The Best Night Of My Life
New Hampshire, April 21, 2009
by Jeff Rubino
As I walked into the arena there was an overwhelming feeling that it was finally time to see Andre perform. This year we had 4th row center stage, the closest I have ever been to the front. When we were ushered to our seats it felt like we were walking forever and going too close to the stage but it was true; we were really that close! We met some very nice people sitting next to us. Me and Cathy( sitting next to me) told me all about her Andre stories and how she is in the Homecoming DVD. She was great to talk to and had some really good stories! What amazing people you can find at concerts. I am very happy that I had the pleasure to meet her and her friends. After visiting the “Andre” store and buying everything I didn't have.. Which wasn’t much, We went back to our seats. I came back with Andre Rieu wind breaker that has his autograph and 30th anniversary on the left chest area. A tee shirt with his picture on the front and the USA tour dates on the back and the new 30th anniversary tour program which I really like this year because it has his life story in it with all of the dates.
As we waited I spotted Bela, one of the Platin Tenors walking in front of the stage. So of course like any fan would…… I walked over and started talking to him, he was very pleasant. He asked if I would like a picture and of course who am I to say no.
The picture turned out great and it was my first one with a member of the JSO. As I walked back to my seat a women sitting in the front row asked me who he was. I couldn’t believe that some one that bought front row tickets did not know who he was.
Well the show was about to begin. The lights dimmed, the screens lit, the count down and the music began. The lights turned on and there he was walking up the aisle with his orchestra. An immense feeling overcame me when he was right there only 3 rows in front of me performing. After 76 trombones was done he told some of his jokes that were entertaining although we have all heard them a million times, but when he says them live it makes it more funny, don’t ask me why. Some people arrived late and he told them “you are late! I come all the way from Holland and I am on time!” That was just a chuckle to what happens next! Of course he asks where every one is from and some lady in the from row says “I’m from Contoocook” Well Andre tried to say it and of course with his accent he was coming up with tons of words to try and match it. It was so funny the whole audience was in stitches. Then he asked “ is that in America?” He really made it drawn out but it was very funny!
The tenors came out after and sang “ Oh Blonde,Oh Braun” It was very good but something happened with the sound. Andre kept putting his hand to his ear when they were singing to make them get louder and the orchestra was looking into the audience a lot squinting there eyes like there was something wrong. After a while it sounded fine to me. I think mostly because we were so close. Carla came out as the doll and did the Olympic song which was amazing!!! I could not have been so happy when she came out and did it. Her voice is incredible. After the song another round of jokes and the women in the front again came out with something else. This time it was “take me Andre, I’m yours” I cant count how many times she said it. Oh I almost forgot, I don’t know how I could. She had a whistle like a police officer directing traffic, one of the metal ones. She used it instead of clapping…… It was very annoying and extremely loud.
Intermission was only about 10 minutes and the show continued. He came back with the clog dance, and as they came out one of them stomped on Andre's foot and he gave out a big yelp. The dance was very good and the girls could not stop laughing at each other. After it was party time!! Frank(first violinist) took out a Polaroid camera and started taking pictures of Andre. Andre took them and threw them out to the audience. People from behind started running up to grab them so in the 4th row I wasn’t far behind. I ran up there and got one! I was so happy and it came out very cool.
Mirusia came out with a stunning red dress on that caught the light and filled the room with beauty. She sang “time to say goodbye” every note was beautiful and you didn’t want it to end. Soon after the Radezty March was played and you knew it was almost time for the fun to end. The balloons fell and they were every where. The balloons are a lot of fun but there were way too many!!!! I was getting lost in them. I have never in my life seen so many balloons. Of course me and Cathy ran up to the stage because it was time for the encore! I was so excited when they sang “Adieu, mein Kliener Gardeoffizier” Carla looked right in my eyes as you could see in the pictures and we sang it together. I have heard it so many times I memorized the words and it was such a great feeling to sing along with them and know what they are saying!! It was the time of my life up next to the stage.
Andre finally played lullaby and the concert was over. Cathy told me that sometimes Andre and the orchestra go to the bar after the concert. Well we knew that they were staying at the Radisson hotel. Once again what would a super fan do? That’s right we headed over there and waited at the bar. Sure enough the JSO started to trickle in until there were about 25 of them. Franco walked in and came right over to us and I took a couple of pictures with him . As did Bela come over and talk to us. They all were very friendly and said hello. Then it was time!!! The body guards came in and there he was. Wearing his long blue coat he walked in turned to us and said hello. Then he waked to the other side of the bar and sat, drank and talked the night away with Dan the banner man and a few other people. We stayed until 1:30 am!! We chatted away with each other and some of the orchestra members once in a while. They were all so very nice and pleasant. It was time to go home, leave them for another year.
I got to my car…… it didn’t start!!! I 2 o’clock in the morning not knowing what to do and calling all of the near by police stations. They didn’t answer. I had to call 911 and he told me…. “what would you like me to do about it” I didn’t know what to say after that, I was stranded out there so I just told him I need a tow company and he said all set and hung up. 20 minutes later a tow truck came and gave me a jump start and oh ya they took $100 for it too. But nothing could dampen my mood. I was just at an Andre Rieu concert and went to the bar with Andre and the orchestra. It was the best night of my life!!!!
To see all of Jeff's Photo see his Featured Fans page
As I walked into the arena there was an overwhelming feeling that it was finally time to see Andre perform. This year we had 4th row center stage, the closest I have ever been to the front. When we were ushered to our seats it felt like we were walking forever and going too close to the stage but it was true; we were really that close! We met some very nice people sitting next to us. Me and Cathy( sitting next to me) told me all about her Andre stories and how she is in the Homecoming DVD. She was great to talk to and had some really good stories! What amazing people you can find at concerts. I am very happy that I had the pleasure to meet her and her friends. After visiting the “Andre” store and buying everything I didn't have.. Which wasn’t much, We went back to our seats. I came back with Andre Rieu wind breaker that has his autograph and 30th anniversary on the left chest area. A tee shirt with his picture on the front and the USA tour dates on the back and the new 30th anniversary tour program which I really like this year because it has his life story in it with all of the dates.
As we waited I spotted Bela, one of the Platin Tenors walking in front of the stage. So of course like any fan would…… I walked over and started talking to him, he was very pleasant. He asked if I would like a picture and of course who am I to say no.
The picture turned out great and it was my first one with a member of the JSO. As I walked back to my seat a women sitting in the front row asked me who he was. I couldn’t believe that some one that bought front row tickets did not know who he was. Well the show was about to begin. The lights dimmed, the screens lit, the count down and the music began. The lights turned on and there he was walking up the aisle with his orchestra. An immense feeling overcame me when he was right there only 3 rows in front of me performing. After 76 trombones was done he told some of his jokes that were entertaining although we have all heard them a million times, but when he says them live it makes it more funny, don’t ask me why. Some people arrived late and he told them “you are late! I come all the way from Holland and I am on time!” That was just a chuckle to what happens next! Of course he asks where every one is from and some lady in the from row says “I’m from Contoocook” Well Andre tried to say it and of course with his accent he was coming up with tons of words to try and match it. It was so funny the whole audience was in stitches. Then he asked “ is that in America?” He really made it drawn out but it was very funny!
The tenors came out after and sang “ Oh Blonde,Oh Braun” It was very good but something happened with the sound. Andre kept putting his hand to his ear when they were singing to make them get louder and the orchestra was looking into the audience a lot squinting there eyes like there was something wrong. After a while it sounded fine to me. I think mostly because we were so close. Carla came out as the doll and did the Olympic song which was amazing!!! I could not have been so happy when she came out and did it. Her voice is incredible. After the song another round of jokes and the women in the front again came out with something else. This time it was “take me Andre, I’m yours” I cant count how many times she said it. Oh I almost forgot, I don’t know how I could. She had a whistle like a police officer directing traffic, one of the metal ones. She used it instead of clapping…… It was very annoying and extremely loud.
Intermission was only about 10 minutes and the show continued. He came back with the clog dance, and as they came out one of them stomped on Andre's foot and he gave out a big yelp. The dance was very good and the girls could not stop laughing at each other. After it was party time!! Frank(first violinist) took out a Polaroid camera and started taking pictures of Andre. Andre took them and threw them out to the audience. People from behind started running up to grab them so in the 4th row I wasn’t far behind. I ran up there and got one! I was so happy and it came out very cool.
Mirusia came out with a stunning red dress on that caught the light and filled the room with beauty. She sang “time to say goodbye” every note was beautiful and you didn’t want it to end. Soon after the Radezty March was played and you knew it was almost time for the fun to end. The balloons fell and they were every where. The balloons are a lot of fun but there were way too many!!!! I was getting lost in them. I have never in my life seen so many balloons. Of course me and Cathy ran up to the stage because it was time for the encore! I was so excited when they sang “Adieu, mein Kliener Gardeoffizier” Carla looked right in my eyes as you could see in the pictures and we sang it together. I have heard it so many times I memorized the words and it was such a great feeling to sing along with them and know what they are saying!! It was the time of my life up next to the stage.
Andre finally played lullaby and the concert was over. Cathy told me that sometimes Andre and the orchestra go to the bar after the concert. Well we knew that they were staying at the Radisson hotel. Once again what would a super fan do? That’s right we headed over there and waited at the bar. Sure enough the JSO started to trickle in until there were about 25 of them. Franco walked in and came right over to us and I took a couple of pictures with him . As did Bela come over and talk to us. They all were very friendly and said hello. Then it was time!!! The body guards came in and there he was. Wearing his long blue coat he walked in turned to us and said hello. Then he waked to the other side of the bar and sat, drank and talked the night away with Dan the banner man and a few other people. We stayed until 1:30 am!! We chatted away with each other and some of the orchestra members once in a while. They were all so very nice and pleasant. It was time to go home, leave them for another year.
I got to my car…… it didn’t start!!! I 2 o’clock in the morning not knowing what to do and calling all of the near by police stations. They didn’t answer. I had to call 911 and he told me…. “what would you like me to do about it” I didn’t know what to say after that, I was stranded out there so I just told him I need a tow company and he said all set and hung up. 20 minutes later a tow truck came and gave me a jump start and oh ya they took $100 for it too. But nothing could dampen my mood. I was just at an Andre Rieu concert and went to the bar with Andre and the orchestra. It was the best night of my life!!!!
To see all of Jeff's Photo see his Featured Fans page
Hey guys,
I hope that you enjoyed my report!!! It really was the best night of my life. Jeanine ann, i will send you a cd of the pictures there are over 700. Thanks
-Jeff
thanks for taking the time & effort to give us such a detailed report of your concert experience. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the photos.
Did you notice any JSO members missing, or any new JSO members that you hadn't seen before?
Thanks Jeff for the fabulous report...here in Australia we get to see Andre and the JSO in October....
Best wishes Joy and Bernard
Thank you for this great report Jeff! I loved reading it..even about your car...oh my! What a terrific night you had.
Nice Jeff! Happy you had such a great time. It's easy having a terrific evening when you are at an André concert!
Jeff, you really enjoyed it and it is a great report. here he did the same with a woman from Chateaugay. I am only sooooooooooooo sorry that I missed Carla´s Olympia, but I saw it 4 times live, so next time I better look at my tickets and do not miss half of the show again .
Jeff, you did an excellant report on your concert, you described it so well that I could picture everything in my mind as it happened, almost as if I was there too.
This really was a great night, would be for anybody.Thank you so much for telling us about it all.
Jeff, what an interesting article and well done. I love the picture of André at the top. Thanks.
Jeff, sure wish I had met you in Manchester. I was in Floor 3 second row. I was dancing with my nephew, and waving my Andre scarve. Wish I would have stayed and headed to the bar! I did see the banners in your section. I should have come over and introduced myself! I really liked your write up, and agree with your analysis. The lady in red for the bull song was in my row! Look forward to the pictures!
What a great successful Andre concert review Jeff. I was getting so excited by re-reading your write up making me feel like I was just a row or two behind you. I agree, it is the most wonderful experience to finally see Andre & JSO up close. A culmination to what all those dreams were all about. From the time the concert began to the very end of the very last tunes ~ the time just goes by sooo fast. Can't wait to see your photo's. I was so 'HIGH' up in the clouds after my concert, I still can't find the other shoe I bought for the concert. Perhaps, it'll make its way down to earth sooner or later. GREAT REVIEW Jeff........
Hi Judith, please email me right away regarding your report. Thanks, Jeanine Ann
Hi Jeff!, You got some great pictures and I loved reading about your adventure at the concert! Kudos!
Hi everyone. I am impressed with all the concert reports. About all I can say is "Wow". Makes me nervous just reading them all. My concert is in June.
I do pray for Marusisa as my granddaughter just tested postive for this swine flu. I took her to the doctor and they had me take her to ER for fluids. The health dept called today to confirm this. Of course now her daughter is sick and I have to take her in today. They never go out much and when they do they take the bus so maybe that is where the germs came from. I am arming myself with clorox wipes, Lysol and hand santizer. My hands are getting rough from washing so often.
I pray that the rest of the JSO does not get sick. It is so easy to spread in a close environment like they are in.