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    November 08

    PAINTING STUDIO And The Trans Siberian Orchestra November 7th, 2,009 by Stephen Craig Rowe

     
                                                     Al Pitrelli, Myself, and Jane Mangini  "Friends well met are friends forever." 
         
     
         As some of you know I attended the Trans Siberian Orchestra concert at the Peoria Civic Center last night.  Before the concert I went to Jim's Steakhouse for a gin on ice with a twist of lemon.  Before I could order, Paula the bartender said, "They were asking about you."  Who was asking about me?  I replied, and Paula said that The Trans Siberian Orchestra was in the other night and that they were asking about me.  As she served my drink I told her that it would have been nice if I were there.  She said it was late when they came in and I took that as an excuse for not calling me.  Then the Steakhouse got busy and I jumped in clearing and resetting tables for a bit before making my way to the concert.
         At the Will Call window I picked up my back stage pass and found my seat.  The arena filled and the show began.  I can not put into words the feelings experienced during the production.  The music, orchestration, lights, action, and seeing my friends Al Pitrelli and his wife Jane Mangini the stars of the show perform.  An amazing experience as the orchestra ran through and redefined traditonal tunes in a unique presentation, then did some awesome pieces from the new album Night Castle a haunting beautiful work in progress.
         After the show Al and Jane joined me in the Club Room.  We had a very good, warm and close visit.  The room was about half filled with other VIP's but Al and Jane spent all their time with me thus making it all a bit more special and touching.  As we parted there were hugs and kisses, well wishes and beaming glad smiles as I held back my silent tears.  I went back to Jim's Steakhouse and had a couple of drinks with the owner.  Oh, yes, just before Al and Jane left to sign autographs and stuff, Al said, " I wish we were going with you."  Sweet.  They also mentioned that the TSO will be doing a Night Castle tour in the spring.  All willing I will see them again soon.
    In the mean time,
    As ever be well,
    Stephen Craig Rowe
       

    Comments (21)

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    Carriewrote:
    How wonderful for you to enjoyed catching with with old friends and listening to and seeing such a creative force.. Take Care Carrie
    Nov. 15
    ··¤ SETHwrote:
    We should all live for and experience those days and nights with the friends that we'll never forget. Here's hoping that we don't have a long winter and that spring will arrive sooner than later so you can enjoy the company of your good friends once again. Cheers to you!
    Nov. 15
    Sounds like it was quite an evening. I'm not familiar with this group, but I will look them up when I can have time outside of China. Youtube like many other things are blocked on the internet here. I sure could go for a good steak now.....more than 2 months since I could enjoy such a treat. It the other parts of the cow they like to eat here, and they can be tasty, but I prefer not to twist your stomach. Take care.
    Nov. 15
    Stephen Craig Rowe@Toodie Babblelot, though the music of The Trans Siberian Orchestra is paramount the message is also clear. The light show, bells, and whistles along with the leaping fiddlers gain a bit of charm for the seasonal presentation that rounds out the production in a tastfull and quality manner that is most pleasing. Al Pitrelli's guitar mastery is explisit and his wife Jane Mangini is the finest, and most hard working keyboard that I have ever seen and heard. Indeed it is a blessing to behold and know such fine artists.
    As ever be well
    Nov. 14
    Toodiewrote:
    Wonderful photo Stephen with your friends. I enjoy TSO's music. I don't think my eyes would survive the light show though. Happy for you my friend to have the experience. Take care.
    Nov. 14
    Stephen@Carole Rambling On, When the reality touches the heart, the art is more than real as you can see it in our faces. Friends well met are friends forever. And
    As ever be well
    Nov. 14
    Ramblingwrote:
    Oh wow..how did I miss this one???
    You look great and I am so glad you had the experience, and the fun of friends as well. :-)
    Nov. 14
    Hi dude! :o)

    Nice to see friendship so clearly from those you love and love you too!!!

    I'm glad you're off the Chemo - now get that bloody operation and I'll be able to relax!!!! :o)

    Gin is good stuff - I prefer JD myself, but London Gin and mixers goes down very nicely!!! :o>

    Keep in touch my friend - you're one special dude and I want to make sure there's a happy ending to this saga!!!

    God Bless and be well always!

    Prenin.
    Nov. 10
    very glad you got to go see them love ya bro
    Nov. 9
    Hope ..wrote:
    Dearest Stephen,
    what a beautiful gift of lasting friendship all of you have been given..
    one that will be forever a true treasure..
    smiling brighting..
    your looking good my dear..hope your feeling better each day..
    much love.. in thoughts and prayers
    Hope
    Nov. 9
    Christinewrote:
    Oh it sounds like you had a great time Stephen.
    Nov. 9
    Jadewrote:
    Thank you SO much for sharing- what a fantastic evening!
    very cool threads you have there :)
    Nov. 9
    You look so smart in your nice suit Stephen, Glad you're enjoying a good night out with friends. Hugs Jewelie
    Nov. 9
    puzzlewrote:
    fine to see; the music reminds me on ELP's (Emerson, Lake & Palmers) - must be a great show :-)
    Nov. 9
    Barbarawrote:
    I'm happy for you.
    Nov. 8
    Suewrote:
    Im so glad you have a great time with your friends
    Hope you have a good week
    take care
    Sue
    Nov. 8
    This had to be amazing to see, listen to and just be there to see the performance. Wonderful that you did go and attend.
    I have seen them on TV only. I have seen many performaces , mostly Rock groups and live theater.
    Have a Great Week ahead.
    Nov. 8
    Bethwrote:
    I am so glad you got to be with friends and enjoyed such a great performance Steve.
    Nov. 8
    Stephen;

    I am glad that you had a wonderful time. TSO is also something that I get into when I write my literature. They're not the only group I listen to but along the genre with Dream Theater, Bond, and the like. Very good though, no doubt.

    Anyway, have a good evening!

    Doug
    Nov. 8
    john bordwrote:
    A tip of the hat.
    Nov. 8

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