WINTERJAM CONCERT

I told you we were going to a concert, but let me give you a little back story that lead up to this point.
 
At church last Sunday a couple from one of our small groups was sitting in front of us.  It was the couple (Mark and Sara McDowell) that were involved in a near deadly car accident with a drunk driver last year.
After service they turned and asked if we were going to WinterJam.  We told them we were not and they asked why. I jokingly said that food was higher on our priority list.  He asked us if they could buy our tickets.  At first we said that wasn't necessary but he insisted so we accepted the offer. (I later found out the tickets were only ten bucks and felt bad that he had to offer to buy)

Well that brings us to last night.  The concert didn't start til seven but the doors opened at six.  We were to meet at the door at six.  In my mind that would be plenty early to provide me with a close parking spot.  I mean it's early, it's a christian concert and it is a single digit temperature outside.  How many people would there be?

OK. As we got off the freeway to go to Wells Fargo Arena, traffic was backed up to the exit ramp.  I was a little surprised to say the least.  When we finally got close to the parking area I was a little concerned by the shear number of cars in the lot.  When we were just three cars back from the entrance, the attendant put out the 'Lot Full' sign.  Seriously?   C'mon, it's a christian concert, and we are early.  I assumed there was something else going on at Veterans Auditorium.

I dropped Robyn off near the front entrance and drove several blocks looking for a parking spot.  A long, frigid walk later and I was catching up to Robyn inside the door.  The crush of people astounded me.  (This is where we get the Griswold moniker, these things happen to us)  How would we ever find the McDowells?  They had our tickets.  Then Robyn spotted Sara.  Here is a pic of the two of them at the concert.

Robyn and Sara

    

   This is when things suddenly changed.  We were the Griswolds no more.  Sara and Mark informed us that our tickets had been upgraded.

Several of the people from our small group work for Pioneer Hybred Seed Company (A multi billion dollar organization) and Pioneer happens to have a suite at Wells Fargo Arena.  Our whole small group joined us for the concert in the suite.  Those with small children brought them along.  It was fun watching the kids dance to the music.  I have included a pic of the suite and the view of the stage.

Theater seating beyond the bar

That's Mark enjoying the show

Food and beverages were provided and the Show was incredible.  I have heard many of the artist on the radio station I listen to and it is possible you have too.  The News Boys were headliners.  Their latest album debuted on Billboards top 100 list at number four.  I'm sure you would recognize some of their songs.  I have a couple videos to post but am not sure of the picture or sound quality.  Sadly, I forgot the camera and had to use my antique phone.

The first one I believe is Francescia Banastelli.  There were ten artists or groups including hard rock, rap, gospel, grunge, and pop.

The second video is the News Boys.  They were awesome.  I would pay to see them in concert by themselves.  The lead singer reminded me of Mick Jagger.  He danced around and his singing was spectacular.  The guitarist and keyboard player were on platforms that raised and went out over the audience.  The lead singer was out on a catwalk that had a rising pedastal that took him nearly 25 feet up in the air.  The drummer was also on a platform that rose up and then tipped vertically while he was still drumming.  That was pretty cool but it wasn't all, because then his raised, vertical platform began spinning, very rapidly.  It was AWESOME!  Everyone should have a chance to see them live.

There was also some preaching and witnessing.  It included a very inspirational story of a baby of a institutionalized prostitute.  He was beaten and abused for many years, almost to the point of suicide. He was finally shown the promises of God and it transformed him into the incredible pastor and gifted speaker that was witnessing to us right then.  All in all it was phenominal.  Very uplifting and entertaining.  I am so happy we went.

This morning we are just relaxing and reading by a fire.  Here is my lovely wife and her cat by the fire.

Hobbs and Robyn staying warm

Well, I need to get back to the fire and my coffee.  I'm sure there is more excitement in the future for the Griswolds.  I'll let you know what happens next in a future blog.

Peace

Dan