Throughly enjoyed this concert!  My first experience with a VIP ticket and very appreciative of the second row center seat.  Adding to this pleasure was the awesome scenery of the Sandia Mountains at this resort venue. LOVE the jacket that was included in the VIP swag, and yes, enjoyed a few cocktails in the VIP lounge.  Heavenly temps akin to Miami in January were HIGHLY enjoyed too!

A bit surprised that several of the songs were abbreviated from entirety.  In retrospect, I suppose that this being a trib concert to celebrating 25 years in his career, this is acceptable.

A few MINOR imperfections, which Alan handled flawlessly.  In BRIEFLY forgetting just a word or two, of his classic, "Remember When," he joked that his wife would be upset that he forgot those words.  Honestly, it meant NOTHING to his fans, including myself!

I was holding back the tears when he sang, "Drive" ( for daddy Gene.)  My dad was the inspiration for my daring to dream this VIP op.

The crowd was alit with fanship throughout the concert, and especially the last half.  This was especially noticeable when he sang, "Where Were You, When the World Stopped Turning."

Silly confession:  So I had a lil' sign that read, " I am here all the way from Florida to see you, please come here again!"  Despite fully intending to do so, became too bashful.  Thing is, I am really not shy, but around a music idol, I become totally insecure.  I think what contributed to my not feeling comfortable with my intention was thinking, I am second row center, easy, peasy with sign, and visibility.  However, numerous fans rushed to front of stage, thus, my "viability" to him was as though I was in 5th row or beyond, so I nixed the sign.   I did not want to hold the sign and obscure visibility to others.  Know what?  It is all good!  For about 15 minutes, was slightly ticked that my beloved seat was not the premium that I intended.  However, know in my heart that AJ fans are dedicated and excited, and understandably want to enjoy the vibe as much as possible.

Imho, a great concert is not limited to only the artists performance, but the reception of the audience as well. The audience at this concert was stellar with response.  You would think that AJ was performing that the Super Bowl type reactions!

Silly confession, part 2:  Ever silently speak to an artist at a concert to express your gratitude and fanship, and you
imagine this being so sincere that you are totally convinced the artist can hear your thoughts?  ( Giggles) Yep, did that too.

Blessings continue with my having the privilege to see AJ again in N.C.  Attending this concert with a dear cancer survivor friend, who is Amen, free of this dreaded disease.  Will I have the courage to produce another sign?  I dunno, but will be in an optimal standing area to do so.  What I do know is that I will be there to savor the moments of the experience.


In no way what so ever, do I want fans to fear that their VIP experience could be hastened with fans rushing the stage.  This was at this particular venue, and my pervious concert experience with him did not have this.  Again, in retrospect, this was not an entirely negative experience for me, and that it lent to an enjoyable concert vibe with fan enthusiasm.

Thanks Jeri.  One thing I do know for sure is that I will love the show and experience. 

If anyone is familiar with Albuquerque area, please let me know.  Can't afford the pricey rooms at Casino itself.  Trying to avoid added expense of renting a car.  I have free airport shuttle from hotel, and think I will look into my first Uber ride to casino.

Looks like my luck is changing with now being able to say that I will also be attending the Raleigh show as well.  I have a dear friend there that I have been meaning to visit for quite some time, and this is  the perfect op.  Thanks to many accumulated air miles, won't have to pay for flight there, and can avoid hotel bill with staying with my friend.   Odd ticketing with VIP at mid level range of $199 with this being standing area only.  Yes, very close to stage, and I suppose I am okay standing the whole show.  In the past, was seated for his concert, and out of courtesy to others, only stood when others were. Huge pet peeve of mine with others that only think of themselves, and block the view of others with persistent and prolonged standing.  Quick woo-hoo to a song or quick photo with standing when others are not, is not an issue with me.

Going on my first in New Mexico, and will try to remember to follow up.  This is my first VIP concert, in my entire life.  Yes, it is a ton of money to me!!!!  There are different tiers, and I treated myself to highest level.  I bought this ticket shortly after my father passed away.  He would have wanted me to do so.  My father was always a very practical man, and never a spendthrift.  However, though he would never spend money like this on himself, he would help me make this happen, in a 50/50 way, if he knew it was important to me.  Not that I would ask him, if he were still around.  Hard to explain.  Best summed up, by his influence on me to be practical.  Think this case was exceptional.  While overseeing his care, did not take one day to myself in over a year.  Not complaining, you do what you have to do and with love.  I know he would want me to renew myself, and this was my choice.  Thank you Lord, that I had enough accumulated air miles to make this trip a reality.

Much like "Daddy Gene," I can so relate to the blessing of my dad making me feel the same way.  This event is in celebration of my dad and life itself.

I can't get any help.  The preferred seating tab Shows the concerts that are on presale.  Neither of them have a presale code listed.  I need the code for Lincoln Ne.  You can not get tickets on Ticketmaster without a code.  Does anyone monitor this site?   

Lincoln show has been up for some time now.  You would not have access to a pre-sale this late in the game.  FC does need much improvement with notifying, as far as possible, in advance via email to all members to advise of pre-sales.  Typically, these are only for a short time, which is why we need ample notice.  Often to see a concert, we must have it be a a $ convenient time, and arrange time off from work, maybe skip other or rearrange other plans, etc.

Nice to hear from you.  Music can be healing, esp. a live concert.  Not that long ago, had the honor of seeing Alan for the first time live, when he played in Ft. Myers area.

Long story short, with above, a friend who was to meet me there could not, due to her child being ill and requiring her care.  2 tickets were a gift to me, and very grateful for such.  I decided to try to give away my extra ticket, in gratitude for having received them, knowing there are so many AJ fans.

When I checked into hotel, I advised the desk clerk of this, and gave first crack to their staff.  Sigh, not much notice with my arriving early afternoon and concert being that night.  In a happily ever after way, the clerk immediately knew a staff member that would be interested.

Logistics were that I wanted to arrive to this concert early, and would have to meet this person there, to provide ticket, when she arrived.  Normally, and understandably, a risky thing meeting a stranger.  Certainly, the hotel staff had my drivers license info, credit card #, etc., and could make a VERY reasonable determination that my middle aged self was hardly the profile of a threat.

Such an amazing experience gifting this ticket!  Come to find out that employee accepting had undergone some very hard times being a single mother and as such, made many sacrifices along the way.  Being able to attend any concert was a no can do.  She hugged me, we both had mutual shivers over the concert.

There is something special about gifting another and not expecting anything in return.  I was sustained beyond measure in the good feeling, right down to my soul about the "inner" reward that I was bestowed.


Sigh, according to FAQ's on my Sept. 30th event, AJ will not be present. As much as I would like this, perhaps better that I would sound like a babbling fool meeting him.  I am not shy, but get so darn starstruck with my faves.  Few exceptions, have met Vince Gill several times, and feel comfortable  around him.  Have met Martina McBride several times, but her beauty intimidates the heck out of me.  Lol, my insecurities and not due to artists.

From FAQ's on my concert in NM.
 
Q: Will Alan be present during the On-Stage Photo Opportunity?
A: Alan will not be present for any portion of the VIP program.
 

Does Cindy ever real here? 

Lol, can see this post went over like a fart in church.  ( Humor intended, not trying to be tacky.)

[NEVER]

Hello Everyone,

 I see so many familiar usernames, how nice.  Gosh, don't think I have been here for the better part of 2 years.  Basically, my life started to cease as I once knew it around then.. At first, gradually, then, seemingly all together.

My father started showing symptoms of confusion, which seemed to be periodic, then stared to escalate. Before I knew it, obvious need for assisted living facility.  My father was born with only one kidney, and was never a problem until about 2 years ago, when it was revealed that he was in stage 4 renal failure.

Family comes first, so I am not complaining that my life basically ceased as I knew it.  My dad needed me, and I needed to bring out my inner Scarlet O'Hara and metaphorically move some mountains to assure his care.

If no objections, I may do one blog about my experience one day, not with personal intentions, but rather in hopes that someone reading about my experience will benefit.  It was the most incredible journey of my life, I learned so much about the meaning of love, having the roles change to my feeling like the parent.  In being honest, won't sugar coat this entire experience, it was also the most challenging experience of my life having to deal with a suffocating among of paperwork and manage his affairs, and mine, and work full time.  Anyone who acts like they are sailing through this easily, either has an assistant or lying.

Sadly my father passed away on March 14th.  Just beginning to heal, and re-learn normal, what ever the heck normal is.

Truly feel the need to get away, something out of my big town of Miami, something with more nature without palm trees.  LOl, enough of the palm trees already!  Think I came up with the perfect solution.  Treating myself to attending AJ's Albuquerque, NM concert, Sept. 30  NEVER thought that I would do this, but unless I am dreaming, bought a VIP ticket, the very pricey one.

Wish me luck, this should be interesting and fun.  Lol, that part of NM is 5,000 feet above sea level, where people live, etc., and much higher in other areas.  This baffles us in South Fl., so if you hear that some redheaded tourist attending AJ's concert is walking around with implied Gomer Pyle, "Well Golly" look on her face, yep, that's me.

It pays to check venue for their policies, and mind you, that can change too, because, sometime an artist has their own restrictions.

I was so thoroughly embarrassed at a Vince Gill concert a few years ago, when an overly aggressive security person actually yelled at me and threatened to kick me out of the venue if I did not put away my camera immediately.  Yes, it was a DSLR, but security traded me like I was some sort of unruly hip hop or rap concert attendee.

In researching many venues, the prevailing consensus was any lens over 6 inches was considered a professional camera, and prohibited.  Even my second, longer lens was not 6 inches, so I did not worry.  I always check now, and have seen increasing amounts of rules banning any detachable lens, so now I just bring my point and shoot camera.  Watch for rules about flash usage too.  Common sense and manners should dictate that such is distracting to the audience and ultimately from the artist.  Mind you, even with a point and shoot, please check you settings before concert.  Many have settings that turn on flash, if necessary.  Personally, don't mind the flash in most cell phone cameras, as distracting,  as long as someone is not using it excessively.

So far, have not seen a venue that bans all photography ban cell phone camera pictures, except from artist.  A friend that attended a Bob Dylan concert said that he banned all cameras, even cell phone cameras.  Bob is eccentric that way, one year it's okay, next year maybe not.

I must say, that even though meet and greets have not been available, for about 2 years, I remain highly disappointed by this decision.   No disrespect to Alan intended, likely this was a management decision.

I have many issues with music today, across genres, and the fan experience overall.

The entire process of being a fan is so diluted with significance, that it is pathetic!  My issue with VIP trend, is that you systematically eliminate many true fans that simply can not afford the better part of what they may paying for rent, or mortgage  to see a fave, for a matter of hours.

I think tiers of FC membership should allow suitable discounts.  For example, when a tour is announced, quite likely, many signing on for FC perks.  I like the method that Tom Petty has with FC, in that those with one year and over get first pick at tickets.  Those under one year, receive 2nd pick.

I hope that no one objects to my posting of this.  Being a woman of good conscience, asked myself the question if I thought AJ himself would mind if I posted about 100% legit fundraising event, and truly feel that he would not mind.  I think AJ would even smile that I was so very blessed in obtaining items to raffle from Martina McBride and one of her guitarists. 

My fundraiser will benefit W.A.G.S 4Kids, who provide service animals to disabled children.

The first link is intro to our event and will likely answer any questions that you might have.  You will also be able to see the pictures of a stunning dress that was donated by Martina McBride, in addition to a guitar that one of her guitarists, acquired for this raffle and had all sign it that are on Martina's current "Everlasting" tour.  Anyone near Nashville on 11/1, you will see pic evidence of the best seat in the house, front row 3AA, seat 1 that I am donating to Martina's show at the Ryman.  I was VERY blessed to get this ticket.  So blessed, that it just feels 100% right of me to donate it.  It was a though revealed to me, that He knew to guide me with this ticket having a higher purpose.

http://bitly.com/1uKtBcX


Just below the top of the page with above link, you will see op to "Get Tickets," which is this link below.  From here, you will see the various raffles and even an option to donate if you are not interested in the raffles.  Stay tuned, we will be adding more items to raffle in the near future.

http://bitly.com/1sMOd6c

One day, I hope to have something from AJ to offer.  I can hope and pray, right?  Thank you for your consideration and please pray for the success of this event.  If you have any questions, do not hesitate to message me.

Very delighted to say that I am attending the show in Estero, Fl.  So happy that a show was added to a city just a bit over two hours from Miami.  Lol, looks like management of my faves are making smart moves with shows in Fl. in the winter.  (Wonder if AJ is going to go fishing with Jimmy  Buffett in Key West?)

Last year, a friend of mine lost his beloved dog to the canine equivalent of ALS, that many of you are hearing about.  I wanted to help ease his pain and asked him to select a fave pet charity for donations to be made in honor of his dog, "Jasper," better known as "Jazzy."

My friend Eric selected Wags4Kids, an fantastic organization that provides service animals to disabled children in Cleveland, Ohio.  We far exceeded out goal, with the final results being just over $5,500!  We did so well in fact that a permanent fund has been set up, as you will see in the top of this page link, "Jazzy's Health Fund."  100% of donations received (minus any PayPal fees, if you select that op) will go to providing health care to service dogs in training.  It can take up to two years to train a service animal, and health care is among the highest of these costs.
http://www.wags4kids.org

Donations can be made year round to the above link.  However, in the next few weeks, we will be starting our 2nd annual fundraiser, an open event on FB.  Think our blessings will be continued in that we have not officially started the new event, and have already reached over $1000!  Can I hear an Amen?

Our FB event link is:https://www.facebook.com/events/813957201970514/  Pay no attention to the start date of Nov. 1, we will be kicking off, quite likely in the next few weeks.  Checks can also me mailed to Wags4Kids, please make sure you write check exactly that way and NOT Wags For Kids, okay.  In the memo portion of the check, please write "Jazzy's Health Fund."

Thank you for your consideration and God Bless!  Any questions, feel free to ask.

(Shamelessly inserts tearjerking video form last year, lol)

https://vimeo.com/84506777

In addition to seeing the awesome Tom Petty in Tampa, Sept. 21, seeing some other faves too, Earth Wind and Fire in Oct. in Fla. Martina McBride at the Ryman in Nov. and Vince Gill in Jacksonville in Feb.

EWF & the Band Chicago was one of my all time fave concerts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTHR-T_lSx0

Martina, what can I say, except that I love her!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDBeBjWCgE8

Vince Gill-  Get outta town with your bad self!  Love, love, love this man!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcjLvWCOgb0

Prayers, you got it!