When the organizers of Haverhill Rocks were told they could get Elliott Yamin to close their little town battle-of-the-bands fest for $15,000, they thought it was too good to be true. Of course, it was. When Elliott found out about the promoter who tried to scam town organizers, he decided to perform at the event for the cut rate. Very cool, and very smart.
Saturday was a perfect day for an outdoor concert. The weather was dry, and there was a bit of fall chill in the air, as the sun began to set at Winnekenni Castle, the beautiful estate where the concert took place.
For $50, I got to park right next to the castle, and had a folding chair to sit on instead of the ground. Extra-special bonus–I would get to attend a meet and greet afterward.
Elliott performed a sweet acoustic mini-concert that I managed to capture on film. Here is the set in order:
“Trainwreck,” “Movin’ On,” “One Word,” “Find a Way,” “I’m In Love With You Forever,” “Wait For You,” and “Take My Breath Away.”
So what do you guys think? I felt pretty lucky to be present at such an intimate event, with Elliott as the main attraction. The sound system was pretty good, and Elliott was warm, relaxed and in fine vocal form. Thanks carpy scam artist who nearly bilked the town of Haverhill out of $15,000! I owe ya one.
A couple of notes–I sat next to the “Idol Junkies.” Hi kids! And I have to give kudos to the event organizers who put together a very nice and well organized event. The M&G afterward was the typical rush-rush affair. (I’m not complaining–the artist has a short period of time to smile at and chat with many people, some who will go away mad if they don’t get their “perfect moment” with their Idol.) However, the organizers did a really good job keeping the line moving. They had snacks, drinks and a place to sit for the peeps waiting their turn. The passes were numbered, and we were called up in sections, like boarding an airplane.
So, I got my few minutes with Elliott. He was as gracious as could be, and he even remembered meeting me in New Jersey. The picture here is Elliott mugging for my camera. Ha ha. Good stuff.
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Mj - thanks for the recap and taking the time to post the videos. I think this was Elliott’s best acoustic performance. Beautiful setting, great music - what more can you ask for? oh, and I’m loving his hair.
Normally I just read the blog only … but I have to register just to say thank you … the sound and video is great
Elliott sounds great and looks happy and relaxed. Thanks so much for the videos. Fantastic!
What a great setting for a late summer concert. (Marred only by the chatty people around you.) Haverhill has about 65,000 people — that is a “little” town? Don’t go gettin’ all jaded on me mj.
Thank you so much for taking the time to go see the man Elliott and for capturing these wonderful performances. Elliott’s rise is happening nicely don’t ya think? So good to see him relaxing and making contact with the audience. Does everyone understand how rude it is to an artist to walk around looking for corndogs while during a performance? Its also rude to do that to an audience trying to listen. Sit down and listen to the man sing!
Lucky you!!
Wow, what a treat this morning!! Thanks MJ and sawry your camera was confiscated at the Taylor show.
Thanks for the videos and for the recap, MJ. Elliott looked very happy and sounded great. I love his band but he is amazing in acoustic sets.
Hope that you had a good time. The castle setting looked beautiful.
I love Elliott. That is such a wonderful thing that he did for the town. I’m glad you got to meet him again, mj. :)
Thanks MJ for taking the time to do the videos and write up a great recap. Elliott sounded fabulous!
MJ, you are the queen of videos. Excellent quality. Loved them.
MJ- You were so lucky to be a part of this. Such an intimate setting, and such great perks with being able to sit in chairs and do a M&G. We were so lucky you recorded everything for us. I especially loved OW, FAW and TW. Elliott looks so happy in you picture. I’m sure he loved seeing you there. What was your favorite song live and acoustic?
Thanks for posting these amazing videos! Really nice! :)
MJ, thanks for the great videos and your recap Elliott’s voice was on point!!
Thanks, MJ. I’m so happy Elliott is doing so well. :)
Thank you, MJ !!!!!!!!!!!
I love that Elliott went to this event and it turned out so nicely !!
Thanks for the recap and videos, MJ. They’re great!
Thank you for the wonderful videos. I was very impressed with how far he has come since American Idol. He seemed so confident and comfortable on stage.
For the first time, I’m liking E’s hair! I think a little bang trim was all that he needed.
And Elliott sounded wonderful! I love how he changes up his songs. “Movin’ On” sounded almost nothing like on his CD–sort of a neo-70s funk vibe going on. Superb!
i’m just delighted to see that great things are happening for elliott. he is finally being recognized as a major talent. it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.
Wow, Elliott sure brings ‘em out of lurkdom!
This was great. I loved your recap MJ and your vidoes were tremendous! Thanks!
ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS…I am sooooooooo jealous but delighted you were able to share such fabulous videos. Elliott just keeps getting better with each performance.
ThanX!
MJ, may I please borrow your camera for when Elliott visits Manila and mugs for me? Heh. ;-D
Wonderful videos and photos, as usual. Thanks! :)
Purplesmile — I was hoping you were planning on going to his concert in Manila. Enjoy! It’s totally ironic that you will get to see him in concert before I do! The Atlanta concert still hasn’t been rescheduled (BOO!) but I have bought a ticket to see his concert when he comes to Birmingham AL in a couple of months. Sheesh - I have made “Wait for You” a way of life when it comes to our boy, Elliott! So - enjoy your time with him and think of poor me waiting patiently for his presence.
MJ - you always take such great videos! I totally enjoyed his short set. THanks for being there and sharing him with us. :)
I love your videos MJ. You had a great view and the sound quality is awesome.
I’ve watched Elliott’s radio tour clips and mini-concerts and gawd, he just keeps getting better. I just love him.
Pamster, hello! :) Yes, I would definitely be going to his Manila shows. Since I never really believed this was even possible in the first place, I certainly won’t be missing this opportunity for the world! :D
Aww…so sorry about your own canceled Norva show. But hey, I guess there’s something to be said for delayed gratification. Yeah? ;-D I’m sure when you finally see him, your experience will be AMAZING! ;-D
Purple - yep - my joy will be overwhelming, my life complete. I am so glad you will see him. He is certainly wise to make this trip to visit fans in your part of the world. Take care and have fun. Let us know afterwards how it went and how you felt.
I sure will, Pam! Thanks! :D
By the way, did you read about how a top Philippine radio station reviewed Elliott’s CD, playing all his songs off the album, except One Word, and then rating it 6 out of 5 stars? Yeah!!! :D I posted about it on the 8/22 headlines thread:
http://mjsbigblog.com/?p=2734&cp=1#comments
You may also want to check out this etrain thread for a more comprehensive recap:
http://etrainstation.com/index.php?showtopic=13570&st=30
:D