Friday night at Washington County fair with Dierks Bentley – that’s a good time.  My friend Gary and I had great spots picked out in the VIP area and met some really fun people during the concert.  The sun was shining bright and it was hot when we got there.  Chasin Mason did a great job getting us going with “The Heartland”, “Hillbilly Deluxe”, and “We Aint Easy”.  The crowd was ready to rock and Chasin Mason knew it.  They were really good and very interactive with the audience.  They kept us pumped up with “Take Me In Your Arms”, “Falcon Prison”, and “Hicktown”.  Thank you Chasin Mason for a great performance.  We were ready for Dierks Bentley – especially Heather & Chris who were proudly wearing the shirts they made expressing they love Dierks Bentley.

Now the sun has gone down and it cooled of just a little bit, until Dierks Bentley hit the stage and made us all “Feel That Fire”.  The audience was up on their feet and as we made “Every Mile A Memory” going “Free and Easy” down the road. It was verified that there was no need to ask ourselves “Am I The Only One” who wants to have fun tonight because this crowd was fired up and ready for a long night of fun, and that is exactly what we got.  Dierks Bentley has a way of making you feel like he’s throwing a huge party just for you.  Everyone around is totally in the moment with “Country And Cold Beer” being the only thing on our minds.  Dierks is not only extremely talented, but so very good looking too.  I’m pretty confident that there wasn’t one woman in the audience that he would ever have to “Stop Your Leaving”.  Actually, it’s probably safe to say they all would love for him to want to “Make You Close Your Eyes”.  But I can’t see Dierks Bentley “Slow Down”, and he sings that he still has “A Lot Of Leaving Left To Do”. 

We were having a great time “Up On The Ridge” when Dierks Bentley gave us an amazing taste of “Good Ol’ Boys”, “The Fireman”, “More” and “Dead Or Alive”.  One of the things I really love about country music is that you never know what you might hear at a concert.  All the artists seem to have such a great appreciation for music all the way around, regardless of genre.  To me music is magic.  It is bittersweet when a concert ends, because I’m left wanting more, yet feeling so satisfied already.  I’m glad I had my good friend Gary with me that night; I didn’t have to make that “Long Trip Alone” as I left thinking about “What You’ve Done To Me”.  Thank you Dierks Bentley for a wonderful show.

Sunday – the last day of Summerfest. I’m so lucky and blessed that I was heading down to see Sugarland at the Marcus Amphitheater that night. But that’s not where my evening began. When I got wind about one month ago that Brantley Gilbert was going to be there that night at 6:00 playing at the Miller stage, I knew then my day was starting early. I wasn’t sure how much of his show I’d be able to see, but I was determined to see as much as possible. We took Paulie’s shuttle which got us there about 3:30. We grabbed some food and drinks and headed right over to the Miller stage. I did not move from my spot unless it meant inching my way forward. I couldn’t get as close as I was hoping…Brantley Gilbert has plenty of fans. I was about 6 rows back, a little to the right, but still a decent spot. I thought I did good getting there 2 ½ hours before the show started. NOT. Brantley Gilberts’ fans are die-hard and they were there since the gates opened up! I guess now I know better, next time he’s on a free stage I will be there first thing to get front row, at least second row!

Now you might be asking “who is Brantley Gilbert”? My answer is: an absolutely amazingly talented man with an incredible band who jam out the most awesome country/rock/soul you have ever heard. Right now his song “Country Must Be Countrywide” off his second album ‘Halfway To Heaven’ is being introduced to FM106. I’ve heard them play it a few times. In short it’s a song that explains its title, whether you live in a small town or a big city there are Country fans. The music is rockin and the lyrics grab you inside where it counts, and yes we heard it live. It was the third song he sang on Sunday dedicating it to the audience. We were a prime example of Country being countrywide and Brantley Gilbert took notice. The show started with “My Kinda Party” which Brantley Gilbert shared how happy he is that Jason Aldean decided to record and make so very popular and loved. Next we got “Hell On Wheels”, another on your feet hands in the air rockin out song. We enjoyed “Copperhead Road” that through me off my bench! I’m crazy about Brantley Gilbert, and Steve Earle is another favorite of mine, so to hear the incredible performance of this song was enough to have me floating on cloud nine. After that we got “Dirt Road Anthem”, another Brantley Gilbert original (with Colt Ford) recorded by the amazing Jason Aldean. So I guess if you like Jason Aldean – check out Brantley Gilbert. I think you’ll be extremely impressed.

We got a chance to hear a new song “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do” which was fabulous. Then they played something called “The Rock Jam” which was an incredible mix of great music…I’m sorry I can’t find words to describe it but I’ll tell you it was off the hook! Brantley Gilbert kept the show moving the entire night. There was no stopping him and I think he realized there was no stopping the crowd. We were insane! It’s like Brantley Gilbert’s music takes you on a level of complete truth, deep honesty and true to oneself and there’s no place to hide, your only option is to take it head on. He rocked the night out with “Take It Outside”, “Kick It In The Sticks” and “GRITS”, three favorites of mine. The audience was up before he even hit the stage, and we never slowed down for single minute! If you’re looking for a great show, check out Brantley Gilbert. Not familiar? YouTube him – that’s how I found him. Once I heard him I was hooked and there’s no turning back. This is incredible talent. Raw, real and rockin. That’s BG. I am a huge fan and I have no doubt you will be too. Now call FM106 and request some Brantley Gilbert!

Rockin out with Sugarland…what a way to close out Summerfest!  It was a hot Sunday night and Sugarland’s performance in no way cooled things down – they just heated things up even more.  My friend Dawn and I were so very lucky to have the opportunity for a meet-n-greet with Sugarland.  We were told no personal cameras –they took the picture, plus we received an autographed photo of the two of them.  Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush are both very kind people, and as we were reminded before meeting them…they are people.  So as I’ve done for all I’ve met so far, I walked up with open arms and received a nice hug from each of them.  They seemed down-to-earth and took a little time with each person.  It was really nice. 

The opening act was Sara Bareilles.  Unfortunately we missed her performance because we were backstage so I don’t have any information to share about her.  We were lucky enough to have tickets in the pit, which means we were up front!  No seats, it’s all standing room, but really – who’s sitting during a Sugarland concert?  Once we hit the pit, we met Mallory and Lyndsey, two very fun girls.  We had fun talking while waiting for the show to begin, and had a great time jamming out with them for the rest of the night.   The lights went down and there was a large curtain running across the stage.  Then we could see silhouettes of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush.  Next thing you know the curtain rises and on the stage is a huge, I’m talking huge clock that went from floor to ceiling.  The clock didn’t contain numbers, simply ‘then’ and ‘now’.  It was very rustic looking and quite beautiful.  The center of the clock was a video screen.  A simple, yet very lovely stage setup. 

So our night with Sugarland started with “Stuck Like Glue”, “It Happens”, and “Settlin”.  Now if that’s not enough to get the crowd going I don’t know what is.  Three hot hits like those and we were on fire.  Next we enjoyed “Tonight”, “All I Want To Do”, “Every Girl Like Me”, “Little Miss” and “Baby Girl”.  Wow – talk about a choice of songs to keep you moving and feeling great.  As an audience we were on our feet, singing and dancing to every song, along with Jennifer and Kristian, who never stopped or slowed down.  The two of them were constantly moving on the stage, singing, dancing and playing.  It’s difficult to describe the chemistry between the two of them, but chemistry would be my single word of choice as a description.  Together they’re magnetic.  The energy is so high, upbeat and positive you can’t help but feel awesome. 

After singing “Baby Girl” Sugarland surprised the audience.  They asked if we like surprises, said they love surprises and then sprung one on us…they signed a brand new guitar right there on the stage and said they were going to give it away.  Wow – how cool is that.  Once they both signed it, Kristian was escorted by security as he walked through the crowed up toward the back and ended in front of a young little girl wearing a pink shirt.  Yes – she was the super lucky recipient.  Even though it was so exciting and I was practically crying, I did get a picture of that magnificent moment.  That wasn’t the only thing given away – Kristian Bush threw out several guitar picks into the audience.  As if my night was amazing enough, I received one of the guitar picks.  Oh yes I did, and it’s beautiful!  It will be added to my scrapbook of one amazing year.

Now back to the music.  After that incredible moment we enjoyed “Incredible Machine”, and a great mix of “FU”, “Baby Baby”, and “9-5”.  Now Sugarland has us on our toes wondering what’s next, and we get “Everyday America”, “Stay”, and “Find The Beat Again”.  They finished out the night with “Sweet Caroline”, (Bah Bah Bah) “Who Says You Can’t Go Home”, “Something More”, “Stand Up”, and one last surprise “Come On Eileen”.  Now that’s one I never expected.  What a fabulous evening with Sugarland.  That was my second Sugarland experience and I’m looking forward to my third.  Their magnetic chemistry keeps me wanting more.

Special thanks to Paulie’s in West Allis - his shuttle service got me to and from Summerfest four of my five trips down.  Jamie and Lamar were excellent drivers who know how to get the job done!  Thanks all!

Friday night at Summerfest – and it was a triple delight.  We were there to see Jason Aldean who had two opening acts: Thompson Square and Chris Young.  What an amazing night that will be remembered forever.  Show time was 7:00, but Sue and I got there about 6:00 because we were so lucky to have the chance for meet-n-greet with all three!  How cool is that!  What a great feeling to enter through our own gate taking us backstage.  The staff did a really nice job keeping everything organized and flowing well.  It all went very smoothly.  We waited in line for our chance to meet Thompson Square who were very friendly and gave hugs before our picture was taken with them.  Down the stairs and out we went to get in line for Chris Young, who also was very friendly and gave hugs.  Once again, down and out we went for the final line to meet Jason Aldean.  He was so nice and damn cute.  He gave us hugs, took a picture with us and then autographed my ticket.  I shared with Jason that I couldn’t decide which cd cover to bring so I’d just ask for my ticket to be signed.  He was happy to hear his cd’s were being purchased and gave us a wink. Yah – Jason Aldean winked at us!  With so much to take in the night was pretty overwhelming, but my friend Sue said that Jason winking at her was the highlight of the evening. 

Although the three meet-n-greets’ went smooth, it did take some time.  We were still backstage waiting our turn to meet Jason Aldean when we could hear Thompson Square singing “You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not”.  I’m not sure what else they might have sang, because by the time we did make it out to our seat Chris Young was on stage, and what a performance he gave.  Chris Young sang “Man I Want To Be”, “I Can Take It From There”, “Who’s Gonna Take Me Home”, and “Fishing In The Dark”.  Chris Young did a great job warming us up – the crowd was high energy.  He of course didn’t let us go without enjoying “Tomorrow” and “Voices”.  What a great start to the night.

Now comes time for Jason Aldean who comes out with a cowboy hat on ready to rock.  The band was awesome, the stage was full of lights and the sound was amazing.  He started us off with “Amarillo Sky”, “Big Green Tractor”, “Why Do I Do That To You”, “Don’t Tell Them The Truth”, and “Crazytown”.  Well let me tell you – a night at Summerfest with Jason Aldean in the Marcus Amphitheater is a feeling of being in one crazy town!  The audience was on their feet and rockin out the entire time.  There were big video screens everywhere and videos played throughout most of the show.  At one point Jason Aldean went up on a stage that put him right in front of the huge video screen that was center stage – it looked really cool.  Every song he sang seemed to increase our desire for more, and more we got.  He sang “I’ll See You When I See You”, “My Kinda Party”, “Dirt Road Anthem”, and “Laughed Until We Cried”.  Something that was super cool was that Kelly Clarkson was on video I believe via satellite and sang “Don’t You Wanna Stay” with Jason Aldean.  The crowd went wild.  The songs just kept going, and we jammed out to “Hicktown”, “Dead Or Alive”, and our son’s favorite Jason Aldean song “She’s Country”.  It was a very fun evening rocking out with Jason Aldean.  I’d love to do it again.

A Wednesday July evening spent at Summerfest that will always be remembered.  What an honor to be seeing a fellow Milwaukeean back home, up on stage giving us an intimate performance.  It was a very warm July day, but as the sun went down it did cool off nicely down by the lake.  Danny Gokey was set to be on at 10:00, but my guest Domingo and I got there plenty early.  We were able to enjoy Brett Eldredge sing because he was on the Briggs Stage at 8:00 before Danny Gokey.  I am lucky to say this was my second time seeing Brett Eldredge because I saw him when he opened for Willie Nelson this past March, and once again he put on a good show.  A little bonus for me – after coming out of the bathroom I saw Brett Eldredge at the gate leading backstage.  I ran up to him like a giddy school girl, and he was so nice and friendly.  He gave me a hug and took a picture with me.  Woohoo!! 

It was now time for us to go backstage and meet Danny Gokey!   How great to have the chance to go behind the gate and stand right next to the bus that Danny Gokey is traveling on.  We waited a short time and then he came off the bus with a huge smile and open arms giving us both a great big hug.  Danny was very friendly.  It is a neat feeling to come walking out from back stage…the place people are curious about and want to go but rarely are able.  I do know just how lucky I am and am so very appreciative.  After meeting Danny Gokey we grabbed a beer and made way to our seats.  A very nice couple we were sitting next to during Brett Eldredge saved spots for us so we had decent seats to come back to for Danny Gokey.  The show started with a talented group of young kids – high school age who sang a couple songs with dance moves mixed in, some of those moves included backflips!  What a way to get the crowd going. 

Then Danny Gokey comes out like a pistol and starts the night with “Like It’s A Bad Thing”, followed by “Everybody Wants To Be Somebody” and “In Line For You”.  He sounded great and I was feeling very proud at that moment.  He looked comfortable on stage and happy to be there.  He shared with us that he now lives in Nashville, and has recently received a gift of a 70,000 square foot facility that will be used to house and help homeless people get back on their feet.  It is currently occupied by its first residents which is a family of five.  He talked about Sophia’s Heart and you could see in his face and hear in his voice the passion he has for helping others.  How could I not feel proud!  His parents and family must be ready to burst with proudness. 

Danny Gokey was very interactive with the crowd during the entire show.  He seems so comfortable it somehow puts you at ease yet full of excitement.  It’s hard to explain – my suggestion would be to go to his next show if you can. We also enjoyed “Turning Light” and “Wanna Get Away”. The audience went absolutely nuts when he sang “What Hurts The Most”.  That had everyone all fired up and ready for “Hard To Handle”, and from his new album “Give Me A Kiss”.  He finished the night off with “I Will Not Say Goodbye” and “It’s Only Love”.  Danny put on a very good show.  He seems to have a good heart with good intentions to help others.  May that never change.

Saturday night at Summerfest with Phil Vassar – that’s what I call a good time. What an amazing show. The evening for my guest Jenny and me started with the chance to go backstage and meet Phil Vassar. What a friendly and nice man. Though things move rather quickly (I’m guessing to ensure he makes the stage as scheduled) it’s pretty obvious that Phil Vassar enjoys the intimate time of meeting fans. He was very personable and didn’t seem to rush at all. We waited patiently for him to come out and before long it was our turn – one at a time we got to stand next to Phil Vassar and get our picture taken with his arm snug around us. That really is an awesome feeling.

After meeting Phil Vassar, we headed out to find a spot. Well, being that we were behind stage up until right before the show started there was not a seat to be found. Of course – it’s Phil Vassar! The crowd was huge and they were pumped. There was no chance at getting to the center, so we snugged our way at the end of the bleachers. After a little while, this amazing group of four Casey, Dana, Halie, and Joe agreed to squeezed a bit closer and make room for us on the end – now we have seats. Not like they’re used for sitting on, they are there to stand on just like a Summerfest concert should be. Since there was no incline for the seats and we were all on the same level, I couldn’t get a great view. (I’m not the tallest person!) For that reason, taking pictures was very interesting and a bit challenging. How did I do it? I held the camera up over my head as high as possible and clicked. We got what we got by pure luck because I had no idea what I was pointing at! Luckily I do have some pictures to share. Thanks again to the group for sharing the bleachers – had I been on the ground pictures would have been scarce. One more thanks to Casey for helping me find something to write on because I forgot my pad of paper. (Yes I take notes – you don’t really think I remember all the songs do you!?)

Ok let’s get on with it…what did he sing? Well he started the evening with “That’s Why I Love You”, “Real Love”, I’m Alright”, “Love Is A Beautiful Thing”, and “Six Pack Summer”. As I mentioned the crowd was pumped up and now we were all ready to rock. Phil Vassar has such amazing energy he’s all over the stage and moving constantly. He was interactive with the audience and enjoyed when we sang back to him. It was a great show in respect that he gave us a tremendous variety to enjoy. We received an awesome performance of “Oh What A Night”, “Summer Lovin”, “Bring Back That Loving Feeling”, “Bye Bye”, “My Next 30 Years”, and “Another Day In Paradise”. The audience was very receptive and was now on fire with excitement. Phil seemed to know that we would enjoy such a variety because we all sang along to every song. I was really blown away – what an appreciation for music. I myself am a music lover of all genres’, so this was absolutely perfect to me, I knew every song. From there we enjoyed “Last Day Of My Life” and “Bobbi”. After “Bobbi” there was no stopping the crowd or Phil Vassar. What we got next was out of this world, AC/DC’s “Back In Black”, into Rick Springfield’s “Jesse’s Girl”, and rolled into Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”. Wow – we were all singing along. (Bah, Bah, Bah) I didn’t expect any of that! To finish the night off we heard “Red Rodeo”, “Take That As A Yes”, and my favorite Billy Joel song “Piano Man”. Remember that energy Phil has that I talked about? Well, he was on the piano. You read it right – ON the piano. Uh huh – I’m so telling the truth. Go Phil go! Yes, an evening with Phil Vassar is something to remember, and something I hope to experience again.

It was one hot Friday evening at Summerfest, and I’m referring to both the weather and Mr. Toby Keith! Since it was a Toby Keith concert, on the 4th of July weekend, all I could think of was red, white and blue. I did my best to work the USA colors into my attire. I found a headband that was decked out in USA – it was a bit cheesy but hey, so am I so I wore it! My friend Erin and I got there a bit early because we had to get the scoop regarding our meet-n-greet – how cool is that! What an amazing opportunity. Our meet-n-greet was before Toby came on, which was also during the time Eric Church was playing. That is a bittersweet situation because I really love Eric Church and was looking forward to seeing him, yet who’s going to pass up the chance to meet Toby Keith. While we were in line waiting to go backstage we did get to enjoy Eric Church sing “Hell On The Heart”. While we were waiting we struck up conversation with Kevin and Tony who stood behind us, two handsome military men, as well as talked to just about everyone else around us. It helped the time go faster. We could somewhat hear Eric Church singing “Homeboy” while in back. We were told upon meeting Toby Keith that we could not take any of our own pictures. There was one staff person who took a group picture, and we then received an autographed picture. Let me tell you – Toby Keith is one big cowboy! We look tiny next to him. On our way back out to the concert we enjoyed Eric Church singing “A Country Boy Can Survive”. Of what we did see, Eric Church was very good. I was told by some people that though we missed it, he did also sing “Drink A Little Drink”.

Now let the sparks fly – it’s time for Toby Keith. The energy in the Marcus Ampeatheater was out of this world. The minute Toby Keith came out on stage everyone was up on their feet and that’s where we stayed for the rest of the show. He came out like a firecracker with “American Ride” and it wasn’t long into the show that he said it was time for “Made In America” which they were going to film the video. He said we had only one shot and gave us a great performance. The audience was on fire. It’s cool to see the signs and T-shirts that people make for concerts, but with the awareness of the video filming the posters were outrageous. It seemed everywhere you looked someone had a poster. It was very uplifting. Toby Keith is so talented that we had quite a variety to enjoy like “Whiskey Girl”, “Talk About Me”, “God Love Her”, “Get Drunk And Be Somebody”, “Who’s you’re Daddy”, and “I Love This Bar”. There was a huge video screen behind the stage, and during every song there was a video playing. It was nice to see the videos because they all had footage that walked you through the story of the song. It was obvious that Toby Keith and the entire audience were feeling the pride of being an American, the feeling of freedom and togetherness. The entire night was crazy wild and upbeat, which explains why there was no time for sitting down. Some more fun songs we enjoyed were “Should Have Been A Cowboy”, “Weed With Willie”, “Get Outta My Car”, “Beer For My Horses”, “How Do You Like Me Now”, and “A Lot More Action”. As if all that wasn’t enough, Toby Keith did not let it end there. He came back out for an encore to send us home feeling amazing after hearing “American Soldier” and “Red, White And Blue”. As red, white and blue confetti sparkled in the lights people were screaming. We were all so fired up it was as if we were an audience of fireworks. What an awesome show. Toby Keith really knows how to get the energy going high and keep you there for the entire ride. It was a great show that I’m sure anyone would enjoy.

What a super fun Sunday evening at Pridefest. A little more sunshine would have been nice, but otherwise the weather was perfect for a lakefront party. All of the rainbows helped to brighten things up. Leann Rimes concert was set to begin at 7:00. I got there plenty early and had nice seats picked out nestled in front of the Miller stage with a beer in one hand and camera in the other. My friend Barb & I took turns for beer runs to keep our selected spots.

Opening for Leann Rimes we had a great time with Chely Wright who was absolutely beautiful. She looked great in a pair of jeans with a white shirt and a blue jacket. She expressed how excited she was to be there and that it was nice to be herself, completely open and honest about who she is. The crowd applauded and showed a return of appreciation. Chely was very interactive with the audience and made the show feel very intimate. She sang many songs including “Jezebel”, “What If We Fly”, and oh yes “Single White Female”. She also sang “The Bumper Of My SUV” which got tremendous applause and a long standing ovation. That was the first time I heard that song and I enjoyed it completely. It was a lot of fun and had great meaning. I felt proud to be part of that moment. There was another song that I’ll call “The Positive Song”. I’m not sure if that’s the name of it but it was just a fun song that had the audience rolling in laughter. Chely Wright put on a good show.

Now for Leann Rimes who came out in a white skirt and black long sleeved top with sexy black high heels. She shared with us that she’s never received so many compliments on her shoes in one evening. The crowd soaked it up. Leann Rimes was also very personable, very engaging, open and honest. She was as proud to be there celebrating as the crowd was, a celebration of being colorful human beings. Leann was passionate about expressing her support for equality, and the audience seemed to feel she was genuine. She started the night with “This Way” and followed with her new single “Give” which was a really good song. She kept going with “Strong”, “Something’s Gotta Give”, “Tic Toc”, and John Anderson’s “Swingin”. By this point the audience is on fire and Leann feels it. She was so interactive with the crowd that it felt like she was singing to you. She gave us a taste of Adele’s “Someone Like You” which was awesome. Leann finished the night up with “Blue”, “Life Goes On”, “How Do I Live”, “Nothing Better To Do”, and “What I Cannot Change”. You’ll enjoy some nice close up pictures thanks to Colleen who sat 3rd row and took pictures. Thanks Colleen! It was a great show. Leann was high energy and very sweet. I’m so glad I was able to see her in concert and would love to see her again.

A Saturday night at a Jimmy Buffett event – worked for me!  I must call it an event because that is what this was.  My friend Barb and I now know that an evening with Jimmy Buffett starts mid-day.  Since this was a first for both of us we didn’t realize so we didn’t arrive until about 6:00.  As we were driving along CR-D toward Alpine Valley we noticed people sitting at the ends of their driveways with orange cones blocking them.  That was an interesting start but our real introduction was the man and woman walking down the road in tropical attire from head to toe…and the man was the one wearing the grass skirt! We looked and each other laughed and agreed this was going to be a very fun night.  As we pulled into Alpine Valley toward our directed parking spot we saw cars, limousines, busses, and motor homes – and these are vehicles for the fans, not the band.  We parked and just sat for a little while and absorbed what was going on around us before we started walking toward what I like to call The Hill That Kills. (More about that later)  Lawn chairs, grills, canopies, and tents occupied by smiling people who are all dressed for a luau. Grass skirts, coconut bras, shell bras, Hawaiian shirts, straw hats, flower leis, sandals and flip-flops.  Again both men and women wore all items mentioned – it was all about fun.  Not only the people were dressed up but the vehicles were too!  Everything and anything Jimmy Buffet tropical you could think of was present on those grounds.  Palm trees, hammocks, swimming pools, beach balls, fins, hamburgers, parrots, etc.  One black truck had an entire beach set up next to it. Sand covered the ground and on it a swimming pool, beach balls, tropical signs, palm trees, and beach chairs. It was amazing, and yes of course I got a picture of that!

The feeling received from the vibe of the atmosphere was so relaxed.  Tons of people all gathered together to hang out in a field for the day.  It was pretty obvious that every single person was having an amazing time. Regardless of where you looked you found smiles and laughter, and it’s like everyone got along with everyone.  So many different people from different walks of life come together in community as if they’ve known each other their entire lives.  I admire the true devotion and dedication that hard core Jimmy Buffett fans have.  I can see how that could happen since a Jimmy Buffett concert is really an all-day event of having nothing but fun.  Who wouldn’t want to do that repeatedly! 

We finally arrive to the gate to get in and head right for the bathroom, where we spent about 15 minutes in line.  Next we go for our very expensive beer that we waited in line to get and then proceed down The Hill That Kills to our seats.  Yes – if you haven’t been to Alpine Valley let me tell you, that is one crazy steep hill.  Even going down it is quite a task and it seems to take forever.  The concert began as we were walking down the hill and the energy of the crowd around us was amazing.  Once to our seats it was party time.  Everybody was up on their feet clapping and singing and feeling “Hot Hot Hot”.  Jimmy Buffet is so casual and interactive with the crowd it’s awesome.  Well, what’s more casual than a pair of shorts, yellow shirt and bare feet.  I think the bare feet are so cool. Being there really puts you in a moment of actually feeling like “It’s 5:00 Somewhere” on a beach “Living My Life Like A Song”.   Now I’ve seen beach balls at concerts before, but this was beyond anything I’ve experienced – they were everywhere!  And they went strong through the audience for quite a while, but the “Brown Eyed Girl” started taking them away and they popped them and got tossed into a pile. That was sad – I took a picture of the pile. But even after all the beach balls were gone it did not ruin our “Black Top Day” as we were “Off To See The Lizard”.  So about this time we are “Going Insane” and ready to make our way up The Hill That Kills to use the bathroom and refresh our beverage – our beerJ  We made our way to the top and spent some time on our mission, but did accomplish it.  As we worked our way down The Hill That Kills we decided it was about to “Use Me Up”.  Let me inform you…there is beer at the bottom, but not a bathroom!  So, we ended up hanging out with Trevor on the grass.  Again everyone was so friendly they just welcomed us in to hang with them, so we did.  We enjoyed an “Eruption” in “Paradise” while I’m sure that a lot of people did “Get Drunk And Screw”.  I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in “Margarittaville”.  I think I will go again for some more cheeseburgers and a full day of “Fins”.  I plan to buy a new coconut bra to replace the one I wore but broke shortly after we arrived, I certainly don’t want to feel out of place.