So, we started to head towards the reserved seating section. I was surprised to find that there was no one
there from the venue checking tickets to make sure that only people with reserved seating tickets got on
the floor. This is customary at every venue I've been to, and believe me; I've been to a lot. I come to
find out later that there were people in the reserved seating area that didn't even have a general
admission ticket. Well, I know when I walked into the venue, the same lady who wouldn't let me use the
bathrooms earlier, didn't even bother to ask for a ticket now. I still have my ticket in tact. That my
friend explains most of the problems that you've been hearing about.
The traffic situation happens. Sometimes things just can't be fixed. There was no place for all those
cars. It was kind of like that road outside Smiley's for the Fan Club Party. As far as the seating goes,
there was no excuse for that. There should have been a lot more event staff and more than a few
sheriffs' deputies on hand. They even had problems with people being backstage who didn't belong. It
was rather easy to get there by going down this one hill where they had no security at all.
So, we had just entered the floor seating area. There were tons of people standing in the aisle. No one
was moving. I had to get to my seat. I was not spending my last KC show all the way at the back of the
reserved seating area where I couldn't see the stage. I didn't drive nine hours to be so far away.
Especially since I paid the e-bay price for my row C ticket. So, with some persistence, I moved myself
through the crowd. Believe it or not, the aisle was filled with people. At some points, there were five
people across. No one was moving. I kept saying excuse me, excuse me. Some people would just
ignore. Then they would get the old poke on the back. For the most part, people were moving out of the
way. At one point, I had someone turn around and start screaming at me. She wasn't happy about the
poke. Then I dug down deep into my New York, which I usually keep hidden, especially when I'm out of
town, and told her if she didn't want to be poked that she should move. Plus, I told her that I was just
trying to get to my third row seat that I had paid for. It was around this time that some lady who was
carrying her son in her arms started to walk right in front of me. Well, a lot of people moved for her,
and I walked right behind.
Finally, I thought I was at my row and section. See I had row C, which is normally the third row.
Apparently in VA, they have a front row, row A, row B, and row C. That makes row C, the fourth row.
So, I now had to walk back a row. Plus, I just found out that my section was on the other side of the
aisle. Not only did I have to walk back a row, but I also had to cross the aisle, again. Believe it or not,
that was the hardest thing, crossing that aisle again. So, now I'm finally at my section, standing at the
beginning of my row. I didn't see my friend Jen who had the seat next to me. Plus, the people standing
at the beginning of the row couldn't get out of the row to let me in. No fear, I've done this before. I
started skimming the seats. Then I got to someone who was sitting on their seat. Somehow I stepped
down, let me tell you, there was no room for any of this. Then I had to go back to skimming some more
seats. It was at this point that I noticed Jen and Nikki standing on some chairs. I got excited, but then
at the same time, I realized that Nikki was supposed to be a row behind us and in another section. As I
got closer, I could see Patty, who had the seat next to Nikki, standing in front of them on the floor.
I finally get to my seat, and I start yelling: "I made it to my seat, I made it to my seat." Taking my
ticket out and holding it up and shouting, "see I belong in this seat." Everyone was laughing. Especially
my friends. Then I realize that VA is still right behind me. Now Nikki had been having a problem with
some girl in a burnt orange shirt that kept pushing on her. The girl didn't belong in the reserved seating
area. Nikki realizing that VA is wearing his badge, and she asked him for help. She told the girl her
friend was here and that he would tell her to leave. Nikki's parting words for that girl was, "sucks to
know somebody." I was just a bit overwhelmed at this point. Nikki is usually very easy going and would
never say something like that, but things were pretty bad. Our seats were at the end of a row, I had no
idea the aisle was right there, there were so many people standing there. I didn't realize it was an aisle.
This girl had bumped into Nikki one too many times I guess. Plus Nikki and Jen had been very worried
about me. I don't know why. I was doing fine. Still, they were worried.
It seemed like it took longer than usual for Kenny to take the stage in between sets. There seemed to be
some kind of problem, but I have no idea what it was. When he finally did take the stage, everyone
forgot about all the things that had been going wrong with the seating, traffic, and tickets. Kenny put on
an incredible show. He seemed to be just thrilled with all the people there. VA, who was working in
some sort of capacity, mostly volunteer, had said that they sold 34,000 tickets for the show and that they
were still selling more that day. Jen took a picture of the crowd behind us that came out pretty good.
There was an awful lot of people there. The biggest that I've seen at show all year. The crowd was really
into Kenny and his music. It's amazing how there were so many unhappy people before Kenny hit the
stage, and once he came out everyone just forgot about what was bothering them and enjoyed the show.
I've read on KC's forum that people said he looked mad and annoyed on stage. The only thing I saw was
that big smile on his face and the bewilderment in his eyes. Bewildered that so many people were there
for the show and that they appeared to be having a great time. Granted the venue wasn't the best, but
Kenny's performance for this show was right up there with all the other shows I've seen all year. I've
even read where people have said that he didn't want to be on stage so he left songs out. That's not true
either. The three concerts I went to last month he didn't do the same songs every night. He's been
leaving Tush and Conway Twitty out of his set for some reason. I have not a clue why. He should put
them back in, but that's up to him. From where I was in row c (the fourth row) Kenny put on an
excellent show. Once again showing why he should most definitely bring home Entertainer of the Year at
the CMA's in November.
We've all been spoiled by Kenny signing autographs from the stage at the end of his performances. He
used to do it at the end of just about every show. Once again, I went to three concerts last month, and he
only signed autographs at one show, which is fine. That's not something that he has to do. From what
I've read he likes to do that, but it's not always possible. There was no way for anyone to reach the stage
to have him sign anything at this venue. It would have been pointless for him to try. No one could even
reach the stage to give him anything. There were a few items that were handed to the deputy sheriff's
that were standing between the stage and the crowd during the show, one was a big bouquet of flowers.
Everyone should know me well enough by now to know that the party doesn't end just because Kenny left
the stage. Oh no. Well, if the traffic was still coming into the parking area at 8 PM, you would have to
expect it to be just as bad leaving. We didn't even start the car until everyone was gone, and I do mean
everyone. Naturally, we had our post-tailgate party. We actually still had some margaritas left, and
plenty of beer, and some water too for those that were driving. We wound up seeing plenty of people
who were driving. It took a long time for the traffic to clear, but unlike the Scranton show, we were
never asked to leave. It wasn't long before Kenny's trucks were ready to head out. For some reason,
when they saw our party they had to stop. That's right we were hanging out with all of the drivers. That
doesn't really mean anything, but they are all very nice.
Before the band bus or Kenny's bus left, we had four of the trucks pulled over by our little party and we
were talking to the guys that drive them. You might remember from the last review that one member of
the band had something to share with us as he passed by in the bus. Well, it was time for payback.
Naturally, I chickened out. Actually, I don't know what I was doing when that bus pulled out. I was
there somewhere. There was just one bus left to go and two more trucks. Kenny's bus had stopped. I
guess they were trying to decide if they should drive passed us or not. Who knows. After what seemed
like a while, finally that last bus started up the ramp to come near where we were having our party. We
had decided to give that bus a little galaxy, planet, star lesson. I'm not sure how it turned out, but Sue
was proud of me. I'm the chicken no more.
Over the past several weeks I've read how Kenny lays awake at night trying to figure out ways to make
his show better. After running into his production manager on Friday at the hotel, I know that they are
already working on the set for next year's tour. I have a suggestion if you don't mind. Please put the
Conway Twitty song back into your show. It really is one of the highlights of the show. I'm sure it's a
drag doing the same song for so many shows for so long, but it's want the fans really want. I still
remember the first time I saw him do that little number. I couldn't hear his vocals at all at that show. I
had no idea what he was singing. I could only hear the music and watch his moves. That was enough for
me. Out of the 13 times that I've seen Kenny this year, I've only seen him do "I'd Just Love to Lay You
Down" four times. That doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy myself at the other 9. I enjoyed myself each
and every time. It's just not the same without that song. Try it in the encore. Make us beg for it. Just
kidding, I'm not good begging.
Well, after seeing Kenny and his band perform 13 times this year, I have to say THANK YOU to all of
them, band, crew, and Kenny, for going out of your way to put on the best show possible every night. I
especially have to thank Kenny for being so nice backstage whenever I had the chance to meet him,
which apparently was often. I still remember that first time when I could barely say hello. It's funny how
things change. Now, I talk to him the whole time I'm there. Everyone that works for Kenny did a great
job at each and every show. Some shows definitely stand out in my mind more than others for different
reasons, but I had a great time at all of them. I only hope that I can see them half as many times next
year. It would be great to double that amount, but I don't see how that is possible, without being on the
payroll. So, if you're willing Kenny, I am available, for payroll only. After all, I am a happily married
woman. Anyway, it's been a blast to stand up and "get rowdy with the rest of you". (I still have to get
my hands on one of those shirts.)
I have met so many wonderful people during the course of this tour and even before it started. The best
is being able to meet in person someone that you've gotten to know on-line, whether it's at Kenny's
website or at chesneycrew.com, or some other little Chesney related web-site, it's been a pleasure to get
to know so many of you and to hang out at shows. I only wish we had more to go to, but Kenny and ALL
of his employees definitely need a break. A well deserved one at that. It's almost time to head to the
"islands" (wish it was my island) to get rid of that "road dust".
there from the venue checking tickets to make sure that only people with reserved seating tickets got on
the floor. This is customary at every venue I've been to, and believe me; I've been to a lot. I come to
find out later that there were people in the reserved seating area that didn't even have a general
admission ticket. Well, I know when I walked into the venue, the same lady who wouldn't let me use the
bathrooms earlier, didn't even bother to ask for a ticket now. I still have my ticket in tact. That my
friend explains most of the problems that you've been hearing about.
The traffic situation happens. Sometimes things just can't be fixed. There was no place for all those
cars. It was kind of like that road outside Smiley's for the Fan Club Party. As far as the seating goes,
there was no excuse for that. There should have been a lot more event staff and more than a few
sheriffs' deputies on hand. They even had problems with people being backstage who didn't belong. It
was rather easy to get there by going down this one hill where they had no security at all.
So, we had just entered the floor seating area. There were tons of people standing in the aisle. No one
was moving. I had to get to my seat. I was not spending my last KC show all the way at the back of the
reserved seating area where I couldn't see the stage. I didn't drive nine hours to be so far away.
Especially since I paid the e-bay price for my row C ticket. So, with some persistence, I moved myself
through the crowd. Believe it or not, the aisle was filled with people. At some points, there were five
people across. No one was moving. I kept saying excuse me, excuse me. Some people would just
ignore. Then they would get the old poke on the back. For the most part, people were moving out of the
way. At one point, I had someone turn around and start screaming at me. She wasn't happy about the
poke. Then I dug down deep into my New York, which I usually keep hidden, especially when I'm out of
town, and told her if she didn't want to be poked that she should move. Plus, I told her that I was just
trying to get to my third row seat that I had paid for. It was around this time that some lady who was
carrying her son in her arms started to walk right in front of me. Well, a lot of people moved for her,
and I walked right behind.
Finally, I thought I was at my row and section. See I had row C, which is normally the third row.
Apparently in VA, they have a front row, row A, row B, and row C. That makes row C, the fourth row.
So, I now had to walk back a row. Plus, I just found out that my section was on the other side of the
aisle. Not only did I have to walk back a row, but I also had to cross the aisle, again. Believe it or not,
that was the hardest thing, crossing that aisle again. So, now I'm finally at my section, standing at the
beginning of my row. I didn't see my friend Jen who had the seat next to me. Plus, the people standing
at the beginning of the row couldn't get out of the row to let me in. No fear, I've done this before. I
started skimming the seats. Then I got to someone who was sitting on their seat. Somehow I stepped
down, let me tell you, there was no room for any of this. Then I had to go back to skimming some more
seats. It was at this point that I noticed Jen and Nikki standing on some chairs. I got excited, but then
at the same time, I realized that Nikki was supposed to be a row behind us and in another section. As I
got closer, I could see Patty, who had the seat next to Nikki, standing in front of them on the floor.
I finally get to my seat, and I start yelling: "I made it to my seat, I made it to my seat." Taking my
ticket out and holding it up and shouting, "see I belong in this seat." Everyone was laughing. Especially
my friends. Then I realize that VA is still right behind me. Now Nikki had been having a problem with
some girl in a burnt orange shirt that kept pushing on her. The girl didn't belong in the reserved seating
area. Nikki realizing that VA is wearing his badge, and she asked him for help. She told the girl her
friend was here and that he would tell her to leave. Nikki's parting words for that girl was, "sucks to
know somebody." I was just a bit overwhelmed at this point. Nikki is usually very easy going and would
never say something like that, but things were pretty bad. Our seats were at the end of a row, I had no
idea the aisle was right there, there were so many people standing there. I didn't realize it was an aisle.
This girl had bumped into Nikki one too many times I guess. Plus Nikki and Jen had been very worried
about me. I don't know why. I was doing fine. Still, they were worried.
It seemed like it took longer than usual for Kenny to take the stage in between sets. There seemed to be
some kind of problem, but I have no idea what it was. When he finally did take the stage, everyone
forgot about all the things that had been going wrong with the seating, traffic, and tickets. Kenny put on
an incredible show. He seemed to be just thrilled with all the people there. VA, who was working in
some sort of capacity, mostly volunteer, had said that they sold 34,000 tickets for the show and that they
were still selling more that day. Jen took a picture of the crowd behind us that came out pretty good.
There was an awful lot of people there. The biggest that I've seen at show all year. The crowd was really
into Kenny and his music. It's amazing how there were so many unhappy people before Kenny hit the
stage, and once he came out everyone just forgot about what was bothering them and enjoyed the show.
I've read on KC's forum that people said he looked mad and annoyed on stage. The only thing I saw was
that big smile on his face and the bewilderment in his eyes. Bewildered that so many people were there
for the show and that they appeared to be having a great time. Granted the venue wasn't the best, but
Kenny's performance for this show was right up there with all the other shows I've seen all year. I've
even read where people have said that he didn't want to be on stage so he left songs out. That's not true
either. The three concerts I went to last month he didn't do the same songs every night. He's been
leaving Tush and Conway Twitty out of his set for some reason. I have not a clue why. He should put
them back in, but that's up to him. From where I was in row c (the fourth row) Kenny put on an
excellent show. Once again showing why he should most definitely bring home Entertainer of the Year at
the CMA's in November.
We've all been spoiled by Kenny signing autographs from the stage at the end of his performances. He
used to do it at the end of just about every show. Once again, I went to three concerts last month, and he
only signed autographs at one show, which is fine. That's not something that he has to do. From what
I've read he likes to do that, but it's not always possible. There was no way for anyone to reach the stage
to have him sign anything at this venue. It would have been pointless for him to try. No one could even
reach the stage to give him anything. There were a few items that were handed to the deputy sheriff's
that were standing between the stage and the crowd during the show, one was a big bouquet of flowers.
Everyone should know me well enough by now to know that the party doesn't end just because Kenny left
the stage. Oh no. Well, if the traffic was still coming into the parking area at 8 PM, you would have to
expect it to be just as bad leaving. We didn't even start the car until everyone was gone, and I do mean
everyone. Naturally, we had our post-tailgate party. We actually still had some margaritas left, and
plenty of beer, and some water too for those that were driving. We wound up seeing plenty of people
who were driving. It took a long time for the traffic to clear, but unlike the Scranton show, we were
never asked to leave. It wasn't long before Kenny's trucks were ready to head out. For some reason,
when they saw our party they had to stop. That's right we were hanging out with all of the drivers. That
doesn't really mean anything, but they are all very nice.
Before the band bus or Kenny's bus left, we had four of the trucks pulled over by our little party and we
were talking to the guys that drive them. You might remember from the last review that one member of
the band had something to share with us as he passed by in the bus. Well, it was time for payback.
Naturally, I chickened out. Actually, I don't know what I was doing when that bus pulled out. I was
there somewhere. There was just one bus left to go and two more trucks. Kenny's bus had stopped. I
guess they were trying to decide if they should drive passed us or not. Who knows. After what seemed
like a while, finally that last bus started up the ramp to come near where we were having our party. We
had decided to give that bus a little galaxy, planet, star lesson. I'm not sure how it turned out, but Sue
was proud of me. I'm the chicken no more.
Over the past several weeks I've read how Kenny lays awake at night trying to figure out ways to make
his show better. After running into his production manager on Friday at the hotel, I know that they are
already working on the set for next year's tour. I have a suggestion if you don't mind. Please put the
Conway Twitty song back into your show. It really is one of the highlights of the show. I'm sure it's a
drag doing the same song for so many shows for so long, but it's want the fans really want. I still
remember the first time I saw him do that little number. I couldn't hear his vocals at all at that show. I
had no idea what he was singing. I could only hear the music and watch his moves. That was enough for
me. Out of the 13 times that I've seen Kenny this year, I've only seen him do "I'd Just Love to Lay You
Down" four times. That doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy myself at the other 9. I enjoyed myself each
and every time. It's just not the same without that song. Try it in the encore. Make us beg for it. Just
kidding, I'm not good begging.
Well, after seeing Kenny and his band perform 13 times this year, I have to say THANK YOU to all of
them, band, crew, and Kenny, for going out of your way to put on the best show possible every night. I
especially have to thank Kenny for being so nice backstage whenever I had the chance to meet him,
which apparently was often. I still remember that first time when I could barely say hello. It's funny how
things change. Now, I talk to him the whole time I'm there. Everyone that works for Kenny did a great
job at each and every show. Some shows definitely stand out in my mind more than others for different
reasons, but I had a great time at all of them. I only hope that I can see them half as many times next
year. It would be great to double that amount, but I don't see how that is possible, without being on the
payroll. So, if you're willing Kenny, I am available, for payroll only. After all, I am a happily married
woman. Anyway, it's been a blast to stand up and "get rowdy with the rest of you". (I still have to get
my hands on one of those shirts.)
I have met so many wonderful people during the course of this tour and even before it started. The best
is being able to meet in person someone that you've gotten to know on-line, whether it's at Kenny's
website or at chesneycrew.com, or some other little Chesney related web-site, it's been a pleasure to get
to know so many of you and to hang out at shows. I only wish we had more to go to, but Kenny and ALL
of his employees definitely need a break. A well deserved one at that. It's almost time to head to the
"islands" (wish it was my island) to get rid of that "road dust".
