2009 Reflections

Okay, so I know it's already almost April but I just wanted to reflect on how great the second half of 2009 was for me. I had a couple of great experiences that to this day I still can't believe it happened to me. First was the fact that I got to finally see my all time favorite singers The Veronicas not once, not twice, but three times in one month. Suffice it to say July '09 was awesome for me. Saw them at Summerfest, then Club Metro in Chicago, and finally at Six Flags in Chicago. But out of all three the concert @ Metro which they headlined was the absolute best! These girls have such amazing voices and they have so much energy! The show was absolutely awesome. We were actually front row! It helps being early. The opening bands THE ART and Carney were great! But the most incredible part came at the end of the night. As we were heading out and got in line for the merchandise room. Little did we know Lisa from The Veronicas would be there alongside her mother at the table signing things. We knew the other bands would be there but Lisa being there was a shocker! I mean I've been a huge fan since they first came out in '05 and never dreamed of meeting them.

I had her sign my ticket stub, her mom sold me some pins and I got to hug Lisa and tell her how awesome they are. Too bad Jess wasn't there. Here is the picture that she took of us. She took a really good shot. Was a little bitter that I didn't have that much space in my camera so I had to share the pic with my mother and sister, but I got over it because that's Lisa in the picture with us and she took the picture with my camera. Okay that was a really fangirl moment. Even months later I'm still squeeing about it. It was such an incredible experience to meet someone I am such a fan of and admire. By the way, her Australian accent in person is beautiful. Not to mention she is gorgeous in person. She is really sweet and kind. Never in a million years did I think I would ever get to meet her. I just wish I had met Jess too, but for some reason she didn't come down.

I also got to meet Reeve Carney, lead singer of the band Carney. He has an incredible voice. He also happens to be Lisa's boyfriend. Did not realize it at the time as I talked to him for a couple of minutes about his cool necklace and bracelets, which he said his mother makes for him. I sorta developed a little bit of a crush. Lisa is so lucky.

This band is great! Their songs "Testify" and "Love Me, Chase Me" are some of my favorites. Can't wait for their album! Interesting fact: He will be playing Peter Parker/Spiderman on Broadway! I keep up with them through Twitter. His brother Zane who is also in the band as the guitarist is hilarious!

Also met the bassist from THE ART, KJ who is majorly awesome in her own right. She is a fantastic bassist and is the only female in the band. Girl Power! Loved her jewelry. She was really cool. I've communicated with her through myspace. She's commented back to me a couple times. And yes it is her! I got an autographed poster from the band.

So , for all that it was an incredible and unforgettable night. What made it even more incredible was the fact I never imagined this could happen. It was so unexpected! Things like that just don't happen to me!

Some concert shots below:

Here are KJ from THE ARt and Reeve Carney from Carney

Here are The Veronicas: Lisa and Jess!

Another incredible moment would be another of my favorite artists, Kelly Clarkson. She's pretty much at the top of my favorite artists.  I was set to go to her concert in Milwaukee Oct. 23rd. Another draw was that The Veronicas were supposed to open for her but they had to drop out at the last minute. Either way I was excited to see her live! Been a huge fan since her first album back in '03. The voice on her is amazing and I had to hear it live. I later heard of a karaoke contest through her iPhone app in which two lucky winners from each city she toured would get to have a meet and greet with the grand prize winner actually doing a sound check. I entered not thinking much of it, but just doing it for fun. A couple weeks before the show I got notification that I was the runner-up! At first I didn't believe it. I just couldn't!

Finally I did everything asked and awaited concert night. I was still having some doubts as I arrived there. Sure enough I went to will call and had the passes in my hand. I was able to take one guest and took my mom because she is such an American Idol fan. We went through all the instructions of meeting in a room and waiting our turn. The security guard teasingly told us that Kelly was a hugger and not to expect her to shake hands. I found that to be so sweet. Finally went in and sure enough she went in for a hug. She hugs tightly! She even cracked my mom's back! LOL! I told her how great her music was and how I relate so much to it. She was so gracious and gave me another hug. She really is so sweet and bubbly! Gorgeous in person and short! BTW she is NOT fat! I hate that people say that.

After that it was time for the show. Parachute opened for Kelly. They are really good. I actually got a picture with one of the band members at the end of the concert. Kelly put on an incredible show. She did not disappoint! Her voice amazes me! I'll post some concert pics another time.

Overall, those experiences made 2009 a great year for me. At least the second half, lol! Okay, I have written too much now. I shall go!