Concert Katie – the same song over and over again

Christmas in New York

Katie December 18, 2025 No Comments

Spoiler Warning:
Some sections below discuss The Outsiders and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and may include spoilers. If you’re spoiler-averse, feel free to skip those sections and jump to the lights, landmarks, and general city mayhem.

The Train Ride In: Metro North Cares?

The train ride in was terrible. I had called Metro-North Cares ahead of time to arrange accessibility assistance. They took all my information, assured me everything was noted, and then… nothing. When the train arrived, no one was looking for me. No bridge plate. No assistance. And then the train left.

I waited twenty minutes for the next one, already behind a schedule that had barely any wiggle room to begin with. When it arrived, I tried to bulldoze my way on anyway. My walker’s wheel got caught in the gap. I fell. This was the entire reason I had called for help in the first place.

Eventually, people stepped in to help and I got onboard. The conductors were genuinely kind, checking on me throughout the ride and making sure I got off safely at Grand Central. Unfortunately, that’s where the next obstacle appeared. No cabs anywhere. Uber wanted over $100 to get to the hotel. Lyft came in around $30, which at that point felt like a gift from the transit gods.

It wasn’t how the trip was supposed to start. It was stressful, painful, and exhausting. But somehow, the weekend kept going anyway.

The Outsiders

I arrived at the theater just as the doors were opening, adrenaline still buzzing from the journey. Somewhere between grabbing my scooter and navigating Times Square, I ran over my first pedestrian of the weekend. A true New York milestone.

The theater staff, however, were phenomenal. Kind, calm, and genuinely helpful. I got to my seat and finally exhaled.

I’d seen warnings that rows A and B might get hit with pieces of tire during the show. I was in row D, so I assumed I was safe. I was not.

The show was incredible. Emotional, gritty, and beautifully staged. The rumble choreography was next-level stunning. Violent, precise, and hypnotic in a way that made it impossible to look away. At the end, Darry seemed completely unable to stop crying, continuing to cry through the final scenes and even into the curtain call.

I had just reread the book and watched the movie a few weeks before the trip to see if Tulsa was mentioned. It isn’t. But the show makes it clear where we are, opening with a song titled “Tulsa ’67.” During intermission, I noticed more pieces of tire scattered on me. Back at the hotel later, I realized my Playbill had caught one too. Tiny black souvenirs. Proof that I was closer to the action than I ever expected.

Despite everything, I loved it. Maybe because of everything.

The Hotel Timeshare Presentation

Nothing snaps you back to earth faster than a hotel timeshare presentation. The contrast between Broadway magic and aggressively cheerful sales tactics was… jarring. There were promises, pressure, and the sense that time itself was being siphoned away. It was the least festive part of the weekend, but at least it came with the satisfaction of surviving it. All I lost was 2 hours of my time and I am the proud new owner of – nothing.

The MLB Flagship Store

Enter: baseball peace. Or so I had hoped. The MLB Flagship store was wall-to-wall jerseys and merch. Although, there was a familiar voice echoing throughout the store when we entered. Unfortunately our timing was off and they were playing Pete Alonso’s (my favorite not-so-current-anymore Met) press conference as he joined the Baltimore Orioles. We got the staff to stamp my baseball Pass-Port and got out of there.

Radio City Music Hall: Behind the Scenes

Seeing Radio City from behind the scenes was a genuine highlight. The history, the hidden spaces, the stories woven into the walls – and us almost joining them in the walls via a too small elevator… Getting to find out how the stage worked and then seeing it all in motion during the show later brought a whole new appreciation to the show and we got to end the tour by meeting a Rockette!

The Rockettes: Precision and Sparkle

The Rockettes are precision in human form. Every kick lands at the exact same height, every line snaps into place, and every transition happens like clockwork. It’s festive, yes, but it’s also physically demanding in a way that’s easy to underestimate until you see it live. This isn’t just dancing. It’s endurance, control, and absolute trust in the people next to you.

One of the most meaningful moments for me was seeing that one of the Rockettes is physically disabled. Representation like that matters, especially in a show that has historically been viewed as rigid and traditional. Watching her perform alongside the rest of the line wasn’t inspirational in a patronizing way. It was powerful in a this is what inclusion actually looks like way.

And yes, there are still live animals. Including camels. I had seen them in the show 20 years ago and honestly wasn’t sure they’d still be included because of changing laws and standards. But there they were, calmly strolling across the stage, grounding the spectacle in something unexpectedly real. It felt like a bridge between the Christmases I remembered and the one I was experiencing now.

By this point in the weekend, with everything going wrong, we had started joking that Taylor Swift would probably show up and sit next to us. (For the record, I am not a fan.) Near the end of the show, a woman behind us suddenly yelled, “It’s Taylor Swift!”
It was not Taylor Swift.
It was just a performer in a sparkly dress.
But for one brief, chaotic moment, it felt extremely on-brand for how the weekend had been going.

And then there were the frost fairies. They flew through the audience, shimmering and ethereal. I don’t know how they fly, but I desperately want to. They looked so real that part of me was convinced they were somehow defying physics purely through Christmas magic. If there’s a behind-the-scenes explanation, I want it. Immediately.

The whole experience felt like controlled chaos wrapped in tradition. Familiar, surprising, and just strange enough to remind you why it’s iconic.

Rockefeller Center at 6am & Fifth Avenue Before Sunrise

New York at 6am is a completely different city. Rockefeller Center was quiet, glowing, and almost peaceful. Fifth Avenue before sunrise felt like sneaking into a postcard before anyone else arrived. The lights shimmered, the air was crisp, and for a brief moment, the city felt calm. We had all of the Saks 5th Avenue decorated windows to ourselves and while we missed the light show, there are approximately 39473923 videos of it online for us to watch in the cozy comfort of our home and not squished in a sea full of tourists.

The Hotel Elevator: A Villain Origin Story

The elevator deserves its own section because it deserves accountability. Only 1 running at a time. Slow. Overcrowded. Occasionally unavailable. Waiting for it became a recurring subplot of the weekend. At one point, it felt easier to question life choices than to reach the correct floor. [Honorable mention to the too small elevators at Radio City and The Museum of Broadway, they get a partial pass because they are old buildings and another honorable mention to the elevator in the box office at cursed child that was just completely out of order that sent us around the block instead.]

The Museum of Broadway: A Love Letter

The Museum of Broadway felt like stepping inside a love letter written by theater people, for theater people. Costumes, sets, props, and stories from decades of productions surrounded you at every turn, each one quietly whispering about the thousands of performances that came before.

What I loved most was how immersive it felt. This wasn’t just a collection of artifacts behind glass, it was an experience designed to make you feel the history. Standing in front of iconic costumes and seeing how Broadway has evolved over time made everything feel interconnected. Every show, every revival, every risk taken on a stage builds on what came before it.

If you love Broadway even a little, this place will make your heart grow three sizes. (But find discounted tickets if you can!)

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

I had been scaling back significantly on all things Harry Potter. That decision wasn’t accidental, and it wasn’t casual. So I don’t say this lightly when I admit that the only reason I went to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was because Tom Felton was playing Draco Malfoy.

That was it. That was the hook.

Seeing him step back into that role carried a strange emotional weight. Familiar, yes, but also layered with time and distance. Draco as an adult felt different. Softer around the edges. Still complicated, still carrying history, but shaped by it rather than defined by it. Tom Felton brought a quiet gravity to the role that made it feel earned rather than nostalgic.

And then there was Scorpius.

I did not expect to fall in love with Scorpius Malfoy, and yet here we are. He is awkward, kind, painfully sincere, and emotionally open in a way that makes him impossible not to root for. He’s the heart of the story in many ways, and by the end, I was fully invested in his happiness and wellbeing.

Which raises the uncomfortable but unavoidable question:
Why do I love the Malfoys so much?

The production itself was stunning. The stage magic, the illusions, the transitions. It’s a reminder that live theater can do things that no screen ever truly can. The cast was phenomenal, the pacing tight, and the audience reactions made the experience feel communal in a way that’s increasingly rare. Gasps, laughter, collective moments of recognition.

Footnote: J.K. Rowling is a terrible human being. Acknowledging that doesn’t erase the work of the hundreds of performers, crew members, and creatives who bring this show to life night after night. Supporting them is not an endorsement of her views. Both truths can coexist, and it’s important to say that out loud.

If you’re struggling with how to reconcile enjoying parts of this world while rejecting the harm she causes, one way to hold that tension is to redirect support. Organizations like Trans Lifeline and The Trevor Project do life-saving work for trans and LGBTQ+ youth and adults, providing crisis support, resources, and community when it’s needed most. Supporting them is a concrete way to stand with the people Rowling continues to hurt, and to make sure your love of stories never outweighs your care for real people.

Stories matter. But people matter more.

Grand Central is Closed?

When leaving the hotel (after waiting for 3 elevators) the doorman told me Grand Central was “closed” and I would need to walk 2 blocks to get there – in the snow. Which of course came Sunday morning when I needed to leave and not Saturday night as it was supposed to start on our walk/roll home from Cursed Child (when instead it was freezing rain in my eye the whole time). But thanks to an amazing cabbie I got right to the door of Grand Central which was indeed not closed and made it home – with a view of some absolutely gorgeous snow covered trees on the way.

The Takeaway

New York in December is a study in contrasts: breathtaking and exhausting, magical and maddening, perfectly lit and slightly broken. The bad moments didn’t cancel out the good; they just made the good feel earned. And somehow, despite everything, it all worked.

Because that’s New York. ✨

Concert

Tartan Terrors at The Kate

Katie December 10, 2025 No Comments

Sunday’s Celtic Christmas concert by the Tartan Terrors was a joyous two-set celebration of music, memory, and merriment, wrapped in plaid and powered by pipes, drums, and soaring melodies. The evening unfolded in two energetic 45-minute sets with a brief intermission, opening with the stirring “Awakening” and gliding seamlessly into holiday favorites and Celtic standards like “I Saw Three Ships,” “Whiskey Before Breakfast,” “Heave Away,” and a rousing Christmas medley. Highlights from the first set included the emotional “Christmas in the Trenches,” the lively “Glasgow Reels,” and the always-electric “Quad Piper,” reminding everyone why the Terrors are known as much for their spectacle as for their musicianship.

Between songs, front man Ian charmed the crowd with a series of hilarious and heartfelt childhood Christmas stories that quickly became as much a part of the show as the music itself. Tales of the infamous “Round John Virgin,” interpreting “Noel” as “No El” in honor of his sister Ellen, accidentally singing “incest owns a deity nigh” instead of “incense” during church, and the legendary misread “apply glue” that sent his father on a wild glue hunt had the audience laughing nonstop. Throughout the night, Ian and the band lovingly kept his sister Ellen’s memory alive, giving the concert an added emotional depth beneath the humor and high-spirited performance.

The second set soared with powerful selections like “Freedom ’14,” a beautiful take on “Pachelbel’s Canon,” and a spirited “Fairytale of New York,” followed by beloved holiday staples including “Christmas in Killarney,” “Carol of the Bells,” and “Little Drummer Boy.” (The latter not without a hilarious take from Ian on how no mother would want a drummer next to her sleeping newborn baby!) “Sailing Home” and “High Road” carried the crowd toward the emotional finish before an encore of “Auld Lang Syne” and “Bonnie Dundee” sent everyone home glowing with holiday cheer. Personally, hearing “Carol of the Bells” live brought an extra layer of magic, as it’s my favorite Christmas carol and a moment I’ll be replaying in my head all season long. The Tartan Terrors’ Celtic Christmas was equal parts laughter, memory, and musical brilliance. A perfect way to welcome the holiday spirit.

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Concert

Ezra Ray Hart at Foxwoods

Katie December 7, 2025 No Comments

Last night at the Foxwood’s Great Cedar Showroom, Ezra Ray Hart delivered exactly what their tour promises: “90s Hits and Christmas Riffs”—a joyful collision of nostalgia, holiday cheer, and pure sing-along energy. The “supergroup” combines the unmistakable voices of Kevin Griffin (Better Than Ezra), Connecticut’s own Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray), and Emerson Hart (Tonic), creating a powerhouse lineup that feels like a living, breathing playlist of the decade. From the first notes of “Every Morning” through the final encore, it was nonstop throwback magic.

The setlist pulled generously from all three catalogs—“Open Up Your Eyes,” “Good,” “You Wanted More,” “A Lifetime,” “Desperately Wanting,” “If You Could Only See,” “Juicy”, “When It’s Over” and “Fly” —while also leaning into the fun of the holidays with “Little Saint Nick,” “Must Be Christmas,” and a crowd-pleasing “Last Christmas.” For those attempting Whamageddon, fear not: covers don’t count—only the original Wham version can send you to Whamhalla. The night also featured plenty of surprises, including Kevin Griffin’s hilarious holiday rewrite “Sacks of Candy,” inspired by his niece’s childhood mishearing of “Sex and Candy,” and a cheeky cover of “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” with Emerson Hart rocking a kilt.

The band fully leaned into the party atmosphere with high-energy covers like INXS’s “Never Tear Us Apart,” Chumbawamba’s “Tubthumping. Ironically, the loudest reaction of the night didn’t go to one of the guys’ original hits—it went to “Tubthumping,” which absolutely exploded the room. Even the encore doubled down on the chaos with Blur’s “Song 2” and the Beastie Boys’ “Fight for Your Right,” sending the crowd out buzzing.

There was a slight delay to crowd entering at the start of the show—possibly due to Jessica Simpson lighting the casino’s tree on the other side of the property—and Mark McGrath could be seen mouthing “what the f—” toward the crowd, leaving everyone to guess whether it was impressed disbelief or playful frustration. Either way, once the music started, none of that mattered. Ezra Ray Hart transformed Foxwoods into a full-scale ’90s sing-along, proving that these songs—and this era—are still deeply loved. It was equal parts throwback, holiday party, and pure fun – even if Mark was the only one still rocking the frosted tips!

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Uncategorized

Kamala Harris 107 Days Book Event

Katie November 16, 2025 No Comments

Kamala Harris took the stage at the Chevalier Theater in Medford, MA, for an afternoon dedicated to her memoir 107 Days, but not before giving us a true taste of “the show must go on” in the face of a few, let’s say, unplanned interruptions.

Chevalier Theater clearly wasn’t quite prepared for the event and the number of Meet and Greets that were being sold – assuming that it would be over in 30 minutes, and by that time only ADA had gotten through the line. At 1pm it was clear the doors were not going to be opening for a 2pm start, especially with the additional security screenings needed.

When Kamala Harris finally took the stage, the crowd erupted in applause and a standing ovation. The moment Kamala spoke was pure magic. She was poised, brilliant, and charming, effortlessly weaving through stories from her 107 days in the White House—those early, chaotic days where the nation was trying to sort itself out amidst a global pandemic and the fallout from a fractured political landscape. Most notably was recalling her time at “Debate Camp” and how they try to prepare you for everything but there were several things that ended up happening that she had not been prepped for – notably the fly in her VP debate. Kamala spoke with a warmth and grace that felt like you were sitting with a dear friend, but with that unmistakable presidential edge. And the crowd loved it.

A handful of very vocal individuals who, true to form, couldn’t let the moment go by without adding a bit of drama. But no sooner had they shouted their grievances than security swooped in, like a stealthy eagle, escorting them out before you could even say “civil disobedience.”

Unfortunately the theater failed with their ADA accommodations – not allowing me to park in the lot despite their site saying that there would be spots available, leaving the line out in the cold before the meet and greet while the general line was allowed to be inside and then not knowing how to communicate amongst the staff and Kamala’s crew as to how things were going to work. Fortunately the event itself was wonderful enough that all the hassle ended up worth it.

Concert Jonas Brothers

Jonas Brothers Greetings from Your Hometown Tour

Katie November 16, 2025 No Comments

The Jonas Brothers’ Greetings from Your Hometown tour at Mohegan Sun was an unforgettable night of nostalgia, family vibes, and pure pop-rock energy.

The show kicked off with DJ Deleasa, Kevin Jonas’s brother-in-law, setting the mood with a smooth mix of upbeat tracks. Speaking of family, Kevin’s daughters joined their Uncle for a bit of his DJ set and we got an appearance from the bonus Jonas himself—Franklin Jonas—who not only was the opening act with his band “Franklin Jonas and the Byzantines” but he took the stage later on for a touching rendition of “When You Look Me in the Eyes” during the encore. Pandering to the Connecticut crowd, Frankline sang a snippet of the Gilmore Girls theme song.

This tour was supposed to feature All American Rejects, but due to lead singer Tyson Ritter’s vocal injury, the band had to bow out. While the absence of All American Rejects left a noticeable gap, the night was still packed with plenty of energy to keep the crowd on their feet. That said, it felt like the show leaned even more heavily into the Jonas part of the equation, as the brothers made sure to keep things personal.

The brothers kicked off with “Love Me to Heaven.” The setlist was a well-balanced mix of old hits and newer tracks, along with an acoustic session that allowed fans to hear intimate versions of some of their favorites like Goodnight and Goodbye, Strangers, and Parachute. The brothers gave heartfelt speeches about their hometowns and their journey, setting the stage for a night of reflection and celebration.

One moment that stood out was when Nick took the stage solo to perform “A Little Bit Longer,” a track that has long been tied to his personal struggle with Type 1 diabetes. He shared an emotional speech before performing, creating a powerful and intimate moment for the audience. The other brothers also had their spotlight: Joe brought the crowd to its feet with Cake by the Ocean, and Kevin, surprisingly, delivered a moving performance of his new single Changing.

And of course, the show wouldn’t be complete without the hits: S.O.S., Sucker, Lovebug, and Burnin’ Up (with a cameo from Big Rob, naturally). That’s where the nepotism family tree element really showed: the whole evening felt like a family reunion, with Kevin’s family, Franklin Jonas, and even Kevin Sr. making appearances.

Now, a quick word about the venue. Our section literally felt like it was rocking like a boat. It was clear we were in the middle of a crowd that was 100% on the Jonas wave. The energy was contagious, but there were definitely some uncomfortable moments as the crowd swayed along to the beats. It was chaotic but fun—just the way a Jonas Brothers concert should be.

While other shows on the tour had special surprise guests, ours only got a snippet from their upcoming Christmas movie with the song “Coming Home This Christmas.” It was a nice moment, though, especially as we all got into the holiday spirit early. While I would’ve loved to see a bigger surprise or guest appearance, this Christmas-themed treat, complete with snow, definitely added a little extra flavor to the night.

The Greetings from Your Hometown tour was everything you want from a Jonas Brothers show: nostalgic, fun, and brimming with heart. While it may have been missing some of the surprises that other cities got, the familial atmosphere and killer setlist made up for any shortcomings. Whether you’re a diehard fan or just someone looking for a throwback pop-rock experience, this tour is the perfect reminder of the Jonas Brothers’ impact on pop culture—and the power of family.

If you get the chance, definitely catch the show—but maybe skip the boat-rocking section if you’re prone to motion sickness.

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Concert Hanson

Four Nights of Hanson

Katie October 30, 2025 No Comments

If there’s a better kind of tired than four Hanson shows in four days, I haven’t found it yet. Somewhere between the harmonies, clapping, and the hundredth (or more!) sing a long to MMMBop, I remembered why this band has been my happy place since 1997. From Englewood to Atlantic City (twice!) to Baltimore, we were ready to rock and remind the band why we keep showing up decade after decade.

Night One – Englewood, NJ at Bergen PAC felt like ignition. Opening with Fired Up, Hanson set the tone: loud, joyful and a little nostalgic. The acoustic section was golden-hour perfection: Isaac crooned Hand in Hand, Zac gave us Good Days, and Taylor melted hearts with Save Me. When the encore rolled around, A Song to Sing (with an extra verse!) turned the theater into a sea of harmonies and smiles. (The only thing better was the amazing parking spot we scored out front!)

Night Two – Atlantic City, NJ brought the energy of a casino floor straight into the Music Box. The band leaned into groove and grit: River was a full band surprise, I’ve Got Soul pulsed with swagger, and Taylor’s solo on Weird hit right in the nostalgic feels. A triple-shot of Get Up and Go, I Was Born, and MMMBop had everyone on their feet (yes, even me!) before Lost Without Each Other closed the night with pure rock-band electricity.

Night Three – same city, different vibe. The second Atlantic City show was the deeper-cut set. Thinking of You and Runaway Run had longtime fans in bliss, and Atlantic City (Isaac solo!) gave those of us ‘in the know’ a laugh when the crowd cheered “Bruuuuuuce” and the band thought they were getting boo’ed. The mix of acoustic intimacy (Strong Enough to Break, Go) and full-band jumpalongs (If Only, In the City) made this one feel like a greatest-hits mixtape made just for the diehards.

Night Four – Baltimore, MD, the tour energy could’ve dipped, but nope. Hanson came out Fired Up and never let up. The solos switched up again: Isaac did I’m a Song for the first time without his band, Mother Road Sons, Zac’s Juliet shimmered and Taylor’s Save Me was a massive sing a long with the crowd. The closing stretch from Write You a Song through In the City was pure joy, capped again by A Song to Sing with that now-familiar bonus verse, like a secret handshake between band and fans, even if it did show up early and was sung by Isaac instead of Taylor. (AND I managed to win $143 in the casino during Taylor’s after party!)

As the lights faded after that final encore in Baltimore, a hush settled in that felt heavier than usual, the kind that comes when you realize you’ve just seen the last Hanson show of the year. Four nights of music, laughter and familiar faces had flown by in a blur, and suddenly there was that bittersweet ache of not knowing what comes next. Likely a quiet stretch while the brothers recharge and dream up whatever’s next. The uncertainty is real, but so is the faith that Hanson always finds their way back to the stage—and when they do, we’ll be right there, waiting for this with a song to sing.

Concert

Johnnyswim at Infinity Hall

Katie October 16, 2025 No Comments

Opening the night at Infinity Hall in Hartford, SHUA set the tone with a tender, introspective 30 minute set that blended melancholy and warm. His stage banter was a bit awkward, but in a way that made you smile instead of cringe. He mentioned that he’d been feeling sad about D’Angelo’s passing and that sense of loss wove its way through his set. He threw in a heartfelt cover of The Beatles’ Yesterday which landed beautifully in the intimate setting. (Also, kudos to the crowd for being so attentive, there was very minimal crowd chatter during his set, which was quite a surprise to me.) By the end of the set, SHUA prepared the crowd to be the “Johnnyswim choir”. SHUA’s performance was very sincere and I hope we cross paths again in the future!

It’s hard to write about a headliner set that leaves you speechless, but Johnnyswim’s set just about did. The duo (and real life couple!) filled Infinity Hall with amazing harmonies that makes you start to believe that maybe, just maybe, soulmates are real. They performed their newest album in FULL, explaining that they didn’t want to “tear it apart” though they treated the crowd to a few beloved older tunes too. Amanda reminisced about her Connecticut childhood – she spent her adolescents in Westport but on a trip in fourth grade she came to Hartford to look at the buildings. Amanda introduced “Psilocybin” with “It’s Tuesday and we’re gonna vibe! But this next song is about depression.” During I’m Alright the show paused briefly when someone in the crowd looked like they needed help. Abner noticed instantly, checking in twice mid-song to make sure things were ok – proof that the band’s heart is just as strong as their vocals. In true throwback fashion, they were recording the show to cassette which would be available at the merch booth. Talk about a 90s throwback. Abner also decided to throw in some D’Angelo in the set which Amanda said he decided to do about 30 seconds before they stepped on stage. Johnnyswim didn’t just play Hartford, they belonged there.

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Thanks to The Syndicate for hooking me up for this show!

Banana Ball

Meeting Connor Harris

Katie October 11, 2025 No Comments

In June, when I was in VIP and meeting The Visitors, one of the players asked me where I was from and when I said CT, he told me that Connor was from CT and I should go talk to him. After that Connor and I had a little chat every day. When I saw he was doing a meet and greet in his hometown at a pizza place on Tuesday after I returned from Savannah I figured I’d try to check it out. It was from 530-7 and I got there around 6 when Connor was giving a speech about his time playing baseball and getting recruited by banana ball. Everyone was squeezed inside the take out only restaurant, and customers were coming in and out to pick up orders. I ended up almost tripping an older man with my walker, and as he was leaving I realized it was Will Friedle and his Dad! I ended up just opting to say “Hey Mr Seat 4C” in a iykyk kind of way, he say heyyy and left. The place was already chaos so I didn’t want to cause a scene for Will – but I was listening to Pod Meets World and Magical Rewind the whole drive up so it was almost like I manifested it.

I ended up letting most of the kids go up and meet Connor before me, it was fun to see them being so excited and him interacting with them all. I also met Connor’s Dad, Sister and Mom and chatted with all of them a bit about banana ball and how I had met Connor in Louisville and found out we were both from CT. Connor remembered me when I got up to him and asked if I had seen that the Firefighters beat the Bananas and was shocked when I told him that I was there! It sounds like he’s on a team next season but no one knows which one yet as everything was being very secretive! (Banana Ball has since announced the 2 new teams – Loco Beach Coconuts and Indianapolis Clowns) I am looking forward to finding out which team he will be pitching for and planning my 2026 schedule around trying to see all of the teams at least once.

Banana Ball

Banana Ball Playoffs

Katie October 10, 2025 No Comments

This past weekend I went down to Savannah for the Banana Ball playoffs. Who would be the #1 seed came down to the wire, with the Bananas taking the lead from the Party Animals after the last game of the season. I made sure to get tickets to all 4 games because I wasn’t sure who would be playing in which ones and wanted to make sure I saw everything.

Thursday I flew in with a layover in Baltimore – I had about an hour layover but by the time I got a wheelchair and a pusher (they are notoriously slow in Baltimore) I got to the gate with 6 minutes to spare. I got my rental car, got some lunch and was able to check into the hotel. Then I made my way to the stadium for the game.

Game 1 was Bananas vs Firefighters. Honestly by banana ball standards this game was pretty boring. The Firefighters scored 1 in the 5th and went on to win the game 1-0. This was a surprise especially since they were the #4 seed. After the game I went to the plaza for the first time to meet up with a friend, but didn’t end up talking to any of the players.

Friday I did a Girl Scouts tour of Savannah since I had missed out on doing that my last couple trips. I did a tour of the Juliette Gordon Low house, then went to the first Girl Scouts Headquarters. Unfortunately the Andrew Low house being built way too long ago wasn’t accessible. (The JGL house turned the dumb waiter into an elevator, which was much appreciated!) I managed to “earn” myself some girl scouts patches and learned a lot about Juliette and I think we would have been friends!

That night was Party Animals vs Tailgaters. This game was a lot more exciting. The Party Animals jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead with Andy Cosgrove’s home run in the first. They had 4 more walk offs and were leading 5-0 going into the 9th. The Tailgaters ended up scoring 2 in the 9th with an RBI single and a HR from Taylor Justus. (One of the Firefighters was watching the game near us and said it was a “moon shot!”) But the Party Animals remained victorious winning 5-2. After my friend was my personal security and photographer and got a bunch of photos with me and the players for a project I am working on 😉

Saturday was time for the 2nd game in the Bananas/Firefighters match. Before the game I went to VIB and met a bunch of the players. I had on my firefighters hat but bananas shirt and a few of the Firefighters were asking me if I was split or had a team I was rooting for and I told them I was definitely leaning towards the Firefighters. The Bananas scored in the 2nd after a triple and wild pitch and kept the lead for the rest of the game, winning the game 3-2. Since the series was a “best of 3” but there were only 2 games, it went into showdowns to decide who would win. Both teams scored in the 1st round of showdowns. And in the second round… Dalton Cornett of the Firefighters hit a home run. Banana Ball rules state if either team hits a home run in the showdowns, it ends there and that team wins. What an upset! The Firefighters would be going to the Championship game!

Sunday was an afternoon game and it was drizzling when I left the hotel and when I got to the stadium it was absolutely pouring. Thinking the plaza was opening at 10, I started to head to the VIB entrance, only to be told that they had pushed opening back to 10:30. I had my poncho on and just hoped I wouldn’t get totally soaked waiting to go inside. (I didn’t, just my shoes/socks did) They did the VIB in the stands and the ramp is on the opposite side from where they start, so I had to go against everyone to make my way through, but most people and players were helpful in letting me through and moving obstructions out of the way. The Party Animals once again jumped to an early lead with Jake Skole hitting a home run in the 1st and then ANOTHER in the 4th. In the 6th, there was the only fan caught out of the series and it was caught by… Savannah Bananas pitcher Zack Phillips! In the 8th, the Party Animals fell victim to trying to overcome the Tailgaters in trick plays to avoid the new equalizer point that had been introduced (If the away team has more trick plays than the home team after the 8th inning, they get an equalizer point) After a couple of trick play misses, the Tailgaters scored making it 2-1 and then also won the equalizer point making it 2-2 for the 9th. Gotta make it stressful and dramatic, huh boys? The game went into showdowns and after Round 1 both teams scored a run. In the 2nd rounds, Drew struck out the batter and then Jake Skole was walked and scored the winning run! The Championship series tomorrow will be Party Animals vs Firefighters. I hung out a bit at the plaza party to see some of my faves before heading out.

The flight from Savannah to Baltimore was uneventful and I had a 3 hour layover so OF COURSE a wheelchair and pusher were waiting when we landed. The flight to Hartford ended up getting delayed and got us in about an hour late. The crew apologized saying that on an earlier trip a bird flew into the windshield so the plane needed to be cleaned as well as inspected. Since there was no damage to the plane they were able to keep flying, but that’s why there was a delay and they weren’t able to make up for it in the air. Honestly, an hour later than I anticipated is fine with me compared to some of the other flight crap I have had to deal with!

I can’t wait to watch the championship game tomorrow and continue to plan what games I might be going to on the 2026 Tour!

Concert

JOHNNYSWIM in Hartford October 14th

Katie October 1, 2025 No Comments

There are concerts you go to just for the music, and then there are concerts that feel like you’ve been invited into someone’s living room for an evening of stories, laughter, and soul-shaking songs. That’s what it’s like seeing JOHNNYSWIM. Lucky for us, they’re bringing that magic to Hartford on October 14th at Infinity Hall.

The husband-and-wife duo, Amanda Sudano Ramirez and Abner Ramirez, are the heartbeat of JOHNNYSWIM. They’ve been making waves for years, blending pop, folk, soul, and a spark of storytelling that makes you feel every lyric. Their new album, When The War Is Over, is their most personal yet, exploring healing, resilience, and growth through seasons of change. It’s an album you don’t just listen to, you live in it.

If you caught them recently on the Today Show performing their song “I’m Alright” or saw their electric collaboration with Tobe Nwigwe on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, you already know this is a show that will stay with you long after the last note. Their latest single “Sweet Tangerine” and the deluxe edition of the album are proof that this duo is at the top of their game. They’ve also been hard at work on the upcoming musical, One Day (based on the novel of the same name by David Nicholls), premiering next year in Edinburgh.

What makes JOHNNYSWIM extra special is the richness behind their artistry. Amanda, daughter of disco legend Donna Summer and acclaimed songwriter Bruce Sudano, carries musical history in her DNA. Abner, the son of Cuban refugees who came to the U.S. during the Mariel Boatlift, brings a perspective shaped by resilience, family, and storytelling. Together, their voices don’t just harmonize, they collide in a way that feels both intimate and cinematic.

Infinity Hall is one of the coziest, most intimate venues in Hartford, which makes it the perfect place to see JOHNNYSWIM. It’s not an arena show—it’s a night where every lyric feels like it’s sung just for you.

So, if you’re free on October 14th, come join me! Grab a friend (or a few), and let’s make it a night of great music, connection, and maybe even a little catharsis. Because with JOHNNYSWIM, it’s never just a concert—it’s a conversation.