and I talking the whole time. I was wearing my lettermans jacket, and he was interested in what I had embroidered on it. Since the photos are so small, heres what I have listed: Marching Band, Drumline, Yearbook, Madrigals, Womens Ensemble, Chamber Singers. (Yes, Im a bando and choir geek.) He asked what I played in Drumline. I told him I was a marching bass drum. He laughed and said something to the effect of Id like to see pictures of that. Then Jim showed me this guys star wars car. I dont think I ever took a picture of it, but Im sure one will turn up. After we were done drooling over the car, he asked me if I was interested in seeing the tour bus. (AHHH!!) I calmly said Sure!, and we walked over to it. We walked in, and he gave me a quick Vanna White of the interior. I stood in the front area, kind of in the middle, while he moved around to show me where they kept everything. The door to Als room was open, but all I could see was a bed. Then again, I think thats pretty much all thats back there. Just in front of the door to the back room are 4 built-in bunk beds (think a small ship) for the band. There was also a door to a shower, and on the other side a bathroom. In the living room area, where I was standing, theres a HUGE flat screen TV, a mini-bar kitchen, a booth-style table, and plenty of bench seating. After that little tour was over, we were just standing around outside, and Suzanne and Nina walked by. Oh my goodness, you guys- Nina is sooooo adorable!! She looks just like her mom- and she has big, beautiful blue eyes. When the line to meet Al died down, Jim and I went back over so I could say hi. Jim introduced me, but Al said Yeah, I know Kristine! Haha, he still remembers from the signing (and from the extras casting). Jim took our picture, and then I switched spots and Al took a picture of Jim and me! Then Al met with another fan, who also happened to be the owner of the star wars car, so they went over to see it (I have no idea how he got to park backstage the first night but he was one of the storm troopers, so his car was there other nights, too). Jim had drove himself that night, so at about 11:20pm we said our goodbyes and he left. I walked over to Al on my way out to ask him for a favor. My sister is in Germany right now on an exchange program, and she was pretty bummed that she couldnt come to the shows. So, I decided to get a little present for her. I asked Al to record a quick video message. Its on my myspace videos, if youre interested. She totally flipped when she saw it!! After that, I went home. There was construction on the 405-S, so it took a few extra minutes to get home. I emptied my cards off my cameras, and called it a night.
http://www.kristinekreations.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Yank27
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Very nice review Kristine! That sounds like almost too much fun for me. haha. I hope I can meet Jim before or after a show someday...last time I only got to meet Steve. Before the show in Duluth he asked Dan and me if we knew where a Barns & Noble bookstore was. Then we hung out for a couple minutes, and Al came out shortly after. Jim did walk by us, but we were busy talking to Steve at the time. Eh, maybe next time.
These OC shows sound amazing...I wish I could have been there. I'm determined to get there next tour. I'm in Minnesota though, so it'd be a little expensive for me. haha.
I remember the storm troopers from the Puyallup 2003 show...Im glad to see they brought them back for a show or two this tour. Didn't Al bring Bela onstage for Saga Begins last tour at the OC shows? I remember seeing a picture on weirdal.com...not sure if it was OC though.
These OC shows sound amazing...I wish I could have been there. I'm determined to get there next tour. I'm in Minnesota though, so it'd be a little expensive for me. haha.
I remember the storm troopers from the Puyallup 2003 show...Im glad to see they brought them back for a show or two this tour. Didn't Al bring Bela onstage for Saga Begins last tour at the OC shows? I remember seeing a picture on weirdal.com...not sure if it was OC though.
2018 Tour: Rochester, Minneapolis, Fargo, Clear Lake, and Green Bay...so far...
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algonacchick
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Kristine, what an awesome experience! So nice that Jim is so pleased with your photography skills. I'm glad you guys got to talk for so long. How awesome of Al to agree to record that video message for your sister! I bet she was speechless! Cool that he rememberd you, too. I have yet to hear Al call me by name. Thanks for posting your review, and I didn't mind the length at all.
4 words that Al said to me that blew me away:
"How's Problem Child doing?" - 7/12/11
So awesome!
Al Team #325
"How's Problem Child doing?" - 7/12/11
So awesome!
Al Team #325
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weirdallie27
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Gadget Girl
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Melissa - adorable picture! You lucky girl!!!
Kristine - I'm glad your post was long. You didn't leave much out that way! Love all the details. I am beyond jealous but SO happy for you.
Thanks to all of you who've filled us in. I'm still SO sad I couldn't go. (But happy that Nan and Vikki, etc. could.) My pony (Banjo) is still on the mend and needing frequent care. The vet's coming back to check on him tomorrow - he may need to have his knee lanced...sigh...)
Kristine - I'm glad your post was long. You didn't leave much out that way! Love all the details. I am beyond jealous but SO happy for you.
Thanks to all of you who've filled us in. I'm still SO sad I couldn't go. (But happy that Nan and Vikki, etc. could.) My pony (Banjo) is still on the mend and needing frequent care. The vet's coming back to check on him tomorrow - he may need to have his knee lanced...sigh...)
Hoping the Al goodness never ends...