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Post by sueinhollywood on May 12, 2009 0:59:36 GMT -5
 ;D   ;D   OMG you guys I am so BLESSED! Not only did the ABC in concert DVD arrive in the mail today, but I went to Yusuf's concert at the El Rey! The marquee was advertising Yusuf Roadsinger tour but I did not bring a camera. They were wanding people anyway and going through purses, etc. I checked in in front of this guy named Josh. JOSH GROBAN! as my friend pointed out. I was given an armband that said VIP Balcony and another that said Yusuf Roadsinger (to warm you through the night) May 2009 Upon entering the balcony I went to the bar and noticed Yoriyos in conversation with two older guys. I didn't want to disturb him as it sounded like they were talking business, so I got my ginger ale and let me tell you he is one HANDSOME young man. Later I watched Yoriyos leading one of his sisters (in headscarf) by the hand to a seat in the front on the side. She was holding a baby over her shoulder towards the end of the show. The show was announced and a guitar player came out and began an acoustic medley of various Cat Stevens songs and then Yusuf came out and the show started. He was wearing black pants, a black vest that was open and a light colored shirt. I tried to keep a set list but it was hard. I had to write it on a kleenex! Here goes: Welcome Home He introduced Alun Davies Don't Be Shy Where Do The Children Play Thinking Bout You Rain Just Another Night The Wind He then sat down drank some water and took a break to read a poem about peace and the soul He continued with a song from the musical "Moonshadow" which he said would be playing here (meaning the USA I suppose) in a year. Be What You Must Then he talked about visiting South Africa and how it was a beautiful country and he sang part of the Zulu version and then went into the album version of Wild World, He then introduced Kenny Pasarelli on bass and continued with Roadsinger All Kinds of Roses Boots and Sand Then he said goodbye and of course there was a standing ovation and he came back for two songs: Encores: Father and Son Peace Train Someone yelled out Yusuf you're Number 1 and he pointed skyward and said no I'm not HE is! All in all it was a wonderful show. I saw very well from up in the balcony because it is a very small old theater. They were also filming it. Perhaps there will be a DVD of this "tour". I did not stick around as it was getting cold and my guest was driving. Anyway I am a little past the age for waiting backstage. To think that when I bought the Majikat DVD last summer and found this message board I never dreamed I would see him perform again! And I have you all to thank for it. But the very best part is all the online friends I have now. Anyway there was a lot of love and happiness in that room filled with affection and respect for the man and his music. His voice was strong and so was his playing. When he came to the lyric in Father and Son, (Look at me I am old but I'm Happy) Everyone applauded. I wish you all could have been there with me. SUE
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Post by butterfly on May 12, 2009 1:56:43 GMT -5
Thank you Sue. What a shame, you haven't got a camera with.
Thank you for your report.
BTW: Thank you again for your PM, I know, who you are. I didn't understand all things. Now I know, what you meant.
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Post by downunder72 on May 12, 2009 6:40:34 GMT -5
Sue thankyou for your wonderful report of the concert. It turned out to be a very special day for you. I am very, very happy for you. It will be one not to forget. May be we will see you in the balcony when the dvd of the concert is released. Now that you said about writing the list on a kleenex tissue, it will remind me to take a note pad with me when I go to the London concert. ;D Thankyou again. Sweet dreams ;D |
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Post by Milan on May 12, 2009 8:49:44 GMT -5
No Tuesday's dead? Bah...
Thanks for the review.
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Huru
Majik of Majik Member
Ishq!
Posts: 536
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Post by Huru on May 12, 2009 9:21:24 GMT -5
Thank you Sue for the wonderful review of your experience at the concert/release party. I would have been there but it was too short notice. Sounds like it was a majical experience.
Cool you saw Josh Groban and some of Yusuf's family including his son.
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Post by crobarbie on May 12, 2009 10:51:59 GMT -5
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nancy
Wild World Member
Maybe There's a World
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Post by nancy on May 12, 2009 11:58:42 GMT -5
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Post by crobarbie on May 12, 2009 13:19:32 GMT -5
I think that those photos are from soundcheck
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Post by butterfly on May 12, 2009 13:24:47 GMT -5
So wonderful photos, thanks a lot.
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Post by butterfly on May 12, 2009 14:53:20 GMT -5
Stars turn out for Yusuf Islam gig  Colin Farrell, Chris Isaak, Josh Groban and Michelle Branch were among the audience for folk singer Yusuf Islam's US concert. Previously known as Cat Stevens, Islam, 60, treated 400 invitation-only fans to an hour-long set that included such hits as Father and Son, Peace Train, Wild World and Where Do the Children Play? as well as tunes from his new album, Roadsinger. It was just his second US concert in 33 years. "I bet you thought we'd never make it," he said at the outset, later explaining that he was referring to his 2004 deportation from the US after his name appeared on a "no-fly" watch list designed to weed out suspected terrorists. Islam, who became a Muslim in 1977 and abandoned his pop star life, was alleged by authorities to support charities that ultimately funnel money to terrorist groups. He denied the claims and has frequently spoken out against terrorism. He has since returned to the US on several occasions. However, a work visa issue forced him to cancel a planned May 3 show in New York, where he played a similar promotional show in 2006. This left Los Angeles as his sole American date. He has said he plans to perform a handful of shows around the world to promote Roadsinger, only his second mainstream pop release in three decades. No dates have been announced beyond the American pair. |
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Chris
Oh Very Young
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Post by Chris on May 12, 2009 14:55:55 GMT -5
Wonderful Pictures Nancy, Thanks!
Greg, one of the other invitees, said he sat in the table next to Colin Farrell. He also said that he thought the concert was being video taped, so maybe one day we all will be able to watch it. Not quite the same as being at the concert, but it will suffice for now.
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Post by sueinhollywood on May 12, 2009 15:18:33 GMT -5
Yes. I don't know why I was put up in the atrium next to the box seats.
But from my vantage point I could see all the cameras and the monitors. There were six of them. So maybe they are filming these small concerts for a DVD!
Also there were photographers with giant telephoto lenses up there.
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Post by sueinhollywood on May 12, 2009 15:20:08 GMT -5
Christine FYI I was on the list with "radio contest winners".....
Anyway if any of you are staying through Wednesday, here is how to get tix for the Tonight show. Jay Leno is wonderful and he shows like 45 minutes of live musical performances before the show, signs autographs, takes pictures, etc.
Here's how to get tix:
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno/Tickets
3000 W. Alameda Ave.
Burbank, CA 91523
Tickets for a specific show are available the day of the show only at the NBC Ticket Box, located at NBC in Burbank, CA. The NBC Ticket Box opens at 8:00 a.m. All available tickets are distributed to the public on a first come, first-served two (2) tickets per person basis.
You have to line up again in the afternoon I think they tape at like 2:30 or 3:00 I can't remember.
Good luck!
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Post by Vivian on May 12, 2009 16:16:10 GMT -5
Yusuf, Come back to Florida, PLEASE!!!!
Peace,Vivian
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Chris
Oh Very Young
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Post by Chris on May 12, 2009 16:30:04 GMT -5
I want to cry... I was all set to go to the May 3rd NYC concert..... Everything was set, except for being packed..... then I was told the bad news... Sue, I am really thrilled you were able to attend the concert and had a great time. Makes me feel good, that I was able to help a few people achieve one of their dreams, it made up for not being able to attend it myself. Best, Christine |
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Post by crobarbie on May 12, 2009 17:53:37 GMT -5
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Post by crobarbie on May 12, 2009 18:01:28 GMT -5
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jsdonze
Moonshadow Member
Je serais plut?t ? Paris.
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Post by jsdonze on May 12, 2009 22:43:29 GMT -5
I want to cry... I was all set to go to the May 3rd NYC concert..... Everything was set, except for being packed..... then I was told the bad news... Sue, I am really thrilled you were able to attend the concert and had a great time. Makes me feel good, that I was able to help a few people achieve one of their dreams, it made up for not being able to attend it myself. Best, Christine I know exactly how you feel. And I did cry. A couple of times. Didn't help one bit, just jacked up my sinuses.  It did get me a couple of extra much-needed hugs, though. We'll have another chance, Christine, I just feel certain. joni... |
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Post by waterside on May 13, 2009 0:02:05 GMT -5
I want to cry... I was all set to go to the May 3rd NYC concert..... Everything was set, except for being packed..... then I was told the bad news... Sue, I am really thrilled you were able to attend the concert and had a great time. Makes me feel good, that I was able to help a few people achieve one of their dreams, it made up for not being able to attend it myself. Best, Christine I know exactly how you feel. And I did cry. A couple of times. Didn't help one bit, just jacked up my sinuses. It did get me a couple of extra much-needed hugs, though. We'll have another chance, Christine, I just feel certain. joni... Saw this on twitter. www.twobobproductions.com/2009/05/cat-stevens-yusuf-islam/
"My friend and once relative Alun Davies who is back playing guitar with him again (he was the guitarist on all the hits, and has been Yusuf’s friend for 40 years!) invited us, it was a great show."
"Those of you who missed it but want to check out the band (I believe they only have one more private show in NY before going to Germany), they are making a guest appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Wednesday May 13th, so check it out."
So, I wonder if they will do a New York show. It sounds like this guy might have some inside information. I hope so. |
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Post by mckenzy on May 13, 2009 2:32:12 GMT -5
It's late Tuesday night and I just got back from the trip of a lifetime to LA to see Yusuf perform at the El Rey. I still can't believe the entire thing happened to tell you the truth, especially when I was escorted to the reserved table right down front and told I'm a VIP (oh my ego!! ha ha ha). I sat directly under Yusuf and if I wanted to, could have reached right out and touched his foot, ha ha ha. The musicianship and arrangements of the songs were pitch-perfect and beautifully performed. No drums or percussion. The keyboardist (sorry I didn't catch his name) deftly moved from the synthesizer (recreating the string section) to baby grand piano to Whirlitzer organ. He opened the show by performing a medley of instantly recognizable riffs from a number of songs. Wish I could remember what they were, but there were quite a few strung together, not just one or two snippets from songs. I thought it was an ingenious introduction... just him beautifully playing these iconic passes from well-know songs. Yusuf sang beautifully, voice was clear and assured. When he sang Lilywhite, honestly, I got chocked up. Just incredible. I never expected to hear that beautiful song. Sue covered the concert really well in her description above. For some reason she was escorted to a VIP box instead of down by the stage with the rest of us. In some ways she may have heard better sound because when you're right up against the stage, you don't really hear the fully mixed house sound but get some stage sound bouncing off the stage (sound is always better back towards the center of the room). But I'm not complaining of course!!! I felt...what's that word Brits use.... gobbsmacked!!! Thank You, thank u, thanks to Christine for your generosity and thoughtfulness for adding me to the invite list. I truly owe you one! I was hoping some items would be for sale (like that Wanted poster we all want... maybe that's just never going to materialize), but there wasn't any goodies to be had except the supreme goody of being there. There were huge marquee posters at the entry but they were behind locked glass. We tried to open them though, just in case! While we didn't get to meet Yusuf, the assistant mgr took my Cat Stevens artwork backstage and Yusuf graciously signed. We did meet Alun in the outside lobby after the show. Lovely man, very sweet and grateful for playing with his old friend. Said how he got emotional during Father & Son, tears in his eyes (did we see that? he wondered). I asked if he has a son and he said no, and then pulled out pictures of his daughter's baby, the cutest little girl, and obviously he's the proudest granddad! Alun said performing the songs are always workman-like, but this song brought out some deep emotion for him while he played and it surprised him. When I mention "we", I mean Richina and her sister Angie, who sat at the next table. They'll be back home tomorrow, so I'm sure she'll have lots to write. My brother who was my guest couldn't make it unfortunately. If you read about some audience members that clapped hands during that part in Peace Train, they sat at my table...and if you're reading this... my apologies, but I forget your names! Dave??? And..  You both were having such a great time, stunned in disbelief, like I was. Some other things... 1) Ast Mgr talked to us for awhile... he said reserving the tables right up front for majicat invitees was something insisted by Yusuf himself.... wow, that was stunning. Yusuf said how important we are and wanted us right up front 2) As far as he knew, the Fri night show in NY was still going on (5/15) but he couldn't confirm it for sure 3) They don't use the word "tour" but prefer..... I think the term was "appearances" or "performances" 4) wish to god I had a tape recorder.. is all I'm saying, ha ha 5) Boots & Sand isn't on the album because Yusuf didn't think it fit with the rest of the songs so didn't put it on there 6) He's doing Charlie Rose on 5/15 - taping it anyway, not sure if it's airing that night. Sometimes Charlie bumps the segments to other nights. That's going to be very cool, don't miss it! 7) The photos wearing the tshirt must be from the soundcheck because that's not what Yusuf was wearing. He had on a light plaid shirt and black vest and his pants I think were more dark gray than black 8) Yes, it was filmed & recorded and he said it would be released on a DVD "if all goes well" (couple times I looked at the camera offstage and it was pointed right down on us in front of the stage - that would be a trip to show us majicatters grinning and clapping away!) Have to unpack and dream again tonight of the most wonderful experience I've ever had. Thanks again Christine. You will surely be invited the next time around... and I got the distinct impression there will be more "appearances" coming....the Ast. Mgr. said he's absolutely ready and honored to be asked to join the team again for these dates ... so we'll see! PS... he said to sign up on Yusuf's Facebook page because that's where everything will be announced first and emails sent to all Facebook members...I think it's a lot quicker and more instantaneous than them updating and sending emails from yusufislam.com website. Cheers, Mary (mckenzy) |
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Qizlo
Katmandu Member
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Post by Qizlo on May 13, 2009 10:57:08 GMT -5
What an excellent concert. I think sue & mckenzy really give you all an idea of the excitement of that evening. It was great enough to see yusuf perform, but to be escorted to a front table was unreal!
I do hope they release the DVD. Like mckenzy, I was impressed with the keyboardist. The instrumental medley at the beginning was fantastic. Oh, and yusuf was good too. <g>
It's great to meet other cat fans as well. It's always a majical encounter.
Mike V (aka Qizlo)
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Chris
Oh Very Young
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Post by Chris on May 13, 2009 11:02:09 GMT -5
Here is Gregs report back, ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Here's the set list to the best of my memory... he started with: Welcome home, Lillywhite, Don't be shy, Where do the children play, then the next section is most likely out of order: Thinking 'bout you, Roadsinger, Just Another NIght, All kinds of roses, The rain, The wind, To Be What You Must, Boots and sand, Wild World, then he ended with an encore: Father & son, Peace train I was surprised he didn't play a single song from An Other Cup, and absolutely thrilled he played Just Another NIght. Every song was amazing (okay, I'm not crazy about All kinds of roses), and the band was perfect in every way. No drummer. Just Yusuf, Alun, another guitarist, a bassist & a pianist. All amazing. There were multiple cameras set up shooting for a possible DVD release. I think that's Yusuf's way of bringing his live performance to the masses, since he's not really interested in touring. Anyhow, this was such an amazing night. Yusuf played for 75 minutes, and it as heaven. And if they release a DVD, it'll have my big, smiling, singing face all over it, sitting right next to Colin Ferrell, who they kept shooting shots of... in addition to: Jay Leno - May 13 11:30 p.m. est NBC The Colbert Report - May 14, 11:30 p.m est Comedy Central Late Night with Jimmy Fallon - May 15, 12:30 est NBC Omer(Umair) also confirmed Yusuf will be taping the Charlie Rose show in NYC. And he's performing on KCRW-FM here in LA this week. (Possibly it will air at a later date, like they did a few years ago) I just remembered: The band started with a gorgeous instrumental medley of 3 or 4 Cat tunes before Yusuf took the stage. It was a really nice intro. And the set had a very earthy, intimate feel, like the Cafe DVD. Here are the 3 shots I took: before, during & after. They did not allow photos during the show, but I just couldn't resist sneaking one. (That's why it's crappy--it was just a quick sneak.) Wow, what a magical night. Greg (and David too!)    |
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Qizlo
Katmandu Member
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Post by Qizlo on May 13, 2009 20:49:02 GMT -5
I forgot to mention that I got a chance to talk with Alun Davies outside the theater after the concert. He was gracious enough to let me take a photo for the Majicat website. I asked him about Daydo, and he said that was a long time ago. He was surprised that the album goes for a lot of money on ebay. Laters! Mike  |
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Post by kitty828 on May 14, 2009 0:39:24 GMT -5
Wow what a Beautiful Evening this must of been for all of you makes me so happy and sad at the same time since I would so have loved to have seen Yusuf perform in NYC on May 3rd of course while I was waiting for an invite the concert was canceled! Any word of a NYC show for May 15th or any later date this month I would so love to see Yusuf just one more time! Roadsinger dosen't stop playing in my heart my head and my car since last week May 5th I finally did get to see The Chris Isaak Show with Yusuf three times totally awesome made me tear up when he sang Father and Son and tonight on Leno he was very sweet as always. Looking forward to seeing more of him and yes the Cat is definitley back I've waited so long!!! Can't wait to see Yusuf live again Christine please let me know if you hear anything and I will be there in a heartbeat since I have loved this man for 37 years!
Take Good Care,
Kitty (Cheryl)
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Post by helen on May 14, 2009 2:48:49 GMT -5
Just got back from my holidays and I am catching up. Wow. You all sound like you had a great time. I bet you were all still smiling for days after. When I saw first saw Yusuf after over 30 years. I had a permanent grin ;D ;D on my face for days. |
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Post by sueinhollywood on May 14, 2009 3:23:39 GMT -5
He performed Roadsinger on Jay Leno and you could hear a pin drop! Jay thanked him for bringing his family and the children. John McCain's mother shook his hand. Kevin Spacey was entertaining with his impressions, etc.
Very nice performance, low key.
Let's all get on those phones and request songs get played on the radio!
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marier
Moonshadow Member
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Post by marier on May 14, 2009 15:19:34 GMT -5
Thank you everyone for sharing. Hearing all these wonderful stories brings back such happy memories of when I saw Yusuf at Porchester Hall ;D ;D It's a feeling you can't really describe.
I loved hearing how Yusuf insisted on majicat invitees having reserved front seats. How many artists would even think to do this, not very many would be my guess!! Yusuf is loyal to his fans like we are to him!
Great photo of Alun, he looks really happy ;D
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dmh84
Oh Very Young
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Post by dmh84 on May 14, 2009 18:07:55 GMT -5
Hello, everybody. I'm new here, but not at all new to the music we all love.
Here's an email I wrote to a few friends after I got to witness this very special concert--a moment I'll always have close to my heart:
Well, last night was a night I still can't believe.
My friend Greg had arranged entry through a friend who runs a Cat Stevens website (You all know her as Christine! Hello, Christine--THANK YOU VERY MUCH, FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!), so we were with the fan club. Yusuf wanted fans in front--this was an invite-only event (which is all he ever wants to do now--small shows, even though he could easily sell-out 40,000 seaters--this all from his manager, with whom we spoke for a while).
So, when we checked in, we were escorted by a record company exec. down to the front of the audience where there were 3 tables set up. The rest of the place, the El Rey on Wilshire, was rows of chairs.
So, here we were, right down front, center with a small round table between us and the stage. This meant for the whole hour-and-twenty minute show, Cat Stevens was 6 feet from me and spent a lot of time connecting with us during the show--like a private show for just us. Amazing!
Before the show started, some people were ushered into the front row of seats right behind me and Greg. They introduced themselves to us, the last one saying, "Hi, I'm Colin."
Um. Colin Farrell.
And, I have to tell you, he was about as friendly as a guy can be. They ended up moving to the table to our left, resulting in Colin sitting right next to Greg. And, he was always initiating contact--sharing jokes, grabbing Greg's shoulder, calling us "brother." At one point, during "Where Do The Children Play," the audience all joined in, and I looked over to see Colin Farrell singing and staring at me, as though he wanted to share the moment with someone, and he kept the eye contact for an almost uncomfortable amount of time. So, that was some cool icing on the cake.
As for the show, it was truly stellar. We'd always dreamed how great it would be if Cat ever played music again and we could go see him live. This was beyond the dream.
It was him, standing with acoustic gtr, a keys man, Peter something, I think, with a nice triple bank of keys, bass player, young gtr/vox guy named Eric, and Alun Davies on another gtr and vox (he's played with Cat since the early days). They sounded phenomenal.
AND, it was all filmed for a dvd!
He played 6 great new songs and 9 classics and was funny and warm and moving and charming and very open and connected to us all.
I still can't believe it all happened. Wow.
Music reps and 2 managers came to talk to us and thank us, treating US like the VIP's--with Colin Farrell 2 feet away! It was just unbelievable.
For hours, before, during and after the event, Greg and I kept looking at each other and just saying, "Whut???"
I'll cherish that memory forever.
So, to Mary from Oregon and my Southern ladies, Richina and Ashley, and to Mike and Tony, thank you for making it all the more special.
Oh, and hello to Colin, if he's here, too. Though, I think he's probably hanging out at Greg's right now.
Best to all--deepest thanks to my dear friend Greg and Christine for making it possible, to David, Omer (sp?), the band, and to the Majical Yusuf for enriching my life!
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Post by Milan on May 14, 2009 19:57:28 GMT -5
Colin Farrell, eh? Cool.
Welcome to the site, brother.
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Chris
Oh Very Young
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Post by Chris on May 14, 2009 20:17:08 GMT -5
Welcome Dave, Greg has told me all about the concert. It sounds like you had a terrific time. Pretty cool, you were so close to Colin Farrell.
Christine
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;D 
;D 
It did get me a couple of extra much-needed hugs, though. 
You both were having such a great time, stunned in disbelief, like I was.
