Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care...about time?
::Raises hand:: I do!

Once upon a time, there were two sisters...

I do believe I expressed my opinion that I have the BEST SISTER EVAH! After having the time of our life in July road tripping in Minnesota to see three David Cook and the band formerly known as the EEB concerts, Kyoat returned to Arizona. After a healthy period of post concert/vacation depression, my sister saw that DC&TA were coming to her home town in Phoenix on Nov. 3rd. She bought tickets and proclaimed I was coming. "It is a fact!" The previous year, I had quit my suck ass job of 19 years and wanted one full year to restore my mental health. Well, time had run out and my dh let me know that, like the rest of the country, our financial flow chart had taken a dip. Instead of my aspirations to "Dream Big" and pursue writing, I would have to go get a real job. So, of course, I agreed to have one last fling in Phoenix causing consternation and undue dh eyerolling. I tried to explain that at our age "time was of the essence." He was from the "time is money" camp and it took some time for him to accept my more artistic and philosophical ventures.
I decided to time the two week stay so as to have at least one day for concert afterglow before returning to RL.
It's a strange thing, but when you are dreading something, and would give anything to slow down time, it has a disobliging habit of speeding up.
~J.K. Rowling, "The Hungarian Horntail," Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, 2000
The time has come (the Walrus said) and I wanted to spend it with y'all and relate my concert experience.
The two hour time difference was cut back an hour by the changing of the guards at daylight savings time. Add to this all the late night talks and catching up on DWoP & twitter, reading and posting at all hours, and I felt my timing was out of sync. Monday night we drove to the fair for a little reconnaissance. One never knows when one might bump into an Anthemic or two and Kyoat and I REALLY wanted to add an NFT siggie to our platinum DCTRs. We ran into Dave several times at our other concerts, but narry an EEB. Since the guys were coming off a 2 week vacation, we weren't sure if they would ride the bus in or fly. The fair was close by and we thought we would see if any silver buses had pulled in yet. We were surprised that the fair was closed on Mondays, but we did a perimeter check (no shiny buses) and scoped out the best parking.
Tuesday Kyoat had to work and time really dragged. I spent my time listening for the unplugged Dave and Nealie preconcert on the Mix 96.9 station which was to begin at 2:00 pm, but didn't. My DCO & twitter tabs let me know that Coolshades made it to the fair but was in heat distress. Kyoat got home and we felt all "Hurry, Hurry" which generally causes more pain than pleasure. We took a deep breath and slid DCTR into the car player. All of our trips begin with track #9 because, "Today's not the same and everyday..." On the way, we got a call from Sky. She made it to the fair, but was headed back to her hotel as she had forgotten to grab her concert tickets! We had plenty of time, though. We parked and entered the colosseum and found Coolshades behind a blue curtain with her ear to a wall. A new song was being played at sound check!! OMG!!! Were we to be amoung the first to get one of those "surprises" Dave tweeted about? We tried to make out the lyrics. I thought I could hear the word "ahead" at the end of a refrain. The song was very anthemic. Was it a cover? Was it one of the snippets? I guess time would tell.
Coolie filled us in on the @mix969 "waste of time" gate going on. Coolie's dad thought he spotted the pretty silver buses and we set out to confirm. The ones Kyoat and I saw right in front of the venue were actually some RV's for sale. Papa shade's sighting proved to be a bus with redish swirlies that may be the Script's residence on wheels. We tried a perimeter check to our left and security met us and seemed most helpful, but were really in the way of our scouting. Sky joined us and we decided to scope the right side of the colosseum. We strolled through the fair's midway, remembering to scrutinize any deep fried vendor booths, and tried another entrance ramp only to be met by the very same security guy. We went back down and took midway to it's dusty end and peeked in the back lot. Sure enough, we spotted the buses. This did not bode well for any meetup opportunities either before or after our concert. I was not devastated as I had no expectations only hopes of an NFT siggie or at least another Anthemic encounter.
While we can hope for the best and prepare for the worse, there isn't any law about preparing for the best. With the help of Kyoat, her son, and my first attempt at photoshop, I had designed a little something for the guys to sign, should we be so fortunate as to meet them. We had found Dave's DCTR font called "downcome" and I used it to spell out "David Cook And The Anthemic" and also found a letter within to write out each of their names going downward. Then I shop lifted five Declaration Tour photos and viola! Alas, they were not meant to be signed.
Sky and Coolie went to grab a bite while Kyoat and I took a walk about on the fair grounds. We saw a team of 6 horses pulling a Budweiser wagon with a dalmation riding on top and we thought of Neal. (sigh) Eventually we went back to the main entrance area and sat at some tables near the Mix 96.9 stand. They were going to have a drawing giving away a pair of tickets for each of rows 1 through 5. Kyoat asked about the tweet that shall not be trended and they seemed as shocked and confused about it as we were. They had also played us an accustic recording of "Light On" earlier and were very complimentary about how well the unplugged mini concert had gone. Three more family members arrived and they grabbed a bite while we waited to see if we got lucky at 6:30 when they drew names. A couple of times, they drew a name and they were no shows. We cheered our selfish renewed hope and the DJ admonished us. He even suggested "Cookie Monster" be our fan club name. We didn't win, but we had pretty good seats so we weren't too disappointed. Coolie and her mom already had front row seats and Sky had an extra ticket for Papa Shades. About ten to seven, we made our way in and found out that the Script was already playing. It wasn't time for them to begin! In fact, they had been playing since 6:20 and we only got to enjoy their final song. Dang it! They were good, though. Great voice and energy. I felt badly that many may have missed hearing them. I also worried about y'all in Navy Davy land. I hoped you didn't tune into the cellcast at 8:00 and miss half the show.
The venue holds 14,000 and I would be hard pressed to give an accurate account of how many seats were filled. A few to several thousand, though, and it made me happy that the Boys were still bringing in the numbers this far into the tour and on a Tuesday night. Kyoat and I had our 4" foam blocks and we squeed a little when the lights dimmed. The band has a new intro tape as they make their way on stage and it was VERY ANTHEMIC. They opened with Mr. S and Dave really spanked that guitar like he was outraged for the guy. He wore a navy button down shirt and bluish silver pantz. He was also sporting the rose necklace. It was so good to see his sweet face again and hear that amazing voice. The vacay must have done Neal some good too as he seemed to step up the energy level from fantastic to overdrive. I believe it was here, in his first banter, that Dave mentions his silver pantz. He looked over at Andy and said he thought the pantz were silly. He then clarified that he didn't mean Andy's pants, but his own. I thought they looked mighty fine and went well with the navy shirt. Just to be sure, I hoped he would turn around soon so I could make a proper ass-essment.
Heroes was just as electrifying and as Dave continued to beat on the white guitar, he might have sprung a string as halfway through he slung it behind him and finished with just the mic. The lighting and band tightness confirms just how polished our guys have become. Though the camera nazis were out in force, the girls in front of me managed to keep theirs held high enough to block a lot of my Skib-age and Monty viewing. Luckily, there was a huge jumbotron where I saw enough footage to want a whole DVD of this concert. Anyway, it is hard to keep one's eyes off of David when he is performing...not that I had any intention of trying. I could watch youtubies later. Live Dave was to be lived in this precious moment in time. Dave then banters about vacation and promises that it has not slowed them down and they intend to give 175%. Brainy Dave let's us know that he is aware that it is not a real number but "you guys know what I mean." I guess we weren't giving 175% response, because Dave took his ear piece out and asked us again. He sure knows how to work us. After WOHWWS, Dave plugs the Script and mentions waaaay back in '08 he had started the AI tour in Glendale, AZ. We then get IDIFY and Kyoat and I know he is doing it just for us. In the middle, instead of playing the melody while Dave works the stage with his eyes and engaging ways, the Anthemic meets up back at Kyles and intermittently plays a three beat "Rump-A-Pum" . It is very dramatic as is their foursome shredding upstage before heading back to Kyle for his drum wailing finish. I needed to fan myself and catch my breath. It had to be a quick one as it turned into a gasp for Barbasol. Nothing gets me all bouncyArchucookie than BBS live. It will always be my true DC&TA rock it out song.
It is time for Dave to show his versatility with a ballad and he begins our now reverent "Lie." As Dave steps back at the pause before the A Capella, the uninitiated are so impressed they cheer long and loud. Dave returns to the mic to say "This is the only time in this entire concert I will ask you all to be quiet to this (sumpun?)." He then gives us his endearing grin and we oblige while he delivers, in my opinion, the best Lie ever. I found my self clasping my hands as the band played and Dave sang the rest of this beautiful song.
David reminds us that the DCTR is coming up on it's anniversary date and tries to segue to it's first track "Declaration". There seems to be some confusion as to which song they are on, though Dave makes an executive decision to play it now. Later, I was able to see a copy of the setlist and I now want a Kiss On the Neck...personally. Declaration is great, though, and considering it's message, I take him just the way he is and wonder how these songs can thrill me so after hearing them for a year....oh so many times. We next get a crowd pleasing "Ded, Yo Arms" complete with interactive singing. Whoa-oh-oh-Oh!
Somewhere, Dave has us give it up for the band and everywhere he kept thanking us. He then intros their latest single and I have no idea why he stifles a laugh here. Maybe one of the boys got snarky on the semi-sekrit private mics. Come Back to Me is another popular number and gets the semi-cookifyied up to our enthusiasm level. It seems way too early, but the guys leave the stage. (I really want that Kiss on the Neck, Dave) We cheer and cheer in the dark until they do indeed come back to us with a Light On. (semi-snerk...or corny groan...take your pick) Dave hits the glory note and we know it's our turn. We sound good...then...Dave laughs at us. The guys finish up and Dave then shows us how we did. "Try to leave a light on when I'm gone; something I rely on to get home; when it's hmmm-na-hmmmm... That's what you guys did! Those lyrics are hard...and that's why I let you sing them."
Kyoat and I were very happy to hear the guys close with A Daily Anthem, the closiest closer that ever closed. Then Dave decided to visit us on a walk about. Maybe it was the folding chair environment, or maybe at Mystic Lake we knew how to be Minnesota Nice and stay in our seats, but security had to step in and protect Dave as fans started to swarm him. He didn't make it all the way around and we had to watch the jumbotron to catch the proper direction for our arms to whoa-whoa. Dave's smiles and reaching out to touch hands assured us he was OK and he made his way back the way he came, which was, unfortunately, not our side of the floor. He made it back on stage in time to lead the final whoa-whoa's and with an Anthemic finish and much gratiDavitude, we were blown a kiss and it was over. More pick flicking and the guys were gone. (more sigh) If I could save time in a bottle...Neal would probably drink it.
Outside, our ears were ringing and I know my throat was a bit sore. Security was yelling at some peeps who were trying to get a look at the bus area. It amused me and yet sadly reminded me that we would not be seeing any of the guys this time. Coolie and folks left quickly for the long trek back to Tuscon and I had failed at bacon calling for Hoaloha, Jane62, and other DCOers. Our family was duly impressed with our guys and let us know it. Sky joined us for a midway stroll and a little refreshment. Somehow, the three Fanthemic managed to lead the others to the end of the midway...at the back of the Colosseum. Knowing the lot area was verboten, we simply looked at it forlornly while the fam was wondering what the heck we were doing. As we were near a door, we decided to take a potty break. Right by the womens' sign there was also a blue divider to the sekrit backstage area. Like shadow puppets, a couple of forms were talking and I KNEW one of them like I had been watching him all my life...or at least the better part of a year. No, not that guy. It was "that other guy" (tm David Tweetiepie Cook). I knew those flowing locks and that slim build was none other than our Anthemic drummer. I also noticed that the curtain/partition left open a fair gap on one end. Not wanting to be stalkerish, we attended to the duty at hand. As I was engaging in private business, I thought about my photoshop project. We had 5 copies for each of the guys and our own 2 ready with sharpie in hand. I contemplated writing "For a good time see DavidCookOfficial.com" on the bathroom wall. Then I thought about how close Kyle was and how soon he was likely to disappear.
How long a minute is, depends on which side of the bathroom door you're on. ~Zall's Second Law
When our business transactions were completed, I positioned myself at a respectful distance and peered through the gap. It was Kyle. I got the project from Kyoat and waiting for a break in their conversation, called out Kyle's name. He looked and saw my artwork as I told him I had something for him. He gave me his attention with a sweet "Oh yeah?" I (gently so as not to spook him) approached showing him my copy and handed him the envelope saying they were for their scrapbooks. "My scrapbook?" he asked, incredulous to the idea that so masculine a band should keep anything so foo-foo as a scrapbook...and rightly so. "Yeah," I said, "there's a copy for each of you." He gave me a lovely smile and said "Thank you very much." He was sooo handsome and cute and polite. Either Dave is rubbing off or idols of a feather naturally flock together. We told him he was welcome and left, not wanting to be too intrusive on what was obviously private not public time.
Back at the midway, Sky thought it was time to get her tired self back to the hotel and we made our goodbyes. I already miss her. The fam wanted to explore the fair and kill some more time. So we threw away some money on Kyoat's prize, a tiny stuffed Hulk doll and my brother's prize, a big stuffed Bart Simpson, which he (awwwh!) gifted me...though it will never fit in the luggage. Kyoat and I spotted the deep fried vendor and on Dave's recommendation decided to imbibe. Kyoat's deep fried Reece's peanut butter and my deep fried snickers were gooey, hot, and delicious. It was so chocolaty sweet, that we decided to wash them down with a whipped cream topped mocha. (I know, right?)
Soon it was time to go home. We got caught up on the mix 969's unplugged and I heard the most beautiful accoustic Mr. S. EVAH! Lie was no slouch either. I texted Coolie to see how good of a time she and the folks had and she told me she got a drumstick and a setlist and that her fam was also duly impressed. I also called Sky to make sure she wasn't axe murdered on the way to the hotel, but she didn't return my call til the next (this) morning.
No new song, so no real surprises this concert, yet the guys continue to prove--time and time again, just how tight and talented they are and worthy of fans who are no less than Fanthemic.
As I prepare to return to Minnesnowta and (dammit) begin my job hunting, I am contemplating my time spent pursuing baby rockstars and communing with like minded enthusiasts. Kyoat & I attended a one-man-play last week about Benjamin Franklin who wrote, "Do not squander time, for it is the stuff life is made of..." I know what my "A penny saved is a penny earned" dh thinks of how I spend my time, but I happen to think that that stuff is important...to the soul. Maybe "squander" like "beauty" is in the eye of the beholder. Time will tell?