ncgurrl

Permaswooned just called me from SeaTac. She is on a Southwest flight filled with fans and most of the show cast and crew. Quiana is sitting in the exit row so their safety is dependent on her. *g* Perma stayed on line until they shut the door but she saw neither Clay nor Ruben board the plane.

Asheville Meet and Greet Recap

ncgurrl

Due to a very generous invitation I was present at the Asheville charity meet & greet during the Timeless tour.

Generic instructions to meet at the box office were evidently sent by someone who did not know the Biltmore box office is three miles from the venue. Everyone tried to be helpful but it took a while to sort out the correct location of meeting at the house by the lions at 6:00 pm. Even that led to more hurry up and wait before Jerome showed up to lead us back stage. Off we went down the steps and across the ‘football’ field. For everyone else that was start, build up speed, remind Jerome there was a pokey one in the group (me and my cane), slow down and wait. Once we got to the white fence screening back stage the group was split. The charity group went first while the fan club group was directed to wait.

Once behind the barrier we were directed to wait in an area next to the food service section-- in the sun. The choice was to sit on a bench in the sun or stand in a scrap of shade by the perimeter fence behind the trash cans. I picked the bench because by then my aches had become pains. The location felt a bit intrusive because just a few feet away some of the cast and crew were eating and talking. Ruben, Felix and the guitarists were there. When Ruben came up to the food service area someone behind me asked him if they had a vegan meal for him. He noted that they had black-eyed pea cakes that were ok but what he wanted was the watermelon. Ruben asked if we wanted any but we declined Later Ruben brought us all ice cold bottles of water. Heaven.

Jerome took us up onto the stage for a look around. I was not impressed with the wood stairs as they were a bit steep. They did not look solid but were. The view of the seating area and house was impressive. The performance area, on the other hand, seemed tiny. We were led back down the stairs, me with the assistance of Jerome, and back to our hot spot to await Ruben and Clay. I again sat on the bench.

Ruben arrived first as he was still in the craft service area. He pulled up a small table and two chairs. After shaking hands, Ruben sat down directly in front of me. Clay walked in and shook hands and introduced himself to everyone. He then stood right by my shoulder. Next was the obligatory question of where we lived. I said Riverside, California which led to Clay and Ruben figuring out where that was. I told Ruben that if he was ever driving from LA to Las Vegas to visit the Wyn’s he could stop by my house for a vegetarian meal. Ruben hollered at Clay that there was another vegetarian in the house and asked me my favorite recipe. My mind went blank before blurting out Puerto Rican red rice and beans without the ham. The question of how many other shows we would be seeing led to Geekette’s reminder of “the city of Vermont” and Clay ragging on Felix.

Clay went into a little spiel about the two charities which led to me asking Ruben if he had an inclusion element in his music camps. He turned to Clay and said that was not something they had discussed but maybe should. He and Clay then talked about how that could be done. Someone mentioned funding it through a grant. When I said that sounded good, Mr. Snarky-pants asked me if I was on the grant committee. I told him no but if he helped write the grant it should get approval and if it did come about they name it Camp Linda. Clay responded “I don’t think so.” He then added maybe they could make me a certificate. Ruben did ask Clay if they did a camp session would Clay visit. It was a light conversation but maybe it planted a seed of an idea the two men can nourish.

The discussion went on from there. I was really impressed with the approachability of both Clay and Ruben. They drew people out and ran wherever the conversation was going. From Geekette’s recap you can see that both Ruben and Clay were quite chatty.

Others talked about different things, but I'm not really sure what. I know their foundations were talked about (they both thanked us for our support). More general chit chat and Clay mentioned not wanting Ruben to mess up tonight, and somehow the Aiken random lyric generator came up. Well Ruben liked that saying all right, while Clay said he'd never heard that expression before...heh.

…

One guest had the AI2 CD for Ruben to sign, and the guys exclaimed how that was so long ago, and sort of mumbled something about "spooky", I think. We finally got them to explain what they meant - Ruben's track was number one and Clay's was number two, and the CD was done well before the competition ended.

I had Clay and Ruben sign my walking cane.

Photo time was so casual that we had the opportunity to get photos of Ruben and Clay while we waited for the photographer to get set. I think the casualness led to a bit of overtime as I heard Clay and Jerome agree to tighten that part up for the other groups.

After the meet & greet we got out pick of a t-shirt or a tote bag. I took the bag and then bought a shirt. Team Clay was friendly and helpful. I just wish the weather had been as hospitable. It was beyond hot.

I am leaving for Asheville by way of Raleigh tomorrow morning. I will get in at the Doubletree sometime on Thursday.

Treenuts, I know how helpless you feel. Strength be with you.

Timeless is the password for the Nokia LA concert preale today

I have my LA ticket in hand. Just a note. The ticket has a start time for the concert of 6:00 pm. Anyone driving from Reno better plan on an early start. It is a long ten hour drive if the traffic is not heavy. There are some bottlenecks so it may be longer. Flying is easy and fairly cheap. Just get a nonstop flight and watch your arrival time.

love the clay/rube photos. I'm so excited about the coming events - concerts, albums, and appearances. School is over on may 18th and I can concentrate more on Clay heee.

Dang I had talked myself out of the first show, and now I think I want to talk myself back in LOL. I need more than one! Or, I need to see what show is on the weekend. I need MOREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

We're waiting for a new couchie cousin to arrive tonight. He would have been the second grandchild of my cousin Clayton that passed away a few years ago at the very young age of 47. the girl is in labor and she called to tell me she wanted me to make her some mac & cheese LOL.

Jamar! Our teams are winning!!

Well DAMN! I guess I will go to first show after all. My mom just informed me that she was going to the Poconos after the family reunion with some man from her youth that she's been talking with for the past few months. The woman has more action than me. And my flight into Charlotte is only $119. That's settled. hmmm anybody else arriving in Charlotte on Saturday morning that i can hitch a ride with?

What Saturday would that be? Asheville concert is on Friday.

I am staying at the Doubletree. I have yet to figure out how I am getting from Raleigh to Asheville. I was supposed to be traveling with my sister but she bailed on me.

I will be at Asheville and LA.

Hi deyabird! Welcome!

This is a great board to be on... you can get all the important news and avoid 99.9% of the angst. Not that folks can't state their less than joyful opinion here, what you won't find are dead horses...

Except the one about not beating dead horses.

Couchtomato, hope you make it to Asheville.

Thanks for posting the details, ncgurrl. Either ncgurrl or I would be glad to coordinate getting your names on the list, along with roommates, and pass along any updates to you. Just let us know.

Group buy information for Asheville Concert has been updated.

First of all, I want to publicly thank CallieK for the hard work she did on this for the last Asheville concert. Because of her, this is all coming into place so easily for me. She did a fantastic job and I don't think we all realize how much time she put into this. I am in touch with her contact who is fabulous:

So, new information:

1). Group Packets:

Hotel:

I have reserve 70 rooms at:

Doubletree Hotel Biltmore/Asheville

115 Hendersonville Road

Asheville, NC

United States, 28803

Tel: 828-274-1800

Fax: 828-274-1802

This hotel is 2 blocks from the Biltmore entrance.

The cost of the package for one night based on two double beds (and two tickets) is $429.20; the cost of a king size bed is $436.60. This includes hotel, tickets, admission to the Biltmore and an audio tour *g*

2). Tickets:

The premium in the middle center section goes to the folks who pay for the Inn on Biltmore package. At the last concert, the tickets for the group sale started at row L in the middle and on the sides. I have discussed that we would rather be closer to the center and a row farther back than on the far aisles. And I said we didn't have to all sit together if we got better tickets.

3). Payment:

I will create a spreadsheet with the names of people rooming with each other and for how many nights that they want to stay in Asheville and will send it in. Then on April 6th, you will call and just give your credit card information. Please remember that this offer is non-refundable. Once you pay, you are committed.

4). Deadline:

I have to have the final number count to the Biltmore on 29 March. I realize that it is hard to plan since we don't know where else he is going to tour, but after seven years, we are used to this, right?

Update #4

1). Dinner:

I am arranging a dinner beforehand at the hotel. I am being sent menus so it will probably be a buffet style in a banquet hall which I think will be the most efficient and private for us.

I am NOT arranging party favors. There is no way I can compete with Corabeth and I am not even going to try!

1a). Breakfast:

The package comes with two vouchers for the Bake Shop Breakfast Basket at the Biltmore for your breakfast treat.

2). Hotel and ticket prices:

I spoke to my contact and I have revised the hotel prices. A room with double beds will be $429.20; a king bed is $436.60.

She does not know the cost of individual tickets if you wanted to skip the package and just go for tickets. I would strongly suggest if you are planning on coming to this concert to do this package. For the impression I have been given, because we are the "fan club", we will get better placement of tickets than if you just call on the date. I can't guarantee that because I have no control over what tickets we are given (I have worked with the contact, I have told her our preferences, but she has the ultimate say in how the tickets are distributed).

So again, please let the other boards know if they want to participate.

The person organizing this said it can be shared. If anyone is interested let me or jmh know and we can pass your name and e-mail along. Since the tickets go on sale in early April the timelines for the group sale are quite short. Read the details if you are interested.

1). Group Packets:

Hotel:

I have reserve 70 rooms at:

Doubletree Hotel Biltmore/Asheville

115 Hendersonville Road

Asheville, NC

United States, 28803

Tel: 828-274-1800

Fax: 828-274-1802

This hotel is 2 blocks from the Biltmore entrance.

The cost of the package for one night based on two double beds (and two tickets) is $436.60. This includes hotel, tickets, admission to the Biltmore and an audio tour *g*

2). Tickets:

The premium in the middle center section goes to the folks who pay for the Inn on Biltmore package. At the last concert, the tickets for the group sale started at row L in the middle and on the sides. I have discussed that we would rather be closer to the center and a row farther back than on the far aisles. And I said we didn't have to all sit together if we got better tickets.

3). Payment:

I will create a spreadsheet with the names of people rooming with each other and for how many nights that they want to stay in Asheville and will send it in. Then on April 6th, you will call and just give your credit card information. Please remember that this offer is non-refundable. Once you pay, you are committed.

4). Deadline:

I have to have the final number count to the Biltmore on 29 March. I realize that it is hard to plan since we don't know where else he is going to tour, but after seven years, we are used to this, right?

If you are interested in the Asheville concert, check the CH concert thread for information on a group ticket/hotel room sale.

New time helps a lot as I leave in the afternoon. Put me down for one.

Tirnanog Irish Pub is across the street from Moore Square. Some more about the parade and the park fair.

A wonderful parade through downtown Raleigh complete with Pipe and drum bands, colorful floats, and horses! After the Parade is over the fun continues with the Wearin' O' the Green Festival in Moore Square. Highlights include live Irish music, traditional dance performances, jewelry and souvenir vendors, booths selling grub and stout and lots of fun activities for the kids!

Moore Square is also the starting and ending place for

Run for the Oaks

On your mark. Get Set. Go...Raleigh Parks and Recreation Department’s 2010 Run for the Oaks will be held March 13, 8:30 am at Moore Square Park!

The 2010 version of the Run for the Oaks will be the 28th annual running of this event...over 450 runners turned out on a cold rainy morning in 2009.

The 5K race starts and finish on Person Street next to Moore Square at the City Market.The 5K is the first race of the day starting at 8:30 a.m. The kid's run for children ages 10 or younger begins at 9:30 a.m. The course starts and finishes at the City Market. There will be water at the start and finish plus a water stop at the ½-way point. Splits will be called each mile. Registration and packet pickup will be held at the City Market.

*The Run for the Oaks also the fifth event in the eight-race Second Empire Spring 2010 Grand Prix Series*

I saw a package of Buffalo meat hot dogs at the story yesterday. They were each of a goodly size in length and girth.

heee did you buy it?

Not this vegetarian.

Heck, if worse comes to worse, I still get a holiday long weekend in Raleigh in the spring. So no worries! Now, who wants to help plan a get together? I'm in for the same place as last time, as was suggested on main. I'm thinking Saturday morning? We are flying in Friday morning and not flying home until Monday, although I know some will be flying out Sunday instead.

Saturday morning is good for me. I leave Saturday afternoon unless I change my flight.

I saw a package of Buffalo meat hot dogs at the story yesterday. They were each of a goodly size in length and girth.

Count me in.

I don't care about the question she asked..she didn't ask when he and Reed were getting married. He chose not to answer..IMO not as a slap but more because that's just Clay and he's not ready for us to know yet. Sounds like a perfectly reasonable encounter with a celeb.

I think what was said was less of an issue than that Clay had no intention of including HER in HIS private theater experience. A polite hello was not going to be expanded into a discussion of any sort so Clay shut her down quickly.

Help! I am looking for a good quality digital music recorder.

My 17 year old grandson is a good, and I mean really good, guitar player. His high school instructor gave up trying to teach the guitar class and has Patrick teaching it for him. They plan to hire him part time while he is in college to come back and teach for them. His own instructor says he is done all he can for him and now wants Patrick to just keep playing and writing. I want him to be able to record his music and send it to me. I feel like I am missing out on some good stuff. I want to hear him play. With Christmas coming up I figure I will give us both a gift-- him the recorder and me the music.

I posted the above a while back. I talked to GS's dad. We decided on the TAS-DR-07 digital recorder. It should give good results for what GS does and the price was less than I expected. There are some recorders out there but the prices were higher and my son did not want me to spend that much this year.

My daughter's family does the Farmville thing. DD says it has done a lot to teach her son about time mangement and planning. I talked to him about it one day. He bent my ear about what crops paid off quickly with little effort (avocados) and which ones needed more tending to pay off. He also noted the importance of timing the harvest with his real life schedule. One lost crop taught that lesson.

Help! I am looking for a good quality digital music recorder.

My 17 year old grandson is a good, and I mean really good, guitar player. His high school instructor gave up trying to teach the guitar class and has Patrick teaching it for him. They plan to hire him part time while he is in college to come back and teach for them. His own instructor says he is done all he can for him and now wants Patrick to just keep playing and writing. I want him to be able to record his music and send it to me. I feel like I am missing out on some good stuff. I want to hear him play. With Christmas coming up I figure I will give us both a gift-- him the recorder and me the music.

Happy Birthday, Kareneh!

Write all about your celebration in your blog.

{{{jmh123}}}

May you always be wrapped in love and strength from family and friends.

You pay for your shots?.......okay......I was just trying to catch up on my reading and that just caught my eye, that's all.

At my campus for students it was free. For staff and faculty there is a $10 service charge for administering the shot. The first day only students could get the vaccine. This week it is open to all on campus. And, yes, many places charge for the innoculation.