husband's old elementary school was closed years ago. Then reopened as a scients and arts elementary school. While they got a lot of things done, they still needed a lot of work on the auditorium and music program.
The parents and some alumni worked to have their most famous student come back and hold a small, intimate concert.
This country music superstar was recently named Entertainer of the Year in Oklahoma. He grew up in a little house right across the street from the school.
Tonight, I got the joy of seeing and hearing Vince Gill perform to a crowd of less than 200 people. husband was offered a ticket by a former buddy who bought a block of 20 of them. Another buddy actually chased him down to offer it. husband said he wanted to go, and if a ticket wasn't claimed, I would be happy to go with him.
Vince told stories from his childhood, memories of other people from that time, sang and played guitar for 3 1/2 hours with one of his music industry friends playing keyboard. Most of the songs were requests, or ones that were very special to him. He couldn't always remember the words, but he has had so many songs, it is NOT surprising.
Amy Grant sang 2 songs while Vince played. She was holding their 7yo daughter (who had fallen asleep during the concert), so a microphone was brought down to her seat. She sang El Shaddai and the new Christmas song they just finished recording together. It will be released next year.
He also did a song he wrote a few weeks ago aboutchild abuse. It was so very very powerful. You could tell he feels very deeply about the subject. He said he didn't know if it would ever be recorded. We all told him it should be. No one, not any age, had a dry eye after the song.
Before the concert appetizers were served. He signed autographs, posed for pictures, spoke with anyone who wanted to visit. I was glad I picked up metallic sharpies - the passes, Oklahoma Today magazines, and tshirts were ALL black backgrounds.
Afterwards, more autographs, pictures, chatting, and chocolate truffles.
I will upload some pics tomorrow or Sat. Very tired now, but wanted to share. I have to go get car repairs early.
Susie
The parents and some alumni worked to have their most famous student come back and hold a small, intimate concert.
This country music superstar was recently named Entertainer of the Year in Oklahoma. He grew up in a little house right across the street from the school.
Tonight, I got the joy of seeing and hearing Vince Gill perform to a crowd of less than 200 people. husband was offered a ticket by a former buddy who bought a block of 20 of them. Another buddy actually chased him down to offer it. husband said he wanted to go, and if a ticket wasn't claimed, I would be happy to go with him.
Vince told stories from his childhood, memories of other people from that time, sang and played guitar for 3 1/2 hours with one of his music industry friends playing keyboard. Most of the songs were requests, or ones that were very special to him. He couldn't always remember the words, but he has had so many songs, it is NOT surprising.
Amy Grant sang 2 songs while Vince played. She was holding their 7yo daughter (who had fallen asleep during the concert), so a microphone was brought down to her seat. She sang El Shaddai and the new Christmas song they just finished recording together. It will be released next year.
He also did a song he wrote a few weeks ago aboutchild abuse. It was so very very powerful. You could tell he feels very deeply about the subject. He said he didn't know if it would ever be recorded. We all told him it should be. No one, not any age, had a dry eye after the song.
Before the concert appetizers were served. He signed autographs, posed for pictures, spoke with anyone who wanted to visit. I was glad I picked up metallic sharpies - the passes, Oklahoma Today magazines, and tshirts were ALL black backgrounds.
Afterwards, more autographs, pictures, chatting, and chocolate truffles.
I will upload some pics tomorrow or Sat. Very tired now, but wanted to share. I have to go get car repairs early.
Susie