I went to this concert.
Here is my re-cap.

Lancaster, Ca--Antelope Valley Fair

I came from Sacramento. The ride to Lancaster seemed to take forever. Some delaying business called the Kettleman Hills slowed me quite a bit and my average speed was about 85mph. Did I mention I LOVE to drive fast?
Finally got on US138 to Lancaster--almost deserted road, so I picked up my speed a bit--say, my car CAN do 100 mph. Whodathunkit? Gauge DOES go to 120mph but havent seen the need--yet. just kidding!
I feel the need-the need for speed!

I like the desert. As I sped over that winding two-lane road, I could glance in my rear view mirror and see the sun setting in the hills behind me, staining the sky a orange-y red. The planted tumble weeds, shivered from my car's passage, background colors varying shades of brown.
Ive been to the Arizona desert, the New Mexico desert, the Oregon desert, the high desert and the low desert. Except for the Arizona desert, where I stayed briefly when the Rev Sun Yun Moon's cult was the strongest and they tried to indoctrinate me--another story. But I loved that desert--spring. Tiny tiny flowers covered the entire ground. A good high energy feeling in the air.
I been through the desert on a horse with no name, it felt good to be out of the rain
I 've found all the other deserts I've visited on the creepy side. Some strange energy that I personally dont find pleasant. *shrug* I digress.
It was the longest 40 odd miles of my life. Finally saw the lights of Lancaster glowing in the early evening. Looked like a Good sized city--I was surprised. I was expected something smaller--more rural.
The Antelope Vally Fair's lighted ferris wheel was easy to spot from the road. I paid my [surprise] $5 to park and got out. I could hear music--wasnt Dave. It was a little after 8pm, I think. Hard to remember the details when I was remembering to breathe and not lock my knees! [mins, i love u!]. There was a very refreshing desert wind blowing and I hurried over gravelly dirt to the waiting shuttle that [slowly] whisked us away.

So, clutching my purse, water bottle & ticket, I got into the fair and kinda wandered about wondering where the venue was located--ppl who worked there knew nothing? Finally some kind soul pointed me in the right direction and the closer I got to the venue--I could hear him singing!
And I wasnt there? I ran.

I stepped into the outdoor stadium, there was David and The Anthemic singing in a blaze of light and glory. I gasped and thought: I'm really here!
Since the concert had started, finding my seat wasnt easy. I stepped around ppl and over toes for my 2nd row seat # 6. I was on Neal's side. There was no one in the front row seat in front of me and about 20 ppl clustered in front of David. There was a clear spot on Neal's side.
Quick decision.
I clambered over the front row seats and hustled to the spot right at the barrier that keep us rabid fans from David's tender flesh.
So not only did I NOT say goodbye to my seat, I never even said hello!

I was in fangirl heaven! Between Dave & Neal--ooh that sounded naughty!

By checking the setlist at DCO I see I came in on Mr S, so I hadnt missed much except Heroes, my fave!

There was much to see. I had a perfect view of Neal--ok confession time.
When I was younger I lived in L.A. I had a preference for musician boyfriends, the bands just starting out. I seemed to gravitate toward lead guitarists and drummers! Guys good with their hands?

So watching Neal play was---interesting.
Neal is a VERY great guitar player. There is no doubt in my mind he is as good or better than any of the legendary ax-handlers. Yes, that includes Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin--whom I met one time, but that's another story--
I watched him play, watched his hands on the strings---dude is wayyyyy good. King Of Shred. He just blew me away. I watched him with He could handle ANY Zepplin song--no problem. I can just tell.

Now I know the meaning of blingtrance. I swear I went to that concert sober as a judge--wanted to remember Every lil detail. Now I get images.

The wind blowing David's hair. The lights flashing. The music. The fans.
There was such a variety of fans! Young. Old. Middle. Guys & girls. Diverse races & genders. Some kid next to me pleaded to the security guy to give David a tiny teddy bear. I thought WTF is a 26 yr old man gonna do with a tiny teddy bear?

Someone was cell casting behind me--probably Mandy's ppl and she got told by the security to stop filming. She tried to explain she wasnt video-taping, but calling someone letting them listen to the concert---the guard didnt understand--and this all just pass my head back & forth.
Finally, I said: Could you two have this conversation somewhere else?
Some one beside me said "thank you"! In agreement, I guess.
So many ppl film--dont why they bother saying not to film--wrong time in the age of instant technology to be throwing that down. Especially with David Cook.
So there I was--trying not to be too crazee--but I was grinning and squeeing and bouncing up and down, head banging along with Neal & the guyz.
I asked Dave what the name of the band was after he asked us to give them a round of applause. Didnt think he heard me till he repeated my question!
For a second there, I REALLY thought he was gonna tell us! Maybe you heard me call him a big teaser!

By the time he did KOTN, I was totally happy and thought I was being pretty cool
David had just done the moan--a really looong goood moan--dunno how my face looked then--but I wuz happy!
Now when I am REALLY happy, I smile BIG and my eyes squint almost closed--not my best look.

David had just done the moan and was about to do the Hotel Cali part and he looked dead at me and imitated my smile: squeezed his eyes shut and bared his teeth at me--a smile? Sag humor?
I didnt imagine this. I know when energy is directed at me.
I guess Neal saw me, but he didnt direct any energy at me. David did.

Doesnt he know I am a delicate flower and he could have hurt my feelings? I felt he was making fun of me. Probably thought I was mental--can hear him asking security to keep an eye on the one with the crazy, squinty-eyed grin.
But like a child that wants attention--even if it's bad attention--at least he noticed me!
David Cook--kinda--smiled at me. He saw me!

When he talked about doing a song they hadnt done in 3 months, I wasnt sure what it could be --could Monty have learned Anodyne? That would have been cool--but when I hear the Andy on the piano witht he first few plaintive notes, I knew immediately. Permanent.
Here, at this lil desert fair, he pulls out Permanent.
I would have fainted, but by that time ppl were packed in around me.
He sang. And my eyes got a lil wet--if he cried I knew I would also. His voice broke a bit, but he didnt cry. I felt incredibly lucky.

He did Declaration and I bounced up and down in time to the music and squee'd, watched Neal play. Watched Kyle drum.
Too soon it was over.

I hung about for a bit, but some guy said Dave has visitors there tonight, so no m&G.
I wandered about for a bit. Got behind the fence and was walking toward the silver buses parked behind the stage. Almost made it there when a guard stopped me. Dammit!
Ok, I dont know what I would have done if I'd made it to the buses, but I know my way around a backstage rock concert. Just mingle and smooze.
Since I had a 400 mile drive back to Sacramanto, I didnt linger.
Once the buses left, I left also.

Sacramento the next evening.