the next chart topper....well, almost....

The other night I had yet another "this has gotta be a hit song" moment while dreaming.  I distinctly remember thinking--in my dream--that I had the beginnings of a pretty fantastic could-be chart topper.  I believed in its potential success so much that I remember struggling to wake up so that I could somehow record the words and the tune to be worked on at a later time.  Somehow I roused myself from that sleep, rolled over, unlocked my phone, found the voice recording icon and made a twenty second recording.  I tried to post my embarrassing attempt but I can't figure out how to share the downloaded "song".  But if you're really curious, let me know.  If I'm feeling especially good about myself that day and think you could use a laugh, I just might text it to you because something as embarrassing as this needs to be shared with someone besides my sister.

But be fair warned, if you don't think it's a winner, I don't know if I trust your taste in music.

late night with jimmy fallon!

I just may have attended the taping of Jimmy Fallon on Thursday, May 12, 2011.  And I just may have been selected to be on stage during Lauryn Hill's performances.  And if you look real closely, you just may see me and my friends (me, Matt Osmond, Courtney Young, and Betsy McPherson) on the right hand side of the stage, jamming, just as we were instructed....I mean, jamming as we were feeling the music. (But really, we were.  Lauryn Hill was pretty amazing and it was fun to watch the band.  We were right above the drummer.)

We also saw Maya Rudolph of SNL & Bridesmaids and Nick Offerman of Parks & Rec.

Best part of the taping, however, was Jimmy Fallon.  He's hilarious and very, very easy on the eyes...

Thanks, Courtney, for scoring tickets!!!

o-oh, livin' on a prayer!

There are quite a few strains of music that make my heart want to leap out of my chest, but even fewer that make me want to leap out of my seat.  On Thursday, February 24th 2011 at MSG, I learned that Bon Jovi's music does both for me.

I've always been a fan of Bon Jovi.  In fact, I remember the exact moment that I first heard his music and fell in love with it.  We were taking an extended family trip down to Mesquite, NV to visit my Aunt Susan and her family that lived down there.  For reasons I cannot remember, I rode with my cousins instead of my family.  The drive was a good 5 or 6 hours back then (read:  parents driving.  no speeding.)  and I recall that Aunt Brenda and Uncle Dan let the kids rotate music.  Greg, one of my older cousins had a Bon Jovi album (I think it was a cassette tape) and my younger cousin Diane, had Paula Abdul's "Forever Your Girl".  For some reason, I only remember those two being played.  But from the first strains of "Livin' On A Prayer" to the last, I knew that my life would never be the same.  (See the video here.)

So on the night of the Bon Jovi concert, when my ears heard the words, "Shot through the heart", my heart kicked me to my feet.  I wanted to scream louder than my body would actually allow me to but I did manage to get out a scream that showcased my approval and excitement. 

Now Bon Jovi puts on a great show.  He is keenly aware of his audience and what they want to hear.  He played for nearly three hours and took a measly five minute break.  And can I just say, that for a rock star who is in his late 40's he was looking really good! :)

My favorite part of the show, however, was his last encore number--"Livin' On A Prayer".  Everyone was on their feet, fist pumping, singing, clapping, and grinning wildly...or maybe that was just me.  It was as if a life long dream had been fulfilled.  For that one moment, I was a part of something universal and the world was a happy place.  Thanks, Tami, for wanting to experience the power of Bon Jovi with me.  It was all I ever hoped for and dreamed of....well, almost.  Had he sung "Always" it would have been perfect perfect as opposed to just perfect.

If interested, you'll find the set list below:

Last Man Standing

You Give Love A Bad Name

Born To Be My Baby

We Weren't Born To Follow

Lost Highway

When We Were Beautiful

It's My Life

Runaway

Superman Tonight

The More Things Change

Bad Medicine/Pretty Woman

Lay Your Hands On Me (Richie vox)

Make A Memory

I'll Be There For You (duet)

Something For The Pain

Someday I'll Be Saturday Night

Who Says You Can't Go Home                                                    

I'll Sleep When I'm Dead/Start Me Up

No Apologies

Have A Nice Day

Keep The Faith

In These Arms

Wanted Dead Or Alive
Livin' On A Prayer