Just wondering who will be at the Chautauqua show...I'll be bringing my mother and my 5 year old daughter - who will both be seeing SNC live for the first time.
Has anyone been to a show there before? Their inserts specifically mention no cameras *at all* so I've sent them a message asking how strict they are with that policy as we all know SNC doesn't mind, and actually encourages, photography / videography. Fingers crossed.


Kerri - I think it's funny when Chasers give the history lessons. It's amazing how much one realizes they know about the group when talking to someone who didn't know anything. I was talking to the sweetest lady sitting in front of me as well as the usher about them before the show, talking about SNC history. (BTW, If that was a subject in school, I'd have totally payed attention to it.. it can be called SNC History - 101! Sorry, sidetracked...)
Then, after the show, I'm thinking about all the stuff I knew and I'm like.. man, I feel like a stalker. Especially when, in the M&G line, a couple of the guys recognized me. Awkward but definitely cool. They were all in such great moods and still on the high of the concert too that they were chatty ^_^
Speaking of which, I know you mentioned Randy's attitude during the concert and, I gotta say, my favorite part of the whole concert was during one of his intros. I can't remember exactly what was said but it was to the extent of: "We're very fortunate to be able to do many types of songs and genres, giving us a never ending supply of music. The amount of songs we've done in the past would be enough to keep us on stage, non-stop for about a week-" And, naturally, he was cut off by explosive applause at that. He kinda did that nervous laughter with a scratch behind his ear as if he was thinking "Oh crap, what did I just do?" But then he laughed to us and finished off by saying "though I'm sure a couple of us would be passed out dead by the end of it."
And I totally agree that Randy was on a natural high that night. I think they all were. I mean, a crowd that size, would any of them have dared to dream of performing for that many people 3 years ago? Hell, even 1 year ago? And now they've even upped the anti by doing Musikfest. These guys are on a roll and I hope it just gets better and better for them.
@Kerri - Thank you soo soo much for your posts!! Your descriptions and details are amazing, and I will re-read them several times, because it makes me feel like I'm right there with you! I love how your neighbor seated next to you sent her husband back twice more to get more cd's and t-shirts! Thank you also for the video link of the VP. I am so interested in this and was trying to figure out a way to ask on TAT if there was a way they could give us a "mini VP class", so this was especially awesome for me. I am so glad Charlie did that, and that you got it on video for us! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!!! Amazing and fantastic! and I so love reading about Randy enjoying himself on stage! I also love hearing about the shenanigans between the guys! When they enjoy themselves up there, it really translates to the audience! And the details about who was there from SNC's family and friends really takes the appreciation to a whole other level, as well. Thank you!
@Diana L. and Angus - Thank you for sharing your experiences with us too. It really gives a well rounded view of the concert!
Sounds like the kind of concert of theirs that I need to get to some time! The one I went to I was surrounded by some stuffy "older" (my age really!) people, and felt like I was at an Opera! This was more like "what I'm talkin' 'bout!" This is so awesome for the guys to have that many people in attendance!!...just a taste of things to come, I suspect!!
You guys are awesome for taking the time to share your experiences with the rest of us. Thank you again!!
It seems every time that I see SNC they get better and better. Kerri, thanks for posting the link below - between it and the other Chautauqua videos I just saw on youtube I have that perma-grin going again remembering how fun the show was. I absolutely loved the 50s medley, and the songs from those two British bands. And I hope they keep singing Hi De Ho because it is just music to my ears.
As for the Chautauqua Instititution, I was very happy with the Ampitheatre. I didn't get the preferred seating but made sure I got there early to get a good seat. As I waited for the theatre to open I was amazed watching the line to get in get longer and longer. I ended up sitting two rows behind the preferred seating (there seemed to be about 20 rows of preferred seating), and I was dead centre in looking at the stage. I really couldn't complain about my seat.
The guys were their usual fun to interact with after the show, although with a crowd that size the line was pretty long. It moved fairly quickly, and I didn't feel rushed talking with them. They seemed surprised that I drove down from Ottawa, Ontario to see them but as everyone knows, they're well worth whatever trip you have to make.
I can't wait to see them again!
Finally got the video up! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTAIWL3r_b8
Thank you SO much for the review....gets me all excited about SNC and being a Chaser. They really are amazing, aren't they?????
Angie - kerrimh on YouTube, I'll also have it on my Facebook...my parents internet is screwy, though, so hopefully it will be up tonight!
Kerri - great summary.
GML - The guys sang in one straight set. Started at 8:15, and the first encore was at 9:50. It's such a mixed crowd at Chatuaqua (this place has it's own Opera company, ballet school, symphony and youth symphony and boasts the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world) that to have that many people in attendance, and to have that much energy in the place was as much fun (almost) as seeing the guys perform. You could tell that they were being energized by the crowd.
Among the highlights for me was Dave, and Jerome, Randy and Don - all at separate times, turning around to sing to the audience (of more than a couple hundred) sitting behind them. Too cool, and shows just what great entertainers these guys are...
Kerri - can't wait to see your videos, especially the VP demo! What is your Youtube user name?
it would let me post it all in one shot - so read the top one first.
@GML - you're right, there were 3 standing ovations!
What an awesome night! Ive seen numerous shows, in numerous venues, and this was one of the best yet.
The show started at 8:15 - my mother, 5 year old daughter (M), and I got there at 7:00 and the parking lot was already PACKED - we were in the overflow lot and towards the back. We managed to catch a tram to the venue and initially I thought that there HAD to be other events taking place at the Institution because some were asking why there were so many people there. I took the opportunity, of course, to tell the entire tram what was going on and managed to squeeze a quick history lesson in for them as well. (To give an idea as to overflow parking, we ended up walking back from the venue and it was easily 1/2 - 3/4 mile from the show).
?We got to the theater itself and it was already a madhouse. The couple next to us were seeing them live for the first time and the wife was soaking up the information she was given when she was asking me about the group - another Chaser was born. She sent her husband back twice to get more CDs/shirts.
I could not BELIEVE the reaction from the crowd when the lights went down and the show started....were talking screaming, cheering, clapping, stomping feet - it was incredible! I even saw a few of the guys saying wow or something similar when they finished the first song. There were even people seated behind them. There were more than 5,000 people there...standing room only for some.
They did a mixture of old and new songs and kept the crowd going...a few of the key points:
the guy in the front row dancing for the Poison / Billy Jean mix (were talking moonwalk, people)
Charlies shouldnt do that outdoors statement at the low note of HiDeHo
Charlie acknowledging a friend of his who was celebrating her 90th birthday
Jeromes teacher, that got him started in music at the age of 9, was there
Sara (DRs fiance) was there with her parents
Mike got the moves of Stayin Alive
Ryans Elvis likely did the old ladies in.
Charlie instigated the Beat Box Demo and tossed Seggie and Don under the bus - very cool - and theres video uploading
Jerome and Charlies Me and My Shadow was awesome
Lion Sleeps Tonight - rocked. This is still one of my favorites to watch live and it didnt disappoint.
Im not sure if it was just me - but Randy seemed a lot happier than usual - smiling more, dancing more...just happy
12 Days of Christmas...honestly, I missed a good portion of what the other guys were doing because I was too busy laughing at Charlie and Seggie...Charlie did his normal position Seggies hands, etc, but Seggie? Oh Seggie. He undid Charlies tie, ruffled his hair, it was funny.
Before the last song of the show they received a standing ovation...and after the show...and after the encores...and... :)
At a few points various guys would turn and sing to the crowd in the back of them - they were referred to as the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and MTVs Behind the Scenes
Blake said his lighting was poor, but people, look at the pictures - it was great!
M was literally falling asleep in her seat after the show so we didnt stay for M&G (bummer - all she talked about all day was meeting Tyler, Seggie, Charlie, Mike and Walt (they sing her favorites)) but it was still a great night. I still cant get over how alive the whole night felt - when Ryan (or was it Tyler or Randy?) said that the crowd was electric, they werent kidding!
@Diana L and@Christina S. - Thank you so much for your reports! That must have been awesome! Love those shenanigan's! and the VP I find fascinating! (Great addition, it sounds!) Can't lose with that 50's medley! How long would you say they performed? Did I hear correctly that there were 3 standing ovations?! I imagine your feedback is invaluable, not only to the Chasers who couldn't attend, but to the guys, as well, being the "veterans" that you are!!! Thank You both, again!
It was a fantastic show with some great energy both on and off stage. The place was definitely alive. There were even people sitting on their balconies that looked into the amphitheatre to watch the show and even THEY were giving stand ovations. It was beyond words amazing.
There was also a lot of shenanagans going on on stage too which were just hilarious. They performed the 50s Medley from Harrahs which looked even more impressive when they don't have the set with the bleachers and they are all mixed in. That meant they had to emotionally show who was pro-Elvis or pro-sweaters. It was a perfect testament to how talented they really are.
One part that was really neat and different was when Charlie, as part of introducing a song, was talking about the percussion that is heard. He then put Don and Seggie on the spot to show off their beat-boxing skills, all solo. It was so cool cause they weren't expecting it and were like... uhhh.. okay, what do I do? But they just freestyled it and man, it was impressive.
Now, before I run out of space, I think I'll end this here, but if there's anything to get out of this it is GO SEE THESE GUYS LIVE!
Thank you. ^_^
It was a great evening. The place was packed - in all my years of being at concerts/events there, I've never seen so many people. Standing room only!
Temps were very warm - but it didn't stop the energy. Lot's of new music from the Harrah's show, plus some of the best of the older material. It was a show not to disappoint.
Also, it was pretty special to have some of the guys point out people who were important to them in the audience - especially Charlie's, and to have 5,000+ people applaud her 90th birthday.
Not sure how long the meet and greet took - we headed out before that (didn't want to look like a groupie, or anything) ;)...
It was really wonderful to sit and hear all the comments around me from folks who had never heard "our guys" before! Truly felt like a proud parent...
Awesome @Kerri - I am sooo looking forward to them!
It absolutely was!!!! I've got pictures/video/post that will be coming up sometime today. It was phenomenal.
@Christina S. - NO!!!!! Heavens no, woman!! Details, PLEASE! Pretty Please! Would that you tell us ALL about it?! From Tyler's and Randy's comments that I saw, it sounded just electric!
Can I just say; WOW.
Thanks for the info, Diana! I didn't even know the concert was in such a place, I thought it was more like a theatre. (My first time in the area)
Looking forward to seeing you there!
Kerri -
They do have handicapped spots - but the ones inside are limited. You can rent a scooter (45/day) or a wheelchair (10/day).
Here's the link for you to take a look at...I'd give a call to the office. They really are quite accomodating. http://www.ciweb.org/faqs/health/what-kind-of-handicap-assistance-do-you...
Depending on how fast of a walker one is - it would be 10-15 minutes from the gates to the Amphitheater. There are all kinds of benches (and shopping) along the way though... It will be the walk back that will be more challenging - a bit of a hill (I know my mom has a hard time on the incline). It's not steep, but it's feels long.
Hopefully the office folks will be helpful.
@Diana ... thanks! I've been to the institute but never to a show AT the institute...can't wait to see the guys again though! you mentioned walking / comfortable walking shoes...my mother had a total knee replacement and can't walk long distances ... I bought the parking pass when I purchased the tickets - how long of a walk is it? or should I consider contacting them about their handicapped parking (she has a permit)
Christina -
your ticket gets you onto the grounds at 4pm, but you won't be allowed into the venue until about 7 (if past history dictates). They will want to finish the sound check. The amphitheater is in the centre of the complex. Be sure to bring comfy walking shoes. You'll park across the highway, and then walk into the institution through the beautiful walled gates. The amphitheater is open air, and seats about 7 thousand. The prime seats will be front and centre on the floor, but seating on the sides is just as good.
Be sure to wander down to the lake - it's a beautiful site.
Kerri - every concert I've been to (with the exception of Alliston) had ushers who wanted the cameras away, but then it's always followed with the invitation by the guys to take pics and videos on the condition that we post them later. I suspect this will be the same...
Can't wait for next Friday - bringing my hubby to his first SNC concert :)
This is truly one of my favourite places on earth!
@Kerri: That I did! I don't really know what it means but I'm thinking it means get there early to line up and pick from certain section of seats? But how early is early? I don't really know the area or where I'm going. As well, I'll be coming from Mississauga ON so I don't know at what point we'll be arriving. Hopefully there's not a LONG wait at the border.
The VP wrote back - his words, "well, then I guess we're all set". fingers crossed.
@Dave - that sucks - but I TOTALLY understand.
@Christina - did you do the priority seating?
Randy replied (thanks, Randy!) and sent a tweet that they still allow photos/videos at their shows...I've sent it on to the venue (and you can bet your doopa I'll be bringing that tweet with me to the show, LOL)
Kathleen - I know in Vegas Rosa got spoken to by an usher, but someone (Seggie? Jerome? #fuzzy) said an announcement right after and we were good to go...I've brought my Rebel to all their shows without incident, too...I'm bringing my smaller camera this time, but would still love to get videos but they had a statement on their insert about cameras/video/etc. The VP answered my email right away but said that he followed up with my question on 7/24 ... which is odd since I didn't ask it until today...the whole thing sounds weird. Hopefully Korby saw it and will weigh in.
@Kerri-that does seem odd not to be able to video..At Hershey last year, they announced that while theater policy was no cameras, SNC was going to allow it and encouraged it. I will be interested to hear what the real deal is. As far as I know, Julie is the only Chaser that ever ran into a problem with filming...(She is such a wonderful Chaser, that she was mistaken for a professional photographer) SNC came to her rescue and filming continued
That is odd about the "no videos." Let us know if you hear any more about it -- not as if I'm going to be there!
as much as I really, really want to go (only an hour and a half drive), I don't think its going to happen. Work has really been demanding lately....was trying to keep an open mind and schedule, but I just don't see it happening. :o(
Ya'll have a blast!!!
Maybe it's cause it's a preview of their tour before they technically go on tour? Save some of the surprise?
I'm going, by the way ^_^
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