suffolk concert review [Archive]

jenny

01-27-2008, 05:21 AM

alright, alright, settle down....the review is a coming....(pics will have to wait until this later today). The whole evening was such a BLAST.....a reunion of ole friends and a grand time of meeting new ones... First, Janis Looks fabulous people... she looks young, fresh and seems to have gotten back into the swing of things very quickly, and looks very comfortable. And Kari, oh my gosh, she is a breathe of fresh air.... she is the sweetest person, so everyone is in for a treat. Kari is doing a fantastic job and everyone will just love her. I arrived at the cafe and as soon as I walked into the door, stage left, there is Janis on the phone.... a huge smile and even bigger HUG. I immediately showed Janis what Karen had sent me...what a HUGE laugh that came out of Janis, ......and we were off to the start of the evening. Everytime I turned around there was a rudie coming in the door. Hugs, smiles, and camera going off everywhere....after a quick visit with everyone, and eating dinner BeckyVa and I headed out to help Kari with the merchandise table... then it was time to head in for the show... AWESOME...absolutely AWESOME... during the intermission I made eye contact with the set list...after the show I looked at Marjan and said "do you want it?" A slight nod from her and I was off... up on the stage I went. When I got there I noticed there were TWO... I kept the other one for myself and got it signed. BeckyVa and I once again headed to help with the merchandise table, as I got there my job was to change. BeckyVa stayed and helped with the merchandise and Janis, BUT I got to go with Kari and help take down the stage equip,etc, gather things from the dressing rooms and load up the van.. and you know I was very happy doing that...plus I got to hang out with Kari.I got back in time to get pics of people in line, rudies hanging out, visiting with Marjan and just having a blast. Janis then yells out "is everything signed because I'm putting the pen down?" Oh ****, I almost forgot,,, my things needed to be signed..... I had with me Janis' multi colored shirt and THE jeans and my I'd rather be at a Janis Ian concert hat... naturally comments went flying about me having more of Janis' clothes than herself, AND I SEE ANOTHER PAIR OF JEANS TO ADD TO MY COLLECTION, so everyone pay attention when you see janis on stage with them ... ;-) Then it was group hugs, pics all around etc...... but it isn't over... I must leave for now as I am meeting Marjan and Oak for breakfast.... will give you more later as well as the set list and pics... so settle down, it is on the way... there is more to tell....... ;-) Jenny

aabram

01-27-2008, 06:47 AM

Thank you, Jenny. Janis never fails.... looking forward to the pics.... :)

Annabel

Mary6906

01-27-2008, 06:58 AM

Thanks for your early morning post... I look forward to hearing the rest of the story!

jenny

01-27-2008, 10:07 AM

pictures have been posted... let me know if have trouble getting into photobucket...
http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/ii127/va-rudie/

Jenny

Mimi

01-27-2008, 10:12 AM

"Page not found" :(

MIMI

Marcia Drummergal

01-27-2008, 10:23 AM

Jenny.....what exactly was it that Karen sent you?! I think I know but tell the rest.....

Great review. I know Janis appreciated your help. So did you take the "Printed Version" of her setlist and songs? I saw it in TN but left it alone....I thought she might need it. Hopefully, she can print out another. ;)

Oh, and your link for photos only took me to the photobucket login page.

Hope you had a great breakfast with Marjan and Randy (Oak).

More reviews and stories and pictures wanted!!!

Marcia :)

Dee

01-27-2008, 10:29 AM

"Page not found" :(

MIMI

Try this Mimi:

http://s271.photobucket.com/albums/jj127/va-rudie/

Somehow the "jj127" became ii127 in Jenny's post.

Marcia Drummergal

01-27-2008, 10:39 AM

Thanks for correcting the link Dee. GREAT GREAT pictures Jenny! And now I see what Karen had been talking about.....the tee shirt! LOL She really did it! I want one!

I think your group photo came out better than ours. It's closer and everyone looks....well, some of us didn't like the way we looked! ;)

Great close-ups of Janis too. And she CHANGED CLOTHES for your second half unlike Knoxville! Now I see a shirt that *I* covet!!

Marcia :D

Dee

01-27-2008, 10:47 AM

Those are outstanding photos!

I think some of the performance ones would be excellent as publicity shots.

Thanks for sharing them.

jenny

01-27-2008, 10:57 AM

... for correcting the link.... quess it would help to wear my glasses like I am suppose to.... I have taken a picture of the shirt itself as it didn't show up in the pics all that well but it did in person... the shirt says.. "I'd rather be at a Janis Ian con...but wait"...... but haven't put it on the computer yet but I will shortly.. I need a NAP....
yes Marcia, both of the set lists that I got were printed.... I got mine signed by Janis but Marjan did not...
also forgot to tell you we also got our "Janis Iran" tickets signed but by the orginal artist herself.. Janis Ian....
I loved the first shirt wore in the first set and "the jeans go with anything: .....;-)
the group pic turned out great except you can't really see Marjan so I am hoping someone else got a better version...
Marjan and Randy are on their way home now and we had a wonderful breakfast and a great visit....took a couple of pics too.
here is what is on MY set list..
me 2 you
partys over
soc child
getting over/Marys
silly habit
croc song
autobiography
I hear you sing
intermission
light a light
here comes the night
love me do
watercolors
london
17
joy
I got you babe ... encore
Love me do was AWESOME
I got you babe was a big hit and hoot for everyone..
nap first.. stories later....
jenny

Dee

01-27-2008, 11:02 AM

Glad I could help, Jenny.

Sometimes my detective skills do come in handy. :p

Mimi

01-27-2008, 11:23 AM

Thanks for the wonderful pics, Jenny!

MIMI:)

BeckyVA

01-27-2008, 12:20 PM

:) Jenny,
your pictures turned out great! Now everyone can put a face to BeckyVA...I am the one next to Jenny at the dinner table and in various shots at the merchandise table. Wearing jeans and a black sweater...hope to meet more Rudies in the future....Dee....you are on my list of "must meet Rudies"....

Becky

Mary6906

01-27-2008, 12:47 PM

Great photos.... thanks for posting... it really does help put some names with faces. Everyone looks like they had a wonderful time with all their smiles on their faces.

Gets me all tingly with anticipation for my first time next month. http://www.clipartof.com/images/emoticons/xsmall2/2260_bouncy.gif (http://www.clipartof.com/)

Dee

01-27-2008, 01:22 PM

I am the one next to Jenny at the dinner table and in various shots at the merchandise table. Wearing jeans and a black sweater...hope to meet more Rudies in the future....Dee....you are on my list of "must meet Rudies"....

Becky

Oh so that's who that is. I was wondering.

Well if we ever do meet Becky, at least I'll know it's you! http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/deemark/Emoticons/newwink.jpg

GodSistah

01-27-2008, 01:28 PM

Great pics!

Janis looks beautiful!

:)

~Andrea~

Roady

01-27-2008, 01:37 PM

Thanks so much for the review and great pics. Janis looks more relaxed this show than her first one. You guys are awesome with your reviews and stories about Janis and the shows but I'll be glad when experiencing Janis vicariously will come to an end! March 14th!

By the way anyone know what Janis was singing in the picture where she had her eyes closed?

Roady

dragonlady

01-27-2008, 06:21 PM

Hi all!! What a great show and reunion with Oak, Jenny, Marjan, Randy and Betty and Becky VA...we also met some friends of Jenny's that we really clicked with at dinner that are great fun and may show their heads around here...at least we hope so!! Janis' voice was just flawless last night and her tour manager was a great person to meet.

Kathleen and I got there at around 5 and were hanging out in the restaurant waiting for everyone else to arrive when Janis and Kari came down to have dinner. Within a half hour or so, Jenny and the others started trickling in...some of the new folks were really awed to be eating in the same room with Janis before the show.

I wrote down the set list as Janis performed last night and she added one song to set one * and deleted getting over you/Mary's eyes, maybe a replacement??? Here is the corrected set list:

SET 1
me 2 you
partys over
*All Roads To the river
soc child
silly habit
croc song
autobiography
I hear you sing
SET 2
light a light
here comes the night
love me do
watercolors
london
17
joy
I got you babe ... encore

Afterwards, Janis was gracious, as usual, signing piles of CDs and DVDs and one man's huge pile of vinyl. Then she did a round of photos and headed off to get moving to the next show.

All in all it was worth the wait but I'm really chomping at the bit for the July 31 release of the autobiography....I think I'll take off the day from work to read it cover to cover like I did when the last Harry Potter came out.:D

Missed you all. See you around the board...

-di

dragonlady

01-27-2008, 06:32 PM

hoops

01-27-2008, 06:42 PM

thank you all for the wonderful stories of rudies in suffolk. sounds like you all had a great time and sounds like Janis, just gets better and better...as i knew she would. loved the t shirt btw. you know, we are like little kids waiting for chirstmas to come, just waiting to hear word about each other and our Janis and our encounters. it's a facinating, wonderful, almost magical place, this rudie land. i love being here
peace
hoops

jenny

01-27-2008, 06:47 PM

.....I received some nice gifts: from Diane (dragonlady)... Janis signed a poster from two years ago at "the gravity lounge" in charlottesville, va that I was not able to attend but was there in spirit, so Diane brought me that.. Karen made me the shirt to wear at the concert, and Marjan... oh Marjan.. yep, she brought me stroopwaffels... oh my gosh, I am having a hard time not eating them all at once.. I did let my grandmother have ONE...but that is all....I believe the song Janis is singing and has her eyes closed is either Societys child, or The partys over.... And visiting with BeckyVa and catching up so loads of fun.. it had been too long for us visiting....My co-worker that went enjoyed meeting all the rudies, her and her sisters learned A LOT from each and every one of us, and had a grand time. It was all four of their first time seeing Janis with the exception of one did see Janis during the 70's...we exposed new people with loads of info about Janis etc, the foundation.... Becky was a tremendous help and was loads of fun....the only bad part was not having enough time to spend with everyone .... quess that will have to wait for Pittsburgh...I am sure the other rudies will be able to add some stories once they all arrive back home and rest..... more pics to come tomorrow.. and breakfast was wonderful with Marjan and Randy. That gave us the chance to really talk and not feel rushed... thank you everyone that attended and I am so glad to have met the new ones and hope to visit with everyone again.... I LOVE being a rudie.... thank you .. Jenny ;-)

KarenSews2

01-27-2008, 07:48 PM

[QUOTE=jennyoh Marjan.. yep, she brought me stroopwaffels... oh my gosh, I am having a hard time not eating them all at once.. I did let my grandmother have ONE...but that is all...[/QUOTE]

Alas! I ate my last stroopwafel today. <snif> But now I have BISCOFFS! I just read on the package that in Europe, they are known as "speculoos." I did not know that.

Oak Kitten

01-27-2008, 07:55 PM

Jenny,

Your pictures are marvelous, and thanks again for pulling us all together in Suffolk. I thought Janis's performance last night was the best one I have seen to date. This is the 5th time I have seen her since 2005 - and I don't think it was the best just because it was the most recent performance - there was something special about it last night. She made my cry twice - during "I Hear You Sing Again" and "Here Comes the Night."

The venue was great. The city of Suffolk invested some major $$$ in this performance center. (The food was really good too, and reasonably priced - but this is NOT a food thread - yet.) The house staff did a great job with the stage lighting and especially the sound. Janis owned the audience. When she would start a song, you would hear muffled murmurs of joy when audience members recognized one of "their" songs they had hoped she would play. When she finished a song, your could hear a pin drop in that brief moment before the burst of applause. People just hung on every note and word, savoring them like a fine wine.

What was really cool was that if you look at Jenny's pictures, the one with the tip jar on the table, which only had a few coins in the bottom at the beginning of the night - by the time the Rudies who were at the end of the queue after the show reached the table to see Janis, the jar was filled to the brim with paper bills. The CDs seemed to sell well, too as far as I could tell.

Marjan preceded me in line and had Janis sign several CDs she had brought with her from home. Marjan was something of a celebrity herself last night. Everyone wanted to meet and see the UberRudie who flew over from the Netherlands just to see the show. I had Janis sign my program, and I gave her my extra "Janis Iran" ticket - as she did not have one. She got a kick out of it. And as always she graciously posed for pictures with everyone. I will have mine posted in a couple of days.

There was also a transfer of mysterious cargo from Janis's van into the trunk of Randy & Betty's car, destined for Pittsburgh in August. What could it be?????

It was great fun to finally meet Randy & Betty in person and their family members who came up from North Carolina for the show.

We had a great breakfast with Jenny this morning - a southern breakfast buffet with lots fried everything - a guilty indulgence. It was a 4 hour drive back to Maryland, but the weather was great and we had a stack of Janis's CDs to listen to.

What an incredible weekend it was!

Oak

Roady

01-27-2008, 08:58 PM

. She made my cry twice - during "I Hear You Sing Again" and "Here Comes the Night."

Thanks Oak, sounds like Janis was in top form. But just reading about these two songs had me in tears. I really don't see how I'm going pull this off in March. :(

You Rudies are the greatest sharing Janis and the show with the rest of us who couldn't be there.

Roady

janisian

01-27-2008, 09:30 PM

All I can say is, Jenny and Becky VA were absolutely invaluable that night!

Eva

01-28-2008, 02:58 AM

Love the pictures and it all sounds fantastic. I wish I could have been there. I am glad Marjan is representing us Dutch Rudies there. I know she will do a fine job :)

Eva

jenny

01-28-2008, 05:04 AM

I have added the couple of pics to photobucket from the breakfast with marjan and randy..... oh, and THE SHIRT......still in heaven from the show... it truly was a very special night....there was just something different that made it so much more special.....Janis is truly in TOP form this time...

Keep the stories coming with the future shows so we don't miss a thing...
Jenny

dragonlady

01-28-2008, 08:46 AM

Kathleen and I helped shut down the Mosaic Cafe with Jen's friend from work and her three sisters...D, Di, Cyn, and El....what a hoot they were. We're looking forward to keeping in touch with them.

Then we headed off the VA Beach to visit with my sister's famiily for a day...after the long drive from Charlottesville and the bign high from the show I had a bit of trouble getting to sleep throug the exhaustion...but oh what a day!!!

I'll get my photos posted as soon as I can!!! First I have to try to remember how to access my photobucket...it's been a long time since I've had ictures to post there :o

-di

Dee

01-28-2008, 08:51 AM

I have added the couple of pics to photobucket from the breakfast with marjan and randy..... oh, and THE SHIRT

Great shirt, Jenny! http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/deemark/Emoticons/applause.gif http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/deemark/Emoticons/biggrin.jpg

Eva

01-28-2008, 09:19 AM

Lovely pictures. Where did you 'steal' that shirt Pirate Jenny? ;)

Eva;)

Marcia Drummergal

01-28-2008, 10:04 AM

Hey Jenny: I have the exact same "university" shirt only it has MY last name on it.....funny! ;)

Thanks again everybody for the reviews and pictures. Keep 'em coming! Glad y'all pitched in to help Kari! I know she appreciated it mightily.

Marcia :) See, I told you there was something "extra special" about Janis this tour.....a certain je ne c'est quoi

Pardon my misspellings in French!!

aabram

01-28-2008, 11:22 AM

Wonderful Pics....thanks

Annabel

jenny

01-28-2008, 12:30 PM

....oh, I almost forgot.... in conversation the rude girl tattoo came up... well you know I had to show mine... my co-worker took a picture of my shoulder showing the tatoo, but also exposed my RED bra strap..... of all times for THAT to show.......... I am sure she will pass the pic along eventually. Thank goodness Janis didn't see me exposing my shoulder,,,,,, whew.... don't know how I managed that one... I do believe during this I heard Marjan saying she had one also... or it could have been Diane...... slowly but surly more stories are coming to mind........... ;-)
Jenny

Dar

01-28-2008, 02:25 PM

Hi Jenny!
Thanks so much for posting the great pictures and sharing your night with us.
Your new haircut looks great!

Great photos! Looks like you're getting along very well with that digital camera of yours!!

BeckyVA

01-28-2008, 02:45 PM

:) Thanks for the kind words Janis; I was more than happy to help out.
You are truely a magnificant artist; kind human being and wonderful story teller. I very much enjoyed our evening in Suffolk, VA. Hope to see you again very soon!

Becky

Judy

01-28-2008, 05:24 PM

Thanks for the review, Jenny. As I read the set list I thought "huh?" when I saw Silly Habits on the list. I never thought of Silly Habits as an acoustic guitar song...So tell me, what was that like?

Judy

Marcia Drummergal

01-28-2008, 05:29 PM

If Jenny doesn't mind my responding to this post since I heard Janis sing "Silly Habits" in Knoxville.....it works well on acoustic guitar. Janis keeps it slow and folksy. She doesn't ever take the up-tempo change as in the
recording(s). I have found that Janis can adapt just about any "piano" song to guitar.

Marcia :)

Oak Kitten

01-28-2008, 06:40 PM

Judy,

I was surprised as well when Janis started to lead in to the song with her stage patter, wondering how this would work. Magnificently is the answer. As Marcia said, Janis kept the entire song sultry and slow. Her phrasing and vocal control - always smooth as silk - was amazing. That is SO hard to do. Her chord styling was a very classic jazzy/blues sound that made you feel like you were sitting in some smoky Manhattan club in the 1950s. It was waaay coooool.:cool:

Oak

stardust

01-29-2008, 01:18 AM

Could someone please post names of the rudies in the group shot? I know some of them, but others I don't. Great photos, and Marcia is right - you were a more photogenic group than we were. And you guys didn't almost lose Janis at the back of the group! Good going.

jenny

01-29-2008, 06:02 AM

... sorry I should have done that...
first row is Becky Va,,Jenny,,,, Diane (dragonlady)
second is Suzanne,,, Janis
third is Marjan,,,,Kathleen,,,,Oak Kitten (randy),,,,Dr Betty and RandyPa

hope this helps.....
Jenny

Mary6906

01-29-2008, 06:14 AM

Thanks, that helped me, too... I pretty much figured out who's who all but two people (Suzanne and Diane).

MARILYN/GEMINI

01-29-2008, 06:25 AM

Aww...sweet photos and great reviews !!! Thanks for that girls !! :)

KarenSews2

01-29-2008, 10:40 AM

Randy, I do declare, that it almost looks like you now have a crewcut!

Judy

01-29-2008, 11:13 AM

Thank you Marcia & Oak...I can actually almost hear it, given your descriptions.

marjan

01-29-2008, 01:38 PM

will post more tomorrow after a good night sleep :D

Oak Kitten

01-29-2008, 03:05 PM

will post more tomorrow after a good night sleep :D

Welcome home, Marjan! My kitties miss you. . .

Oak

jenny

01-29-2008, 04:11 PM

I missed you as soon as you left the parking lot on sunday........ ;-( oh but what wonderful memories, and I STILL have stroopwaffels.... ;-)
write soon Marjan....
jenny

gisli

01-29-2008, 04:37 PM

Thank you for this review, a real treat to read and see the picture of all of you, you all look so nice and happy. Dragonlady you look fab and Jeeny what happened to your hair, could you believe it took me 2 min to recognise you. And what´s it with the new look with RandyPa......who took him to the dry cleaning. He looks so more handsome like this, but mind you I would never admit to saying that.

It is going to be so much fun meeting you all in august.

Randy & Betty in Pa

01-29-2008, 07:05 PM

There was also a transfer of mysterious cargo from Janis's van into the trunk of Randy & Betty's car, destined for Pittsburgh in August. What could it be?????

Hello everybody... It's Tuesday night about 8:30pm and Betty and I just got home after a great concert, wonderful visit with such a bunch of characters and a couple really frigid days at Nagshead visiting Bettys cousin... One of the designers of "Century of Flight" Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, N.C.... As my arse is currently dragging I will write more tomorrow about a wonderful show, strappenwouflers and the rest of our trip.... About the contents of the trunk of the car save your pennys for The Picnic in August... Our car has a trunk???? I didn't know that...:eek:

Thanks to Janis, Keri(?), The staff and management of the Bird Song Theater and each and everyone of you all that showed up,,, Rudies, family & friends...

Thanks all...

R. from pa :cool:

Randy & Betty in Pa

01-30-2008, 06:11 AM

Well I guess the place to start is that there are two things that are constant in life, even moreso then death and taxes... Those things are 1: The quality of a Janis Ian concert and 2: It seems there is never enough time to spend with rudies...

The review of the concert has been rather well covered so other then to say that Betty enjoyed it immensely there isn't much that I can add to that to the many glowing reports that have been issued...

Now the Rudies... Thats another story...

For instance did you know that it seems a general consensus of rudies drive "Saturns"??? Other bits of unknown goodies about rudies... I swear when Betty and I first met Diane (Di...Dragon Lady) at Pittsburgh she had on the same baseball cap... The mystery however is What does that Baseball cap say??? Well actually it says nothing as hats don't usually talk... And Jenny... First time meeting her was a bit of a shock... I expected flamming red hair... boy was I in for a shock... But what a wonderful rudie... Yup without Jenny's post Betty and I would not have even considered going to Suffolk...Thank you Jenny... And Marjan (Mari'yan), There is one very very special rudie...Always armed with a smile, a hug and those amazing Strappenwofflers... Randy, well what can I say about you other then it was great to finally meet you...And gee... you even drive a Saturn..:rolleyes: There is something really neat about actually being face to face with people after so much time of "knowing them" online...Randy you far exceeded all expectations... Then of course there was BeckyVa, brother to RandyVa... Oh wait... thats me... No it can't be I don't have a sister... Oh wait, I'm Randy Pa...I think.... Becky it was such a pleasure to meet you and glad to hear that Randy is doing well...Even though he was AWOL from this concert... But then I guess we can forgive him this time... Now I know I have forgotten some and for that I am truely apologetic but stuff happens (especially at my age)

Some have heard of Suzzzzzzfrm NC... Betty's kin and this was her second Janis concert and like the rest of us she and all the herd of North Carolinians that came out was blown away by the performance... Mary, Suzzzz's friend also a long time fan of Janis was there and had a great time... They had in tow a rug rodent age two or three months old guess... Possibly the youngest rudie at this time...

Dr. Whitney (Betty's son a veteranarian)also was there with his friend Jody who both expressed having a great time and when Whitney says he liked a concert he means it... He actually walked out on a Moody Blues concert once!!!!

I regret that we didn't find more time to spend with everybody.... But hopefully PITTSBURGH will offer more time to wander, ramble and run amock with you all...

In closing or better yet,last but not least.... Janis, it was wonderful to see you again...As always the show far surpassed all of my expectations as did your generousity of time after the show... You are truely a class act and let me tell you that it never fails to amaze me how you always make the time to say hello after the show to anyone wishing to meet you... I see the faces of people standing inline to meet you after every show we go to and it's always a long line and my thoughts go back to when I found myself first standing in that line rehearsing my speech only to be standing face to face with you saying "Janis what a wonderful show... you looked taller on stage" Oh well and to this day everytime I have managed to open mouth and insert foot you and all the other rudies have found it in your hearts to forgive me... I guess I reallyhave no excuse for being who I am and the way I am other then to say it must be REDJACK's fault... Boy you should see the trunk of my car ;)

Inclosing...
Thak you all for a wonderful time...

Best to all

R. from Pa

jenny

01-30-2008, 07:58 AM

.......... I TOO have a Black Saturn L300 series...... must be a good thing... and I thought of Michelle the other day as I put NEW penquin seat covers on my seats that is,,,, and they are adorable.... great to hear from you Randy and look forward to Marjans post as well..... oh Marjan???????? WAKE UP!!!!!

jenny

Denise

01-30-2008, 08:15 AM

Awesome Awesome pics!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for the wonderful write-up!

KarenSews2

01-30-2008, 08:22 AM

[QUOTE=jenny]... and I thought of Michelle the other day as I put NEW penquin seat covers on my seats that is [QUOTE]

:eek: Oh my! How many penguins does it TAKE to make a seat cover!?!?!?

I haven't seen anything about that "special delivery" I asked you to make, Jenny. Did it happen?? ;)

jenny

01-30-2008, 11:50 AM

.... ok Karen ... refresh my memory ....cause I am a blanking?????? OH.... I THINK I may know......are you speaking of a THUMPING????.......if so it was a huge on too......

jenny
if not please refresh me.....

KarenSews2

01-30-2008, 01:05 PM

Yup, Jenny, the "thunking" was it. How did that go for ya? :D

jenny

01-30-2008, 01:08 PM

.... and you should have seen the look... I mean it was the first meeting and all and I really put it too it..... was toooo funny.... will see if it ever comes up huh?????
;-)

Randy & Betty in Pa

01-30-2008, 02:56 PM

Just for the record and my safety I now wear A heavy leather hat to all Rudie events for my protection...:mad:

Best (with still aches from Chicago)

R...

marjan

01-30-2008, 03:00 PM

OK here I am .. let's see .. where should I start?

I woke up this morning in my own bed with a smile on my face full of memories of a weekend well spend :D

What??? Oh you need more details then that???

Well fine .. here’s my travellog .. be prepaired .. if you aren’t satisfied with the short version above .. you just have to struggle and read the long one

Thuesday 24th
My first day of off work. I did some hoovering, cleaned dishes and went to the supermarket to buy stroopwafels and cheese (a gift for John, Randy’s hubby). Then I packet my bag, kissed my cats goodbye and took the bus and train to a hotel nearby Schiphol airport.

Friday 25th
After a good night sleep and breakfast the hotel shuttlebus brought me to the airport.
I’m glad I did it this way, because now I had no stress whatever to make it in time for my flight. The flight departed at 0.35pm local time and after a stopover in Philadelphia I landed in Baltimore at 9.35pm local time (that was already 1.35am Saterday my time) When I was following the signs “baggage claim” I turned around another corner and suddenly I noticed Randy standing aside. After a big hug we picked up my bag and went to her car. As it was already dark outsite I had no idea where we were, but after driving for an hour or so we reached Randy’s home. We drunk a beer together, no need to say after that I could’t keep my eyes open any longer. Bedtime it was.

Saterday 26th
Woke up around 9am and sat with a cup of coffee in the sun lounge looking into the garden and watching the squirells, cardinal birds and a lot more. (Boy I could sit there for hours just watching all the animals passing by). Then Randy took me for breakfast at the only place they have in the neighbourhood. Just a little cozy restaurant looking over the harbour. Back home we packed our stuff needed for the stay in Suffolk and off we went, needless to say we were starting to get excited just a little bit .. to see Janis perform and meeting Jenny and dr. Bettie and Randy PA again after such a long time.
It was a four hour plus drive south to Virginia and both Randy and I came to the conclusion that it was a dull road to drive. Not much more to see then a straight road ahead of you and trees on both sides of the road.
Just when we were smelling the end our trip Randy’s cellphone rang, not wanted to take the call while driving Randy handed it over to me, so I aswered the call and it was Jenny!! Curious asking where we were and how long it would take us to get to Suffolk. She told us Bettie and Randy already checked in into the hotel and gave us there roomnumber so we could get in contact before the concert.

So .. the rest is history and told in various ways by others ..

What!!! .. Are you sure you want me to continue??? .. You aren’t bored reading all this stuff??? Take in mind I’m only halfway .. I have to finish Saterday and then there will be more about Sunday and Monday and arriving back home on Tuesday :eek:

marjan

01-30-2008, 04:37 PM

OK Fine .. you just get what you wished for .. another page of my boring travellog ..

We finally arrived at our hotel in Suffolk, checked in and went into our room. From there I made a phonecall to Bettie and Randy’s room and got Bettie on line. We had a little chat and were invited into their room to meet each other. So Randy and I went up one floor and knocked on their door .. and there he was standing in the doorway ..
My own big bear with a golden hart Randy PA .. after a big hug with him and Bettie we found out they already have been to the venue and knew there way around. Jenny previous asked us to gather together at the venues restaurant around 6pm. So we all decided to travel toghether to the venue, Randy and I just went quickly to our room to pick up our stuff needed and off we were ..
The first thing I saw when we got into the restaurant was Janis sitting at a table with Kari having dinner .. and then Janis looked up and noticed us coming in ..
No need to tell she was surprised seeing me showing up and we all four got a big hug. After that we found all the other Rudies sitting together, Jenny, Becky VA, Diane and Kathleen. It was so much fun to see everyone again after such a long time and meeting Beckie for the first time. It was just great!!! And then the best part still had to come .. Janis in concert!!!

YES it was great, I was seated on second row just in front of Janis and I enjoyed every minute. Janis’ voice, the guitar playing, the talking inbetween songs, everything seemed right to me. I could only hope Janis would stay on stage for another hour or two .. but she told the audience she had to play somewhere else the next day and asked for understanding to have just a short meet and greet after the concert because she had a long drive ahead.
I doubt that the meet and greet was shorter than everywhere else, Janis was her usual self signing stuff and have her picture taking standing aside everyone who wanted to. I was one of them.
And when there were almost only Rudies left it was time to take group photo’s. After that Janis was ready to leave and on here way out she gave me three kisses Dutch wise.

Shortly after that the four of us drove back to the hotel and I’m sorry we couldn’t meet the other Rudies again at the restaurant to talk some more.

If you are up for it there is more to come tomorrow ..

Oak Kitten

01-30-2008, 05:14 PM

While we await the next breathtaking installment of Marjan's travelogue, here is a slideshow of the Suffolk, VA concert - well actually it is the aftermath of the concert, I never take pictures while Janis is performing. I want to concentrate fully on what she is doing.

http://s25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/Suffolk%20VA%2026%20JAN%2008/?action=view&current=04c63cef.pbw

Oak Kitten

01-30-2008, 06:14 PM

Here are a few pics of Marjan in Annapolis, where we spent a few hours before heading back to the airport:

Marjan at Gate 3 of the U.S. Naval Academy

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/Suffolk%20VA%2026%20JAN%2008/MarjanatUSNAGate.jpg

Marjan in front of the USNA Chapel

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/Suffolk%20VA%2026%20JAN%2008/MarjanUSNAChapel.jpg

Marjan at the Alex Haley (author of "Roots") memorial at City Dock

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/Suffolk%20VA%2026%20JAN%2008/MarjanatAlexHaleyMemorial.jpg

Oak Kitten

01-30-2008, 06:19 PM

Marjan gets the official seal of approval as a certifed acceptable houseguest from Bunjee

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/Suffolk%20VA%2026%20JAN%2008/MarjanBunjee.jpg

hoops

01-30-2008, 07:15 PM

what wonderful memories you have created and invited us into. the pics are fantastic, i feel almost like i'm there...thank you for sharing
peace
hoops

Mary6906

01-30-2008, 07:19 PM

Awww, Bunjee looks like my cat I used to have. I love Calico cats.

stardust

01-31-2008, 04:34 AM

Thanks for the names, Jenny. It helped!

marjan

01-31-2008, 07:16 AM

Final chapter .. making a long story short

Sunday 27th
After a good night sleep Randy was on the phone with Jenny to decide where to go for breakfast. We went up to Bettie and Randy’s room to see if they could come with us. They weren’t sure if they could make it, so we said our goodbyes to them, Randy walked us to our car and we left to meet Jenny.
We had a great time talking and catching up, but all good things ends. A last hug from Jenny and we were on our way back home.
Back at Randy’s place we checked the MB, had dinner, watched a Janis dvd and I went to bed early.

Monday 28th
Time to fly home .. Randy made pancakes for breakfast, I packed my bag and we left to go to Annapolis for some sightseeing on the way to the airport in Baltimore. There we said goodbye and gave a last hug. Promissed to see eatchother again in August.
I had a short flight to Philladelphia and flew out of the US from there at 9pm.

Tuesday 29th
After a 6,5 hour flight I landed at Schiphol airport at 10.30am on Thuesday. Took the train and bus home and stepped into my frontdoor around 1.30pm. And there were my three cats welcoming me back and they wouldn’t leave me alone for the rest of the day.

The end.

http://s35.photobucket.com/albums/d181/DKCS/Suffolk2008

jenny

01-31-2008, 07:53 AM

...excellent pics and reviews from everyone....Notice a couple people got pics of Janis signing "the jeans" and "the multi colored shirt"......and even one of me taking pics.......it is all still fresh in my memory... leaving me wanting more.....Thank you Janis for everything and allowing me, us into your life... and big thanks for allowing me to be a roadie, packing your equipment etc, and loading things into the van... it is ALWAYS a pleasure an honor .... Kari must get into training on posting on the board every now and then just to say hello and tell us a little bit about herself... I did get the opportunity to chat a bit while we working packing things up... but it was a rush job as they needed to get onto the road......

thanks to everyone who attended and created yet more beautiful memories... I have added some pics of my kitties and a dog in there if you are interested.. they are a big part of my life too.....

;-)
Jenny
missing you marjan......
I still have stroopwaffels... ;-)

Marcia Drummergal

01-31-2008, 10:18 AM

Thanks for the pics Marjan and Oak. And Marjan, your travelogue wasn't boring at all! I was right there with ya....well, I WISH!!

Glad everyone had such a wonderful time. Is Cerritos the next big Rudie get-together?!

Marcia :)

marjan

01-31-2008, 02:16 PM

And Marjan, your travelogue wasn't boring at all! I was right there with ya

Thanks Marcia, I usualy don't talk that much, but when I'm at ease and get started there is no way to stop me :D

Eva

01-31-2008, 02:30 PM

Thanks Marcia, I usualy don't talk that much, but when I'm at ease and get started there is no way to stop me :D
I am not saying anything... :rolleyes: :D

How is the jetlag Marjan? Are you okay?

Eva

KarenSews2

01-31-2008, 04:06 PM

I still have stroopwaffels... ;-)

OK, Jenny! That was just uncalled-for! NOW you're just showing off!!

Actually, I'm sad 'cause I just ate my last one on Tuesday. sniff

Dee

01-31-2008, 04:30 PM

Thanks for sharing your travelogue, Marjan, and no it was not too long. It was a nice little window on the event from a personal perspective and I really enjoyed reading about your travels. And thanks Oak for sharing the tourist photos. A nice addition. http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/deemark/Emoticons/smile.jpg

Randy & Betty in Pa

01-31-2008, 04:35 PM

Geeeeeee, I feel almost like I was there :rolleyes:

You were all great..... Oh... Karen I have Strappenwoufles and you can't have them!!!!!!:eek:

Best to all

R. from Pa

Eva

01-31-2008, 05:22 PM

Geeeeeee, I feel almost like I was there :rolleyes:
That crewcut looks great on you PA Randy! :rolleyes:

Eva

dragonlady

01-31-2008, 08:22 PM

dragonlady and changeling still have stroopwaffles at the house....we're rationing them...they're soooooo good. We don't have any Ameretto to dunk them in so we're going to try Frangelico...that's what we have at the house...we'll let you know how wonderful it tastes!!:D

Later,

-di

KarenSews2

01-31-2008, 08:46 PM

Oh... Karen I have Strappenwoufles and you can't have them!!!!!!:eek:

You got me, Randy! You have officially paid me back for that thunk on the noggin (from REDJACK, if I need to remind you!). I surrender.

I humbly bow...

Oak Kitten

02-01-2008, 08:46 AM

I have Stroopwaffeln AND Stroopkoeken - which I think are even better - not to mention some great cheese - "extra belegen" And I am not sharing - except with Mr. Oak.

Greedily yours,
Oak

KarenSews2

02-01-2008, 10:16 AM

I have Stroopwaffeln AND Stroopkoeken - which I think are even better - not to mention some great cheese - "extra belegen" And I am not sharing - except with Mr. Oak.

Greedily yours,
Oak

Bless yer heart, Oak! I didn't know you had such a mean streak in ya! ;)

marjan

02-01-2008, 01:41 PM

I will take orders for Pittsburgh :D

Eva

02-01-2008, 02:02 PM

We don't have any Ameretto to dunk them in so we're going to try Frangelico...that's what we have at the house...we'll let you know how wonderful it tastes!!:D
For those who don't take alcohol (Gisli? ;) )I understood it's also very nice to put them on top of your coffeecup (or teacup) so the sirup inside warms up. Or you can dunk them in coffee or earl grey. Very nice.

Eva

Attila

02-04-2008, 06:08 AM

Looks like I got registered just in time to yank this thread back on topic.:) As for reviewing the Suffolk concert, you might as well review the Grand Canyon or the Pieta. Some things you simply thank the Creator, or the random resolutions of the Big Bang, for getting to experience. Such was that Saturday night. This was my first chance to see Janis live and blown away doesn't even come close. The voice is still pure. Really, the only surprise was that Janis is an even finer human being than she is a musician. The love in that room was really uplifting. Was kind of wierd realizing the room was filled with people that looked just like our parents.:rolleyes:
It was also great meeting the Rudies et al (mostly during the smoke break). You folks are more than a little bit interesting. Heard some great Janis stories. All in all, the finest concert experience of my life. Looking around at the slack-jawed rapture of the audience, I was not alone in that.

Eva

02-04-2008, 06:13 AM

I am glad you enjoyed the concert and meeting Janis.
PS: food is always on topic :D

Eva

Mimi

02-04-2008, 06:22 AM

Welcome to the board, Attila! Make yourself comfortable, it's a great place to be!

MIMI

Dee

02-04-2008, 06:36 AM

Welcome to the forums, Attila.

For those who don't take alcohol (Gisli? ;) )I understood it's also very nice to put them on top of your coffeecup (or teacup) so the sirup inside warms up. Or you can dunk them in coffee or earl grey. Very nice.

Yes, they are nice when warmed over coffee (as best I can remember). http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/deemark/Emoticons/sigh.jpg

Marcia Drummergal

02-04-2008, 07:52 AM

Welcome to the board Attila. Don't be a stranger...we don't bite....at least, not too hard!

Marcia ;)

Randy & Betty in Pa

02-04-2008, 09:40 AM

This was my first chance to see Janis live and blown away doesn't even come close. The voice is still pure. Really, the only surprise was that Janis is an even finer human being than she is a musician. The love in that room was really uplifting. Was kind of wierd realizing the room was filled with people that looked just like our parents.:rolleyes:

Attila...

Welcome to the board from the olde farte with the hat.... Yes a Janis concert isn't like a normal concert... Generally as you go to more and more Janis concerts you will find that there is a severe infestation of rudies... It seems no matter where we've gone to see Janis we have run into a number of people from this board... Attila, rudies are very special people, even the PIRATE from Pittsburgh who shall remain nameless but none the less is GUILTY!!!

We look forward to meeting you in the future... at a Janis Concert!!!! Now go clean your room....

Best to you and yours and welcome to the klump....

R. from Pa