It's 12:20. Logic dictates at I should forgo my newly created blogging duties and go to bed, since I have class at 9 in the morning (in addition to a meeting and a program/rave to attend). But my dear logic, you fall to the wayside when Carrie Underwood takes the stage and Daniel actually gets to see her perform.
That is right, loyal readers, I saw Craig Morgan and Carrie Underwood perform at the John Q. Hammons Arena. How did I become fortunate enough to go to a sold out show? Well I will tell you. After my Experimental Psychology lab, I walked back to my truck. I saw that 100.5 The Wolf had set up in front of the JQH Arena. Curiosity compelled me to ask why they were there. And, of course, it was for the concert set for that night. I had forgotten about the concert when tickets sold out within two hours all those months ago. The booth/van the guys were setting up was part of a concert promo they had. The last two free tickets to the show were up for raffle, and I decided I wanted them. So back to my room I went, and packed up several "camping supplies". No, not wilderness camping, event camping. The kind of camping people do for the release of a new game, CD, highly hyped movie, and, yes, concerts. Laptop, water, notebooks, iPhone, lectures on CD, and notebook in my bag, I was ready.
So began a long wait until 5, when the called the winners. From 2:30 to 5, I stayed at the 100.5 tent. My camping materials in my Blazer, never touched because these guys were cool. I was even in an early promo spot, talking about why I was there and my favorite Carrie Underwood song. Victoria, being the amazing girlfriend she is, recorded me on the radio as she listened via the Internet. Hours later, the winner was announced. You, the intrepid reader, would guess that I won, since you know I actually attended the show. But alas! I did not win. But I stayed. Why? Well, you have to agree that a crowd of Carrie Underwood fans in preferable to homework. The next couple of hours weren't exciting. I was without a ticket and people slowly began finding their seats.
But the story doesn't here. I approach the ticket counter an inquiry to the availability of tickets and pricing. $45 for a nosebleed seat. Umm, no. So I go back out and sit about the 100.5 tent. I then spot two men holding tickets, walking the length of the JQH, holding a ticket. I ask the 100.5 booth if they have a clue as to their movements. I am informed that they have tickets they wish to sell. An opportunity! I ask the men the seat numbers they have, and the price they want. One says $50 for his $55 ticket. The other says $45 for his $55. The $45 man has the ticket of his daughter, who fell quite ill the day before this concert. Her seat, a very good one, was one of three her and her friends obtained. The father said he didn't care to sit with his daughter's friends at a concert he thought was "stupid". So I offered to buy his ticket for $40. He wouldn't budge from $45. I thought and reasoned "Hey, I was nearly willing to front $45 for a nosebleed seat, this is far better, and I don't have to use my parent's money." We agree, and TADA! I'm at my first concert.
I find my seat (Section L, Row 11, Seat 17, if you're curious) and meet to the two friends of the sick daughter. Brittant and Amanda are incredibly glad that I am a) not Katie's (sick girl) father and b) not a fat, drunk, perverted old guy. After talking for a bit, the lights dim and Craig Morgan comes out. I knew a few of his songs, so I sang along. But the most notable thing about Craig was his sexiness. I'm a straight guy, this I know for sure. But I know a sexy guy when I see one. He has a pretty good voice, nice songs (weird lip curling and faces while singing, and he's enjoying himself, a definite plus. But the highlight is his moves. The man's got some great hip action, and a above average butt. Let me reiterate my sexual orientation: I'm straight. But wow! This guy was hot on that stage! A good 20 seconds of a his back to the audience, swinging side to side, camera's flashing like mad, the huge screens on either side of the stage giving HD clarity to his moves. That was fun. I shall buy his CDs as soon as I can. I liked his style of music.
Then was a short intermission/break as the stage was cleared and readied for Carrie. I talked to Amanda and Brittany some more as we waitied. My iPhone died around this time, so we all traded contact info so I could have the pictures they took (including video of Craig). Then Carrie come onto the stage. Or rather, the stage lifted up and Carrie was posed of a sofa thingy. Cowboy Casanova played, she sang and danced, and the night began. I don't remember the other of songs, or all of them, but here are some highlights that are fresh in my mind (bear in mind that it's now 12:53 am). Note: I found a set list online thanks to Wikipedia.
She sang a variety of songs from her latest CD, Play On, as well as hits from Carnival Ride and Some Hearts. Highlights include strong vocals that gave me goosebumps, her dazzlingly smile, bring her mom on stage to wish her a happy birthday with a cake and the arena singing along, Carrie swinging to Just a Dream, cool graphics on the screens for Quitter, Mama's Song, and Last Name. Wonderful performance of Temporary Home. Totally changed how I listen to that song. She "wore" a dress that lit up with pretty lights in one number. And she "flew" a blue pick-up truck around the arena during Take me Home, Country Roads. Virtual duet with Randy Travis during I Told You So. Jesus Take the Wheel was powerful. Songs Like This included parts from White Liar and Single Ladies, which made me smile. And Carrie wore several outfits that were amazing! She's so pretty! And fun! I'm glad she isn't a stuck up celebrity. If I ran into her on the street, I'm sure I'd like her, regardless of her status.
After the encore, I went to my Blazer and waited half an hour to get out of the parking lot. Could I have walked back? Sure, but I didn't want to leave my car there. Plus, leaving my laptop overnight in a vehicle isn't an option. Nor was lugging that huge bag back to Kentwood desirable, either.
I might edit this entry later, to italicize songs, albums, or whatever needs to be fixed or tidied up. No doubt my early morning writing lacks the focus of my other literary work. Then again, my daytime writing is riddled with errors, too, so late night blogging might not suffer in comparison.
Until next time!
Daniel Golden
(Ended at 1:11)
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