André Rieu Fans in Wonderland
Andre Rieu is in town!
At the Rose Garden in Portland Oregon & Key Arena in Seattle Washington.
I attended both concerts.
Sharing many photographs and videos, here is my story ...
The day of the concert, Marlene Warren met me for a late lunch/early dinner. As we were eating, Gerda Case and Suzan came by to say hello. Later we met Christina Thomburg and her friends and then Marilyn Smith and Terrie. All nice people, all in Portland for the concert.
Vernice Warneke and Marilyn Bas had invited myself, Marilyn Smith and Terrie to ride with them to the concert. At 7:00 pm a beautiful white limousine pulled into our hotel driveway. We joined 5 generations of fans in the limo. Vernice looked like a movie star with her gorgeous smile and stunning beaded jacket, Marilyn Bas was beautiful as always, Marilyn’s daughter Shelly and granddaughter Krystal provided proof that younger hip adults like Andre Rieu and at 2 years old, Kyleigh was the hit of the night in her robin’s egg blue waltz gown.
See the photos & read the full story on our website:
click here~~> AndreRieuFans.com <~~click here
Is the Portland Rose Bowl the place that has the light rail passing nearby? (I remember the location from my 1995 visit).
Paul in Australia
Hi Paul, Yes! That is the same place. The light rail made it easy to get to & from. I took the light rail from the airport and got off 1 block from my hotel. Portland has a very good public transit system.
It would have been extra nice to have you and yours at the concert. An added treat!
How was your visit in '95?
It is great to know you took public transport to Andre's concert in Portland Sally!
The Telstra Dome where he will be performing in Melbourne is also well served by public transport with trains and trams passing the door.
My 1995 trip across the USA from Portland Oregon to Portland Maine was wonderful and we saw so much of the country including Yellowstone Park, Mount Rushmore and Niagara Falls. (Driving on the "other" [for us] side of the road was no real problem).
To say nothing of countless American cafes and diners; we loved them and the enormous servings of food!
A very nice lady we spoke to in Sandpoint, Idaho, asked if we drove from Australia! (She didn't realise there was 7000 miles of Pacific Ocean in between). That was one of the highlights of our trip.
It will be good to here some USA visitors' impressions of Australia; those who venture "down under" to see his concerts next year.
Paul in Melbourne (Australia)
Hi Sally. I enjoyed reading your article and pictures. I relived the Portland concert and could imagine how wonderful the SEattle concert was too. I enjoyed meeting you and Marlene. Thank you for all that you do to keep up a terrific fan website. The concert was fabulous and I still haven't completely come down to earth. Hugs, Marilyn
What a wonderful evening you had! Thanx for sharing your beautiful pictures! I'm taking my mom to see her hero Andre' in Albuquerque on December 11th- her combined BDay & XMas gift- and was hoping to scare up a dancing partner for her- if there are any Twinkle-Toed Gents who would like to take a turn with my beautiful blonde Mom, please let me know. It would totally make her night!
Hi Kathy: Look for that same man seen dancing with Gerda. He goes to many concerts and is always on the look out for a dancing partner. Gotta give him credit. He goes to enjoy the entire concert!
In Milwaukee, a tall nice looking gentleman wanted to dance but his wife kept saying No No No. Next thing we knew..he was on the floor by himself whirling around. He said there was no way he could stay in his seat.
Hi Sally-
I neglected to mention that we're flying in from Virginia for the concert in Albuquerque. Needless to say, I won't know anyone at the show to approach about taking my Mom for a twirl. You seem to be the "Lady To Know" when it comes to all things Andre'-do you happen to know the "Dancing King"'s name or if any of your regular bloggers are planning on going to the show? It really would be a huge thrill for her to be able to waltz a bit to Andre'.
Thanx-
Kathy
Sally, what a grand time you all had! YES! I did see André dancing! HA! One question I'd like to ask tho',how come another person had the key to your room? I'm still laughing over that one.
Hi Sally, thanks so much for the beautiful report and photos. You had a wonderful time. I was laughing too at the person with the key. That happened to us in Florida. We were unpacking and a man and woman used a key and came into our room. Luckily we were not changing. We called the front desk and they said they gave them the same key. They had us down for another room. These hotel should be more careful. I would be worried too about my tickets. Take the luggage and let me keep the tickets!!!
You know Shirley, She did it Herself, She just try to give Us an excuse?? Kati
Hello Sally! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and photographs! It was not much fun at home with Mum when we both knew that Andre and the JSO were playing here in Seattle. One day, I hope we get to see him.
I am envious of your seats!!! We have tried to get floor seats or something close to that but we would have to belong to our local public broadcasting network. They secure the floor seats and at least two rows up from the floor for a $300 subscription. Unfortunately, we just can't do that. I hope it changes so we can sit close and be able to see everything and maybe even dance. *grin*
Thank you again for your story and pictures! I hope to see you next year when he comes to Seattle!
Much love,
Heather outside of Seattle
Lurker #1
Hi Heather, Always nice to hear from you. Click the photos on the website to be able to 'hear' the concert. Maybe that will help you and your Mom really feel as if you were there. Hopefully next year we will meet at the concert. Any seat is good and you'll always be welcome to sit with me.
click here~~> AndreRieuFans.com <~~click here
*Hint, there are 3 photos near the words...click on the photos for a surprise. And...there is one more photo with this type of a surprise!
Now, seeing and reading all about thios program, I am already getting goose bumps! Just to think about what to expect on my Oct. 21st in Denver, puts me to 7th Heaven! Thanks Sally, for the beautiful write-up and pictures, and the surprises, naturally. Kati
I do have a problem with the Post! I just sent something, waiting, did not get in. Just mentioning, Sally, Thanks for the beautiful write-up and pictures, and naturally for the surprise. Getting goose bumps already, for my Sunday concert, the program is so beautiful. I am happy to take 2 Hungarians and 2 Americans with me, have to show, what Andre's show is all about it. Kati
Hi Kati, it is not you as far as the delay in getting the post up. All are monitored before the posts get up. I am back now so you can keep talking. I will help get them on. Hugs to you
Hi Kati,
Wishing you a great, musical evening!
Marilyn B
Hi Sally, thanks soooo much for all the fabulous words and special photo's. Indeed, sharing is caring, as I have the DVD playing "Romantic Paradise", in a small way, your photo's made me feel like I was part of the happy evening. I'm sending you my "key", and see if some magicical someone opens my door. Ha-ha-ha-ha..........