We Came, We Conquered, We Enjoyed!

After a few unplanned detours, we arrived. Too excited to eat since breakfast, we ate at one of the many dining places at the Gold Strike Casino. Andrew, not one for adventurous dining, chose the old meat, bread and potatoes man plate. I, on the other hand, chose things I had not had...duck, piranha (not really, some kind of tasteless fish, a tomato dish with shrimp and other unidentified meat and a delicious ricotta pasta dish. Now this sounds like a lot but it was only a plate full. I like to sample new things, after all, this was our adventure!

After the late lunch, we settled in our room, Andrew napped while I finished Harland Coben's "Long Lost". I cannot put a Coben book down.

The time arrived...my first concert. Our first time to see Mr BB King, our first lots of things.

A friend had mentioned, bring a note, come to the concert early, present it to the manager and we may be able to shake Mr King's hand. Didn't work out but I gave it my best grandma try. I came two minutes too late, the last slot in the meet and greet room had been filled...but we were able to visit with the musician that got that lucky slot. He has been trying for BB's autograph on his guitar for a year. Tonight was his lucky night. BB King's signature now shows with many musical greats. This young man has a studio, a cd, and a band in Monticello and invited Andrew to come jam...and record, anytime. Phone numbers exchanged left Andrew elated before the concert began.

The note that failed.

We arrived an hour before the concert and waited patiently outside The Millennium Theater for the performance. The crowd was mixed and Andrew was the youngest there. We had to be radioed from one place to another since this a gambling/drinking establishment.

It was a mixed crowd of all ages and walks of life. We all had one thing in common and visited freely while we waited for the doors to open.

Tickets scanned, we all filed in, in an orderly fashion and were directed to our seats. Ours was in the airplane section but the view was still good.

We were allowed to photograph and as they set up, I tried my best to adjust my simple point and shoot camera to the lighting. Pretend you can see Lucille resting next to the man...she's there waiting for her master to make her sing.

We were entertained by the band until the appearance of the one and only Mr.BB King. My camera is not cutting the mustard!

BB arrives and is greeted with a standing ovation. The drunks were having a great time, as every one was, but I think the non-drinkers may remember more of the performance.

I soon discovered my point and shoot could record videos much better than it could produce still shots. Oh, the videos we have...fantastic! Of course, my favorite was The Thrill Is Gone. This man may be 86 but he still won the audience with his charm and his talent.

The concert was over too quickly for any of us...it lasted only an instant, or so it seemed. Every one was singing, dancing, clapping and having a fantastic time.

By this time Andrew is hungry...again! Andrew chose an $8 hamburger and a $6 bag of fries and we head to our room.

The King still reigns...

and, believe me,

 The Thrill IS NOT Gone!!