Star Wars in Concert (2009)

I’m afraid that I misspoke. I believe The Killers have been topped by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and Anthony Daniels. Performing selections from John Williams’ iconic score, the Philharmonic was exquisite. But that was just the beginning...

Star Wars fans of all ages descended on the former Sommet Center, united in their love of a fictional universe. In the rotunda of the Center, untold movie memorabilia was displayed. Costumes, props, and other iconic pieces from the film series were within reach. It was truly breath-taking. You just wouldn’t understand.

Mingling with Stormtroopers and R2D2 was truly amazing. Boba Fett and Bossk mugging for the camera while Death Star troopers and pilots looked on. I felt a bit ridiculous acting as excited as the eight year old beside me. Unlike my companion, I was unable to temper my reserve. Fully embracing the fanboy within, I flitted from display to display, engaging fellow fanboys—smiling and oogling— just soaking it in.

Beckoned to our seats by the sounds of the Universe, I waited with bated breath. The little man beside me and I carried on until the voice of Darth Vader introduced ‘a part of the rebel alliance and traitor’ Sir Anthony Daniels. C3PO himself guided our journey through the Williams’ canon.

Divided into a series of acts, the score came alive at the hands of the orchestra. Exploring the universal themes found throughout the films, each note corresponded with an image on the huge LCD screen behind the orchestra. A few particular moments stand out:

• Just back from Intermission, we journey to a most wretched hive of scum and villainy--Mos Eisley Cantina.  Listening to the jazzed refrains coming from Figian D'an and the Modal Nodes were rockin.
• The rise and fall of Anakin Skywalker was a bittersweet mash-up.  It's no secret--my loathing of Lucas' prequel.  This act was heart-wrenching, but dispicable all the same
• The twin suns of Tatooine.  Need I say more?

Overall, the concert was a treasure.  The memories made and shared today are priceless.  Wish you could have joined me.

Let Love Rule!

Experiencing a concert at the legendary Ryman Auditorium is like a religious event. The historic intimate setting allows for revival of sorts especially in the company of fellow concert goers. With Lenny Kravitz and his band filling the hallowed room with raucous refrains, you couldn’t help but be spirit filled.

A ho-hum opening set from some odd Canadian Muslim, the slim rock god saunter on stage. Rousing the crowd to its feet was easy; keeping them there was second nature as Kravitz way-laid into each crunching chord. His afro’d lead guitarist channeled freaking Jimi Hendrix—it was transcendental really.

Lenny’s focus for the night was love. Love for Nashville, his fans, his band, and the 20th anniversary of Let Love Rule. In return, the audience loved him back singing and swaying along with nearly every word. The concert was one non-stop jam session with long random guitar, horn, organ, or drum tangents between classics like Fly Away and Mr. Cab Driver.
It was a simply gorgeous evening!

Coldplay (2009)

For once, I am speechless. Thankfully, there are enough flickr contributors for your viewing pleasure. Check amsd2dth and asfrederick. They might not have been sitting with me--but they have better phones. Never has being with 15,000 people been so intimately beautiful.

The Killers (2009)

Overheard at The Killers concert:

• You want some of my coke?
• I hate the saxophone. It's got to be the worst musical instrument ever.
• Kiss your date.
• I aint kissing Steve.
• If this is a bunch of gays, I'm outta here.
• I've got 325 TV channels and I'm here?!
• I could be home playing Rock Band.

If anything, The Killers concert at the Opry House was a riotous bliss. Brandon Flowers and Co rocked the house with a set that included 9 of their newest tracks from Day and Age and all their hits. Playing to a comfortably packed house and an audience that could sing along to every song, The Killers brought an infectious intensity that rocked the House.

Flowers is an engaging frontman seemingly playing to each audience member. Emerging with the now infamous {I like it} feathered jacket, Flowers didn't waste a minute.

What a memory! Neon Tiger and Joy Ride take on new meaning and The Killers cement themselves {in my eyes} as a {more than} legitimate band since they can play live so well. You should've been there.

Special shout-out to my companions for the evening!!