Yellowcard Unplugged

Well, fortunately Yellowcard wasn't completely unplugged as it might have been difficult for the crowd at Dee Glen Smith Spectrum to hear all of the wonderful vocals. ;) However, the show on Tuesday was incredible to say the least.

It was later than planned, by the time I left for Logan, UT. I wanted to leave a bit earlier and get to the venue by 9 or 10 a.m. After all, I reasoned, Yellowcard is pretty well-known. I was afraid people would be camping out for the general admission floor space. As it turned out, I arrived to the venue a little before ten and spent a good half hour or more trying to find a place to park before 5 if you aren't a student. Dee Glen Smith Spectrum is on the University of Utah campus. I mainly regret two things: 1. Not bringing my SLR and 2. Not stopping with my SLR to record all of the beautiful fall colors in the canyon. 1 would not have been possible without 2. LOL I guess I would have had pics, just not the same quality.

Finally, I found a parking terrace (with a little help for a kind employee of an adjacent lot I could park in for $4 an hour without a permit - kinda pricey) I could park in for $7.50 per day (or free if I left after 9:30 p.m.) It was a little bit of a walk, but not too bad.

Then I proceeded to wait, and read, and wait some more. I kept hoping someone would show up so I could chat, take potty breaks, etc. After about an hour, I realized that I'd left my point and shoot camera in the car. If you know me, you know that won't do, so I convinced myself to hike back to the car and use the restroom while I was at it. IT didn't take that long, and I went back to my spot by the doors and waited, and read some more, and waited, took a few pics of the surrounding area, etc.






Every now and then I would walk around the building and wonder if I was at the right door, or someone would come along and ask where the ticket office was. I saw no one.
Again I needed a potty break, and I was alone, so I went to the ticket office in the building and was able to go. I was surprised at how open everything seemed. So, I asked a few questions at the ticket office and went back to my waiting spot.

At 2:30 p.m. I heard drums - yes drums! I went to the side of the building to the right of the doors and could hear perfectly. Jason Reeves was doing a sound check and played a few songs. It did sound very good indeed. Then it was quiet once again. Not too long after a couple of girls came by to check out the doors. Their mom had driven them all the way from Reno to see Yellowcard. They had a mission - front and center for the show. We shared a common goal. LOL They had been waiting inside the building since 11 a.m., about 1/2 after I had arrived. At about 4 o'clock or therabouts, Yellowcard began to do soundcheck and rehearse. They probably played 4 or 5 songs, which I could hear perfectly. It was getting closer.

At about 5, I met the promoter and asked him about cameras. He said he was o.k. with it and the band was, but he didn't know about the venue. He said he didn't know so mine was o.k. he didn't know about anyone elses that came after me. LOL

By the time 5:30 rolled around, the line was getting rather lengthy. At about 5 mins. to 6, security decided to inform us that we couldn't bring in any bags. Now, my car was not close, and I waited all day to be in the front and I have to walk blocks to put things away? I was not a happy camper. Fortunatly, Nancy, the mother of one of the girls from Reno, put my bags in her car, which I REALLY appreciated!!! 6 o'clock came and went and the crowd got a bit antsy. At last the doors finally did open, and we made the made dash for the stairs, down the stairs and in front of the barricade. I was nearly center.

After the usual wait for showtime to come and go, John Allred took the stage. John Allred is a local and very talented artist. His set was really good, and it was clear that many in the audience did know him. John did a medley of different cover songs, including Bubbly and Ocean Avenue (Colbie Callait - Jason performed onstage with her and of course, Yellowcard.) He also did a number of his original songs, ending with Parades, which was a big hit with the audience, or so it seemed. :)




After Allred, Jason Reeves came on stage. He had a keyboardist and drummer onstage with him. Jason was quite engaging and very good. I really liked his set as well. At one point a couple of gals next to me were yelling for Jason to sing "Gasoline" and he didn't have time for the whole song, so he did a little part of it for them. I thought that aws pretty cool.




After Jason's set it took a bit for the stage to be readied for Yellowcard, but finally things were ready, and Yellowcard took the stage and never turned loose. :)
Some of the songs they played were Rough Landing Holly, Only One, Lights and Sounds, and, yes, Ocean Avenue. Yellowcard did a wonderful job engaging the crowd, encourging audience participation, and even a sing along with background vocals. The crowd was pretty crunched, but also very enthusiastic. They chanted one more song for the longest time. Usually you can tell by the lights (or a set list if you can read it from where you are) if they band is finished, but the lights weren't giving us much of a signal. Finally, it was clear that they weren't doing an encore. However, Sean came down to the barricades and started doing autographs, and getting photos. After a little longer, Ryan Mendez (guitarist) came out and talked, gave autographs and posed for pics as well. Then just a short while later Ryan Keys came out and did the same.




I tried to get the set list and had my eye on it, but then I was so tired I zoned out for a minute and another guy got it. I saw another one under a guitar case, and asked Sean for it. He said it was gone. I looked up and a stage guy was taking it to some security gals backstage. I forgot to ask the guy if I could get a pic like I usually do.



Anyway, after the show, I went to the merch tables and bought a couple of cd's. I said a brief "hello" to John Allred, but couldn't wait for a pic as the people with my belongings in their car were heading for the elevator. I didn't want to make them wait, so I tried to hurry. As it was, they were waiting downstairs. We went outside and saw Sean (he told them he'd be down there) and we talked to him. I missed my photo op with Sean at the barricade, but I did get my photo with him outside, and my new friends as well.


Then Nancy, Rachel, and Gabby headed to their hotel, and I headed for the parking garage. Man, did my feet hurt!! Then I walked up the stairs because I figured I'd find my car easier. I was wrong. I got totally turned around. I could have just walked straight down the street I was already on. As it was I got turned around and ended up walking a long way past where I needed to be in the wrong direction and had to walk back again. I did finally find the garage and my car and headed for Burger King (at least I remembered how to get out of there ok) and then for the hour and 15 min. drive home. I was tired, but it had been a fun night.

Music Builds Tour photos

O.K. So I was able to upload a few pics that didn't need editing to the my photo site right off the sd card via my hubby's computer. One of my usb hubs seems to have died, which means no dvd recorder on my computer, and no card readers. Anyway, rather than doing a massive edit on the last blog, I just thought I'd post photos in a separate blog. So, here they are, ready or not! :)

Jars of Clay:










Robert Randolph & the Family Band:












Switchfoot:









Third Day:








Meet & Greets:

Sometimes it isn't just the weather that's Hot in Phoenix

Yesterday was a long day. I think it was good overall, even though a few things didn't live up to my expectations. In the morning, my husband woke me pretty early (I was sort of awake already, but not really rested) to go out because I wanted to take Saguaro photos. Then halfway out, the sensor got dust. So I don't have any way to clean it now, and there is blue sky in the background, so I know they will show up. My lack of sleep showed as I was feeling pretty crabby most of the day.

Anyway, the rest of the afternoon, I just read, watched television, and killed time until it was time to get ready to drive to the Dodge Theater in Phoenix for the Music Builds Tour. I had some sodas for Dan of Jars, a couple of small items for Jon of Switchfoot
and some things for Mark Lee of Third Day. I left pretty early because I figured I'd need time to figure out how to get the sodas to Dan, and definitely didn't want to miss a thing. I got there between 3:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. and saw the buses, so I went to see if I could get someone's attention, since I didn't see an accessible office. While I was waiting, Tim came up the street and I said, "hi" and told him what I was doing. I probably sounded really lame as I just went blank. It was and "I have a million things to say in 30 secs. kind of blank." Then a couple of guys came to try to meet the artists. They were disappointed because they just missed Tim. I was laughing because they had a list of who was who. We saw Matt of Jars get off the bus, and I pointed him out. They asked what he played. There was a guy with an all access pass on the curb chatting on the phone, so when he got off the phone, I told him about my gift for Dan, and he said he'd find someone for me. He was true to his word. He came out with Aaron who works with Jars, and Aaron said he'd take the sodas. So I went back to my car and got them, and came back to give them to Aaron.

After my little venture, I waited a little and chatted to the guys by the buses, but then figured I was starting to feel a little burn, so I went around to the front and chatted with anyone who would listen. LOL I get so chatty at concerts.

Someone told me that they only allowed disposables, so I got worried, and went to the front of the line to check. I ended up meeting Gina at the front of the line and found no one seemed to have a problem with my camera. I meant to go back to my spot in line, but they opened the doors while I was chatting and the guy wanted to check my bag. I didn't even have my ticket out. LOL They didn't even look in my camera bag. They were busy checking out my gifts to Mark. LOL

I chatted with Gina a bit, then went to find my seat. After I found my spot, I went to the Third Day tent to check in for the meet & greet. I asked about Jars meet after their set, and he said it was at the merch table. So, I went back to tell Gina, and then went to my seat.

Before long, Jars came out on stage with a really rocking version of The Flood, and continued to put on an amazing show. They played a really good mix of their songs, old and new. I could see the timer on the right side of the stage, so I was kinda sad as I saw the time was nearing an end. I prepared to rush back to try to meet them, but I made a quick stop to get the set list. I wanted to see Dan and maybe meet the rest of the guys (I've just met Dan and Matt before.) I waited by the merch table and was about 3 people back. I heard screams, so I figured they were around. I couldn't see anything. I went around and didn't see them. I asked and finally someone said "over there" and I went to look and finally saw them. By then the long was long, and we got cut off long before reaching them. The security told us 1 more minute, so I left the line and tried to get pics which didn't work out so well since there were people in the way. In the end, I was standing in front of Matt and he did autograph the set list, but that was about it. I walked just behind Dan until we split (he went left, the seating went to the right. That was one of the disappointments. I was really hoping to meet Jars. :( Next time I want to run the meet for them. LOL

Anyway, by then Robert Randolph had already started their set, so I got to my seat, and proceeded to enjoy them quite a bit. They are very good musically, and a lot of fun onstage. I didn't see a set list, so I didn't go up and ask for one. I waited for Switchfoot.

Switchfoot hit the ground running with Stars. The stage setup was absolutely beautiful with "starlights" in the background. All I can say is that Switchfoot's set was amazing as usual. Jon came down into the middle of the crowd with full spotlight. I couldn't see much then. Their set ended far too soon, and it was time for the meet/greet. I stopped real quick again to get the set list and ran for the meet and greet line. It was already really long. I was stressing because I didn't want to miss Third Day. In the end, I didn't leave the meet and greet, but it was really quick and not much time to interact with anyone. I didn't even really have time to think of anything much to say, and practically ran by Chad. I'm not sure I even really saw Jerome. He was there, but I went by too quick. I said, "this is killing me because I love Third Day, and I could barely hear. I asked security if I could listen at the door and then get back in line and was told if I left the line I would not get back. :( Anyway, I got the set list autographed, and then almost left it there. (Typically Melanie ditziness.)

I headed quickly for me seat, and Third Day was playing Rock Star. I was clapping before I even got to my chair. Mac sounded amazing as always. Mark did an incredible job on the guitar! They played my favorite song on the new cd (Run to You), and then Tunnel (my favorite on Wired.) At one point Tai, et al., were commenting on signs way in the back, and sent security to get the signs, which were song requests. Mac couldn't remember the words to Shine. I laughed, because no one else seemed to know them in the front. I just went blank. LOL I did know the words to Wire, but when he asked I didn't catch what he said. LOL It was pretty funny, actually. Then their set ended. Instead of leaving the stage for the encore, Mac said he was going to stay and then he brought out Jars of Clay for I'll Fly Away, and then Jars and Switchfoot for When Love Came to Town. Usually Robert Randolph comes out and sings a part on the last song, but he had to leave early, so Steve of Jars sang that part. Mac asked him to make his case as to why we should vote for him to sing Robert's part, and he said "I practiced real hard." LOL He did a great job. The entire finale was simply amazing and I realized just how many great vocalists were on the stage all at once.

After the show ended, I headed again to the stage to pick up a set list and was again successful (3 out of 4.) I was looking for Jason from the 3D boards because I wanted to meet him at the meet/greet. I was towards the end of the line, but I didn't care this time since it was much fewer people than SF's and I wasn't worried about missing anything. While I was standing in line, I saw Jason go by, and I hollered, but he didn't hear me. I saw someone I knew I recognized, but couldn't place him. Then after a while, Jason came by again, and I got his attention. I had a pic taken with him, and then I met the person I couldn't place. It was Tim! (Man, I should have known that - but it's only been 2 or 3 years since I saw him last. LOL) Then Tim, Jason and I had a pic taken together.

I don't remember the exact sequence, but the guys all came down the line and said "hi" to everyone before the actual meet. It was pretty cool. Mark even remembered my name. David remembered me as well. Mac recognized me.

We had a short conversation and I ended up waiting in line a little more. One of the stage guys came by and said there was something everyone didn't have, and gave me a copy of the rigging layout. It's pretty cool. I offered to take a pic of the family in front of me and e-mail it to them, since they just had a cell phone. (They were the ones in the back with the signs. She said her special ed preschool students helped make the signs.)

Finally it was my turn. Mac remembered me, but not my name. Then we had a short conversation. I gave him some gum, in memory of the K-Love cruise where he had been looking for gum. I don't think I ended up explaning that well. He probably has no idea what that was about. LOL I gave David a hug. Then I talked to Mark and gave him some baby things, and a bookmark. He thought they were really cute. LOL We talked about the book club, and books, among other things. Then I had my pic taken, and we talked a little more. On the way out, I talked to David a little a mentioned that last time I saw him I gave him a book. He kinda remembered, but then didn't know the book title which was O.K. because I was drawing a blank as well. LOL Between the 2 of us we finally came up with the author.
LOL He couldn't recall if he'd read it or not. He said he didn't read much, so I said he should give it to Mark. LOL We both laughed. Then on the way out someone asked David about his kids, so he took out his player/phone, or whatever it was exactly, and showed up pics of his boys. They are so totally adorable!!

Then I headed out, said goodbyes to Tim and his daughter, and a friend and headed back to the parking lot. I thought about going to the buses to see if Jars was still there, but decided it would be a bit much and didn't. I also figured I probably had missed them anyway. I'm sure everyone was really tired. After all, they just put on one "hot" show in Phoenix. :)

I left the lot and couldn't find a way to pay for the parking, so now I'm a little paranoid I'll get some notice asking me why I didn't pay. Just for the record, I had my parking ticket, and my money out, but not instructions were there, no envelope on my window (they do that in Boise) so I just left. I made most of the trip home fine, I went the wrong direction on the street off the freeway, but figured it out and turned around. So I stopped at a Chevron and bought a 44 oz. soda because I was realllly thirsty!!
and I got lost a bit on the last turn, so it took me longer than it should have to get home. Over all it was a great night.. not perfect, but still pretty amazing.

I hope some of the pics turned out. I'm sure most aren't sharp enough, but I think I have some. I hope so. I will have to post a big photo blog when I get back to UT.

To anyone who got through this whole post, you deserve an award. LOL

Peace out (that's Mac talk),

--Melanie

P.S. If you are ever at Dodge Theater, I recommend getting a drink before you go. $4.50 for a bottle of Sprite was a tad much!!

Phoenix is Hot... and I don't mean cool

It's still hot here in Phoenix, even in September. All in all I'm holding up rather well in the swelter.

Yesterday we drove all over. First we went up to the Dodge Theater so I could see where I have to go tomorrow for the Music Builds tour. I think I'll be ok getting there and back. :) Still not 100% sure about parking. There is a public garage across the street, but not sure it is the one the venue mentions and it was a tad on the expensive side, but maybe it will be easier entering and leaving. I'll probably call later.

Afterwards we came back to my daughter's to get directions to the soda pop shop in Scottsdale. I wanted to pick up a certain soft drink that is sometimes hard to find for Dan of Jars. I didn't realize it was 45 minutes away. LOL But we found it there, along with some other interesting soft drinks we picked up for ourselves. I took pics, but I'll have to add them when I get back home.

Then we headed back and decided to stop and do a little shopping while we waited for Dee's husband (Brian) to help his friend fix his car. We went to Borders, and then across the street to Berean Christian and I bought Downhere's new release. I also picked up Bebo Norman's while I was there. Finally we landed at Ross. Ed waited outside - not exactly his thing. LOL I tried on a pair of pants and a skirt. The pants almost fit, but not quite, so I decided against them. I really liked the skirt, but then I noticed a small stain and decided against it. My daughter did get a cool pair of Jersey sheets for $12.99, and some shorts, so she fared better.

Finally we ended up meeting Brian at a Mexican restaurant my husband went to before, but they didn't take debit or credit cards (and it was freezing cold in there.) I offered to go next door and get cash, but my husband decided to make a statement. Anyway, we ended up heading for Arriba's down the road a bit. The food was good and the service was pretty good as well. There was a bit of a toothpick inside Brian's enchilada, though, and they were really apologetic and gave him his enchilada gratis.

Then we went back to my daughter's place and watched a bit of tv and I goofed off on the laptop. Then I read a little more of my new book, "Unchristian" until I decided to go to sleep.

I think we are going to Fry's Electronics later, and when the sun goes down a bit, I may go out and see if I can get some Saguarro pics.

Tomorrow.... Third Day, Switchfoot, Jars of Clay, Robert Randolph & the Family Band. I can't believe it's coming up so soon! I've been paranoid that I have the wrong day and I'm going to miss it. Sigh...

More adventures to come soon...

--Melanie