Day 2: Castles, Whiskey and Cough Drops

...sorry for the delay in posting. Crazy, fun weekend. DJ3K!

Okay ... onto Day 2 of my Bon Jovi UK adventure.

The concert in Edinburgh had been fantastic. The crowd fabulous. The set list wonderful. The confetti ... EVERYWHERE! LOL But, unfortunately, it had rained ... a lot - cold, windy rain - and that wreaked havoc on my flight-weary body so that by the next morning, I was downright SICK ... yep, fever, cough, congestion, achiness. UGH!

But the show must go on!

Another lesson learned quickly while "on tour" ... there are two kinds of days: sitting ones (concert days - in the queue) and walking ones (non-concert days - sightseeing.) So, after a quick stop at the pharmacy to get me some heavy-duty meds, we got on the bus and headed off to check out the city and Edinburgh Castle, in particular.

..after walking the winding streets of the city (including meeting an extremely funny guy who was dressed up as Braveheart), we finally made our way up to the castle...

...the entrance...complete with quintessential moat! (no alligators, though, I checked. LOL)



They are in the midst of preparing for the world-famous Edinburgh Festival so lots of construction going on ...





I would love to be able to come back to experience the military tattoo ... must be an amazing sight!

(obviously not my picture. haha)

After all that walking and picture-taking, we just had to stop for a drink, yes? And what better place for a slightly-ailing American than The Scotch Whiskey Experience!? We opted out of the barrel ride through the production facility and headed straight for the cafe.

...ahh, it looks like an innocent cup of coffee, but ... woohee!

Of course...we had to also try some straight whiskey...you know, for medicinal purposes! *wink*

But, soon enough it was time to get back to the hotel to pick up our bags and head to the airport. I really wish I'd had more time in Scotland. The people there were incredibly kind and the city of Edinburgh had so much more I wanted to explore. I will be back!

Next stop: LONDON...and a dream come true!

p.s. Amusing side note: during the concert, Jon Bon Jovi mentioned that he wanted to move to Scotland...Jon did you happen to see this on your way to the venue? Look! Each of the guys could have their own wing! It was right across the street from our hotel. I thought it would make a really cool music conservatory. Can you imagine the heating bill for that thing?! But, still ... c'mon lottery numbers!! Haha.





...oh, and just so that you don't forget what's still coming up...

Hard Rock Calling in Hyde Park...



A rainy night in Bristol...



...and of course...the two Dublin shows.

Stop 1: Edinburgh (via Paris and Dublin)

So, where do I begin?

Well, if it's Tuesday, this must be Scotland! (points for whoever gets the cinema reference! *wink*)

I like to travel. Really, I do. And generally, I travel pretty well. But, admittedly, after three flights (NYC to Paris; Paris to Dublin; Dublin to Edinburgh) I was VERY happy to finally arrive at my destination.

I think it was the 7-hour layover in Dublin that was particularly annoying -- THOUGH I did end up hanging at a pub watching Wimbledon (go Roger!) while drinking my first pint of Guinness. By the way, it is ABSOLUTELY true that Guinness in Ireland tastes infinitely better than Guinness in the States. Seriously, it's like two completely different beers.

Nonetheless, I was relieved to finally land in very rainy Scotland (rain: that would become the ongoing theme of this trip) to the welcoming cheers from the crazy Gs. For those of you new to the blog, that would be my much-loved German girls with whom I've had many wild and wonderful adventures.

We stayed at the most adorable bed and breakfast place, not too far from the concert venue (good thinking, Rike!) Contrary to the picture, no ... the place wasn't tilting, that was me. LOL

After a traditional English breakfast the next morning, we headed over to Murrayfield to get our numbers and pick up our tickets. I learned quickly the importance of breakfast on show days ... because once you got in the queue, you more often than not didn't end up eating too much the rest of the day (as can be told by the Hyde Park show, when I basically had four cough drops all day. LOL) I also learned that from the hours and hours of waiting to get into the venue, fan club members overseas truly know and take care of eachother. Throughout this whole trip, I was happy to meet so many people I had known online either through the club, this blog or on Twitter.

We finally were allowed to enter and I staked out my spot in the first row. I was blessed to be surrounded by some super-fun fans which certainly helped pass the time as we waited for the local band (Val Verde ... who were great) and the support act (Vintage Trouble) to take the stage. At some point, it started raining (of course, this is Scotland!) and pretty much continued on and off throughout the rest of the evening.

I was anxious to experience Bon Jovi in the UK, having heard all the stories about overseas fans and set lists, etc. etc. etc. I was definitely not disappointed. The show was fantastic ... the energy, completely different than in the States. I do still feel that having all the diehard fans together in the front (of either the diamond circle or the golden circle) makes a big difference. But, whatever the case, I was smitten from the first moments.

Of course, I hadn't seen a concert since Jon Bon Jovi injured his knee in Helsinki so I was curious as to exactly how much he was able to move around. In true Jon fashion, nothing was slowing him down. And, the rain wasn't slowing the crowd down in the least. Oh, I FINALLY got to take part in the whole confetti/Capt Crash chaos -- I am pretty sure I'll be finding confetti in my stuff for months to come! LOL

I had a blast joking around with David during Who Says You Can't Go Home (this became a nightly occurence as I was wearing my NY Yankees cap at every show. LOL) And, what a treat to get Wild is the Wind (have always loved that song) and a fantastic version of These Days. But, the utimate moment of the night ... hearing (in its original form for the first time since I think 95/96 for me) this incredible song! (video by Deweyjovi - great meeting you in the pit that night! *smile*)

Because of the rain, I wasn't able to take quite as many pictures as I normally do, but here are a few of my favorites ...

(it's not perfect but I sort of like how Jon is clear and Richie and Bobby are blurred a bit)

...and here's the throw...


...another successful maracas catch! LOL ...








...Jon encouraging the crowd to make even more noise...

By the end of the concert, I had fallen in love with Bon Jovi all over again ... their energy, the songs, the brotherhood and, regardless of Jon being in obvious discomfort with his knee, the aura that just surrounds one of the greatest frontmen in the history of rock.



And, that was just day ONE of the trip!

p.s. I already thought of at least 5 things I wanted to put into this post ... so come back tomorrow. LOL #SoManyMemories!

2011...Halfway There

Greetings fellow music fans! Happy Fourth of July to my American friends -- and happy Monday (ayyy...sorry) to my other buddies.

So ... I have returned from my crazy Jovi UK/Eurotour adventure. And what an adventure it was! I certainly will be sharing stories and pictures from the road over the next week or so. An unforgettable 10 days for sure.

But, given that we are halfway through 2011, it's time for my mid-year pick for performance of the first six months. There have been some truly great evenings since we rang in the new year -- from the Kronos Quartet at Carnegie Hall (awesome!) to Elvis Costello at the Beacon Theatre. There have been Jukes shows and Jovi shows, small chamber music concerts and big festival rock-n-roll shows.

In the end, though, there were TWO shows that stand out. The first made it in just under the wire on June 30th. Yes, I'm talking about Bon Jovi in Dublin night 2.

As many of you know, that was my 200th show (I'm trying not to think about the $$$. LOL) and more than anything I really wanted to hear Bounce. Jon Bon Jovi will never know the personal significance that song has for me (some of you do) but it marks more than just a concert milestone for me and will always hold a special place in my heart. Anyhoo, I do believe Mr. Rockstar may have been trying to screw with me a bit during the fan club event as when he said they were trying to decide between Happy Now and Bounce he just smirked at me. Stinker!

Well, given that we all know he lies (heck, even he admits it, right?) ... I was pleasantly surprised that they opened the show with "my" song. Wanting to just enjoy the moment, I didn't record or take pictures during it. Luckily, many other people did ... here's a great clip by Jovigirlfm (who always takes great video!)



But, it wasn't only hearing one of my all-time favorite songs that made this such an extraordinary concert. It was the incredible combination of the set list (Damned/If Loving You is Wrong, Love for Sale, Hey God, Never Say Goodbye all in the same show!!!), the venue, the crowd and the band at the top of its game. I can see now why JBJ loves Dublin so much. It's pretty easy to fall in love with the city, the people and the energy there. Between the perfect weather, a crowd hungry for as much as Bon Jovi was willing to put out (and that was a lot), the concert morphed into one of those epic nights that just kept getting more and more unbelievable.

Oh, and by the way, we got Happy Now as well *wink*



This show was the perfect way to close out my five remarkable concerts in the UK/Europe ... a ton of friends, a great band, a fabulous crowd ... and a song from Jon. Doesn't get much better than that!


BUT WAIT!

...as I said earlier, there were TWO shows that defined the first half of the year. It would be criminal not to talk about the show that had a juggernaut hold on the "best of the year" performance up until the very last day of June.

Where Bon Jovi can take an entire crowd of 60,000 on a ride, the performance by the Early Elton Trio of "Madman Across the Water" in January was that kind of rare musical experience where the listener is transported to a place where it is just them and the artist. I equate it to a film sequence where the main characters are in crystal clear focus and the entire world around them is a blur. That's what this performance was like. It is one of those feelings that can't really translate to video ... but here is what I suggest: maximize your screen, turn down the lights, use earphones so you can hear everything -- and when you get to the solo in the middle, just close your eyes and listen. Jeff Kazee knocked it out of the park. Period.



So, there you go...the two stand-out concerts of the first half of 2011. Trust me, it wasn't easy -- Bon Jovi in Hyde Park was really outstanding. I'll write more about that later. And that crazy, rainy night in Bristol wasn't too shabby either. LOL

Until the next time...
xoxo
Big Apple Jen

Ok..Here We Go!

I know I have been a bit out of touch lately...sorry 'bout that. But, the time has come for...

Big Apple Jen's Bon Jovi UK Adventure

Yep, tomorrow I arrive in Scotland ... then it's off to London ... Bristol ... and finally DUBLIN!!! I'll be meeting up with the crazy Gs --- we had such a blast during my Jukes Euro mini-tour last October that we just couldn't wait to do it all over again!

I think I have struck a deal with T-Mobile so I will be able to tweet, text and post pictures/reviews without it costing an arm and a leg. So, be sure to stay tuned ... if you aren't following me on Twitter, you can find me at @bigapplejen.

So, I'm still trying to finalize what banner(s) I/we should make when I get there. What's in the running?

1. "Hey Jon, I'm an American and I know the verses." (I will refrain from adding "better than you do" as one of my tweetbuddies suggested. Hahaha.)

2. "Sorry 'bout the knee...but you can still sing This Ain't A Love Song."

3. "200 Bon Jovi shows ... 27 years of joy. Thanks!"

4. "I know every agent at Greyhound because of this band!" (LOL..c'mon, you knew there had to be some type of bus reference right?)

Well, then again, I'm not really a banner/sign person.

Before I go, just wanted to give you the heads-up on a few things:

First, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes are going to be playing the Montreal Jazz Festival at the end of the month. You can get more information HERE. I'm bummed to miss this as I like Montreal...and am always up for a timbit from Tim Horton's. LOL

Second, the Early Elton Trio (which y'all know I just love) will be doing a couple of shows in the Northeast including Norfolk, CT and Northampton, MA. You can find more information on their website. Would have loved to catch the Norfolk show, I spent one of the best summers of my life as a fellow at the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival. Lots of good memories, including hitting an in-the-park homerun off of Toronto Symphony Principal Clarinetist, Joaquin Valdepenas. Hehe!

And finally, a big thank you to all those who made a pledge for Outside the Box's Kickstarter campaign. There is still time to pre-order their debut album. Word is that it should be dropping early-July.

Ok...that's all for now. To my Jovifriends in Europe, I'm on my way! To the girls who will be flying over for the Dublin fan club trip, safe travels.

Next stop: Edinburgh.

p.s. ayyy...totally forgot...calendar alert! Lorenza Ponce will be playing The Living Room in NYC on July 19th. This is the only show of the summer, so make sure you don't miss it!

The Stone Pony: Still (Rocking) After All These Years

*blog title...don't you just love that Paul Simon tune?!*

Anyhoo, another magical night at the legendary Stone Pony. You can read all about it here.

Thanks!

p.s. countdown for my Bon Jovi UK trip has officially begun. Even bought a new pair of concert shoes at ... get this ... a site called Shoebacca. Haha. Funny. (if you didn't get it, check out this guy from Star Wars)

With or Without JBJ, Jukes Rock The Hamptons

You can find the article/review I wrote for Jukesnet HERE ... Enjoy!

Elvis, Elton and More ...

*currently singing Loverboy's "Everybody's Working for the Weekend"*

Greetings folks! Hope this finds you well. Here in the States we are all anxiously awaiting the weekend ... Memorial Day Weekend, the generally accepted start of summer. For me, this weekend means two things:

1. Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes tomorrow night in Amagansett. Remember what happened last time I went out there? Luckily, we are not under a hurricane watch this time. As for an appearance by Jon Bon Jovi -- as fun as it would be, I'm actually more excited about possibly hearing "Some Things Just Don't Change" ...c'mon SSJ, you did it at least TWICE in Scandinavia, it's our turn!!

2. The Early Elton Trio out on Long Island on Saturday. I absolutely love these guys. It will be interesting to see them in a large-scale setting (outdoor park, picnics, fireworks, etc.) versus the smaller venues I've experienced. Jeff Kazee's version of "Madman Across the Water" at the January show still remains the single most amazing performance of 2011. Honestly, it's going to be hard for something to top that.

So, bring on the weekend! Good music. Fun times.

Oh! Speaking of good music, fun times ... many of you know I went to see Elvis Costello this week. A bunch of you asked if I took pictures. Is water wet? Is ice best served with vodka? Do you always get ketchup on yourself when wearing white? In other words ... yes! I took pictures. Here are a few.

The fabulous Spinning Wheel used to help the audience determine the setlist. Wouldn't it be a hoot if Bon Jovi used one? Apparently, the Jukes had one several years ago.



...as you can see, it's a pretty big wheel! I'm not a fan of audience participation (as in "you come up here on stage and mangle the song") ... but THIS kind of involvement I fully support! LOL



Elvis is in the building!





...this was a shot I got when he walked up the aisle right next to me. Very cool.



Keyboardist extraordinaire, Steve Nieve.





...and you thought David Bryan's outfits were...ummm...interesting? Haha.



It was a truly fantastic show. Great interaction with the crowd. Wonderful playing. A TON of songs - I Want You (my personal favorite), Alison, Hand in Hand, Hoover Factory, Accidents Will Happen, Veronica ... of course (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace Love and Understanding (still trying to process the video on that one) ... and kick-a$$ covers of the Stones' Out of Time and Prince's Purple Rain. If you have never seen Elvis before, I highly recommend that you do! There is a reason why great songwriters cite Elvis Costello as one of their favorites. Brilliant.

Okay...that's all for now. Will be back with thoughts on the Jukes show in Morristown last Friday, as well as Lorenza Ponce's "Apocolypse (Not Quite) Now" show at Stanhope House on Saturday.

Til then. Keep rocking!
xoxo
BAJ

So You Wanna (Help) a Rock-and-Roll Star?

Ok...I've written about Outside the Box before. Really, truly NICE guys. Talented. Smart. SO YOUNG (but that's not their fault. LOL) I was that young once ... I think. Yeah, I know -- "not old, just older."

Anyhoo, they are in the process of completing their debut album (yay!) but need some help. Here's where all of you, my lovely friends, come in.

How would you like to support this amazing band? You could get everything from a signed CD to concert tickets to dinner with the guys! And ... in the process, you'd be assisting in the development of one of the next great rock-and-roll bands! Every band has to start somewhere, right?

Those who read this blog on a regular basis know my passion for music. I wouldn't write about something I don't feel 100% about ... and that's why I was the first person to jump on board to support them (as a diehard Yankees fan, I even overlooked their producer sporting a Cincinnati Reds hat in the promo video. Haha. j/k JK.)

So, whaddya think? Will you join me?

Step 1: Go to THIS SITE to watch a great video on the project and pledge your support.

Step 2: Pat yourself on the back for doing a good deed. :)

Step 3: Visit Outside the Box's website for more music, tour dates and pictures.

Thanks in advance from me, the blogger formerly known as Big Apple Jovi Girl.

p.s. and if you're in/near Asbury Park on Wednesday nights in June, you can check out OTB live at the Stone Pony! Be sure to let me know you're coming.


*re: Blog title ... gotta love The Byrds*

Bon Jovi in the Buckeye State

Greetings readers! Hope this finds you well ... sorry it's been so long. I'm ridiculously far behind on posting pictures and reviews from the last couple of weeks. Oops.

Well, while I get my act together, I thought I'd post some images from the Columbus show last night.

This show was all about seeing Bon Jovi with my mom. We hadn't seen a show together since the Blossom one (the Jukes *ahhhh*) So, given it was a couple of days after Mother's Day and this was the only other Ohio show, I knew I had to treat her ... I even (only slightly reluctantly) agreed to forgo pit tickets so my mom could see Tico close up on the circle (ooops - who knew.) But, we ended up with FANTASTIC circleside (non-package!) seats. THANK YOU to the Backstage with Jon Bon Jovi fan club. :-)

I must say that Jon seemed much more playful than last Saturday night at Mohegan Sun. (I promise. Those pictures will be posted soon.)



I tend to use the continuous auto-shutter mode during concerts. The only issue -- sometimes my subject goes missing while the camera is snapping away. LOL



With Richie's absence, only Jon has been coming out onto the circle these days. (I've been affectionately calling this the "Music Minus One" tour. By the way, if you haven't checked out videos with Phil X playing, you should. He sounds great.)



As we all know, we love to have those special moments with the guys ... and we are blessed with loving a band that is happy to indulge us with those moments. I was grateful to have two wonderful moments this show. The first being during Bed of Roses when Jon sang a couple of lines to me and then sat down on the circle right in front of me. Here is the last shot I got until my camera decided to spaz out. UGH!



I must say ... Jon on the circle + 26x zoom = *Sigh*



But why is it that no matter how many times I see the band, I still get a little shaky when Jon comes around?



I have always loved the lighting for When We Were Beautiful ...



Many of you have heard about "the dolls" already ... some fans in the pit had Jon and Richie dolls that Jon asked they throw up to the stage. The whole exchange was funny, but to me what stood out was the poignancy of the moment. Jon's love for Richie came thru at several points during the show including during the added lines of IBTFY and a reference during Blood on Blood.

I can't even imagine how much he misses his friend right now.







...and how wonderful that he made sure "Richie" was sitting on his guitar, leaning against Jon's heart ...



Jon came out onto the circle once again during Living on a Prayer. At one point, one of the robotic cameras got a bit frisky with him, focusing in on ... well ... let's just say, Jon exclaimed something like "watch it there, buddy!" Haha.



He continued to make his way around the circle ...



He then arrived in front of me and my mom. He looked at me and smirked and then offered his hand to my mom. *smile* A bit shy, my mom tentatively reached her hand out to him and he grabbed her fingers and held on ... tight. I give my mom credit for not saying "umm...this is nice, but can you go get Tico?" ROFLMAO. But, seriously ... it was a moment neither of us will ever forget. So, I may have bought the tickets, but it was Jon Bon Jovi who really gave my mom such a great Mother's Day present.

Okay, folks...that's it for now. I'll be back soon with Mohegan Sun pictures and a write up of an amazing night in Asbury Park to benefit former Jukes keyboard player Kevin Kavanaugh. And then, get ready! The schedule so far for the rest of May/June? BonJovi 7x ... SSJ/Jukes 6x ... Outside the Box 4x and a show each by Lorenza Ponce, the Early Elton Trio and Elvis Costello.

So much music, so little time!

p.s. Yes, I changed my Twitter handle to @bigapplejen ... why? Because as much as I love Jovi (and I DO!), I also love a lot of other bands and musicians as well. (Also, a couple of the Jukes kept threatening to come up with a new Twitter ID on my behalf. Now THAT could have been scary. LOL)