Gail's Peoria, IL Recap
By the way, this is my third concert; they were all the best in their own way.
Tampa was the best because I got to meet such nice SP’ers while waiting outside to try to meet Taylor. Such a fun experience!
Indianapolis was the best because I got to MEET TAYLOR!!!!
Peoria was the best concert itself because I could see and hear so well! Now on to the recap:
First of all, I was amazed at how good our seats were. I was so far back up in the grandstands at Indy. We were on the side of the stage, 3rd row up; and had a great view of the jumbotron too; although this is the first concert I’ve watched the performers more than the big screen!
I was able to hear so much clearly also. I’m amazed at how enthusiastic each performer is when they say almost the same lines and of course sing the same songs at every concert. By this third concert I can almost quote them!
My impressions:
Mandisa: arguably the best female vocalist…wonderful stage presence.
Ace: So cute; so agile! Smiling that smile! Leaping across the stage!
Lisa: Very pretty and sweet…always loses me a little on that last piano number…but she is a good pianist.
Paris: So energetic and enthusiastic. Best song to me is “Midnight train to Georgia.”
Bucky! Love his moves…seems like his mike needs to be turned up to me…I like his song selections. I like Bucky! Love his duet with Kellie…they’re cute together.
Kellie: No hair extensions last night. She is so skinny and pretty and relaxed with the audience. Her personality reminds me of Dolly’s. She can sing too!
Intermission: Too long! Noticing the burnt sausage, smell more and more. The smokey air looks like someone left the skillet on the burner and the grease got too hot. Need fresh air!!
Chris: Audience loves Chris…Chris is loud! Great way to start the show back up after intermission. Wanted…dead or alive! Audience sings along. Chris is working on his album; wants to know if the people will come see him if he comes back.
Chris and Elliott are sounding great together on their duet!
Elliott: Enjoyed Elliott more tonight. He always asks about his ladies. Trouble is my favorite.
The guys harmonize so well while they’re telling me to have “Patience.” I tell my niece I’m trying.
Katherine: Like BHACT…would like to see her in another outfit, although the black dress is pretty. She is a beautiful girl. To me, she has the least rapport with the audience. (JMO) By the time she sings SOTR I am losing my patience, I feel “butterflies” in my stomach and am so ready for Taylor!!!
Jailhouse Rock!!! Where is he? To my right coming down the stairs…all the way across the floor and up the other side. Across the front row, up the steps and he springs up on the stage. Oh the energy of that man!
My third time seeing him; my first time to be this close to the stage. I am videotaping Hollywood nights. But oh the dilemma; if I tape I can’t get the full pleasure of just watching him. My niece helps me tape that song. He is great!!
Now “LFTC!” Love that song…love his dancing, love the way he moves across the stage…love his jeans…I can see the white faded harmonica rectangle on his pocket!!! I am close!!! He is hot!! His tambourine is hot…he kind of slaps it like you would test a hot iron. No way to really describe his performance with mere words. How can I convey the experience of Taylor singing and dancing his way across the stage? I give up; go watch a video!!!
DIMYP…I’m not taping this one; I want to watch and listen…He is GOOD…I sing along…so do some others. I notice at the end he keeps it going until he’s ready to close out the song and signals the band. He sings the last line different…I can’t remember the words exactly…You’re a great audience or something like that. Every time I love watching the big screen behind him showing scenes of him during the show.
He goes through the door, the audience erupts. Finally we start chanting TAYLOR! TAYLOR! I love shouting his name!!!
Here he comes; TI2TS…now I make a bad decision. I don’t video this number; because I want to just experience it, and I want my niece to watch it too. This is absolutely his best TI2TS EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is manic up there!! He is singing and dancing across the stage and airplaning up the ramp and whirling around. Back down now, and harmonica time. Oh the harmonica!!! He is on his knees for longer than ever. He is mesmerizing….he whips us up into a frenzy; he is in a frenzy!
At one point he has us sing along…taking it to the streets. Some other time he is up by the band and straight leg kicks out, getting the cord out of the way or something??? I can’t remember in sequence all he does. It is all one beautiful kaleidoscope of sounds, movements, and impressions….his smile is in there somewhere too.
It is over…he leaves the stage. Then “We are the Champions” by everyone but Kat and Taylor. Then LIA, and I get to see Taylor one last time. I take out my camera, because I want to record this. I don’t know when I will see him again, and it makes me sad. He is great during this song, they all are. The video is good. They say Peoria a lot. I am not even from Illinois much less Peoria, but it is nice the way they sing PE OR I A. I like the interaction of all the idols. I try to keep my camera focused on Taylor, until he waves good-bye and goes through the door. It’s over, for good this time.
