OK, I'm setting this thread up because I am very PATIENTLY waiting for recaps....where ARE you guys??? idunno

Getting together with our Family is always good for the soul. Norwalk was certainly no exception. The weather was absolutely perfect. I did not hear of any parking problems for those of us that arrived early to mid afternoon. I found part of our group in a local coffee shope on Washington Street. Seemed like the perfect place to all meet up. With M&G time move, we decided to move our lunch to 2:30 at the Black Bear Saloon. I'm guessing there were about 15 of us there. It was great reconnecting with old friends and meeting some new friends. I brought a friend of mine (also Nancy S from NY) with me for her first Bo concert.

This recap will be a bit short and out of order since I know that some of you want me to cut to the chase...........

When I was at the Stroudsburg PA concert, it was the first time that we all got to see the new Tapestries hanging in behind the band. Joplin, Marley, Hendrix and Garcia. I remember thinking immediately that "someone" was missing from the group. When I got home, I had this idea about getting Bo a Jim Croce Tapestry for his birthday from the group. First I found the manufacturer of the 3 matching tapestries (Garcia is a different company). I asked about a Jim Croce Tapestry, and they said no. I Googled and Yahoo'd and it simply did not exist. In my searches, I did find a company that makes "custom" Tapestries, woven, not printed. Realizing that this was completely do-able I made the decision to try to keep this a complete secret so that Bo and everyone at BBSMFF would be surprised. I asked for some "input" from a couple of our members and then I went forward.

Finding a photo of Jim that would be appropriate was the first challenge. If you do a Google on Jim Croce and look at Images you will see just how few photos there are avaiable. I had forgotten that his big popularity came mostly after his death in 1973. I did find one picture of Jim singing in concert but it was a low resolution picture. I also realized that I would need to get permission to do this, so I was able to contact Ingrid in San Diego. She was so gracious. I asked if she had a full size photo of what I had found, and she said no. She did have another "posed" picture that was used for the Croce Award and offered it to me, but I thought the one of Jim in concert would be better. Ingrid gave her blessing to the project and asked for a picture of Bo when he receives it. (Boy are you going to get your wish, thanks to Laura!!!)

So the hard part was over, or so it seemed. Now, how to get it to Bo and surprise him... And have the rest of the SugarMoney Family around to see it. Suddenly, Norwalk offers a M&G. The day comes and goes and.... People are posting left and right that they won. Bill doesn't win.... (bummer) You know the story. A couple of days before the concert a bunch of us win M&G's. (Things do work out somehow)

I made a card for Bo which I will post later from his SugarMoney Family. I also created a "tag" for the tapestry that says:

"Please know in your heart that we are ALWAYS behind you. MUCH LOVE and GOD BLESS from your SugarMoney Family. Happy Birthday 2006"




It turns out that the Meet and Greet is in behind the bus, but there is a fence on the otherside so that the rest of the family can see what is going on. There were about 30 - 40 people there for M&G. They announced that there would be NO POSED PICTURES but candids would be fine.
We decided that going last might be the best idea so maybe we would not be rushed. Bo was sitting at a table with his PC. He was Web Recording the M&G....

So I went up, shook Bo's hand and said "It's good to see you again Kiddo" to which he replied "It's good to see you again Bill". (which I have to admit was a little distracting since I wasn't sure he'd actually remember me) I handed him the envelope I had made with the picture of the stage in Stroudsburg, with the 4 Tapestries and was telling him that this was the first time we saw them etc etc etc... He was looking at the envelope and not me, and I was wondering if he was thinking that I wanted him to sing it or what... I told him that we had a Custom Tapestry made for him, and I pulled it up by the 2 top corners so that it would be full opened. Bo is still looking at the envelope. Finally Patrick has to say... "Bo.. Look Up" . He kind of focused in and then said "Oh WOW". Then he stands up and pulls me over in front of the PC so that he can Web Record it..... He said they were looking for something for the middle and this was perfect. Then he gives me a big ol' Bo hug. (which I found ironic since I was the only guy in line.. And I got the hug... LOL) I again told him this was from his SugarMoney Family and pointed to the fence and he waved and said Thank You everybody, this is really great, WOW.

So now you will have to wait for Laura to post her unbelievable pictures. She really captured it all, and that was thru a fence!!!!

ETA: Laura's Photos are posted under PROJECTS PROJECTS PROJECTS

I heard someone say that Patrick indicated that they would hang it at the next concert, which is Atlantic City TONIGHT. If it happens, that would be great.

Thanks again to "the cheering section" at the concert and on the forum. I was glad to be able to pull this project together for the family. I think Bo really loved it.

(PS... There was "this concert" after all of this, but I'll leave that to the others.. LOL)

Yippee...Bill I'm so happy it all worked out for you. Hey...you know I told you Bo knew who you were ;)

I'm so excited...I hope we do see it hanging up tonight in AC. If it is, you know there will be plenty of pictures for everyone to admire.

Thanks again Bill...you truly are a special guy with the biggest *heart*

Bill I can't tell you enough, how perfect that gift was and how special you are to include all of us. Thanks you for that. Can't wait for photos and more recaps.

Love you huggin

ML Pam

No wonder Bo loved the gift Bill . . . it ROCKS!!! Thanks so much for being kind enough to include all of us. Bo knows who the good guys are and you surely are one of them.

Now how about some details about giving Tommy his bday gift?

Bill, it was truly inspired. And destiny took a hand. Thank you for all the work you did on this, and thank you for being so generous as to share the credit with all of us. You rock.

OK, Bill, now for part 2... or Pam, you want to go ahead? SOMEONE tell!

WOW Bill!!!! That is so incredible! The tapestry looks beautiful in the picture. WTG! So glad you were able to give it directly to Bo.

happydance happydance

Bill, it is absolutly beautiful. I opened the picture and the first words out of my mouth were, "OMG, that ROCKS!" Such a cool thing you did....YOU rock too!! B)

Bill, the tapestry ROCKS! Very cool you were able to see the expression on his face...one you'll never forget, I'm sure! Can't wait to see Laura's pictures of the moment. :)

BTW, how did your friend enjoy her first SugarMoney experience?

Bill, thank you for being the wonderful, kind, generous man that you are. YOU ROCK!!!

Great recap too. thumbs_up2

Love ya big guy huggin

Bill, that is about the nicest thing I have ever heard anyone do for Bo. I was tearing up when I read that. *happycrying*

Bill, I'm thrilled that everything worked out!! I can't wait to see the pics of his reaction. And I can't wait to see the tapistry actually hanging on the stage!! I'm only sad that I wasn't able to be there to see you give it to him. I would have probably cried, though, if I had been there. ;)

That is distracting, isn't it? When he first did that to me, I was sure my ears were playing tricks on me. Bit by bit, he is remembering more names. He said that it is so difficult because he is busy looking up and down while signing autographs. Since I'm not great at remembering names anyway, I can well understand his dilemma. I have to laugh at you getting that hug...the only guy. :lol:

I'm so happy this morning thinking about your experience yesterday. What a wonderful day you had!!

Jeannine

Helllooooooo Sugarmoneeeeeeey

Val and I had a the time of our lives last night. I"m talking FULL MOON MAGIC here. Every concert is different and this one was all about the ENERGY.

Starting out with a really fun get together (which Val and I missed because we came late and as we were walking by the venue - heard Bo singing Whipping Post at the soundcheck and our little feet just turned in that direction and took us right up to the stage :P Very soon after that the rest of the crew walked on in as well - security? HUH? No one seemed to care so it was very easy going , pll hanging around listening, saying hi , very nice.

Bill, giftgiver emeritus, gave Thomas his B'day present from - who else - the Sugar$ Family and I have some good pics of that moment but will have to wait till I get back home tomorrow. Others took some as well, so.... It was a very nice moment in a day full of nice moments.

The M & G was really fun with Bo showing his new "friend" Mr. Webcam all his presents, and generally including "him" in all the fun. Patrick was a sweetheart and it was really fun to share that time with so many happy fans.

Val and I had a nice chat with the band on our way out from the M & G and I finally got my Bayfest drumstick signed by everyone (cept. Coop - where the heck were you?). Only took a year - I'm patient.

The concert was one so exciting - the crowd interaction was stronger than I have ever seen. Thousands cheering them on from the first note played to a rousing WW & T and then listening to thousands chanting BO BO BO BO to bring them out for the encore. I have never seen Bo so happy, Shane did an AWESOME drum solo - longer than I've ever heard - it was just so much freaking FUN...

And the new TECHIE BO running around with the laptop during the whole concert was a hoot. Grabbing it in the middle of a song and scanning the crowd, then the band members, then carefully placing it on a speaker, adjusting it carefully to capture whatever he was trying to capture, mike in hand, (this is in the middle of a song) never missing a beat while belting out the song. It was really funny. Shelly would grab it once in a while and follow Bo around - while he and the band would ham it up for the camera - there are gonna be some really FUN videos coming up at BB.COM very soon. Can't wait.

A bunch of us went out for a cool one at Donovan's Pub and closed the place down. The energy just went on and on. Val and I didn't get home till 3AM !!

We're talking Val and KathyC here - 3AM!!! Bwhahahahaha

slysmiley

Oh yeah, everyone wore clothes and looked great thumbsup

Kathy I always love your posts. You and Val were party animals! Better luck next time on everyone wearing clothes ;)

Ooooo, very cool! Wonder if they'll do the same tonight? idunno ;)

Sounds like a blast, KC. Can't wait to see what they put together for bb.com from the videos. Sounds like he was having the time of his life up there with the camera - good for him! And, 3am, huh? You crazy rocker girls, you!

Awesome! Can't wait to see everyone's pics!

Oh WOW Bill!!!! Aren't you the SWEETEST thang for including all of us....I will think of you everytime I see it and thanks to Ingrid for her blessing and all the help she gave you!! I LOVE suprises!!! Reading your story brought tears to my eyes too. That's such an AWESOME gift!! Can't wait to see Bo showing it off with his web cam. :lol: Thanks for uploading the pic of it! And now that the secret is out...can we at least send you some money honey? I'm sure it wasn't cheap.

you_rock

Kathy, loved your recap!! thumbsup

Bill, I am so happy for you. What a thoughtful, beautiful gift. I knew it would work out perfectly.

Kathy and Val, 3AM? Now you're talking. It's great to hear about the concert and how happy Bo looked. I'm glad the audience rocked for the guys.

Is Bo's laptop the new Mac Pro with the built in camera? I have one of those - they are incredible. I can't wait to see this stuff on BoBice.com.

:rolleyes:
Sounds like everyone had a blast! Course, I've never heard of anyone NOT having a blast at a Bo and SugarMoney show.

Bill what you did is so AWESOME! That tapestry is beautiful! Thank you soooo much for including us in your giving. A Bo hug! YAY! Can't wait to see the pictures of his expression.

Kathy, "our little feet just turned..." How cute. Love your recaps sweetie!

All this is REALLY getting me excited for St. Charles! Can't wait to see ya all, and...ah, well, ah...the guys too! B)

you_rock Bill, what a wonderful idea. That is a great tapestry of Jim Croce and I know Bo will cherish it. How I wish I could have been there last night. It sounds like one of the best concerts with the interaction with Bo before the concert with his new laptop camera.happydance

Wow, Bill. This is so awesome! It made me cry. I love Jim Croce, and Time In Bottle was sung at my wedding in 1975, (I could say the year Bo was born, but that might make me feel old!). I know how much Bo loves Croce, and this had to have touched his heart. Thank you so much for being so creative and pursuing this wonderful idea.

you_rock BILL !

Lots of hugs your way! grouphug

And I might say, thank you, KathyC for the voluminous recap about you and Val. Loved it!
beer_cheers you_rock

What wonderful recaps are coming from this show.
BIll...YOU ROCK dude! That was so thoughtful of you to have the tapestry made for BO, and to include the S$ family was so sweet. I'm sure he will be proud to have it hanging up there with Jimi, Jerry, Bob and Janis.
Kathy thanks for the recap, it was very enjoyable..so happy you and Val were able to see the soundcheck up close. :)

The more I think about Bo's new toy, the more I realize how important it is to his peace of mind. This new laptop that I have, and apparently Bo now has, is fantastic - video chatting and video recording, not to mention webcasting.

I can only hope that Caroline has one at home and Bo can video chat with her and watch Aidan at home. Can you imagine Aidan looking into the computer and seeing his Dad?

Isn't technology wonderful? Especially Macs. If you all had one, I could send you video blogs too.

I just wanted to drop by and say thank you to Bill for all the research he did about the festival (parking, maps, layout, etc.) and thanks NYNancy for showing me where it was posted. It was all very helpful to me and to other people who were given this information.

As everyone said, the day was PERFECT. I also got in early enough to see the whole sound check, which was cool, and said hello to Bo in person at the M&G. The best concert I have ever been to, bar none. Bo and Sugarmoney were "on fiyah"! I probably can't go to any other S$ concerts this year but I hope they tour again in the NY/NJ area soon!

Bill,
This is about the coolest story I have read in all of Bo Bice Land.

Your idea and gift to Bo is a great, great thing. I am glad everything worked out the way you wanted to.

I can't wait to see Laura's pictures. She is an amazing photographer.

Glad you are part of the 1% on here!

cheerstoya Cheers to ya!!!

Each and every concert experience gets better and better! Bill your recap is just amazing and I can't wait for my next Sugar show in Huntsville. What a great bunch of fans Bo and Sugarmoney have. Thanks for sharing this with us.

Wow, Bill, I'm speechless. What a perfect gift for Bo! Thank you for thinking of it and for including us in it. Does anyone know if it was hung in AC last night?

I find picturing this newest Bo obsession to be very funny. I have heard (even firsthand) him talk about his challenges with the techno beast. Now that he has been seriously bitten God knows what will happen. :o :lol:

Sounds like a magical full moon high energy day and night and that just rocks!
Glad for all of you that were there. I know my sistas took me in spirit. Is that why I couldn't go to sleep until after 3a.m. Friday night? Kc Why doesn't 3am sound that unusual when you and Val are together? *peace1*

I read that no tapestries were hung - just had the HOB logo behind them.

cheerstoya That was the coolest gift EVAH to give Bo! Congrats on such a great m & g with him and getting the only HUG!! lol

Bill, what a wonderful gift!! I enjoyed reading your story!!

And, many thanks to the others for such wonderful recaps....wish I could have been there with you all....maybe one day!!

happydance Bill that was the most remarkable gift the thought and the time that you put into that and with him getting the Jim Croce award and all I am going to the Bloomington Il. concert hope to see it there yaysmiley yaysmiley You get the kudos award for the most thought put into a gift thumbsup woohoo woohoo woohoo

Bill, Just "thank you" for letting me be a part of such a touching, thoughtful, wonderful gift. You are amazing. I can attest to the fact that Bo was stunned. BiceBabe has some beautiful pictures. She is currently enroute home, but I'm sure she'll get them up ASAP.

If you went to NORWALK and feel so compelled, you can post comments on the Norwalk CT Forum. I started a thread thanking the City of Norwalk.

http://www.topix.net/forum/city/norwalk-ct

EDITTED TO ADD: Pictures of the card etc are in PROJECTS PROJECTS PROJECTS thread.

http://s12.invisionfree.com/SugarMoney_Fan...?showtopic=2525

Hi Bill
It was great to finally meet you and to be part of such a fantastic experience. It was amazing to see how truly thankful Bo was when he received the gift! I will love to see it hanging at the next concert! Unfortunately they couldn't hang any of the afghans at the HOB in AC but I have no doubt it will be in Iowa!

Thanks again
Laurie

Hi everyone--sorry I didn't get to this earlier, but you know how it goes sometimes--you just don't get to some things as fast as you would like!

So here's my "take" on what happened at Norwalk. I'm sure by now some of you have read what I posted at BoBice.com about me not being able to see the concert. Well, it happened, I can't change it, I did what I felt I needed to do to make it known, and that's that. I will just have to take what I can from this experience and concentrate on the positives.

THE POSITIVES

The day, weather-wise, was beautiful. It had rained earlier in the week, but on Friday it couldn't have been better.

The M&G--I found the right gate and found some of you too. At various points of the day I saw Val, Kathy, Peace, Bill, Elizabeth and talked to Pam on the phone (thank you Elizabeth). It was really, really nice to be able to put faces with your names :)

Bo--what can I say about this man that hasn't already been said? Not much--but I can say this: I will never, ever forget the kindness and caring in his eyes, and his gentle manner. That will stick with me forever.

He signed my CD, we chatted for a moment, and I gave him the gift I had brought for Aidan. Bo said he loved it, and Aidan would too. Then it was over--way too soon, but hey, I got my moment, right?

The Concert--I did see the first few songs, and the rest sounded great. I do know that Bo had the laptop camera, so I expect to be able to see some more of the concert soon :D

It was a good day, I'm glad I went, and next time, at a different venue, I will get to see a whole concert.

BO BICE & SUGARMONEY ROCK!!


Cheryl

Even though I was there to witness this, I've got tears in my eyes just reading about it again. That was an AMAZING gift Bill. Amazing! I bet Bo's eyes were tearing up too. And then I bet he was on the phone to Caroline and Nancy and maybe Ingrid as well, to tell them all about it.
And the tag you made to go on the back....WONDERFUL. And SO TRUE.
Boy, how we all LOVE that boy.

:rolleyes:

And he remembered you, AND gave you a hug. That's awesome. But no more than you deserve for thinking up this wonderful gift in the first place. I feel proud to be associated with such terrific Bo & S$ fans. :)

OYSTER FEST

NORWALK CT, SEPTEMBER 8, 2006


Mindy and Laura were flying in Thursday night and we had decided to go right up to Norwalk so we could avoid traffic and spend the day there. After my reconnoitering trip, I knew there would be plenty of shops to keep us busy. Their plane landed about a half-hour late, but I was just happy they were here safe and sound. The ride to Norwalk took ninety minutes and we used that time to catch up on everything.

As we pulled into the parking lot of the hotel, there sits the tour bus, right in the front of the parking lot. Of course, they use different busses, so what we recognize is the white trailer attached to the bus, and we know without a doubt it’s them. We got out of the car, I opened the trunk, took my laptop out, and placed it on the ground so we could get the rest of the stuff out. As I turned around, here comes Kris from the hotel headed to the bus, and walking right up to us. Mindy turned and almost fell backwards over my laptop case. Wouldn’t that have been cute? She said if she had fallen she would have just rolled under the car and stayed there.

Heath walked by and came over to say hello, as did Thomas and Shelly. I took the opportunity to give Shelly Bo’s gift, and I had gotten Thomas a little birthday gift as well, so I was thrilled that I had gotten rid of the gift bags and didn’t have to lug them around the next day. Bo’s gift bag had included a present from Marcia from Brazil. She had mailed me a Skank DVD to give to him and I’ll bet they’re all rocking out to some great music from her country.

We talked for just a few minutes and then made our way inside to register and get up to our room. We were on the third or fourth floor, gosh why can’t I remember anything, and it was a little disconcerting to think that Bo may be sleeping on top of me (heh) somewhere in the hotel.

Before we went to bed, however, we needed a few items and went down to ask the desk clerk if there was an all-night anything around. She gave us directions to a CVS but it was a few miles and two highways away. Now there’s nothing I like more than driving around a strange city in the middle of the night. Not. Of course, we didn’t believe her and saw a Walmart that looked open. We went inside and were wandering around with everyone else who was in there at 2:00 AM until someone came running over to tell us they were closed. Huh? Okay, these people must be stocking shelves, cleaning up or whatever. Making a few more stops, we finally caved and found the CVS, but not before going through a red light, making several illegal turns, and getting lost on the way back to the hotel. Sleep, who needs sleep?

In the morning we got ready for the show and made our way downstairs for breakfast. It was pretty late by this time, with three of us getting ready, but the little restaurant area was still serving breakfast. From where I sat I could see the lobby and Bo walked by on his way to the bus. I don’t even think we noticed him until he was outside, because we could see out the windows to the parking lot and saw him walking to the bus. A few minutes later we saw him walking back towards the hotel in a flesh colored shirt, and yes, I did almost have a heart attack thinking he was changing shirts and his chest was bare. Hey, I was pretty far away from the windows! Of course, Bo would never do that and I know it, but still …

Our food had just arrived, and I looked up and saw Bo, with Patrick, walking very close to us on his way to a coffee bar, which was now closed. He was behind a waist-high wall and I said “Hi Bo.” He replied something like “Hi, how are you?” I think I said something like “We’re ready for the Oyster Fest” or “Are you ready for the Oyster Fest?” I thought he was just going to continue walking forward and was thrilled that we had seen him. Next thing I know, I look up and he’s standing at our table, right next to me with his laptop open.

I honestly can’t remember the conversation, but I know I asked him if he was on bobice.com and Laura asked him something. He said he was video taping for bobice.com and would we mind being on. We said “sure” and he asked all of our names pointing the laptop at each one of us. Then I think he talked into it. It’s all a pretty big blur as you can imagine. Then off he went. We could see him in the lobby, talking to the desk clerk, and Patrick had the laptop.

Shelly walked in and had coffee at the table behind us so we chatted for a moment with him. He left and Eddie walked by looking for coffee. We pointed him in the right direction and he was very cordial to us, didn’t stop of course, he doesn’t know us from Adam, but said a few words, smiled. Now you have to picture us trying to eat during all this. All I can say is, what a breakfast!

By the time we got up to check out, the bus was gone. We had already piled everything in the car and now headed downtown. I knew parking was at a premium and didn’t want anything to do with the shuttles and we were lucky enough, and early enough to get a spot in a small lot near the bridge and a very short walk from the venue. $5.00 for 24 hours. Wow, what a bargain. We wandered in and out of the little shops on Washington Street and, of course, bumped into some friends along the way. I love it. Here we are in a strange city and we’re bumping into people we know left and right.

Several of us ended up in an adorable coffee shop (think Friends) with comfortable couches and chairs, small tables, just the cutest place. It was a gorgeous day but really warm so it was good to chill out with my iced coffee and visit. Soon it was time for our lunch and we made our way to the Black Bear Saloon. Here we saw the beautiful album a fan made for Thomas, and Bill (Campfiresky) told us the story of the Croce tapestry. It’s his story to tell, but when he pulled it out there was not a dry eye at the table. It was beautiful! We all got our picture taken with it and I could only imagine the look on Bo’s face when he got it.

After lunch several of us decided to wander to the venue to see what was going on. The gates weren’t to open until 6:00 pm, but we wanted to get in line. As we walked over the bridge, we could hear sound check going on. Bo’s voice soaring over the Atlantic Ocean. There were a lot of people wandering around inside the grounds, but no one seemed to be minding the gates. Hey, if I can wander around a closed Walmart in the middle of the night, maybe I could wander around in here too. We walked in and no one stopped us, or even looked at us for that matter.

I was pleasantly surprised that the grounds seemed to have been cleaned up and the goose crap wasn’t up to my ankles. It was a little muddy in spots, but I’ll take mud over goose shit any day. We walked over to where the stage was set up and listened from a distance. A few people went and sat down, but someone did tell them they couldn’t sit yet, and to just stand over to the side. There were a ton of chairs set up and the stage looked good size. After Bo left the stage the guys seemed to be jamming, I think we saw Thomas playing guitar. I would say we stood there for about an hour all told, inside the venue, taking everything in.

Once everyone left the stage we were able to go in and stake out our seats. The whole middle section was reserved for sponsors and there were reserved signs on the front two rows of the left side as well. There were chairs set up on the stage to the left and I think it was for the opening band’s family/friends, I’m not sure. We set up camp as close as we could hoping they’d let us stand at the stage anyways. We spend the rest of the time visiting with people again. I met some great gals from the fan sites that I had never met before, some of whom were losing their boginity in Norwalk. I just love to see the reaction of first-timers, the look of bliss on their faces. Okay, now that just sounded weird, but ya’ll know what I mean.

We watched as Tommy sat on the edge of the stage and got his beautiful album and we could see he was touched. We could also see the area where the meet and greet was held. Behind the stage there was a large area behind a chain-link fence. They guys were eating there, everyone was milling around. We stood and watched as the M&G’rs were brought in. Bo was sitting at a table, with his back to us first, then he moved to the side so we could see his face. He had his ever-present laptop and was talking into it. He held it up to the fence several times and people cheered.

He did not pose for individual pictures. They were allowed to take photos, he just wasn’t posing with everyone. He appeared to be very cordial, shaking hands, touching people’s arms, things like that. Most were asked to say “hi” into the laptop and he talked into it periodically as well. Bill was at the back of the line. When it was his turn, we held our breath. Patrick and the others knew what it was because Bill had told them in advance. Bo was reading the card (which was just absolutely beautiful) and Bill pulled the tapestry out. Bo was still reading the card. I believe Patrick said “Bo, look up.” When Bo looked up we could see his shock, even from where we stood. His hand went to his mouth. He took it, held it up and then cradled it. He gave Bill the biggest hug. We were cheering and screaming, and he turned and acknowledged us. God he looked so damn happy. Laura got some awesome photos of it and they may be posted by the time I finish writing this recap.

Finally it was time for the show to start. We were allowed to stand at the stage for the opening band, but they made us sit down when they were done and told us we were going to have to sit during the Bo/SM set so the sponsors could see. Humph. They did manage to keep the aisles and the space by the stage clear for a while.

When it was time for their set to start I looked behind me. It can only be described as a sea of people. The place was packed, it was a beautiful night, and Bo and SugarMoney were about to come running out. Of course you all know by now, when Bo did come running out he had on the jeans and shirt I had given him the night before. God I love that man! It was difficult to stay in our seats and, of course, we weren’t sitting, and all of a sudden, maybe during the third or fourth number, someone gave a signal and we were allowed to move up to the stage. I may be old, but I still have damn good reflexes, because somehow I landed right in front.

Someone had brought body glitter and the girls were sparkling in the night all around me. I didn’t put any on, thinking at my age I sure didn’t need glitter. Well I guess it rubbed off, because they told me I had it all over my face, so I guess I sparkled for Bo and SugarMoney too.

He was videotaping the show with his laptop, carried it around a bit, put it down on the floor, brought it around to the band and filmed them too. It didn’t really bother me too much, the show was hot! and some of the faces and gestures he was making into it were hot too. I can understand it being annoying to someone who doesn’t go to a lot of shows. Like, play to MEEE Bo, not the laptop. But he didn’t have it all the time and I really enjoyed the whole show, his voice was amazing, and the band was off the hook. Thomas’ vocals on Sinner In a Sin were awesome. He and Bo sound so good together.

The crowd was loving them some Bo and SugarMoney. There was a young boy near me who was just going nuts, I think he may have belonged to someone in the opening band. Kris made sure he got a guitar pick during one of the songs, it was just so cute. I’m sure he made this kid’s night. Men, women, kids, it didn’t matter, they were loving it. I looked back at the crowd around me. One of the veteran fans just had her hand covering her mouth, her eyes wide open. One of the new ones looked like she was, um, in heaven shall we say. This one rates pretty highly in my book … the concert, the venue, the outfit, the company. What fun!

We waited around after the show and Thomas and Kris came out to say hello to the fans. There were quite a few people and they signed autographs and talked as long as they could. Walking back through the venue on the way out, it dawned on me that I didn’t know what the heck else was here, had never seen an oyster, and no one had ever even looked at my ticket. We passed the throngs waiting for the shuttle busses and walked back over the bridge to the car. We had decided to head to Atlantic City that night and stay somewhere along the way, again to avoid traffic and because we were stoked (tmBo). I figured going over the George Washington Bridge during the middle of the night would be safer, if you know what I mean.

This is the most Awesome story. Thanks for a great read.

Cherylanne I was wondering if you got to Norwalk. Glad to hear you made it there and got theM&G and the whole enchilada. I don't go to the BB.com official site so am wondering why you couldn't see part of the concert, but as you say, that's that and now you are an experienced concert goer and hopefully can work out the bugs next time.