November 2011 – Page 3 – Concert Katie

American Idol Concert David Cook Meet and Greet

David Cook – VIP Experience

Katie November 10, 2011 0 Comments

A couple of months ago I got an email that David Cook would be touring with Gavin DeGraw. The closest they were coming to me was York, PA, about 5 hours away – but it was on a Saturday. David was also doing a VIP package which included a M&G. (As well as access to sound check, a Tshirt and signed photo). When I clicked the link in the email I saw that ticket were already on sale so in a panic I ordered a VIP package and ended up with Pitt tickets, but I wasn’t sure if it was first or second row. Either way, I figured first or second row + VIP perks would be worth the trip!

A couple days before the show I got an email that I needed to be in PA by 2:45pm! It ruined my plans to sleep in because I needed to give myself a couple of hours buffer just in case I ran in to traffic. I left the house at 8am and only ended up hitting about 30 minutes of traffic and was able to nap in the car for about an hour before I had to get ready for everything.

I picked up my ticket and it was FRONT ROW! And then waited in the lobby for the others with VIP until it was time to do our thing. Wade from Ground Ctrl came by and said we’d be getting our laminates and then going to soundcheck. It took what seemed like forever to check everyone in (125 people!) and then we headed down to the theater where David was already doing soundcheck. When I walked in he was covering Billy Joel’s Moving Out. Then he asked if we wanted some FogHat and they did Slow Ride. He finished his soundcheck by singing Goodbye To The Girl and told us that we’d have to leave (the 3 songs was such a tease!) to do the M&G.

We all went back upstairs and waited in line for another really long time. (Actually, I didn’t really wait in line I sat – big thanks to my new friends Mary Ann and Debbie who held my spot for me!) Finally we were let in the room for the M&G and when we were about 4 people from the front the band decided they needed a potty break. David had been given what I believe to be vodka? But it was in a trick package so he’d have to figure out a puzzle before he could open it. Someone teased that didn’t he used to be a bartender? And he said yeah.. but where do you think it was? The Magic House? lol

Then the band came back and pictures resumed, until he decided the Queen song playing was unknown and sounded like a sitcom theme song and ran over to the iPod to switch up the playlist! (Then we realized it was not taking so long because the fans were dilly dallying – it was David running around that made the wait so long!)

I told David about my suit with Toad’s Place about what happened at his concert in 2009 and he said he was sorry that it happened, but “good for you” that I did something about it and that they are actually going to be putting handicapped measures in place and he gave me a big hug and again said he was sorry and I said not to be because we helped a lot of people because of it.

At that point it was about 5:30, 5:45 and Doors were set to open at 6:30, so I hung around waiting for that… more about the show coming in tomorrow’s post!!

CD Review Product Review

CD Review: Groove Kid Nation Music in Motion

Katie November 8, 2011 0 Comments

Groove Kid Nation’s CD “Music in Motion” helps to bring together parents and children with grooovy Kid’s Songs. This mostly original set draws kids into the action with specific instructions on what to do from funny dances, to playing air guitar, to responding to musical cues, to simply nodding their head o the beat.

An entirely new band of feline characters known as the Kool Katz guide the fun, and the enclosed 10-page booklet features colorful illustrations of each Kool Kat playing their own instrument.
I think this CD would be a hit with both children and adults alike. The music is really great, so parents won’t be embarrassed if the CD happens to turn on when you’re in your car with your coworkers or other adults. The songs also help teach kids about musical instruments and are a great way to keep them active as many of the songs encourage the kids to dance or run around depending on if the instrument in question is being played low or high.h some groooovy Kid’s Songs. Along with the CD, also included is a 10 page

illustrated booklet that shows all the Kool Katz and their instruments to help teach your child learn about music.

Groove Kid Nation is the brainchild of veteran record producer and keyboardist Rodney Lee. With over 20 years of experience in the music business as a touring sideman, record producer, and recording artist, Rodney is applying his talents to the realm of children’s music. (Bio taken from http://groovekidnation.com/about.html)

10% of the wholesale price of Music in Motion will be donated to CARE, a leading humanitarian organization fighting poverty. Visit care.org for more information.

The track listing of this CD is as follows:
Kool Katz
Itch and Scratch
Go Kat Go
Funky Chicken
Fast and Slow
4 Little Kittens
Get Up, Get Down, Get Funky, Get Loose
Humpty Dumpy
I’ve Been Playing in a Soul Band
Play on It

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Book Review

Book Review: Accused by Janice Cantore

Katie November 7, 2011 0 Comments

Accused by Janice Cantore is full of suspense. Although it is nearly 400 pages, it was a book I just could not put down and could not read each page fast enough! The beginning of the book talks about how the main character, Carly, was involved in a shooting and how she got moved to juvenile and she didn’t want to be there. We find out that the mayor has been shot and one of the suspects is a juvie, who asked for Carly specifically. Carly’s mother helps young kids get back on their feet and this was one of the kids she was involved with.

The story gets very involved very quickly with some corrupt police officers, conspiracy theories, ex husband’s, etc. It may seem like a lot, but the sub-plots are carried through in such a way that it doesn’t disturb the main plot of who killed the mayor, and also gives you a lot of background information about Carly, her co-workers, friends and family. This is the first book in a series so I suspect it had the extra information to introduce us to the characters, assuming that the series will continue with the same people.

Either way, this book was so well written and enjoyable, I will be reading the other 2 whenever they are released! Accused will be released in February 2012.

About the Book

As a cop, I like to see the bad guys get what they deserve. But life just doesn’t work that way.

When a troubled youth is arrested for the murder of the mayor, Detective Carly Edwards is pulled off her boring desk job in juvenile and summoned to the crime scene. Homicide thinks it’s a quick, open-and-shut case, but Carly, despite her initial judgment, comes to believe the young man is innocent.

Carly’s ex-husband and fellow police officer, Nick, appears to be on her side –professionally and personally. He’s determined to show Carly that he’s a changed man and win her back, but she isn’t convinced he won’t betray her again.

As the investigation progresses, Carly suspects a cover-up and strikes out on her own, uncertain whom she can trust. But when danger mounts, she begins to wonder if she made the right choice.

Detective Carly Edwards hates working in juvenile—where the brass put her after an officer-involved shooting—and longs to be back on patrol. So when a troubled youth, Londy Atkins, is arrested for the murder of the mayor and Carly is summoned to the crime scene, she’s eager for some action. Carly presses Londy for a confession but he swears his innocence, and despite her better judgment, Carly is inclined to believe him. Yet homicide is convinced of his guilt and is determined to convict him.

Carly’s ex-husband and fellow police officer, Nick, appears to be on her side. He’s determined to show Carly that he’s a changed man and win her back, but she isn’t convinced he won’t betray her again.

As the investigation progresses, Carly suspects a cover-up and strikes out on her own, uncertain whom she can trust. But when danger mounts, she begins to wonder if she made the right choice.

About the Author

Janice Cantore is a retired Long Beach police officer who now writes suspense novels to keep readers engrossed and leave them inspired. Her years of experience on the force lend authenticity to her stories . Accused is the first in the three-book Pacific Coast Justice series.

List Price: 12.99

ISBN:978-1-4143-5847-5

Release: February 2012

Tyndale House Publishing provided me with a free Advance Reader Copy in order to write this review. All opinions are 100% mine.

Other Event

Post Secret at the Lyman Center

Katie November 6, 2011 0 Comments

Friday night, Frank Warren, the creator of “Post Secret” came to Southern Connecticut State University to talk about his project.

Every Sunday, post secret posts “Sunday Secrets”. These are secrets people send to Frank’s home telling their innermost thoughts and secrets. As the project became bigger and bigger, Harper Collins reached out to Frank to make a book – which has now become several books. There have also been Post Secret exhibits at museum where thousands of postcards are on display showing everyone’s secrets.

I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect when I saw that Frank would be at SCSU. At first I thought maybe it would just be a glorified book signing – but it was so much more than that.

Frank took the stage and first discussed a bit about what made him start the project, how neither of his parents supported him – but fortunately his wife and daughter do. (And since all the postcards are sent to Frank’s home, he said his wife has joked that they will now never be able to move!) He showed an image of stacks and stacks of postcards being piled in his home. One was written on a banana and one on a coconut! He shared some of his favorites.

We also got to see the “secret secrets” which are ones that for whatever reason Harper Collins would not let him publish. (Nudity, copyrighted photos, etc)

After Frank was done talking – he opened up the floor to whoever wanted it. They could ask him a question or share a secret. This was very emotional for not only those sharing their secrets but also for those in the audience! Some of what people revealed were sad, others had happy anecdotes to add to the discussion.

If you are even in the least bit interested in Post Secret and follow the secrets – I urge you to check out and see if Frank is coming to your area for his tour. You will leave changed. The whole ride home I was thinking about my “secrets” and what to do with them. Should I let the world know? Should I anonymously tell a stranger? Should I bury them inside? Can I do something so that these secrets are no longer secrets and help myself in the process? And most importantly – how can I use what I know and my skills to help others? Frank has done great work for suicide prevention hotlines – raising lots of money and raising awareness through his project. How can I make a difference?

(There also is a new post secret app – right now for iPhone and soon for Android. And apparently never for BlackBerry. Looks like another reason for me to be switching to a droid when my upgrade comes around!)

Book Review Giveaway

Book Review & Giveaway: Forever Taken

Katie November 5, 2011 10 Comments

Mat Kearney November 2, 2011

Katie November 4, 2011 2 Comments

Wednesday night Mat Kearney brought his tour to Toad’s Place in New Haven, CT and I was lucky enough to be in attendance! I went with one of my friends I had met through Hanson, Lauren. It was weird to be sitting in the Cafe at Barnes and Noble just 5 minutes before doors opened – walk by Mat on the street on the way to the venue – and then got inside to be about 2nd row on the floor. (Hanson shows showing up 5 minutes before doors means you are way in the back, if you want second row you probably should have gotten in line the night before) I opted to sit on the side of the venue for the show though.

The show started at 9 – doors at 8 – which seemed pretty late for a show during the week (not that I couldn’t handle it, but I do appreciate getting a good night’s sleep before I have to go back to work the next day haha) but was all wrapped up before midnight.

The opening act was called Leagues (http://www.leaguesmusic.com/) and I was quite impressed with them. I’m usually not in to openers but Wednesday night I was! The lead singer mentioned how the band has been in our position before – forced to stand through openers that we didn’t necessarily ask to see but that he hoped we would like them. He also said he would be dancing like and idiot so we were more than welcome to as well. The only thing I didn’t like about their set was there was this one light that kept going off like a camera flash on the stage. I’m not sure if it was Leagues idea or the lighting guy (as it did go off during Mat’s set as well), so I won’t hold it against them.

Then it was time for Mat! He came on stage a little after 10pm and started his set with Fire and Rain. I was really only familiar with the stuff he did off of Young Love, his latest release, fortunately since that is the album he is promoting, it made up about half of the set.

He stopped a couple of times to talk with the crowd – asked who went to Yale (Toad’s Place is right across the street from the Yale campus) and when a couple people cheered asked why they weren’t studying. Then he asked about mascots… A few in the crowd were from Fairfield U and their mascot is a stag so then there was a bit of a debate about whether he’d rather hang out with a stag or a bulldog. There also were screams for America – which I do not believe was originally on the set list… so he did it and also added a bit of Chasing Pavements to the end of it.

Later he talked more with the crowd and this time the UCONN students got a little rowdy an when a big UCONN HUSKIES chant started going he commented about how he had now completely lost control of the show!

Before going to the show, I read a few reviews so I would know what to expect. Each of them said something like, “I had read he’d go in the crowd and sing, but I didn’t think he’d do it at my show. He did.” And.. despite having read the reviews (AND I talked to a friend who had seen the show already), when I saw the crowd getting larger and larger as the night went on, I thought to myself, “he’s never going out in the crowd” But sure enough, he did! I can’t remember now which song it was during.. but it was after America and before She Got The Honey so I guess that narrows it down to 3 it might be. (Although me not remembering helps keep the suspense for anyone who still might be waiting to see their show!)

I also sneaked a peek at the set list during the encore when I moved up closer because the crowd had thinned out a bit. He was going to do my 2 favorites from the CD (Ships in the Night and Hey Mama), but in between them was “Pumped Up Kicks” I am not sure if him doing America earlier made him need to cut a song out (although I think he did cut another one out in the main set) or if he needed to be off stage by a certain time. It would have been nice to see that cover, but I was pleased with the encore just the same since he closed it out with my faves!

I received free tickets in order to do this review from One2One Network. All opinions are 100% mine and I was not asked to write a favorable review. I was not otherwise compensated.

The complete setlist is under the cut!

New York Comic Con October 15

Katie November 1, 2011 0 Comments

A couple of weeks ago a few of the local radio stations were giving away 3-Day passes to the New York Comic Con. After the fail that was the Wizarding World Comic Con in May, I figured it would be worth a shot to see one that may be just a little bit more organized (and in a much bigger venue). I bid all my points on one of the auctions, but unfortunately did not have enough points to ultimately pull out a win. However, I was pleasantly surprised that afternoon when someone from the station called me and said that since they “had a bunch of passes” they were giving me a pair since I came in second on the auction!

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to attend all 3 days, but my brother and I did make the trek there on Saturday. There is no easy way to get to the Javits center but we took the train in to Grand Central, took the S to Times Square, then walked what seemed like a mile and a half to the C train… then went from Penn Station / Madison Square Garden on 8th Ave up to 11th ave. By the time we got there I was exhausted and knew that we would absolutely be cabbing it back. (When we got home we realized they had a SHUTTLE from Grand Central! Except we had seen no info about it on the website ahead of time)

We ended up spending about 3 hours walking around and it was really overwhelming. Fortunately we had a list of a few things we wanted to buy / check out and figured out what locations they were at and managed to get all on our list. (Except for one item which I am pretty sure my brother made up. lol) We also stumbled upon the Oscar the Grouch muppet from Sesame Street so of course I HAD to get a photo with him!

Also before we headed to the concourse I saw a boy at a booth – he looked familiar. He smiled at me, I smiled back but for the life of me couldn’t remember who he was. I thought he was Derek from Degrassi. Got home, looked him up, sure enough it was! I probably should have talked to him because no one was at the booth – but I didn’t want to walk up to him and be like “Ok so you look REALLY familiar to me, but who the heck are you?”

After leaving the floor we head over to the Autograph area. At first I was all excited to possibly meet Mark Hamill, but then realized that his autograph would have cost me $100 – which was all I brought to begin with and was certainly NOT what I had left on me at that point! I spotted Jewel Staite who I recognized from being on ONE episode of 2gether. She had also been on a Disney show I used to watch and a bunch of other shows I’ve watched here and there so I opted to go and meet her. Hey, if I can’t meet QT because he has passed away – the next best thing would be to meet everyone he interacted with on the show – right? right. She was really sweet and signed an auto for me, shook my hand and briefly chatted. (I didn’t tell her that I really wanted to meet her because she was on one episode of 2gether though lol)

After that we opted to hail a cab and head home. The floors were crowded (as to be expected), I was exhausted from the moment we stepped in the door… and I almost lost my shoe no less than 5 times by guys stepping on me. I’m sure there was a TON that we missed, but I’m not really sure how to attend in a more organized manner. Just walk up and down every aisle, I guess! (Which easily could have taken all day!)

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