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View Full Version : Maidstone Gig - 8th May 06. A brilliant night!



Racheldiva
05-08-2006, 05:15 PM
What a night I have had!

Thank you so much to Janis for a fabulous gig.
Here’s the set list:

From Me To You
When I Lay Down
Danger Danger
Crocodile Song
Love is Blind
Society’s Child
Old English Folk Song (the new one)
Great Divide
Fly Too High
I Hear You Sing Again

Then..

Tea And Sympathy
Here Comes The Night
My Autobiography
The Last Train
All Those Promises
At 17
Between The Lines
Joy (encore)

So, the lights went down and there was expectant hush in the audience. We heard some guitar playing. Then Janis appears dressed in pale colours with that lovely white hair – iridescent! The sound was just beautiful - the sound guy knew what he was doing obviously and the guitar and equipment must be top of the range.

It was an emotional night generally, I would say. I don’t know if Janis’ gigs generally are so moving? This is my first. I’ve watched DVDs, but I think to be there is out of this world. There was a respectful silence throughout the gig which is very rare. I don’t think there was such a hush in an audience during any show I’ve ever seen. After I Hear You Sing Again there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Janis set the scene beautifully with the story of her Mother. There were several people in the interval dabbing tears!

There were funny moments too, where Janis did some funny poses for those with cameras and for her Disco hit (Fly Too High) the lighting man did some funny flashing lights on stage which made everyone laugh. Of course there were big laughs for My Autobiography too.

After the show I queued to speak to Janis which was a nerve wracking experience as I get star struck generally anyway. But Janis put me at my ease and we measured hands and believe it or not I lost the bet. Janis does have smaller hands than me, but only just. It was a first for me as I’ve never met an adult with smaller hands than me. I hope you can see by the picture that I will attempt to attach to a message. There is also a nice smiley one of us both too.

My regret is that I forgot to bring my copy of Between The Lines which is my favourite Janis album for her to sign. Oh well, I did remember FITNB.

She fell in love with my partner’s T-Shirt. It has a Samurai warrior brandishing a guitar in place of a sword and is very cool. We are going to get one and send it to her soon. She traded me a special Janis Ian thumb pick for it which I was very pleased with.

I think that’s it, if I think of anything else I’ll post soon.
Thanks again Janis, it was a brilliant night! I will always remember it.

Agnes
05-08-2006, 11:33 PM
Thanks, Rachel! Sounds like a wonderful evening :) What an amazing setlist... And very nice photos too.

Randy & Betty in Pa
05-09-2006, 01:01 AM
Rachel,

Thank you for a great review... I can safely say what you experienced was not out of the ordinary for Janis...Unlike so many concerts where people chat, wander and meander when Janis plays everyone listens and reacts... whether with tears, or laughter, or absolute silence she brings out the best in any audience... Betty and I are fortunate enough to live in a region where we see her somewhat frequently, though some travel is required and totally justified when it comes to seeing her... This Tour so far we've seen her three times and have tickets for three more plus plan on seeing her when she is in the pocono's in October.... Seeing Janis 7 times in a year sure makes me smile plus we've met so many wonderful Rudies... People in a class of our own... Even Redjack is great but don't tell him I said that.... Yes this year alone we've met 22 people from this board at 3 concerts and plan on meeting more at Chicago next week and the two wisconsin shows... Yes in the past three years we've see Janis 7 times and you know... EVERY concert was as phenominal as the one you described.... and thats why we all think the world of our artist, friend and Troubador Janis..... Oh and if you think about it how many artists will take the time to meet and greet after every show? Of all the concerts we attend (and we attend alot) Janis is in a class by herself and is the only one... You know it's really nice to get to a concert early and be having a cigarette in the parking lot and have Janis know you by name... As I see it we pay so little and get so much....

As they'd say in Nashville.... "Well bless her heart" .....:o

Again thank you for your post...

Best to all R. from Pa

Manchester
05-09-2006, 01:35 AM
What a wonderful summary of your evening with Janis. It has always amazed me how much respect Janis gets from he audience, the total silence when she's singing, even waiting for the last note to fade completely before applauding. I've never experienced such total respect before.
Great photos too, glad you sorted out the hand issue and I'm so pleased you had a great time.
Anne

david uk
05-09-2006, 08:00 AM
Rachel thanks for that great write up- we knew you'd have a great evening!

By the way, has anyone ever told you ou bear a resemblance to Kate Bush:)

Des
05-09-2006, 08:04 AM
Great write-up Rach and great pics too. Glad you had a brill evening.:)

Des
x

Racheldiva
05-09-2006, 08:06 AM
Thanks Dave, a great compliment!
Yes, I have heard that. Also Nigella Lawson I get a fair bit too.
In my youth, I also had Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren and Marilyn Monroe believe it or not. I did actually appear on Richard and Judy (This Morning) doing a Marilyn Monroe lookalike spot. That was a couple of minutes of my 15 of fame! :cool:

Des
05-09-2006, 08:10 AM
Mmmm! Nigella Lawson;)

dutchcloggie
05-09-2006, 08:24 AM
Mmmm! Nigella Lawson;)
:eek:

I like the woman who pretends she is Nigella in Brainiac History Abuse when they prepare nice Medival Dishes...... (And I like Doctor Tanya but that is a whole different matter....)