The life and times of Libby Withnall

On Saturday afternoon Amy & I got dressed up and headed up Sydney for our special VIP night to see Enrique Iglesias.

After a “slight” detour over the Harbour Bridge and back (lucky we had extra time) and trouble finding the parking station….

we made it to the Gin Garden in The Estalishment for a pre-show cocktail party. It was  cute place with a glass roof.

Amy & I enjoyed some lemonade and yummy nibblies. We also received our goodie bags which contained a CD, chocolates & an “I like it” travel mug.

After an hour here we boarded a bus to take us to the Acer Arena. At this point I was VERY glad I didn’t drive as there was LOADS of traffic because there was a big sports game on nearby  plus the concert.

Shortly after we arrived DJ Havana Brown – whom I had never heard of – went on. Her music was okay but it was LOUD and way to BASSY. Luckily Amy wanted some food so we headed out and she was finished by the time we got back .

We were in row 13 on the floor and just 2 seats away from the middle runway ….

which meant we were able to jump out of seats really quick and stand right by the rail.

Then was time for Pitbull, who we enjoyed.

And then the man we had come to see….

Lots of photos ahead so if you don’t think he’s as hunky as I do you’re free to leave now .

It was a fabulous show and I loved being so close the action. I’ve been a fan for years and actually went to see him by msyelf back in 2004 when he was last here. Definitely well worth every cent I paid for these tickets. And so fun, and special, to be able to share it was Amy. Unfortunately though I think she’s going to be very disappointed at her next concert!!!!

The show ended (almost) with Pitbull and Enrqiue on stage together to sing I Like It.

It finished about 11pm and we got back on the bus into the city, then drove home. I think I tumbled into bed around 2am, tired but very happy.

PS. I’m so grateful that my feet are good at the moment. They were sore after the concert (and standing for hours) but I don’t how I would have coped a few months ago.

Today I did a layout from an old Big Picture Scrapbooking class run by the lovely Gretchen (I’m re-doing all the lessons). The prompt today led me to create a layout about my favourite musican EVER – The Boss – Bruce Springsteen.

I’m so happy with how it turned out and that I now have documented my love for The Boss. I first heard Dancing in the Dark back in 1984 and became an immediate fan. I quickly purchased the Born in the USA album plus his entire back list – on cassette tape . I love loads of his songs but my favourite would be Born to Run. I had posters up all over my teenage bedroom and had a big crush on his guitarist Nils Lofgren .

I still buy every album that comes out and still love his sound. I’ve been lucky enough to see him in concert 3 times. The first back in 1985 at the height of his popularity. My Mum got us tickets and it was the very first concert I ever went to. We were way at the back but it was still fantastic. The next time was a  solo acoustic tour at the Capital Theatre and the last time in Brisbane (we were on holiday) – I went by myself and had the best night – dancing away in the 10th row (on the floor). Hope he tours here again one day. If you ever get the chance go see him – he’s a legend!

This afternoon Kevin & I headed off to a Day on the Green – an outdoor concert at a Bowral vineyard.

I’d never been to such an event so was a little nervous about crowds, parking, etc. We had booked seats as I’m a big Ronan Keating fan and wanted to be able to see him (as opposed to watching a screen).  We were about 10 rows back which was fabulous. You can purchase a set seat (which we did) or bring your own and picnic.

We arrived just before Damien Leith went on stage. I didn’t know any of his music but was quite impressed.

Then was Australian legend, Tina Arena. Boy, can that girl sing!

There were plenty of food stands – we had bought our own but it was cool night so we ended up buying some profritteroles and a hot tea! Just as Ronan Keating was about to come on we started to get a drizzly mist but at least it didn’t rain. Such a difference from 40 deg yesterday – it was around 17 in Bowral! This was our REAL view of the stage.

Ronan was fabulous – sang a great mix of songs both old and new and even did a great version of Bed are Burning!! Super fun night.

We left as he started to sing The Long Goodbye to try and beat the crowds. But unlike a normal concert he serenaded us all the way back to our car . It was good move as we able to get out of the car park without too much delay. Fantastic Night!!! Will definitely go another event.

And finally, just had to share my favourite Ronan song.

That’s what most people seemed to say when I told them I was going to see Arlo Guthrie in concert last night. Maybe he’s better known in America – I don’t know. Or else you have tobe into 60s music and I guess most people my age aren’t. Anyway, Kevin and I have been fans since our late teens/early twenties when we first discovered the magic of flower power music. And Arlo has remained a firm favourite ever since. I mean who could not love Alice’s Restaurant, Coming into Los Angeles (my fav), Motorcycle (Significance of the Pickle) Song and City Of New Orleans. Okay, if you don’t know these songs I’ve got some homework for you – watch these videos. It was a great concert. This was the third time we’ve seen him live and he’s still fantastic. Such great songs and lyrics – some fun, some serious. If you get the chance go see him – he’s headed back to the USA for a fairly extensive tour.

This morning I was very excited to get an e-mail from Disney saying that Pirates of the Carribean III will be out on the 21st November. I was just thinking the other day it must be coming out soon. Not sure why we’re getting a few weeks before it’s out in the States – not that I’m complaining. Might start watching I and II again before III comes out. I think No.1 is the best movie EVER made – pirates, romance, Johnny and Orlando – does it get any better than that?

Now, I’m back from the gym and checking e-mail again and now I find out Ricky Martin’s concert CD and DVD is going to be out in a few days. Looks awesome (there is a preview on the website) and oh, boy, what a yummy cover (would like great on the cover of a romance novel).

Gee, can’t wait to check my e-mail again this afternoon. Don’t good things come in threes?

Here’s another song of his new album. This time I’m attempting to share the video via youtube.

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Well, I’m quite excited about Bruce Springsteen’s new album “Magic”- which comes out early October. There is a preview video clip on Amazon and it’s fantastic. Can’t wait to hear the rest. And it’s extra exciting cause he’s back with the E-Street Band. Yay!!!!

Well, it’s Monday morning which means cleaning downstairs. Usually I put on music to make it more enjoyable. Today, however, with the kids home and Amy sick, the TV is on and I’m missing my music. It made me stop and think how important music is. While I also value peace and quiet music makes me feel happy. I always have the radio on in the car or a CD playing (except right now I’m listening the audio CD of Harry Potter & The Order of the Phoenix). I can remember really getting into music in about 1982 (when I was 11) when the ever popular compliation albums started coming out. However, my earliest love was Bruce Springsteen. I discovered (along with many others) in 1984 with Dancing in the Dark, and have remained a huge fan ever since. I’ve been to every Australian concert ever since – think there have only been 3. He was also a big influence of me and he inspired me to learn to play the guitar (gave it up at University). I also played in a band for a VERY short time.

At the moment I listen to a lot of Robbie Williams (who I only discovered last year) – he’s great to listen to at the gym. I’ve been a long time fan of Madonna – but I did go off her for a while. I don’t buy a lot of CDs but the following are automatic buys

* Enrique Iglesis * Ricky Martin
* Gloria Estafan * Jewel

I also like the Celtic Rock bands “Off Kilter” and “Wolfstone” . I’m sure there are othes I can’t think of at the moment.

Anyway, time to get back to cleaning….without music….