Hi Everyone,
I went to the Phillie show with Ilene and her daughter Nikki...we were still celebrating Ilene's bday! Nikki is not a head over heels Jason fan, although her Mom is. I loved having Nikki's take and input on the show.
We arrived at bit before 5:30 and got a parking spot right in front of the venue. Had to put a few quarters in the meter, but it was worth it to be so close. As we were parking a tall thin guy walked by and looked at me. I mouthed "Cole?? and he shook his head yes...I waved like the crazy woman I am and he laughed. As we walked in, Ilene immediately spotted Mandy behind the meet and greet table straightening things out. We introduced ourselves, congratulated the new Mrs. Castro, chatted a bit about Jason having family in Leavittown, then went to be seated. Our reservation was planned by Donna for 6:00. We were starving so after we were seated we ordered an appetizer and drinks. We got to experience Matt Hires and his band at sound check which was very interestesting and kind of funny. "More of this, less of that, more of this, less of that" - I could tell I was going to like them as they sounded good and Matt seemed to have a gentle sense of humor about himself!
As they were breaking down, Ilene got a big smile on her face and said that Jason was coming through the venue. I turned and came really close to screaming Jason...yay...but our boy looked as though he was in a trance or something. Kind of sullen, or tired...just not the Jason that is approachable. Both of us looked at each other and (Ilene & I) and said...uh uh...I think we should just leave him be. It was instinctual. I know today as I think of it, I thought, I really hope he didn't think we were ignoring him. So, we just went on with our conversation, and although watching his soundcheck out of the corner of our eye, we didn't do our usual fan girly stuff. He just seemed to be in a place he needed to be at the time - and as hard as it was, we honored that.
Then in a "poof" as Randy would say, he was gone, disappeared behind the Exit door to our right. Caitlin was up doing her sound check lookin' all sparkley and cute. We continued our chatting (trying to analyze what we had just experienced with Jason)...then, about 6:30 some of Jason's fans started to arrive and take a seat at our table. First there was Dareto dream (Christi) and Scott (hubby). Hadn't seen Christie since Garland and Scott since Wilkes-Barre...so we had a lot of catching up to do. Scott was prepared to video much of the evening - so cool. Then everyone else started coming in...Worldwartori and friends, Donna, Purrly, Gloria, and Cathyanne. Then our dear friend, Elisa and daughter Lexi arrived. (Met them originally in Phillie and street teamed in Scranton with Elisa) More catching up. Then Gloria brings over "Uncle Dave" (Jason's Uncle) who was with a friend. Ilene and I had met him previously...I think he's on Ilene's street team. LOL. Anyway, it was fun seeing him again too. Oh yes, and lucky Ilene won the drawing of the Jason Castro sweatshirt. Thanks for doing that Gloria.
The show didn't start until 8:00 PM so we had plenty of time. Then before I knew it, Caitlin was on stage ready to go. She is a delight. Very natural and funny and she filled us in on why she wrote certain songs, her Flawz video and how we could be a part, her recent break-up and how she is moving on. Her songs are just a reflection of her life experiences. I loved her voice and couldn't wait to meet her after the show. Wanted to get a cd so I could really listen to her and what she had to say. Clever and potent lyrics!
Oh yes, I changed seats so that Scott (with video camera) could get a clear shot to the stage. I ended up against a barrier, yet still could see and hear Jason very well...and it was good to feel I wasn't blocking anybody with my biggness! As long as I can hear the boy, I'm good.
Ok, so Jason seemed fresh, happy and full of charm. (Very different from before) And that must be the wonderful performer he has become. He sounded great and Stephen was a fine compliment. J. chatted about "That's What I'm Here For" saying that at the High School they visited that day, "Haverford" I think, that when he sang, you are so beautiful...that his eyes locked with Stephen's and they cracked up. It was a cute story. Jason is such a stitch. And I think he's the only one that can make Stephen smile.
We were thrilled that he sang "Crazy" because it was one that I especially loved from tour and also his rendition at TAMU was a rockin' favorite. So we rocked with them on that one. All that was missing was at TAMU he stopped at the end, then came back to the mic with one final, heartfelt crazy. I loved that...and I liked this crazy too. And great guitar from Stephen as we had from Kevin at TAMU.
When Jason said he wanted us to sing along to a chorus...for one slight moment I thought of "Shine Your Light"....however, it was Closer, closer, closer. Ha Ha. (This is NOT a favorite of mine) however, anything Jason wants to sing is just fine with me! So we did...we were singing with Jason.
The duet was so fine...their voices are great together...love this one. And of course, Hallelujah is a show stopper...just beautifully done.
We stayed put for Matt Hires as we wanted him to get our full attention. The funniest part of Matt's set was when he asked us to whistle with him on one song. HE is a phenomenal whistler and not many that I could hear were keeping up with him. I tried, but am a backwards whistler, sucking in instead of blowing out. He said we could la la la...but that just didn't work. We did lots of clapping with him. I enjoyed his set and felt like I was getting to know him when it was over.
Just a mention that Jason had said he wasn't going to take photos at meet and greet until Matt's set was complete. Midway through Matt, we heard quite a commotion of screaming and yellling, and we knew he must have come out. It only lasted for a while then it calmed down.
Oh, and during Jason's set, Mandy was up against the wall near the exit sign. I could only see her profile. Supporting her guy!
One of my highlites was meeting Worldwartori ? I think I just blew that. What a lovely young lady. We talked about the schools she was applying to, and accepted at Drexel! Very creative and with a wonderful future in music! I think I've said this before and I'll say again, I love the younger folks who share with us. They have unique points of view, are so open and straightforward. (Guess this is partly because I don't have kids) Anyway, loved sharing the show with you all!
By the time Ilene, Nikki and I got out to see Jason he was gone. (I think he came back after we left). Yet, I met Caitlin, bought her CD and chatted with her for awhile. She has a wonderful message for all, but especially for young girls. Nikki got a Caitlin vintage key...it says "Love" Nikki really like both Matt's and Caitlin's music...and I think came around on Jason! Anyway, you'd have to ask Ilene about that. Oh, when I bought Caitlin's CD I gave my money to Cole...it was a twenty and I needed change. He said something like, "should I just give it back to you?" and I said, "I'd be happy to take it." Of course he was jking. But when it happened, Nikki leaned over to her Mom and whispered, "He said exactly the same thing to me!" Ha Ha!
What a great night...and realized I never got to meet Gaby in person and she was there! Hugs around to Donna, met her handsome hubby and wished her well on her new job, Purrly (love you girl), Cathyanne
and Gloria, Philly street team leader and full of fun.
Jason, was fantasic and I will always love his music and take every chance I can to hear him live, watch that beautiful face, make music from his heart and soul...and listen to first hand Jason Chatter...he is adorably loveable.
Long ride home to NJ...sorry I did'nt meet up with some of the Copians that were there and McKenzie...I think Ilene said hello...anyway Jason Fans...next time. Looks like our boy will be back for sure with his whole band! Can't wait...