a tale of tails, tenacity, and tedium, as told by me, usually barefoot and bellowing

Sunday, February 19, 2012

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!!

19 comments:

LindaG said...

Awesome!
And some good came out of just missing meeting the King.
That good my turn into something even better. :-)

Hope you all have a relaxing Sunday. ♥

Amy Dingmann said...

What an awesome experience! And what memories you have now to share. Neat! :)

Country Gal said...

Cool ! Nice shots ! Glad you guys had a good time ! Does Andrew ever smile in a photo when not struming his guitar ? He looks serious lol Have a good day !

StitchinByTheLake said...

I know that your grandson will long remember hearing BB King but more than that he'll treasure the grandmother who cared enough to take him. blessings, marlene

Irene said...

I hope it was all worth the adventure you had. And the eight dollar hamburger and the six dollar fries. Tell me, was BB King really as good as you expected him to be? What did Andrew think? I'm curious to know. XOX

Susan Anderson said...

How wonderful that you got a chance to do this with Andrew! And I think you did a great job getting those shots in the dark.

=)

Lynne said...

A HUGE "atta girl" for making a memory maker happen for Andrew! This is what it is all about . . .

TexWisGirl said...

absolutely awesome! so glad you both got to experience his magic!

Empty Nester said...

I absolutely adore BB King! We all do! Deanie got to see him in Chicago a few years ago at a bar- she was up close and personal and still talks about it! I'm so glad y'all got to see him and that Andrew received such a fantastic invitation- hope he takes the guy up on it!

Mary Ann said...

Incredible experience, and Andrew will always remember it anyway!

carolina nana said...

Sounds like a wonderful grandma/grandson outing for the memory books. At BB's age you probably will be one of the last lucky people to hear and see him performing.
Too bad Andrew couldn't get his autograph !!
Blessings
Marilyn

labbie1 said...

So glad you had a great trip! A trip of a lifetime for sure! Too bad Andrew couldn't get the audience with BB but so glad he met someone to network with! :)

Tracy said...

What an incredible experience for you AND Andrew...just to see and hear a legend like BB King! Something he will never forget, nor will you!

Far Side of Fifty said...

What a great experience..too bad about the meet and greet..that would have been something. It sounds like you had a great time anyway:)

Dreaming said...

Despite not being able to get to shake BB King's hand, I'm betting this is one of those things Andrew will never forget!
Oh... and I loved your piranha comment! Your blog is so much fun to read. One never knows what you will come up with!

Janice said...

Sounds like you are making wonderful memories with your Grandson.....too bad about the meet and greet.

Unknown said...

This gave me a thrill. Good job!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Woohoo!!! Well that answered my question 100%. I'm readin' backwards here.

I'm so glad ya'll had a great time. Sorry you were a little late to shake the great fella's hand but sounds like your young picker made a great connection.

God bless and treasure those grandma memories!!! :o)

Pat said...

Gosh this sounded SO EXCITING! I was rooting for Andrew to be called up on stage! You got some good shots there! This whole trip was an experience of a life time - for both of you!

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