07/17 - 07/21/07 Costa Mesa, CA Orange County Fair

[algonacchick]

My main instrument is the flute, but I can also play fife, recorder, ocarina, drums and piano. I can sing, too. I've only seen one show so far, but I loved all of it. Had a good time, despite the SRO conditions.

I'm glad you had fun at the OC Fair. I would love to see Al in CA just once.

Looking forward to seeing Al in Jackson, MI. The countdown continues in my sig.

Patti, over and out as well!

[weirdalisthephantomoftheopera]

Not to get into it, but I kinda liked the slowness. It gave people a chance to cheer, but stop in time for us to hear the song. My friend and I got up and danced, but not too many people in the audience did. Plus, I was in the section where only the semi-fans were. I pumped my section up though, gotta love singing Al's songs incredibly loud!

[Kristine]

NIGHT THREE 7/19/07

This is probably going to be my least interesting review. Earlier that day, Jim messaged me on myspace saying he maxed out on passes, but that he put me down for Friday night. So, this is the only review that doesn’t include backstage stuff. I got to the fairgrounds a bit later than the other days. I think I got there around 6:15pm. I handed out Star Fund postcards that finally came in the mail. I had them printed by the same business I get my business cards from. I got rid of all the cards I had brought just as they opened the “floodgates” to let the patrons in the arena. I think I had a pretty good sales pitch going by the end! Hopefully at least a couple people donated. Once the line started moving, I went in and found my seat. This night I was in 2-A-1!! Again, I had my super awesome lens with me (this time, a monopod too). A1 was a perfect seat for getting photos of Al- nice and close, and the perfect angle. When I sat down and started getting my gear set up, Jack the security guard came up to me. He said he recognized me as the photographer from the previous night. “Didn’t get enough last night?” I replied with, “Nope, of course not!”. He laughed and said, “Different angle, huh?” I nodded. The concert was great! So many highlights and memorable moments. There was also that camera crew filming that night. It was pretty windy- and the wind was affecting my photography. I had to scrap quite a few photos because Al’s hair was in his face. Also, because of the wind, I didn’t get any Al money. It ALL blew to stage right- before it even started to fall towards the ground! We got Bob again tonight. I personally like WDTAH, but Bob is a great song, too. I’ll Sue Ya is a whole story in itself- but I’ll let Dave tell that one. Melissa and I couldn’t stop laughing!! It was an absolute genius comedic moment. At the end of Nirvana, Steve made me cringe. He decided to toss his black bass high into the air! When it was coming back down is when I cringed. It didn’t look like he was going to catch it. And, actually, he sort of didn’t. The tip of the headstock actually bounced on the stage! Luckily, I don’t think it was harmed. When it came time for Yoda, I prepared to sing the entire Chant word for word. And, guess what? I recited it nearly perfectly! It’s getting easier and easier. The only part I tripped on was the new section. What makes it hard is the syncopation. Anyways, the best part of the night was during Wanna B Ur Lovr. When I replied to Jim’s message earlier about not having a pass, I mentioned that I had not had a “turn” during WBUL. I know he read the message, but I’m not sure if the reason I was messed with was because Jim told him, or because I was sitting in A1. Maybe it’s a mix of the two. So, during the song, Al started down the stage right aisle. I was sitting there hoping he would come back to my side. He started to make his way back to the front, and he seemed to be scanning the front row, as if he was looking for a particular vict… I mean, person. Anyways, I have no recollection of what lyrics he was singing at the time- I was so focused on everything else!! His eyes locked on me, and he made a beeline for my seat. He had his knees interlocked with mine, and he leaned over and we touched foreheads! OMG I could not stop laughing, it was so funny, and so cool at the same time! In my peripheral vision I could see people laughing, smiling, and pointing at me. I also saw the cameraman and that big Panasonic lens. Later, I learned that the camera crew is from A&E Biography. I sure hope they use that segment! That would be awesome!! You guys have to keep your eyes open for Al’s episode. I have no idea when the airdate is- it may not be for months. Anyways, after the concert, I hung out with some wowayers for awhile, and then I went home and went through the same routine of empting my cards. I was planning on getting an extra hour of sleep since I got home early, but my dear friend Kapo (“Ried Kapo Ku” on Jim’s top friends and mine) was online. So… I didn’t get that extra hour. I ended up talking to him the rest of the evening. Oh well, it was worth it. I love chatting with him- he entertains me.

[Driew_La_27]

An A&E segment?!

[stupidsurgeon27]

So that's where the camera crew is from. I kept wondering that during the show, but that is awesome.

[Orthography Enthusiast]

A&E? Cool! I hope they do it.

Ried Kapo Ku really is a fun guy. And he does a great version of "Over the Rainbow" (in the style of the singer whose full name I can't remember but I think he's called Izzy?) And everybody should buy his album, and not just because it has a guest accordionist on one song.

[algonacchick]

I've read a couple of reviews alluding to Dave's moment during "I'll Sue Ya". I can't wait to read Dave's story. I love that picture of you an Al during WBUL. It makes me smile. Thanks for another great review, Kristine. Oh, and thanks for the info about Al having a Biography show on A&E. That's awesome!

[kaffy©]

Great reviews everyone, Dave, can't wait to read yours. *thinks of an iceberg building*

Anywho. Yeah! How fun. One of these years I may get to CA!

[DrSteggy]

I've read a couple of reviews alluding to Dave's moment during "I'll Sue Ya". I can't wait to read Dave's story.

MAN I hope you are patient!

Jackie

[algonacchick]

Yeah, I suppose you're right. I think Kaffy has the right idea about how long to wait.