Welcome to the Riverside

Rockapella in Laughlin

Day 4

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Harrah's Fiesta Showroom

Laughlin, NV

It's Black Bear Diner day!  FFE did not meet us downstairs because he was still asleep, but FS did, and we were on our way.  Since I had only mapped out what direction to go, I didn't actually memorize the address, so I asked KP to look it up.  I don't know why anyone assumes that I'm ready with everything when I'm just as freaked out as everybody else, but whatevs.  The restaurant was much farther down the road than IHOP, so FS asked concernedly, "Where are you taking me?!"  He should rest assuredly that we would not kidnap him, because without him, we can't hear much during a show.  

We happily arrived at the Black Bear Diner in Bullhead City, and sat down at a round table with 6 chairs.  Aw, we had an extra chair for FFE, but he wasn't there.  He texted me while we were eating breakfast because he and JT needed a ride to the music store.  I told him that we could take him today after we returned from breakfast. I ordered oatmeal because I was still kinda full from our late meal the night before.  So did Wendy.  We were puzzled when our oatmeal came with a side of butter.  I've seen butter on the side of grits, but not oatmeal.  Is that a thing?  KP ordered a waffle with a bear claw imprint.  FS asked for a taste of it later because they make it with sweet cream.  JeffEvs had a meal that included biscuits the size of his head.  It all looked good, and I forgot to take pictures.  I was a bit distracted.  FS ordered a chocolate cream pie after he was done with his regular meal.  It was big.  It came with several spoons for him to share, but I wasn't hungry.  After breakfast, FS took a picture of us by a sculpture of a bear family.  I don't know why I'm the only one that makes sound effects when taking these pictures, but it made everyone giggle, so I'll just continue doing that in order to have pretty smiles in my pictures.

RAWR!!!!!

We returned to the hotel, and I wanted to drop off people, but didn't know how to get there.  FS told us to go the back way.  JeffEvs advised that there was a way to go under some walkway, and somehow we found it.  I parked in the trailer parking until FFE and JT came outside.  KP and I stayed in the car while they greeted FS and Weff, and I told Weff that we'd contact them when we returned.  

The guys needed "as many pitch pipes as possible" for the NYE show,  so we headed back to Bullhead City.  JT told me to go some back way (he was using Google Maps, not Apple because he's not in denial), and then it was my turn to say, "JT, where are you taking us?!"  I started to see familiar stuff, like the Target we visited a couple of days before.  Then I brought up the fact that the Adult Book Store would be coming up, and we told them how mortified we would have been had we actually stopped, and then found one or more of them outside as we were exiting...or vice versa.  FFE:  "That's just an understood 'this is just between us' moment."  JT was concerned that I either didn't have enough, or had too much porn.  Perhaps I shouldn't have mentioned the store, but I thought it was funny.  Perhaps I'm the one who is too comfortable now.  I mean, later on, I told him my theory that he thinks I sleep like a princess because I'm waiting for a kiss.  He neither confirmed nor denied my theory.

We found the aptly named "Music Store".  FFE went straight for the guitars, sat down with one, and started playing "Blackbird".  I had to confirm my reservation for New Year's Eve, so I pretended not to freak out that all of this was happening, and returned Catal's phone call. JT purchased the pitch pipe.  I thought he needed a bunch, but he only bought one.  We were ready to go, but FFE was still playing.  

JT:  "You want to hang for a little while?"

Aw, how cute.

JT:  "I mean, you're playing so beautifully, I don't want to interrupt."

CUTE!!!

FFE:  "No, we can go."

I would have been OK with having another little concert right there, but refrained from telling him so.

FFE was hungry.  I could have eaten more food because I never did finish my oatmeal.  KP was not going to say no to taking him to breakfast.  JT had already eaten, but was willing to go somewhere so that FFE could eat.  I didn't know where to go, but FFE had spied a restaurant across the street that had a lot of cars in front, so he thought it was probably good for the locals.  He wanted Huevos Rancheros like he had when he was in Monrovia.  I asked JT to search for Mexican Breakfast in the area.  Nobody found any very quickly, so FFE again voiced his idea to go across the street.  Well, OK, then!  

Across the street was a little restaurant called Da Place.  I asked if it was like "Da Plane".  We were all wrong, and it's actually called "D'Place Cafe".  I swear, the sign had an "a" after the "D".  Hey, I see our booth in one of our pictures on the page!  It's the one to the right of the corner booth if you are looking at the picture.  Now that I look at the name of the place, it makes sense that we went there.  My family calls ourselves "D'Saints".  It was meant to be, I tell ya.  We ordered our food, and the guys talked shop.  KP and I needed to use the restroom but somehow didn't go until way later.  Then I almost broke the door (or, more likely, my hand), trying to figure out if it was locked.  There was only one stall, so I went back to the booth and listed to more shop talk.  I love witnessing the creative process anyway, and when it's my guys, it's like a little piece of my kind of heaven.  They were talking about their next CD.  I suggested originals, because I had met a guy recently whom was an old school fan and prefers their originals, even though he also thinks that Scott is a genius when it comes to a capella arrangements.  So now they're seriously thinking about that.  You're welcome!

JT asked me what I do for my job, and I told him.  He seemed surprised.  JT:  "Why don't I know this already?"  Well, you don't talk to me, that's why.  At least not about normal stuff until this week.

I told FFE that I needed to tell Glenndy what he thought of Star Wars.  FFE:  "Who?"  Sher: "Glenn and Cindy."  FFE: "I thought you said, 'Glenndy'."  Sher:  "I did!  It's their supercouple name."  FFE:  "Oh!  Tell Double N and Cindy that I liked it.  Except for Kylo Ren."  JT has a crush on Daisy Ridley.

KP voiced her love for Stephen Arnell's abs (this is the reason she watches "Arrow").

JT:  "Abs are overrated.  You have to just eat salad and stuff."  FFE agreed.  They both like "Game of Thrones", and I told them that I was planning to binge watch it someday.  Because dragons.

I asked FFE how he liked his Spanish Omelette (the closest thing he could get to the huevos rancheros).  He said it was OK, "but not as good as the one at our place, by your house."  JT wanted to know what we were talking about, and how we had a place by my house.  FFE reminded him about the house concert.  I told JT that if he ever has free time when he's in LA, I'll take him to some good eating places, including Nano Cafe.  Mmmm....Nano.  

I asked them what they were doing for the day.  FFE:  "Jeff wants to go bowling."  JT:  "I do?"  FFE: "No, Jeff, of Wendy and Jeff."  JT:  "You have more than one Jeff in your life?  Oh, THAT Jeff!" 

The two of them decided that they would form their own group and name it "Country Club".  You read it here first. 

On our way back to the hotel, the guys talked more shop, this time regarding a video that they will be recording when they're all together again in NYC this January.  Hint:  Sweets.  :)  FFE tried out the pitch pipe, which, of course, made it his.  I think it was supposed to be JT's, but that wasn't happening anymore.  I don't know why they didn't just buy 2 of them.  At one point during the drive, somebody said the word "dick", probably when we were talking about Sean's music.  I repeated it and hit FFE and we laughed.  JT:  "Why did you hit his leg?"  So we told him about the raffle at the house concert.  My favorite part of this moment is that JT actually wanted to know what was going on.  (Hi, Dodie!)

When we returned to the hotel, Weff had just finished up playing in the arcade.  We asked FFE if he wanted to go bowling, and he was up for it, so we agreed to meet back downstairs in a few minutes.  So we split up and then reconvened.  This time, Wendy did not call shotgun, because FFE needed to be in his rightful spot, as he had been when we went to the music store.  We returned to the Riverside Hotel for some fun and games.  I parked on the 3rd floor this time, because FS wasn't there to boss me around and make me go to the wrong floor.  We went through a labyrinth to try to find the bowling alley, and couldn't find it.  I asked an employee, and she told me to follow the signs.  Bitch, please.  If I saw the signs, I wouldn't have asked you.  Then we found the signs, which none of us had seen coming from the other way.  Weird.  The bowling alley was reserved for league play for a little while, so we looked at movie times.  Well, they looked at movie times.  I got my fortune from Zoltar.  Funny, he gave me the exact same fortune as the pirate at Neptune's Kingdom.  None of the movies were close to starting, and Star Wars had already started the trailers.  I pointed out to Steve that there was a poster of the Kingston Trio.  They sang the version of "Zombie Jamboree" upon which the Rockapella version was patterned.  We decided to go to the car museum.

In the car museum, I serenaded my friends while listening to all of the songs from the 50s and 60s that were playing through the speakers.  Wendy did the Twist.  I don't know why they had random gaming tables on display.  They had pins from visitors who came all over the country in a display case.  They also had random decorations, as if someone said, "I don't want to get rid of this.  Let's put it in the car museum."  The cars were pretty cool, and we all decided on our favorites.  I liked that one of the features in some of the cars was a Kleenex holder, but my favorite was a 1961 Corvette.

Let's cruise!

Steve saw a Route 66 t-shirt in the hallway that he thought would look good for his solo gigs, so we went to the gift shop.  Alisa was very helpful and I got a set of postcards of the car museum for cheap.  She was REALLY helpful with FFE, but who wouldn't be?  I asked her how to get to the Riverwalk, and she gave us directions.  Wendy memorized them for me because she's good at that kind of thing: "Left, right, down, left".  KP and I tried to remember the landmark details.  Her directions were perfect!  My friends started the walk along the river, and I took this picture.  I shouted at them, "I'm taking a picture of your butts!"

KP:  "And she's not even drunk!"

FFE:  "She's not?"

He told me later he was kidding, but we had a staredown at the bowling alley before he admitted it.

Butts Along The River

We didn't walk very far, just to the next hotel, because of time constraints.  We did, however, take this gorgeous selfie that I will cherish forever and ever.  Good idea, Sher!  Thanks for the long arm and for fixing the angle so we could have the water in the background, FFE!  Thank you for the use of your iPhone6, KP!

Besties

We figured that we could walk back to the bowling alley because league play would be over.  But first, I needed another shot along the river.  The hotel in the background is the Aquarius.  I had to sing the song from "Hair" every time I saw it.  I can't help it.  My brain has too many songs in it.

Only FFE heard me ask everyone to turn for the picture.

We had a much easier time finding the bowling alley after our walk.  They all played while I fetched refreshments.  (I was the girlfriend in college that took score, because I didn't want to break my nails after so many years of being required to cut them to play the violin.  Now that I'm obsolete due to the automatic scoring, I am the cheerleader and refreshment person.  Maybe someday I'll bowl, but that was not the day).  Nobody used their actual name.  Is that a thing?  Because now I can't bowl until I can figure out a cool name.  Peter Chip won.  Kawawa changed her name to Dasher by the end of the game, because it was more appropriate (her goal is to not have any dashes on her scoreboard, because that is the symbol for a gutter ball).  Bud and Trixie were happy to break 100, although Trixie's arm hurt because she was using a ball that was 3 lbs heavier than she normally uses.  Poor Trixie.

Trixie's got her game face on..or her arm hurts.

Pretty sure Refreshment Girl should be serving, not eating, but whatevs.

We got in the car, and a song came to me, so I started singing it.  "I can always tell when you've been driving my jeep."  I was driving a Jeep, after all.  FFE was happy that it was in my head.  I never did see the DeLorean that everyone kept mentioning when we would pass by the hotel.  APPARENTLY, we passed it downstairs when we returned from the Riverwalk.  We drove back to the hotel, and got FFE back so he could deal with his hotel reservation.  The rest of us ate dinner at the buffet.  This was the view from my seat at the table.

They have shows here?

It's good that I took that picture when I did, because the guys came out the door next to it about 10 minutes later.  Calvin spotted us, and they all waved to us.  They eventually ate at the buffet, too, but nowhere near us.  They may have paid the employees to seat them elsewhere.  I don't know for sure.  

We got ready for the show.  All of us were dressed in blue, and we hadn't even consulted each other.  Then we got lucky and were able to ride in the Pellavator.

Happy Girls on their way to their Happy Show

We said hi to Kameron, Tim knew that KP didn't need to be shown to her seat, and I ordered a 7 & 7, and this time the bartender asked if Sierra Mist was OK instead of just pouring the thing.  He did make it nice and strong for me, though.  Thank you!  My seat was situated house left, next to Weff.  KP was situated house right.  There were empty seats next to me, and I hoped that some folks wouldn't show up so that we could move closer to the center aisle.  

Rockapella

Rock Around the Clock

Hi, Steve!  

Nobody got in the seats next to me, so I moved down 2, and still left 2 seats open between me and the next person.  That felt better.

Jailhouse Rock

I think that extra train sound is new.  It wasn't the regular "choo choo", but it was the whistle this time.  Perhaps they added it during today's rehearsal.  Or they were just excited.

Scott:  "Happy New Year to you!  What is the worst resolution someone in the audience made tonight?  Lose weight?  That's a bad one.  Quit Gambling -- we can't condone that here."

Dancing In The Streets

Steve:  "All right, all you resolutionists, I need your help right now."

Steve and I sang "Dancing in the Streets" to each other.  Steve walked to different sides than he did yesterday.  Perhaps they changed the blocking during rehearsal today, too.

Glow Worm

I love that Scott is multi-tasking during Jeff's solo, holding his own microphone, singing the counter-melody, holding Jeff's microphone, and watching Jeff.  That's a lot to do.

Scott:  "Did you hurt your face?"

Jeff:  "No comment.  I suffer for my art."

Scott:  "That reminds me of an old joke I used to tell:  Does your face hurt?  No? Because it's hurting me."

Satisfaction

Thank you for the stage love, Steve!

Scott:  "Has anyone got the Christmas / New Year Blues?  You've had that, too?  Is that why you're pulling the slot machine over and over again?"

The crowd liked his mention of the Norelco shaver.  He talked about the Island of Misfit Toys.  The squirt gun:  "If it can't shoot jelly, why can't it shoot water?"  The Charlie in the Box: "Why can't you just change your name?"  

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer

Dasher is over on the other side, Steve.  I pointed her out for him.  It must be so confusing to them when we're not all sitting together, but I love that he made the effort.

Scott:  "Ohhhhh....Jeff's an angry elf."  To someone in the audience:  "What song do you want us to do?"

Audience member: "Any of them."

Scott:  "Well, we know one of those, so that's good."

My Cherie Amour

Steve looked at me at one point when he sang "My Cherie Amour", so I smiled and winked at him.  Have I told you that I'm really glad that we moved to these seats?

Scott to that same audience member when she clapped for Worcester: "You're so considerate. You request 'anything', you clap because no one else does..."

Scott regarding Nebraska being in a bowl game;  "What is it, 250 bowls now?  When I was a kid, there were only 4 or 5 bowls." I love that Lola is part of Ryan's regular bio. 

Scott:  "Jeff doesn't get to talk very much because his lips are very busy."

Scott, mocking Ryan: "I went to the University of Nebraska, that's why my brain is so good."

Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer

"Stiff upper lip, Grandma."  This reminds me of Jeff and Steve discussing the way British people talk.

Scott:  "It seems like some people thought that was funny."

Blame It On The Boogie

Ryan is now out of control, too.  You are going to fall off of Thacher Island!  Calvin scared himself.

Commercials

Scott: "We didn't want it to get out, but as we have growed up..."

Shockolate.

Scott was looking at Steve and Steve was pointing at him while Scott said his line all by himself: "And then you must have it!"  Much laughter from Sher and KP.

Why is the peacock flying away?

Ryan got 2 cymbal crashes from Jeff and then ANOTHER one for his butt on "Preparation H".  

Scott:  "That's as bad as it got right there...and she loved it."

Jeff did a little salute during Dr. Pepper.

Scott:  "That should be HUGE!  Not a penny."

Scott's connection was with Jenna from Chicago, whom is retired from being a firefighter.  Scott asked if she still reacts when she hears sirens.

Jenna: "I keep saying, 'Thank God it's them and not me.  It's cold there.'"

Stand By Me

Jenna sang only a little bit.  She almost went down the stairs before Steve stopped her.

Ain't Too Proud to Beg

She danced, though!

Ryan:  "Ain't too proud to beg for Jenna!"
When Scott and Jenna were dancing, Jeff walked up behind them and watched closely.  I don't remember him doing that before, but it was funny.

Macklemore

This is the song that was in my head and in Steve's head while we walked along the river.

Instead of "Do It Rockapella", someone yelled "CARMEN SANDIEGO!"  Oops.  No, it wasn't me.  No, I do not know him.  

Where In the World is Carmen Sandiego

At this point, I realized that I had hardly drank any of my 7 & SM, so I drank it kind of quickly.  Steve saw me and smiled.  I think they like it when I'm drunk.  

Again, they did not leave the stage.

Encore

All I Want For Christmas Is You

I love Scott's solo, too.

Up On The Roof / Wonderful World (off mic)

I thought of Bro's happy, happy face when he danced to this with Veronica at their wedding.  I love that face.

Meet and Greet

I was telling the posse that Jesse was over there, and he looked up at me because I was louder than I thought due to my drink.  I waved and got all embarassed.  Karla took individual pictures of me with the guys.  Thank you, KP!  I told Scott that I loved his solo during All I Want for Christmas Is You.  Sher:  " It was ON!!!"  He probably likes it when I'm drunk, too.

KP took individual pictures of me with the guys.  Thank you, KP!

Steve pretending to do a candid pose, while I am not.

The real pose, complete with photo bomber

Kameron the Ticket Taker took pictures of the posse with Rockapella.  He had us do some poses with us doing high kicks, and we tried not to fall down.  Here's the real one.  

Pella and the Posse

We said good night to the guys, then went up to Weff's room to debrief and eat the pecan chocolate bourbon pie that I brought, thanks to one of my co-workers.  We sure had a lot to debrief.

What an awesome day! Thank you, everyone!

Next up:  Day 5 / Day of Tears

PusherPix 01/02/16

Rudolph can borrow my lights if his nose gets tired.

I Like Star Wars

Rockapella In Laughlin

Day 3

Monday, December 28, 2015

Harrah's Fiesta Showroom

Laughlin, NV

Our morning started with FS wanting to know if we were going to Black Bear Diner.  We informed him that we would be going there with Weff the next day, so we needed to think of something else.  KP asked him if she should bring her coat, because we didn't know where we'd be going.  He told her to bring her coat, and the car keys.  Well, I guess FS is now comfortable enough with us that he makes demands!  He said that he would ask the guy at the bell desk.  So we put on our coats, brought the keys, and met him downstairs.  I didn't think that we were on the correct floor because FS wasn't standing there (he's always there before us), but he just wasn't in my line of sight.  I mean, Sher, the Dreyer's Ice Cream place is not on any of the other floors.  What are you thinking?  We all went to the bell desk together, and the guy recommended, yes, Black Bear Diner.  We told him that we were going there tomorrow, and then he proceeded to name IHOP and Denny's.  Well, OK, then.  I hadn't had IHOP in a while, so I made an executive decision and said we were going there.

Our view from IHOP

Our server's name tag said "Little Bit".  Her real name was Katie, but that's what everyone calls her because she's little.  FS wanted Silver Dollar pancakes, which weren't on the regular menu, but Katie fixed it so he could have an adult-sized portion.  KP wanted the same thing, but as she had already ordered the same drink as FS, she decided not to freak him out and ordered something else.  I had Bananas Foster French Toast, which was tasty. We talked about his wife.  Fran teaches the 5th grade, and would rather teach a bunch of different subjects rather than just one all day long.  After breakfast, FS wanted to get some cookies at McDonald's next door because the ones at the hotel were more expensive.  We waited in the car.  He came back without cookies.  APPARENTLY, they didn't have them yet.  I asked him if he wanted to go back later, but he declined.  Maybe he's not TOO demanding.  :)  I told him I would need to cut across a bunch of lanes to get to our immediate left turn, and then it wasn't so bad.  He said that he drives in New York and it's much worse.  Yeah, this wasn't downtown LA or anything, so I had no problem.  But FS doesn't even have a car, so whatevs.  We told each other that we'd meet later, which is good that I mentioned it, because his friends had not told him what time or where we'd meet.  Sigh.  Boys.

As we approached the elevator lobby, we ran into FFE, whom was on the way to the gym.  He said that he needed to work out so that he could have popcorn later.  I told him not to tire himself out to much, and that we'd see him later.  KP and I kicked back in the room while I blogged about Sunday.  I couldn't concentrate very well, but I tried.  Then we got ready to go to our movie.

We went downstairs at our planned time and met up with JT, FS, and RC.  The only one missing was FFE.  RC kept being funny and asking crazy questions, like, "About when does the Starship Enterprise appear?"  I told him that I was going to hit him. While we were waiting, JT, whom had seen the movie before, took KP and me aside to talk about the cameos that we needed to look for.  While he was doing this, he held our hands because he was excited to see the movie again.  FFE finally got downstairs, and the guys told us that they decided to just pile into my car because I guess FS told them that we had an SUV and it was only about a 5 minute drive anyway.  Yay!  JT said he'd get in the trunk.  Then FFE decided he would do that instead.  FS decided that he was riding shotgun for the whole day because KP had given him permission earlier for breakfast.  Ummm...that's FFE's seat.  But that's OK, I'll just freak out and try not to give a concussion to my precious cargo as I drive them all around without seat belts.  It's good that I didn't know that the folks in the backseat were also unrestrained, because I was nervous enough as it was.  We drove to the Riverside Hotel.  FS told me to park on the 2nd floor so that we could be on the same floor as the walkway that passed over Casino Way.  Well, he was wrong, and we still had to go up one floor.  We all gave him a hard time, because all of us are like that.  

We got in line for tickets, then got in line at the door after having our ticket stubs taken, because we were waiting for the people in the theater to leave after their show.  Meanwhile, JT asked if we could get concessions while we were eating, and that was allowed, so some of us went for something to eat.  Some people had smuggled stuff in their jackets and/or asked their friends to do so for them.  KP and I thought of bringing the Star Wars Cheez-Its, but we couldn't think of a way to bring them discreetly and eat them quietly.  It's a good thing, too, because RC told KP that it drives him crazy when somebody brings loud food with loud packaging to the movie theater.  FFE did not get popcorn, so when I got mine, I offered him some.  At that point, he started to sing Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons' "Sherry".  I cannot tell you how happy this made me.  I told him that one of my dreams was for him (or one/all of them) to sing that song to me, because it's my happy song, and I listen to it when I need a pick-me-up.  I also have it in my head when I'm wearing a red dress, because of the lyrics.  He kept singing it.  He had sung it when he was in a Jersey Boys show.  I asked if he was tired of the song.  He said no, and sang more.  Seriously, somebody up in the heavens likes me.  Someone else joined him for a few bars, maybe JT.  I was just lost in Sherryland.

We were finally allowed to go into the theater, and we got comfy, 4 of us in one row, and 2 of us behind that one.  Have I told you yet that I was warm this whole time?  At first, everyone else thought that I had lost my mind, but then people started to agree with me, and jackets and hats came off.  I put the popcorn bucket between us so that FFE could share with me because I never finish my popcorn unless it's a kid-sized one. He told me to throw some at RC because he was in front of us, and because I could.  So I did.  RC turned around, and I tried to throw a piece into his mouth, and I missed it by about half a foot.  I told him that my aim was bad, and that's why my Star Wars badge says "Stormtrooper".  I talked to FFE about Bro agreeing to make him an Old Fashioned the next time he comes to the house.  I also told him that Bro and I were thinking of going to Nashville in the summer for drum corps, so we talked about that for a bit.  You know, like "What is drum corps?" and that kind of stuff.  When he left for a minute, I talked to RC, whom was telling KP that he strictly follows movie theater etiquette.  Noted, and thank you from those of us who don't need a running commentary of what others think of movies while we're seeing them for the first time.  RC offered to switch seats with KP if she couldn't see over the heads of the people in front of her, but she was perfectly fine.  What a sweetie, though, right? 

The trailers we saw were all of movies to which I'm looking forward:  Captain America Civil War, Zootopia, and Batman vs. Superman.  The theater was full, but the audience was pretty quiet.  It was soooo different from when I saw this opening morning at the El Capitan. The screen went dark.  The Lucasfilm logo appeared.  The crawl started.  I was watching Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens again.  Due to the quiet in the theater (I think some people may have heard RC and shut up), I was able to hear some lines that were buried under audience laughter or gasps during my first viewing.  I totally forgot to watch for Simon Pegg, not that I would have recognized him anyway.  Impressions:  FFE liked the movie, but didn't like Adam Driver in the part because a) he doesn't look like his parents (JT said that he could have his mom's eyes), and b) FFE has seen him in funny stuff, so he couldn't take him seriously.  JT happily caught the cameos he wanted to see.  RC and FS like the movie, too.  I informed FFE about the person playing the stormtrooper keeping Rey in the room.  They're all going to need to see it again, except for JT, who needs to see a comedy or something next.  

On our way to the car, we decided that we had time to get food before the guys needed to report to work.  JT was confused because of the weird time zone issues there, thinking that we were an hour later than actual time.  We decided to go to In N Out.  KP told the story of Logan at the In N Out in Livermore.  JT told me that he pictures me in bed, sleeping like a princess, flat on my back with my hands folded.  I advised him that this was very much not how I slept.  Thank you for thinking that, though!  Wendy later told me that she's going to slip a pea under my mattress to see if I can feel it.  Before leaving the In N Out parking lot, we had to wait for FS because he walked next door to get cookies at Subway.  He brought them in, and RC proceeded to eat them.  Ummm...those aren't for you!  What the...?

We all piled into the car again and drove back to Harrah's.  We all wondered about the weird shoe prints on the beams across the ceiling of the structure.  (Oh, man, I forgot to take a picture!).  The guys thanked us, and went to their rooms to get ready for rehearsal.  Weff had arrived, so we went to their room and told them about our awesome day, as well as the other days' shows.  We told them that the shows are hybrid shows, so there are some holiday songs.  
Wendy:  "Do they do 'Angels We Have Heard on High'?"
Sher: "No."
Jeff:  "Do they do 'Jingle Bell Rock'?"
Sher: "No."
This kinda put a damper on their excitement.  Sorry, guys.
Then we decided to get ready to watch our friends sing and dance on stage.

We went downstairs, and had the same ticket guy, and said, "You and your phone".  Oh, Kameron, you know you love me and my technology!  I tried to order a margarita, but they didn't have any sweet and sour.  So I asked for a 7 & 7.  They poured Sierra Mist.  Sigh.  At least it didn't taste yucky.  We were all seated house right:  Weff and I were in the second row, and KP was behind us.  Jeff saw that they had the voice changers on the little stage, and asked if they were there on the other nights.  I don't remember.  Hmmm...

Tell Me Something Good / Rock Around the Clock
Yay!  The crowd is better today!  

Nobody was seated next to Jeff, so KP sat there and we moved over a seat or two.  So did the lady next to me.

Jailhouse Rock
Aw, Scott's happy that the crowd is responding. 

Scott:  "Has anyone here seen Rockapella before?"
Scott to the lady next to us:  "Hi!  You were here last night, too.  Thank you for coming back." 
See?  He's happy.

Scott is Jennifer Lopez.

Dancing in the Streets
Steve lifted his leg and I laughed.  Jeff's thrusts are still too few.  Steve pointed at our Jeff.  

Scott:  "I saw people dancing in the streets along the Colorado River today...Ha, I didn't see that."

Glow Worm
Hmmm...did they modulate the key where they usually don't?  Jeff faked out Steve and didn't try to hit him this time.  

Scott:  "Are you ready for some Rolling Stones?  Yeah, I love those fellas...but I can't remember what key it's in."

Satisfaction

Scott:  "Who had the best Christmas?"
"WHOOO" from various audience members.
Scott:  "Ah, prove it."

Scott regarding the annual Rudolph airing:  "I would wait at 4:00, 4 hours early in case something would happen.  I didn't even own a watch; we were a very poor family."
He talked about Yukon's axe:  "He's prospecting for peppermint."
Crowd:  "Oooooh."
Scott:  "Mic Drop!"

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer

Scott:  "Are you all having a good time? Well, that makes one of us.  Just kidding!  I'm loving every minute of it."
(I'm just happy that he's still up there after that almost-non-encore the night before).

Scott, in response to someone calling out for Motown: "Motown!  We're talking about Motown! Bing Bong!"

My Cherie Amour
I really enjoyed the "la la"s today.

Scott, regarding Steve's Boston accent:  "Have you ever seen that movie, 'Ted'?  That's Steve."
Steve:  "Not the bear."
Scott mentioned that Ryan was from Nebraska.
Audience member: "HUSKERS!!!"
Ryan:  "I love it."
Scott:  "What was the day when they said, (pointing to Ryan) 'You get all the vocal chords.' 
(pointing to himself) 'She gets none.'"

Scott:  "Jeff has been our vocal percussionist for over 20 years.  He started when he was 12."
Scott:  "His mouth is otherwise occupied." <snickers from the audience> "Now, now, now...what happens in Laughlin..."

Grandma Got Run Over by A Reindeer
Oh, the girlfriend is wearing PINK!

Scott:  I can't help but think that some of you seem to be laughing at our tragedy."

Blame It On The Boogie
Scott is out of control.

Commercials
Taco Bell -- Pitch, Scott?  "Grab it."
A couple of drunk women that were in the back booth seats walked up to the front row and sat down.  
Scott:  "Hello!  Hi!"
Scott regarding Dr. Pepper: "Not a penny."

Scott: "Something just occurred as I was singing my coffee song...could you come tell my friends about your love of coffee?  Is Folgers your preferred brand?"
Elena: "100% Columbian"
Scott:  "We are talking about coffee, right?"

Elena builds locomotives.

Stand By Me

Ain't Too Proud to Beg
Sigh.  The drunk woman's head is in my line of sight.

Ryan:  "We've been in Harrah's all over the country..."  
They have?

Macklemore
I used to call this "Thrift Shop", but have heard the guys referring to it as "Macklemore".  It might also be called "Macklebrate", so this might change again.
Steve smiled at JeffEvs.

Where in the World is Carmen SanDiego?
Jeff and Steve touched fingers at the end.  They're in agreement!  

They didn't leave the stage. Instead, they stayed for the encore.  Interesting.

All I Want For Christmas Is You

One more!

Up On The Roof / Wonderful World
I am going to cut off that drunk lady's arm.  She obviously doesn't need it, because she keeps waving it in the air, blocking our view.

I may have been a bit tipsy, but oh my goodness, they were much more tipsy than me.

Yeah, so they never used those voice changers tonight.  I wonder if they were there for the rehearsal, and they never put them away.  Maybe they're doing the song on New Year's Eve.  I don't know.  Maybe they have them there in case Scott decides to do it on a whim.

Jeff hurried over to the guys to give them the Sharpies that we asked Weff to bring because the guys had been using ballpoint pens on the other nights.  I introduced myself to the lady who had been sitting next to me all night.  Her name is Karen.  She will also be in the same seat on Wednesday.

You know what he sings?  "SHERRY"

I told the guys that I was drunk.  Ryan and Steve both said, "Good for you!"  Wait.  Were they mocking me, or were they jealous?

Meet and Greet Day 3 with Steve

I don't remember what was making me laugh.  Might have been KP.

I asked Scott why he didn't join us for the movie.  He said that Jesse arrived today, so he needed to wait.
Sherry: "Jesse's HERE?!"
Scott:  "Yes."
He was, like 10 feet away from us.  I'm blind.  Well, he also cut his hair and is wearing hipster glasses now, and has grown a mustache, so I've got that going for me.  He lives in Brooklyn now, producing music and stuff.  I talked drum corps with him.  Scott told him that I am the fan that really likes drum corps.  That's me!!!  I told him that it would be really cool if he could go to Indianapolis and see his family the same week of drum corps finals, and he'd be watching it in the same building as me.  Yeah, that's a weird dream of mine.  He doesn't even need to sit by me.  Well, unless his dad comes with him, then they need to sit by me.  :)  I told him of my love for Vanguard, and he said, "Yeah, SCV.  Their percussion is soooo good!"  He likes to go to the indoor shows (WGI).  Had other people not been there, I might have talked his ear off about all things drum corps.  Seriously. He said that he just couldn't see himself taking off for a whole summer to do that.  

With Mr. Leonard

With 2 Mr. Leonards

The posse and I went to the Beach Cafe for dinner, which is the 24-hour restaurant that KP and I went to for our first breakfast with Fred.  My corned beef hash was yummy. 

Piranha on table

 Wendy called shotgun for the next day's activities.  She's quick, man.  We got to ride in the one elevator that had the Rockapella sign in it.  Yay!  KP dubbed it the Pellavator.

PellaPusher in the Pellavator

 

Next up:  Day 4 / Back to the Riverside Hotel

PusherPix 01/01/16

Happy New Year!  I've decided that my daily challenge this year is to post a picture every day, preferably original ones. 

So here we go, the first PusherPix post of 2016:

Putting stuff away from the road trip.  

Hippo Chip Clip for the win!

Harmonic Journal 12/31/15

Harmonic Journal
Thursday, December 31, 2015

"Last Night" by Scott Leonard, as performed by Rockapella

DLR LotD 12/31/15

Disneyland Resort
Line of the Day

Thursday, December 31, 2015

"OK, on the count of 5..." -- Cindy, at Catal

Harmonic Journal 12/30/15

Harmonic Journal
Wednesday, December 30, 2015

"Satisfaction / Cupid" by Mick Jagger / Keith Richards and Sam Cooke, mash-up arranged by Scott Leonard, as performed by Rockapella

Harmonic Journal 12/29/15

Harmonic Journal
Tuesday, December 29, 2015

"Riverside Hotel" by Yousui Inque, as sung by Rockapella

The Magic Hallway

Rockapella in Laughlin 

Day 2

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Harrah's Fiesta Showroom

Laughlin, NV

I had weird dreams last night about football players and losing Karla in the hotel.  Also, Rockapella.  It was fine, though, that Karla woke me up:  Fred was hungry, and wanted to go to breakfast.  OK, then!  I still needed to get up and take a shower, so we quickly got ready and met him downstairs by the elevator lobby.  We had breakfast at the 24-hour Beach Cafe, which was pretty decent.  Fred showed us pictures from when he was in a rock band and when he was in Washington, DC with Ladysmith Black Mambazo.  Fred's musical influence was The Beatles. 

After breakfast, we passed the hotel Starbucks, and KP and I talked about the gift cards she received from students, and that we were going to use them here.  Fred said that we need to talk to Ryan because he loves Starbucks.  Of course, we were in the Magic Lobby, so up walks Ryan...and Jeff is with him.  Hi, guys!  We chatted for awhile about Fred being in Apple Maps Denial and their plans for the day.  I don't know why they weren't as excited as we were about going to Target to buy me a coat.

KP and I went to Target without them, but first I wanted to check Kohl's, which didn't have exactly what I wanted.  At Target, I found a coat to purchase, and also found a cute Rudolph plush.  It was only $4.99!  So, of course, it's coming home with me.  We also bought other necessities and more snacks.  Because Star Wars Cheez Its, that's why.  We obtained lunch while we were there, and brought it back to the hotel and rested and watched some football.

How could we resist these?  We couldn't.

Jenn arrived with her mom, and we met up with them for dinner after I freaked out about the time.  My chromebook was an hour ahead of of actual time, so I thought I wouldn't have time for dinner and a shower, but I guess I did.  Our dinner was at Guy Fieri's El Burro Borracho.  I had a Frozen Horchata Colada, and Jenn had a Frozen Strawberry de la Cruz.  Both were tasty!  I enjoyed the Chili-Lime Dusted Chicharrone & House Salsa Molcajete.  Mmmm...chicharrone!

Sweet and Tasty

Cheers!

KP went up to the room ahead of me, and she ran into Ryan, whom was on the phone, but mouthed "Hi, Karla" to her.  She's happy that he knows her name.  Yay!  Jenn, Auntie Rose, and I then made our way to our rooms, talking about how Jenn is on the same floor as Steve.  I tell you, this lobby and hallway are magic:  who comes walking down the hallway but the handsome man himself!  He gave us all hugs.  I noticed that he was holding a Monster Energy Drink, and told him that I thought he didn't drink those before Rockapella shows.  He said, "Yeah, I need this today."  I asked if he was upset about the Patriots game, because I had watched it, thought of him, and said, "Oh, he's pissed."  I was right.  He explained to Jenn and her mom the controversy of the coin toss, and said that he was so mad that he took a walk and got the Monster.  He's still cute when he's mad.  We wished him a good show.  Jenn said that of COURSE we saw him, because she's tired and disheveled again.  I got back to the room and KP laughed when I said, "...and THEN we saw Steve Dorian in the hallway!" 

We got pretty for the show, then went to Jenn's room to get her.  Her mom took pictures of us, then we went downstairs and Jenn and I stopped off at the box office to deal with her ticket, because she couldn't access it on her phone to show the bar code.  They were able to take care of her, and we walked to the theater.  The guy remembered me from yesterday and scanned my phone.  They had just done it for the first time yesterday, so we were all pleased that it worked again.  Tim showed us our seats, and said that we'd probably be able to move once the show started, because there would be plenty of empty seats.  So we called KP over to hang out with us before going to better seats.  The ones we ended up in were about 5 rows back, and we didn't have people adjacent to us to annoy us with singing along with the show.  There were, maybe 40 people in the theater.  But Rockapella gave us their all, as usual.

Rock Around The Clock
They have no idea where we're sitting.

Jailhouse Rock
Sherry:  "Pella butt!!!!"
KP:  "What?"
Sherry:  <whispers> Pella butt!  (Pella wasn't loud at that moment, and can you imagine if I had yelled it at that point?

Scott called us a small but mighty crowd.  We yelled when he asked who'd seen Rockapella before.
Scott:  "Mom!  Our moms are here."

Dancin' in the Streets
Steve looked at Scott when he mentioned Motor City, and Scott reacted with a fist pump.  Yes!  The song was perfect today, no verse issues.  Must be that Monster drink.

Scott:  "This is the best week for Rockapella shows because you get the good songs from the rest of the year and the best songs from the holidays."

Glow Worm
How is it that Jeff's cheeks aren't bruised after that?
Scott acknowledged "Jeff Thacher's face".

Satisfaction
Jeff shoots his Cupid arrow to KP.  Well, at least, that's what it looks like to me.  My version of Another Saturday Night:  "You know it's hard on a Pella..."

Scott has rudolph.com "If I'm wondering what was going on with Rudolph...are there any new developments..."

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer
We yelled "YAHTZEE!!!"  Jeff's like, "Oh, there they are!"

Scott:  "They didn't fix this stool from last night.  It's actually a rocker."

My Cherie Amour

Scott:  "Steve is from Worcester, Massachusetts."  <crickets> "Nobody here from Worcester."
"Ryan is very happy from the Nebraska Cornhuskers' bowl victory yesterday."

Scott adjusted his butt on the stool by kinda wiggling it around.  I think I could watch Pella butts all day.  SHUT UP, all of you whom are raising your eyebrows at me!

Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer
"No Easter Bunny"
"Stay strong, Grandpa"

Scott:  "Are you ready for this?"  (little response)  "It's Sunday night in Laughlin.  ARE YOU READY FOR THIS?!"  (big response)  "WHEEEE!!!"

Blame It On The Boogie
That trance / me rhyme again.  What?  Is that how it goes?  OK, I just looked it up.  He sings it wrong.  KP likes to watch Jeff's hips move.  Go, Calvin, go!  He's looking more comfortable with the dancing today.

Commercials
Scott gave the wrong pitch for Mounds.  "Nope."
Scott wasn't saying his line for the 3rd Mounds jingle.  Steve off mic:  "Then you must have it."
Scott (loudly):  "Then you must have it!"  Thanks for the cue, Steve!
I like Ryan's smile during Jeff's NBC peacock flourish.
PELLA BUTT!!!!
Steve:  "Preparation" (long pause) "H" directly AT ME.  
Jeff mimicked slapping Ryan's butt and did his cymbal crash twice.
Scott:  "That's as bad as they got right there...'twas the nadir."
Jeff at the end of Dr. Pepper:  "PEPPAH!" <makes sound of soda fizzing>  He's awesome.

Scott:  "A sort of bolt was zapped to me telepathically...do you like coffee?"
Woman:  "No.  I hate it."  Scott tried to get her to go on stage with him.  She refused.  He threatened to sit on her lap.  I raised my hand a little bit.  She still refused.  He went to someone else, who can't drink coffee, because she's pregnant.  Summer eventually did get onto the stage with him, and told him that she was on the treadmill next to him earlier this afternoon in the gym.  
Scott:  "Oh, we've already had that chemistry...so the message ricocheted from her to you.  When is the baby coming?
Summer:  "In June."
Jeff:  "Or, tonight!"
Scott asked what she would be naming the baby, but she didn't know yet.  He tried to merge her name with Joe's.  (She's having a boy).
Scott:  "You should name him 'So'...or "Jummer".  

Stand By Me
Summer lip synched "Darling, darling", but then she did speak-sing "Stand By Me".

Ain't Too Proud To Beg
Jeff is dancing.  Does he always dance during this song?

Ryan:  "Welcome to the Rockapella Hits Holiday Hybrid Show."  He wanted us to help him out with the song they'd be singing from this era.

Thrift Shop
Sure, Ryan, point the microphones at the audience during the (original) lyric of "f*cking".  I know what you did there!

Scott's been singing this song for 58 years.  Yesterday was 4 years ago, I guess.

Where In The World Is Carmen SanDiego?
Loved Jeff's solo.

Then the clapping.  We tried to keep the audience going.  There was too long of a pause.  At one point, I was the only one clapping because KP's hands were hurting.  APPARENTLY, there was a discussion happening backstage as to whether or not there would even be an encore.  I yelled "ENCORE!!!!" really loudly.  Finally, we heard a pitch pipe.

All I Want For Christmas Is You
I really try not to point at certain people when I mouth the words to this song.  I want to point, but I do not.  It makes me smile widely when they sing this song.  I'm glad they did their encore.

Scott asked if we wanted another song.  He got a good response from whomever hadn't already left during the long pause.  Somebody got up to leave.  He pointed to them.
Scott:  "You do NOT get to hear another song!"

Up On The Roof / Wonderful World (off mic)
Sherry: "Oh, here they come!"  They didn't go that far into the audience, though.

Not that many people stayed afterward, so we talked to the guys about plans for the next day and such.  Calvin came up to me and said that he wanted to sing, "All I Want for Christmas is Sherry".  Well, I'm not stopping you, Cal!  At one point, someone opened a door to take out some trash, and the very cold air came in.  I wanted to snuggle up to Pella to keep warm, but somehow refrained from doing such.  We told Ryan that we needed new Rockapella shirts, and he thought that maybe we could include a hashtag #PellaPosse.  I'm not kidding.  He wasn't either.  Let's do it!  We lamented about not really having a place to go after the shows where we could get drinks that didn't have a Video Poker machine.    Unfortunately, Harrah's is separate from the other casinos, so we couldn't really explore without needing to drive somewhere or walk for about 40 minutes, and on a hill at that.  

Look how happy we all are!  Especially me.

Jenn and I wanted drinks, so we found some seats at the Range Bar.  Jenn had a pineapple juice and Malibu Rum, and I had an Old Fashioned.  As we were talking, Ryan and Steve spotted us and decided to join us.  Steve's drink is an Old Fashioned, too!  I need to tell Bro, because he makes good ones.  I may have said more than I would have if I had been sober.  Eh, whatevs.  They're comfortable with us and tell us stuff, too, so it's all good.  We solidified our plans for the next day.

After they left, Jenn and I decided to hit the arcade while KP went to the room.  Jenn beat me at Galaga.  This is not a new concept.  She's such a natural gamer. We would have played more stuff like Dance Dance Revolution, but we didn't have anymore small bills and nobody was at the redemption counter.

Get those alien ships!

KP came back down because new plans came up.   We said our goodbyes to Jenn and went to our room to try to sleep.  This was not easy because Monday's itinerary was way too exciting!

Next up:  Laughlin Day 3

Harmonic Journal 12/28/15

Harmonic Journal
Monday, December 28, 2015

"Sherry" by Bob Gaudio, as sung by Steve Dorian to ME!

Harmonic Journal 12/27/15

Harmonic Journal
Sunday, December 27, 2015

"The Time Warp" from The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Toto, We're Not In Cali Anymore

Rockapella in Laughlin 
Day 1

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Harrah's Fiesta Showroom

Laughlin, NV

My day started with me running around my house to finish packing, do some laundry, wash dishes, and wrap gifts.  Way too much to do before KP arrived, but she was patient as I finished up the last bit of it.  We had an appointment to get mani/pedis at Peridot Nails, and we got pretty colors on our nails and got to relax for a little bit.  Thank you, KP!

Pretty Nails for Pretty Ladies

We went to a drive-thru for something to eat because I hadn't had eaten breakfast, and I had announced my hunger at least 5 times.  We drove to the Ontario airport to get the rental car.  As we were about to turn onto the road to the rental car building, a big tumbleweed attacked my car.  It was scary!  The wind was crazy.  I realized that I left my coat at home, and we decided that we already needed to go to Target.  The woman at the rental car kiosk didn't ask KP most of the questions that they usually ask, so that was weird to me.  Even though we didn't want an SUV because we didn't want to deal with wind, she still gave us a "small SUV", a Jeep Cherokee.  Um, OK, but it doesn't really seem all that small.  As we waited to exit the Budget lot, the engine seemed to stop.  Then it started again.  It was bizarre.  So was the key, which took some time for us to figure out.  We transferred our multitude of bags into the rental car, and then I went to the long-term parking lot.  The sign said that the lot was full, but one of the entrances was still open, so I went in anyway, and found a space pretty quickly.  I told KP that I was ready, but I forgot to tell her exactly where to go, so she ended up going into another lot and had to tell the guy that she never parked the car so that she wouldn't have to pay.  While I was waiting, I became an information booth and answered questions that people had as they stopped at the entrance to the lot.  I'm very helpful.  I'm just glad that nothing bonked me on the head as I waited in the crazy windy conditions.  Once KP found me, I got in the driver's seat and we were on our way to Laughlin.

Oy.  The traffic on the 15 was horrendous, because people were on their way to spend the weekend / New Year's week in Vegas.  It took us about 2 hours just to get to Route 40.  It was nice when we got to that freeway so that I could finally drive fast.  By then, KP had read the manual for the car and we found out that the car turns off its engine when it's idle, in order to conserve gas.  It turns back on when you press on the accelerator or take your foot off of the brake.  I didn't like this feature because it made me nervous about sitting in traffic and stalling.  KP found out how to turn off this feature so that I could feel like I was driving a real car and not a toy with a mystery kill switch.  By the time we exited the freeway, it was already dark, and there were some hills and lots of nothingness, which made us think that we were driving into walls. 

 We finally saw the lights of Harrah's after 5 hours of driving, which really should have been about 3.75 hours.  Sigh.  Then we braved the wind to get to Hotel Registration and checked in.  KP saw a McDonald's and said that we could probably find Fred there.  Lo and behold, who should walk toward us by the sound man himself!  He was on his way for a quick dinner at the buffet.  I was relieved that he was the one that we saw because I looked like hell, all windswept and exhausted.  We put some of our luggage in our room, and then went to the elevator to go get our remaining bags.   We got into the elevator, went down a couple of floors, and the elevator door opened....and there was Steve.  Mind you, I still looked like hell.  I gasped loudly and tried to hide behind KP, but alas, the elevator did not have much space for me to hide and he smiled and said hi and we hugged each other.  Another guy got on the elevator and somehow KP informed him that it was still the second day of Christmas.  I asked Steve if they were going to sing the Kwanzaa song because today was the start of Kwanzaa.  He said that it would be a half and half show.  Ooh, neat!  He was on his way to sound check.  We walked him a little bit of the way, then parted from him to go get our luggage.  What are the odds that we would see both of them in the span of 15 minutes?  It was crazy.

Then we got into an elevator to the parking structure and there were eucalyptus leaves all over the floor, so I decided that a koala had been there.  On the way back to our room, we waited for our elevator.  I heard KP say, "Don't look."  APPRENTLY, Scott was in the elevator that we were waiting for, but he walked right by us and didn't say hello.  I still looked like hell.  It was OK by me.

Our seats were on the extreme house left.  The center seats were all taken, but we weren't able to purchase them when we bought our tickets earlier this year.  I had separated from KP to go to the restroom, and I needed a drink, so I went to the bar.  They didn't have stuff to make an Old Fashioned, so I asked for a Jack and Coke.  She poured Pepsi.  Oh, well, beggars can't be choosers at this point.  I met up with KP at our seats, and she was talking to a couple of women about Rockapella and the number of shows she attended, etc.  I sat down and drank my Jack and Pepsi, and the show started.

Rock Around the Clock
Wow, we are way over here on the side.  Steve appeared to be looking for us, but couldn't find us.  

Scott introduced the band and some guy in the audience started making requests.
Scott: "This is not an interactive program, sir!"

Jailhouse Rock
JT breaks out of that jail very easily.

Scott:  "We spent the first 3 months of the year in Reno, which was nice, but they don't have this wind."
Some lady said that she and her party brought the wind.
Scott: "Thank you for breaking the wind for us."
Ryan: "Scott's golden hair looked great in the wind."
Scott: "It was blowing the wrong way, though."

Scott:  "Who has seen Rockapella before?"
The lady by KP:  "She's been to 132 shows!"
Scott walks over to our side, and says: "Oh, it's Karla!  We know Karla.  How many shows?"
KP:  "132".  
<oohs and aahs from the audience>
Scott: "Sherry!"
Me:  "Hi!"
Scott:  "We know Sherry, too.  They came from California to see us."
Scott:  "132 shows.  That's weird because we've only done 133 shows.  What's that about?"
Scott:  "Sherry, how many shows have you been to?"
Me:  "I lost track."
Scott:  "Sherry's been to more than 100 shows."
Well, thanks for the shout-out, Mighty Blond One!
(For the record, it was my 109th show).

Dancing In The Streets
Ummm...what happened?  I think we're too distracting for FFE, because now he knows where we're sitting, and he kept smiling at us, and he messed up the verses and threw them off for a tiny bit.  It's a good thing they're all quick on their feet.

Glow Worm / It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas
Jeff almost slapped Steve during his cheek solo.  Steve still smiled at us later, even though he knew that the guy that almost slapped him pointed at KP when it happened.

Satisfaction / Another Saturday Night / Cupid
I like that Jeff makes the sound of an arrow shooting through the air at the appropriate times.

Scott talked about Rudolph.  He talked about Yukon Cornelius.  Jeff made his axe falling into the snow sound.  KP was happy.

Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer
Steve was ready for us as we yelled, "YAHTZEE!!!!"

Scott:  "I got a note on my stool here.  I get that a lot.  Notes on my stool."
The note said that it was Addison's birthday.

Happy Birthday to You
Scott asked what it was like to have a birthday the day after Christmas.  Addison said that it was cool because she gets double presents.

Scott:  "My birthday's the day after Columbus Day."
Ryan:  "What do you get?"
Scott:  "Squat."
Ryan:  "That's what you get on your stool.  Double squats."

Scott regarding his rickety stool:  "I gotta tell ya, the stools in Reno are better."

My Cherie Amour
The woman next to KP needs to stop singing along.  I covered my left ear so that I wouldn't be able to hear her so much.

Ryan made a lot of low sounds.
Scott:  "It feels good.  I don't know what you said, but it feels good."

Scott:  "I am from Indianapolis, but our family just had a tragedy at Christmas.  I'm not sure I could get through this tragedy.  So we're singing this in tribute."

Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer
Ryan's "Jingle bells, Batman SMELLS" is hilarious.
"Call Law and Order: SVU"...because Scott watches "Law & Order"!
"'Cept Grandpa's girlfriend, she's real big."

Scott:  "Thank you for snickering at our tragedy."

Blame It On The Boogie
Steve motioned to us to bring on our shout: "MOONLIGHT!!!"
The verse was off on this one, too, but this time it was Scott.  "Trance" does not rhyme with "me".
Perhaps Scott was just hungry, because he came back from the bass breakdown, chewing while singing, probably on a Power Bar.  Dude, I think you should know by now how long that breakdown takes to finish.

Commercials
Ryan was still dancing at the last "milk chocolate" line, and seemed startled that he was the only one left singing.
Steve walked very tenderly back to his regular spot on the stage after singing about Preparation H.
Scott saluted during the Dr. Pepper song.  "I love that song...made us ZERO dollars."
After Folger's, Scott: "Our greatest hit, sadly enough."

Scott:  "This message of lightning shot right through my brain."
He chose Sharon to join them on stage, and invited her to sit down.  "This is the breakaway stool."  Sharon is from Burbank, CA.  
Jeff:  "I just came from there!"  JT was spending time with his family for the holidays.  Oddly enough, none of us ran into him during that whole time.  Sharon is retired from being a hairdresser.  Scott flipped his hair.
Scott:  "What do you think?"
Scott:  "She's thinking, 'You need a haircut!'"

Stand By Me
Sharon kept pushing the microphone away, but she did sing.  

Ain't Got Time To Beg
She didn't dance, though.

Ryan: "Welcome to the Rockapella Motown, Hits, Christmas Fun Show."

Thrift Shop

Scott sang the next song for 54 years.

Where In The World Is Carmen SanDiego?
Jeff walked right on over to our side during his solo and stared at KP.  He may have made eye contact with me, too.  Later, he included some swinging hip action.

After the song, the guys left the stage, and the audience stopped clapping, and the house lights came on, and the exit music played, and KP and I were confused.  Then people started shouting, "MORE!"  I yelled, "ENCORE!!!"

Then the smooth sounds of Calvin Jones wafted through the air.

All I Want For Christmas Is You
Seriously, I love that they do this song now.  They all sound great.

Up On The Roof / Wonderful World (off mic)
They did the same thing as in Reno and stepped off of the stage and sang from audience level during the song.  People, please stop clapping and singing along with the guys I paid to see and hear.

KP and I spoke with the women next to her for a little while.  One of them asked me if I was from Thailand.  I told her I was from the Philippines.  She told me that she liked lumpia.  Hey, I do, too!  I almost told her that Steve also likes lumpia, but didn't want to talk to her anymore..I had a meet and greet to attend.

We talked to Fred and discussed the confusing non-encore but then an encore thing.  KP asked if he knew about any good breakfast places, but he didn't.  His fellow tech crew guy, Kyle, said that there weren't any good breakfast places around.  He's lived there for 26 years and didn't know any in Laughlin.  If we find one, we'll let Kyle know.  KP tried to get Fred to remember our room number if he wanted to call us to go to breakfast or hang out with us because he didn't know what he was going to do this week.  I said, "Why don't you have his phone number already?"  So they exchanged phone numbers and now Fred sends text messages to KP and vice versa.  You're welcome!

The stragglers of the meet and greet were almost done talking to the guys, so KP and I rushed over to see them.  Once they finished taking pictures with other fans, they all walked over to us to say hi.  Yes, Pella now walks to us!  Calvin came up behind me, actually, to hug me, then he did the same to KP.  We talked about wanting to see Star Wars.  We told Scott that he walked right by us when he got out of the elevator.  He said, "I saw you.  I just didn't want to talk to you."  I made a shocked face.  He said, "I'm just kidding.  I didn't see you."  I love you, CSL4!   I told Steve that we need to take pictures together tonight and then 4 more times.  KP told Scott that it never gets old that he remembers her name.  "You're very memorable", he said to her.  Awwww...sweet!  We said our good nights to the guys and then Jeff came back to hug KP and me because he realized that he had been talking to other people.  

Ryan photo bombing KP and Calvin

Scott backed out of this picture, then came back when I called him over

I went to the Players Club desk to get my card and we talked to Josh about the seats in the theater.  He said that they were complimentary tickets for Players Club members using their points.  Oh.  Josh thought that our nails were pretty, and said that his feminine side appreciates women's nails because they make them nice.  We came to the consensus that the color of my nails is royal blue, and Karla's are dusty rose.

Sign at the Players Club desk

We shopped for a little while. I bought a Star Wars multi-color pen for somebody.  On our way back to the room, we saw Jeff in the hallway by another shop.  We think that he was going to pretend not to see us, then realized that we were unavoidable, and deflected our attention by pointing out some socks that were on display that had Star Wars characters on them.  "Look, 9 different...flavors" and walked away.
Sherry:  "Flavors?  You want me to lick socks?!"

KP and I decided that we wanted dessert and could eat the pie that I brought.  I bought some milk to drink with it.  We finished unpacking in order to earn our dessert.  We changed into our pajamas.  We got ready to eat...but the pie was not in our room.  It was in the car.  Neither one of us was willing to go to the car in our pajamas to get the pie.  Remember, Pella is here, and we keep running into them!  So we just hung out in our hotel room and I drank my milk.

We were exhausted.  We were excited.  We were elated.  And it's only Show Number One.

Next up:  Show #2

Harmonic Journal 12/26/15

Harmonic Journal
Saturday, December 26, 2015

"Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" by Randy Brooks, arranged by Scott Leonard, as performed by Rockapella

Harmonic Journal 12/25/15

Harmonic Journal
December 25, 2015

"Angels We Have Heard on High", arranged by Scott Leonard, as sung by Rockapella



Merry Christmas, everyone!