Honky Tonk Girl

It finally happened. I saw the First Lady of Country Music, Ms. Loretta Lynn!!!!

If you dont know, I've been obsessed with Loretta since elementary school. I flew out to Kansas City for the concert and met up with my irreplaceable friend Josh--who flew there from San Fran. He's an equally obsessed fan, so we were in hillbilly heaven.

Her twin daughters, Peggy & Patsy, warmed up the crowd. We had great seats about 3 rows back. Loretta came out with one of her signature poofy gowns and we LOVED it. She was everything I've expected--and more. She mixed in some classic Loretta speak and stories between songs--including telling her band to "plum stop" when they played music over one of her stories. Unfortunately she broke her shoulder recently and had to sit for most of the concert, but she still had the crowd singing along and very happy.

Josh and I were probably at least half the age of most people there, but we expected that. One special highlight was a story she told about promoting her first song to radio stations. Josh yelled out "Bologna" (if you've seen the movie, you'll know why). SHE HEARD IT and made a cute joke about it. She finally got around to singing Coal Miners Daughter and it was so surreal hearing it straight from the source. This is definitely a concert I'll never forget. Thanks for the memories and experience, Josh!!

Kansas City was actually much better than I expected. Downtown has a lot of construction going on right now and will probably be a lot more fun in a year or two. We went to a shopping plaza about 5 miles from downtown called Club Plaza. It was really beautiful. All of the architecture is ornate & Spanish inspired. I think I read the development was started in 1920. If you happen to be in KC, I'd definitely check it out.

The return trip was the scariest flight I've ever been on due to bad weather... I seriously almost cried, but I made it nonetheless. I was able to make it home on Saturday in time to go see the Preds defeat arch rival Detroit Red Wings. YEAH!!!

That's all the news I have for now. Stay Tuned!!!

P.S. Props for the awesome photo go to Josh.

Pick Pickler

I enjoyed the Prez Day holiday at a Predators game with Hal and his sister. It was a great game and the Preds won. They are #1 in the NHL again.for now.

After the game, we went to the Palm.

While there, the next booth filled with 2 Predators AND.... Kellie Pickler... from American Idol.

I think the lady from Albemarle, NC has an interest...in Jordan Tootoo...one of the well known Preds players. (Ask Pred Vernon Fiddler...he was with them). Kellie is really cute... and seems interested in Toot. She did wear his tie in a flirty manner.

They left... and soon after we did...but as we left..we saw 2 other Preds... Jared Smithson (babyface) and Shea Webber (wearing D&G)...

I saw a TN Titan and a Rascal Flatts guy there too...

Why am I so excited about Kellie Pickler????

A Coal Mining Countdown

One week from today, I'll actually be in the presence of a country music legend. I'm going to Kansas City to see a Loretta Lynn concert!!!!

I've been wanting to see her for a loooong time. I fear for the people seated around me since I know I'll go crazy when she comes out (picture girls screaming and crying when they saw the Beatles).

I'll post all the details after the concert.

Preds are back on top!

Hal and I went to the Predators vs. San Jose Sharks game last night for Valentines Day. You cant beat a hockey game, a pizza slice and beer for Valentines, eh?

The games against the Sharks are always intense. They knocked us out of the first round of the playoffs last year.

It was a great game. The Preds played awesome and won 5-0. Vokoun really needed the shutout. The important thing is that we are once again leading the NHL.

GO PREDS!!!

So long Starwood...

Ahhhh, Starwood Amphitheater. So many memories... and so many beer-aided, escaped memories.

In case you dont know by now, Starwood is being sold and will no longer be a concert venue. (do they really need another subdivision or warehouse commerical property around Antioch?)

I recall seeing Lynyrd Skynyrd (twice), Doobie Brothers, Duran Duran, Jimmy Buffett (at least twice), Dave Mathews Band, Alanis Morrisette, No Doubt, Shania Twain and I'm sure I'm leaving out others.

Some notable experiences...

• one of the Skynyrd concerts was with some old work pals... you could definitely "smell that smell" out on the lawn and we had a great time. We gathered at a nearby house later and celebrated more..until the host's daughter broke her arm while at a sleepover. I'm just glad I didnt have to take an 8 y/o to the emergency room after doing Skynyrd things.
• same old work pals at the No Doubt show... Gwen comes out and does maybe 2 or so songs before an electrical storm pops up... they basically got on the loudspeaker and in a panic told everyone to run and we got drenched. My clothes were still wet 24 hours later. The storm finally passed and No Doubt came back for a song or so just so they didnt have to issue a refund.
• Shania Twain back around '99 was one of the most fun times. I was just "coming out" and a friend, who I called "glitter boy," gave me a ticket at the last minute. He was very out and flashy and I was nervous about going at first, but it was soooo much fun. We got there at the last minute but still wormed our way as close as possible and jumped up and down and were just all around crazy. **This is no joke... "glitter boy" moved to LA and I saw him in the audience of American Idol and he straight up pinched Ryan Seacrest's ass. Ryan squealed in delight.
• Jimmy Buffett with the Kirby crew. A 3 volume novel would be necessary for all these stories, but if you know the Kirby's, you know it was always a crazy time.

I'm sure there are other crazy stories from those days, but I'm kind of forgetful until reminded of something. I didnt go to any concerts there the past couple of years (so I cant complain about it closing b/c it was underperforming). The traffic was a nightmare and I'm always leery about buying tickets to outdoor events in advance. I'm whiny and it's sometimes too hot, too cold or rainy.

So long Starwood...

p.s., I'm sorry I booted on your grounds a couple of times. I really didnt want to do it.