July 2009 – Concert Katie

Honor Society New York City 7/22

Katie July 25, 2009 0 Comments

I had been putting off writing this blog for fear of getting too emotional. I even asked Lauren to write the blog for our Honor Society site because I just couldn’t bring myself to write about it – to bring closure to the amazing week I had.

Last year, Lauren asked me to go see some band with her in the city. It was going to be my 100th concert and I was debating even counting it because I had no idea who these guys were, but was just tagging along for the heck of it. (I am concertkatie after all) It was at the knitting factory and there were a handful of girls there earlier than we were. We got tickets the day off and I remember Lauren saying “We can get tickets there – it won’t sell out” I’m not sure what it was, but from their first note I was *hooked*

In February, we witnessed their first SOLD OUT show in New York at Irving Plaza. Now, the Jonas Brothers had a hand in selling this show out and a lot of fans were there only because Jonas might be showing up. (They did.)

Wednesday night they sold out The Blender Theater at Gramercy. While there were hints of “surprises” They sold this one out all on their own. And it’s just amazing to see how much they have grown as a band, we have grown as fans and just everything has changed (for the better) in the past year or so.

When we got there, the line was around the block and around the block and around the block. People were asking what was free because we had to be waiting for something free. Another guy asked if it was a conspiracy of some sort, all these girls waiting outside. And another.. probably my favorite of the night – was telling his wife and daughter that it was a “celebration for all the honor society students” Well, I guess if I were to be grouped into anything – The Honor Society’s not a bad thing lol I was in Honor Society in HS and college!

Finally we were let in, and Lauren and I made a bee-line for the merch area to pre-order their cd. (I had already done it earlier too, but I decided you can never have too many CDs. haha)

It was just like any other concert. At that point. But as the night progressed it was just something so much bigger than that and something I’m not sure if we even fully understand at this point. I tried hard to hold back my tears, I wasn’t upset but just so overwhelmed and proud. And then I broke my chair. Way to bring in some comic relief, universe. I’m not even sure how it happened but the darn thing just unhinged on me in the middle of a song (and luckily I wasn’t sitting in it when it happened!)

There were really no surprises, just the same high energy show we’ve come to know and love.

After the show, we waited for a while for the M&G.; I kind of didn’t want to take a train later than 11:22 (which gets us back at about 1am) even though I was on vacation. (I had napped on the train ride in, at least) And wasn’t sure if we’d be in line longer than that or not.

Lauren said, “Well, I guess we’re not going to be getting hugs” as we were going to go down the stairs to see the guys. Upon spotting us, Andrew stood up, came around the table and gave us both a hug. Mike and Alex also leaned over the table to give me a hug and it just meant so much to me that they remember Lauren and I and acknowledge our support. We were exhausted, but if I had to not get enough sleep – this was the best reason to not be getting it.

Maybe I’m crazy for having done 6 shows in 5 days, but I would do it all over and over again in a heartbeat because there is no one more deserving of my support than Andrew Lee, Michael Bruno, Alexander Noyes and Jason Rosen. They absolutely deserve all the success that is coming to them. And I will be with them every step of the way.

Nobody has to know
Two rebels
Full moon crazy
Where are you now
My own way
Over you
Sing for you
Don’t close the book
Here comes trouble
See u in the dark

Concert Jordin Sparks

Jordin Sparks M&G 7/21

Katie July 25, 2009 0 Comments

After Jordin’s set we made our way to where the M&G; was being held. We saw a line, which was actually for Honor Society, and other people with our wristbands were in the line so we thought we were in the right place. Then some other people “cut” and the people in front of us were getting upset.

Funnily enough, they were so gung-ho on being “first” in the line, they never double checked that they were in the RIGHT line. We spotted my contact, Sean, that had given us the second wristband and he told us to go through the doors to backstage. We could see the catering area and Jordin’s band was there.

We ended up in the first few people who were going in to see Jordin. We couldn’t do pics with our own camera and couldn’t get an autograph. Jordin was also on vocal rest so she wasn’t supposed to talk to us and I guess we were supposed to limit talking to her as well.

I went first to see her, she was nodding enthusiastically to the girl in front of me so I thought maybe she really wasn’t talking to anyone. Lauren held my purse and I went up to Jordin.

Immediately she made me feel like we had been best friends forever. I told her Congratulations on the new album and she said thank you and gave me a huge hug! We took the picture and she was telling me how I was in for a great show by the Jonas Brothers. I told her that I was there last night and she grabbed my arm and was like “OH! So you know how great it is!” Lauren came up next and I took my purse back and held hers for her and she got her picture taken and talked to Jordin for a bit.

Then we made our way back to the stage where the Jonas Brothers were already performing “Thats Just The Way We Roll” We only missed a song and a half – not too bad!

Concert Honor Society Jonas Brothers Jordin Sparks

Jonas Brothers 7/20

Katie July 23, 2009 0 Comments

We got to the venue in about a half an hour, and parked in the handicapped spot and ate our food. A little while later we heard a big commotion, and turned to see a car with tinted windows coming towards us, with Big Rob in the passenger seat. Must’ve been the Jonas Brothers arriving for soundcheck!

Around 6pm we decided to head inside. There was a bit of a problem with my camera, they thought it was too big, but we ended up getting it in. It had to be smaller than “your palm” but I said i had tiny hands and it wasn’t smaller than the guy checking bags palm so they let me in with it.

6:30 doors to the venue opened and we realized there were NO RAILINGS. Ut oh. Luckily we were the only ones there for the section so my cousin helped me down to the seat and then we stayed put all night. (Up was a lot easier than down)

I spotted Honor Society walking to the stage and freaked out. Which was funny, because earlier I was telling the dad next to me that I’m too old to scream. But you’re never too old to get too excited over Honor Society 😉

Our seats weren’t as bad as I had been envisioning them as, so that was cool. We were on the end of the rain catwalk.

Jonas added in a couple of new songs – from their TV Show before singing the theme song Live To Party. They did Give Love A Try and Pizza Girl.

Also, before one song I think Nick’s blood sugar might have been low because he was drinking something and Kevin and Joe were babbling about what their next single should be and definitely stalling for time so Nick could have a chance to feel better again.

In Boston, Honor Society, Jordin and the Wondergirls came out to bow at the end of the show, but tonight Honor Society was in Union Square trying to sell more tickets to Wednesday’s show, so no one came out. Only Jonas bowed.

We got stuck in traffic on the way home, mostly due to construction and the toll, but still made pretty good time home! I stayed up pretty late working on Honor Society blog stuff, because I was able to sleep in Tuesday because there was nothing going on in the afternoon – just another Jonas show that night and a Jordin M&G;!

Honor Society:
Over You
Two Rebels
Full Moon Crazy
See U In The Dark

Wondergirls:
Nobody

Jordin Sparks:
One Step at a Time
Young and In Love
Freeze
Tattoo
Walking on Snow
S.O.S. (Let the Music Play)
No Air

Jonas:
Paranoid
That’s Just the Way We Roll
Poison Ivy
Hold On
Play My Music
Fly with Me
Black Keys/A Little Bit Longer
Much Better
Year 3000
Tonight
Gotta Find You
Turn Right
When You Look Me in the Eyes
Sweet Caroline (Neil Diamond cover)
Give Love A Try / Pizza Girl
Live to Party
BB Good
World War III
Battlefield (with Jordin Sparks)
Lovebug
S.O.S.
Burnin’ Up

Concert Honor Society Jonas Brothers Jordin Sparks

Jonas Brothers 7/21 Uniondale, NY

Katie July 23, 2009 0 Comments

Lauren and I left for the show a little after 2. We made good time getting to the venue and then checked Will Call to see if our tickets were there. We were hoping for section 118, which is where Honor Society entered and exited the night before.

We got section 108, Row A. Except there was only one M&G; wristband in the envelope. So while I called my contact, Lauren looked up where our seats were. We met up with my contact and got the second wristband. Then we saw that we were in the FOAM ZONE for the show!

Once we realized all the stairs we’d have to go down, we asked about an elevator and were directed to escalators. We walked around the perimeter to our seats. Mine was a trick seat that wouldn’t stay down once I stood up. Lauren went to get us some $5 hot dogs.

Meanwhile, a woman and 2 girls showed up. Leaving 1 empty seat next to us. We had been assuming that the people next to us also would have won the tickets from the promoters auction. She asked us how we got our seats and we said that we got them from the auction. She said she had gotten hers from stubhub that MORNING.

Then, 2 more girls showed up. They had the seat next to us and the one the mom was sitting in. The usher came over to see what the problem was and they each had a ticket for the same seat. So they called a supervisor over. All 5 of them left and then we saw the 2 girls go to the front row of the section near the middle circle!! If only they had put those tickets in MY envelope and not the other girls! We would have been right under Andy’s main mic!!

Honor Society added in Nobody Has To Know to their setlist, which was super exciting because that’s my favorite song of theirs. They totally rocked it and just seemed completely ON and we got awesome pictures and it was great.

Then was the wondergirls, followed by Jordin. During Jordin’s last song we left to go get in line for the M&G.; Another post will be coming with details on that.

By the time we got out of the M&G;, Jonas was in the middle of their second song. The guard wanted us to go up and around so I pointed to my brace and he escorted us on the floor to our section. The seats were awesome and we totally got foamed and I was so excited because last year we were one row too far back from where Kevin foamed. It was really COLD though. Then the poor workers had to mop it all up so people wouldn’t slip. (Though they didnt do a great job of it)

When the show ended, we decided to walk up the stairs (quite a work out) to go check out the Honor Society signing. The line was SUPER long. We tried to get Andrew’s attention and he waved to girls riiight in front of us but didn’t see us! We decided the line was too long to wait in, and that we’d preorder at the next show to say our goodbyes since it was our last show of the tour. Their first week album sales are going to be tremendous from all these presales! The lines have been just as long every night from what I’ve been hearing!

Honor Society:
Over You
Two Rebels
Nobody Has To Know
Full Moon Crazy
See U In The Dark

Wondergirls:
Nobody

Jordin Sparks:
One Step at a Time
Young and In Love
Freeze
Tattoo
Walking on Snow
S.O.S. (Let the Music Play)
No Air

Concert Honor Society

Honor Society Farmingdale 7/19

Katie July 23, 2009 0 Comments

Farmingdale was my birthday show. And not just any birthday, my 25th. I got home from Boston around 3am and we were on the road to Long Island at 10 am. Brutal.

We got there and waited for will-call. Somehow, my name got a +1 added next to it for the M&G; so we didn’t have to do anything to get Lauren to be near me in the line incase it got hectic.

When we got inside, Keli Price, the first opening act was on stage. He was followed by Score 24. Both bands were good, but I wanted nothing more than to see Honor Society and get back home to sleep hahaha

We were against the wall on Andrew’s side. Somehow we always end up on his side. And never end up with enough pictures of Jason. I really don’t know why this happens because its not like we consciously choose this, thats just the area with better places to lean on, I guess!

After the show Ned was trying to direct us with his megaphone. Wristband meet and greeters had to go outside. There were maybe 20 of us. Kat asked if we wanted to get pictures as a group or separate. We decided to go separate because Lauren didnt have a decent looking picture of just her and the guys, just the awkward one from Boston.

I went first, of course Andrew was first and gave me a big hug. I told him it was my birthday so he said happy birthday. Then Alex was next, told him I was 25 today and he got all excited and told Jason and Mike. Jason said “I have a present for you!” and gave me one of his guitar picks!!! Then we took our picture and I told them that I was bringing my cousin to meet them the next day at Verizon and Alex and Andy seemed pretty excited about that because I had mentioned bringing her for almost a year now to them!

When we were leaving, we spotted CJ from Push Play so I got a picture with him as well. I guess he was there with Mandy. (who is also in my picture)

The ride home was supposed to be an hour and a half, but ended up being more like 3. The Throgs Neck Bridge was closed on the way back, we could only take the Whitestone, so of course that was ridiculously backed up. At least I’m familiar with the Whitestone from coming back from Mets games!

Got home and should have gone to sleep early, as i was leaving at 10:30 for the verizon signing and to pick up my cousin, but of course I didn’t.

Nobody has to know
Two rebels
Full moon crazy
Where are you now
My own way
Over you
Sing for you
Don’t close the book
Here comes trouble
See u in the dark

Meet and Greet

Honor Society Verizon Signing 7/20

Katie July 23, 2009 0 Comments

I picked up my cousin at 11 and we made great time, getting to the Verizon store by 12:30. We hung out in the car until 1 because at first it was rainy and we didn’t want to wait the whole time. Verizon people were giving out VIP passes for various contests, but unfortunately we didn’t win any.

They also were giving out Jonas soundcheck passes and tickets to the NYC FUll Moon Crazy show. Didn’t win those either.

Around 2pm the guys showed up and slapped hands with everyone at the barricade. Then we were instructed to line up and wait to meet the guys. Of course, I was getting more and more sunburned by the second!

We finally got in, and our security friend from Boston recognized me and asked how I was doing and commented on my sunburn. “It’s from waiting for these guys! I’ve been working on it since Saturday” I said and him and Jason laughed.

Jason was first, then Alex, who had his head down but then looked up and was like “oh hey!” and then Mike and Andrew. I talked to Andrew a bit about how I was going Tuesday and Wednesday with Lauren but we probably wouldn’t get to chat on Tuesday because we had no M&G; and that Wednesday we’d hang for sure to see them and he was like “welllll.. if you want to stay after Tuesday..” and I said I didn’t think we could because Lauren had work and he seemed kind of bummed. Gotta love Andy.

We went and put our autographs in the car, and proceeded to steal the vinyl posters from around the barricades. We got 3, one for me, one for my cousin and one for Lauren. Now to figure out where in my room to hang it…

Then the guys came back out to take pics and we got right up to Alex when Andrew showed up, so we got a picture with him and then next thing we know we lost Alex. Then we tried for a pic w/ Jay but got one w/ Mike instead. And then they had to go 🙁 But, 2/4 isn’t bad considering we weren’t being all that aggressive trying to get them.

Then we picked up some McDonalds for lunch (at like 4 pm lol) and headed over to the venue! More on that later!

Concert Honor Society Jonas Brothers Jordin Sparks

Jonas Brothers 7/18/09 Boston MA TD Banknorth Garden

Katie July 23, 2009 0 Comments

We hung out outside the Garden for a while. Jordin’s promoters were giving out Mike and Ike’s (including a special Alex’s Lemonade stand version), Burger King was holding a screaming contest and the Wondergirls stopped by to teach us their dance to Nobody.

Then we sat for a while and waited for our friend Christine to show up. The T wasn’t working so there was some drama with her getting to us.

Finally doors were open. I immediately got a bottle of water and then we went to our seats. The railings weren’t spaced too far apart so it was easy getting down to our 3rd row lower level.

We settled in and started playing with our glo lights. Mine were all duds. Thanks, Target! Lauren’s exploded all over her just a couple minutes before Honor Society was set to hit the stage.

After Honor Society’s set, Lauren left to go clean off the purple mess that was now.. everywhere. 2 seconds after she left, Honor Society walked right past our section, Alex giving his drumstick to a girl in row 1 and Mike giving a pick to a girl in row 2. And there I was in row 3, but they didn’t see me lol

Next up was The Wondergirls, who I guess are HUGE in Asia, but haven’t really caught on in the states yet. They are adorable and my favorite part is when they ask “Who is your favorite? Kevin? Joe? Nick? Wondergirls?”

Then Jordin Sparks did 7 songs. She’s also quite adorable and I hadn’t seen her seasons idol tour so it was my first time seeing her.

And then we waited. And then it was time for Jonas! The band came out and walked right past our section but we didn’t see Jonas getting snuck to the stage.

They started off with Paranoid and almost the whole show was very high energy. The only real dip in the energy was when Nick did Black Keys / A Little Bit Longer complete with his speech about how he’s not letting it slow him down. (We get it)

At one point the middle stage was a trampoline and Nick and Joe was jumping all over the place, and each other.

The highlight of the night for me was the rain screen, where it rained words (“hopeless”), hearts, the Jonas logo and the word ‘ Jonas ‘ in the script font. How DID they do that?

And in a blink the show was over and we had to go track down our friend so we could make the long trek home!

Honor Society:
Over You
Two Rebels
Full Moon Crazy
See U In The Dark

Wondergirls:
Nobody

Jordin Sparks:
One Step at a Time
Young and In Love
Freeze
Tattoo
Walking on Snow
S.O.S. (Let the Music Play)
No Air

Jonas:
Paranoid
That’s Just the Way We Roll
Poison Ivy
Hold On
Play My Music
Fly with Me
Black Keys/A Little Bit Longer
Much Better
Year 3000
Tonight
Gotta Find You
Turn Right
When You Look Me in the Eyes
Sweet Caroline (Neil Diamond cover)
Live to Party
BB Good
World War III
Battlefield (with Jordin Sparks)
Lovebug
S.O.S.
Burnin’ Up”

Concert Honor Society

Honor Society – Boston MA 7/18/09

Katie July 23, 2009 0 Comments

The first show of the “tour” was in Boston. Originally it was supposed to be 11pm Friday night, but I guess it wasn’t selling all that well so they bumped it to a smaller venue Saturday afternoon. Which would have been fine if it wasn’t so H-O-T.

Of course, I got sunburned while we were waiting in line. This is nothing new. I get burned just walking from the front door to the mailbox sometimes. I’ve also burned when I’ve had 70 SPF on so really, there is no hope for me.

Just before doors, Ned came out with his megaphone. Before the show, we’d be filming a music video with the guys! They are sponsored this tour by USA Pears and had written a song “tastes like Pear-adise” and since we were at the Paradise Rock Club, they figured it would be appropriate to shoot the video there.

When we got inside we were given a pear. (I don’t care WHO gave me the pear, I don’t really like fruit. I also loved how you could win to meet the jonas brothers by eating apple fries. They are trying realllly hard but I keep resisting)

The guys came out and taught us the song and we had to hold our pears up. And then bite into our pears. But I gave my pear away to a girl who really wanted one. Problem solved.

Then they changed into their concert clothes and at 2pm the show started. Awesome awesome start to what would become a crazy weekend/week. They did 2 new songs, Sing For You and Here Comes Trouble. I’m about 50/50 with the 4 new-ish songs, but they’ll probably grow on me.

After the show, Lauren had a M&G; pass but I didn’t. So I pre-ordered the CD to meet them. But things got really hectic and I got a bit nervous so Lauren and security came to get me to keep me with her so I wouldn’t get knocked over or something. Lauren was in the front of the M&G; line. She had to get an awkward picture with the guys, her leaning back on the table and them leaning forward. Andrew saw me and decided they’d all come around the front for my picture. I love that he’s always looking out for me 🙂 So I got a picture and a signed 8×10 even though I wasn’t supposed to. Oh well, the guys didn’t mind 🙂

After the M&G; we went to Coldstone because we needed to cool down! And then we drove into Boston to the parking garage for the concert at the Garden that night! More on that in my next post!

Nobody has to know
Two rebels
Full moon crazy
Where are you now
My own way
Over you
Sing for you
Don’t close the book
Here comes trouble
See u in the dark

Concert Honor Society

Birthday Weekend! Who you callin’ full moon crazy?

Katie July 14, 2009 0 Comments

My birthday is on Sunday, and I have quite a weekend (and week!) planned.

Friday Lauren, another Katie, and I will be heading to Boston, MA. Originally we were going to see Honor Society at 11pm at the house of blues, but the show has been changed to 2pm at the Paradise Rock Club on Saturday.

Saturday we have the Honor Society show in the afternoon, Lauren has a M&G;, and then that evening we have what we believe to be 3rd row tickets for the Honor Society/Jordin Sparks/Jonas Brothers concert.

After that, we are driving back to CT.

Getting up early on the 19th, we are going to Long Island for another Honor Society Full Moon Crazy show – which I have a M&G; for.

Then we are not going to the Jonas show that night – coming back to CT.

Monday my cousin and I go back to Long Island for an Honor Society signing in the afternoon, and the Jonas show that night.

Tuesday I go *back* to Long Island for ANOTHER Jonas show, this time with a Jordin Sparks M&G.;

Wednesday is off to NYC for another Full Moon Crazy show at the Blender Theater.

Thursday I get to sleep and have the day off. And Friday its back to work!

Sports

Big Citi Crunch – Part of a World Record

Katie July 12, 2009 0 Comments

Friday night, the New York Mets in partnership with Wise potato chips had the “Big City Crunch”, an effort to create the largest crunch ever and break a Guinness world record. Upon entering the stadium, game go-ers were given a bag of Wise potato chips. The chips had a sticker on them saying not to open them until the middle of the 2nd inning, when the attempt to break the record would be.

Apparently there was a “audible” crunch throughout the stadium, but I didn’t even hear the chip in my mouth crunch, to be quite honest. There were people from Guiness on hand to make sure the record was broken. Also on hand was the Wise Owl who helped Mr Met toss t-shirts to the crowd.

The record was broken with 39,203 fans participating in the crunch. I’ve been trying to find what the old record was, but without any luck. Was there even such a record?

Under the cut is the bag – made especially for the met game featuring Jose Reyes, who wasn’t even at the game to cheer us on (but did tell us when to crunch in a pre-recorded clip) as well as the seal warning us to wait to open the bag.