Birchmere - Alexandria, VA

[dragonlady]

We're getting on our way here...we'll post reviews and set lists etc. when we get home or first thing in the morining as we aren't taking the laptop along.

We've got a delivery for Jenny from everyone at the picnic and Janis herself that should cheer her up some...and a last minute item from Wendy/lucille for Janis to sign that she forgot in her room in Pittsburgh. Just call us "UPS" for the night. :D Though I won't be wearing brown!

Looking forward to the show it has been a long time since Suffolk in January!! See all the VA Rudies there!

-di and Kathleen

[Randy & Betty in Pa]

Have a great time!!!!!

Best

R & B

[diver_boy]

have fun girls!

[KarenSews2]

Please give Randy and Becky big hugs for me!

Y'all have load of fun!!

[Dee]

Hugs from me to Randy and Becky too (although you've probably already left for the Birchmere by now).

Looking forward to your review, Di!

[hoops]

hugs to all of you...wish i was there
peace
hoops

[RandyVa]

Hi All,
Thanks for the hugs! What a great night it was. We did not stay for the signing as I had to be at work at 11 p.m. and Becky, Jenny and Marlina wanted to get back to Eastern Virginia which is about 3 hours from the Birchmere. And of course Jenny was concerned about her Grandmother and was frustrated because her cell phone konked out and she was not able to get a response from her mother. And, the line to get things signed and talk to Janis was the longest I have ever seen! I surely would have been two hours late for work and Janis mentioned that she had a flight to Chicago in the morning. Diane and Kathleen sat with us and it was Kathleens birthday so we sang happy birthday to her. Janis was incredibly relaxed and her voice was spectacular. And she was having a really good time talking more than usual which everyone was immensely enjoying. The set list is as follows:
1. Through the Years
2. When the Partys over
3. Leavin Tonight
4. Societys Child
5. Stolen Fire
6. My Autobiography
7. My Mother Sings Again
8. Jesse
9. SILLY HABITS!
10. Water Colors
11. Light a Light
12. Days Like These
13. Married In London
14. At Seventeen
and the encore
15. Stars
Before Janis left the stage she came over to the edge where we were sitting and gave Jenny a hug. Diane gave Jenny the shirt from Janis and the signed poster from the Picnic. Jenny immediately put the shirt on and it fit her perfectly. And, she was admiring the change of ouitfit that Janis had done as well as the shoes. Jenny brought Marlina along with her and it was the first time she had been to a Janis concert and let me tell you, she was blown away by everything!
A perfect example of how Janis brings so many people together was when she took intermission and we walked out into the lobby, a friend of mine that I used to work with at Whitman Walker Clinic was in the lobby with her adopted daughter. She said she came because she knew that whenever Janis came to town she knew she could find me there. I had not seen her in years so I was thrilled.
Janis even had a single malt delivered to her on stage and someone else sent her another one. Overall, a great night, great people, great food and music and wonderful memories.

RandyVa

[dragonlady]

Janis was in great voice and she performed some fantastic guitar work!tonight!! She's starting to throw those guitar effects back into the show so we had some hot guitar playin' on Stolen Fire (a song I've never seen performed live until tonight!!! :D ) and some really jazzy riffs on Silly Habits where the piano solos would have been!! And the storytelling was just sublime!! <big sigh> Too bad it's all over!!! I attempted to record it so I'll see tomorrow how it sounds...you never know with an iPod and its recorder...it just wasn't made for that purpose but I'll hope for the best.

Our mini Rudie-rabble included RandyVA, BeckyVA, Jenny and her friend Marlena, myself and my other half Kathleen (the birthday girl - Changeling as she's known in these parts) and Dr. Oak Kitten. A friend of Kathleen's was there, Charlie and his friend Sylvia (a first time Janis concert-goer as well - she was also blown away...wondering how she'd managed to not see Janis in concert in so long.)

There were so many people in line to see Janis after the show...poor woman...she has a 5:15a.m. lobby call for a flight to Chicago tomorrow...but she stayed till the end which was us few remaining Rudies Good thing we didn't have much in the way of items to autograph. Only me with an item from Wendy to have signed for an auction and a few pictures from Oak...but when I was standing there Janis noticed that my laminates weren't signed (this was, I think, the first time in forever I didn't bring something of my own to have her sign...:o ) so she grabbed them and signed all three on the spot...way coooool!! Something else Janis signed that was cool....Kat's friend Charlie brought a reel-to-reel tape put out by Verve of the album All the Seasons of my Mind ...I didn't know that record companies produced reel-to-reel tapes like they produced CDs, vinyl, cassettes and heaven-forbid 8 tracks....really neat!

Well...I'm way tired and it's getting on towards 3 a.m. now...good thing I'm on vacation huh??? Better get this posted and get some sleep tonight/this morning.

-di

P.S. Oh...Jenny and Randy...Janis us told us to tell you that you are to cut in line the next time you have to leave early after a show...she said she really means it! Just the messenger - :D !

[Dee]

Thanks for the write-ups Randy and Di! Sounds like it was a great turnout too.

[jenny]

everyone has already said most everything that happend, and I really did have an awesome time....Receiving Janis' shirt and the personalized rudie-Q card with EVERYONES signature meant the world to me...As said I couldn't get the shirt on fast enough....When Janis walked in she had to walk by where we were sitting and she made sure to acknowledge me, which was awesome, she also looked at me during the show and said "jenny, glad to see you are doing well", and like randyva said, at the end of the encore, came right over to me and gave me the famous JANIS HUG, and you KNOW what I mean about the hugs.... she couldn't have made me feel any more special...She opened with "Through the years" and I totally lost it, gathered myself after, as she spoke a while sang another song then went into "I hear you sing" and totally lost it AGAIN.... I am so very thankfull my friend Marlaena was there for comfort. Marlaena was so blown away with the whole experience, and I think we have converted yet another one... I am just sorry we couldn't linger after the show for her to meet janis and get her/our things signed......also as always it was just awesome to meet up with RandyVa, Diane, Kathleen, and Oak, and my friend BeckyVa..... Seeing RandyVa meant the world to me and it had been TOOOO Damn long... He looks just awesome and I will post the pic I took of him, becky and myself shortly..... Sorry to say pics with flash was not allowed and I couldn't figure how to set my camera without the freekin flash.... probally best as I was such a mess anyway... so many emotions were flying around last night.....Janis was so into her element last night, so relaxed and just having fun.... Thank you all for the signed card again and I am thankful to have you all and love you each and everyone..................
jenny

[Dee]

After reading this I'm glad you decided to go, Jenny. Crying can be very healing so I'm glad you allowed yourself to do so.

(((HUGS)))

[Mary6906]

Wow, sure sounded like you all had a fantastic time..... all my best to you, Jenny.... <<HUGS>>

[Roady]

Thanks for your show reviews Randy and Di. Great set list-how does Janis change songs like that? I'd think she'd have to practice??? Guess with Janis nothing surprises me anymore!
Glad you were able to go Jenny. Thinking about that hug from Janis will help get you through the bumps ahead. And we know what Janis clothes do for you. ;)
Instead of sitting wishing I was at the Birchmere, I watched the St. Louis show last night....Janis is so friggen awesome, sometimes I just shake my head in disbelief.

Roady

[aabram]

Thanks for the write-up, everyone, and glad you all had a good time.... I remain busy... :)

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t305/AnnabelAbram51/55102.jpg

Annabel

[BeckyVA]

Hello all,
well, the Rudie contingency has covered everything that happened at the Birchmere. For me, the rudie recruit from RandyVA and Jenny, the evening also had another element. As you remember, I first posted to share with all of you about my brother Randy's health...you quickly accepted me into the fold and after meeting many of you at several venues now, last night was a time for me to feel the circle being completed. I was able to visit with Randy who is doing so well, along with Jenny, Oak, Di and Kathleen. For me to be able to take Jenny along to Alexandria along with her friend Marleana (for her first Janis concert) and enjoy seeing all of them reconnecting after many months and in Randy's case, longer, was very special. I agree with Randy; the line for Janis was sooo long. I offered to take him home and meet Jenny and Marleana back at the B'mere while they waited in line, however, they knew whe had a long trip ahead and I think they thought it best to head home. I got Jenny home about 2am... just got a call from Jenny; she's on her way over to my house to pick up something she left in my car last night. She's been at the hospital all morning...her grandmother is now just on morphine...and waiting. Glad Jenny has all of us caring for her; she is a wonderful person and its nice to be able to love her and be her friend. Randy, Oak, Di and Kathleen and of course Jenny...thank you all so much for a wonderful evening ....and Ms Janis....YOU were spectacular last evening; as always. Bec

[Bat]

What a wonderful time you must have had!
BeckyVA, I think the last time I heard much about your brother he was at death's door, but hanging in there...now he's out at a concert and going to work!! Amazing for him, and I'm so glad for you both...good to hear he's up and out and about after his ordeal. May he have continuing improvement and good health for decades more!
The one good thing that came out of that near-catastrophe is that we have you, now, Becky!

[BeckyVA]

What a nice thing to say! Thank you Bat. Yes, my brother was very sick but now he is working, loving his job, looking healthier than I've seen him in a long time...enjoying his Janis concerts. I love him very much...and all of you for caring for him as well. He's the best!

[aabram]

Just so glad he's doing well, Becky...What an improvement. That is really good to see. :) Just SO looking forward to another chance to see Janis again, after that fantastic time I had in April 2006..... say no more...

[Dee]

Got your PM Becky. Thanks for that. Glad the Birchmere show was such a success and that old and new friends could be there for it.

That seems to be happening a lot lately. http://i90.photobucket.com/albums/k267/deemark/Emoticons/biggrin.jpg

[dragonlady]

It was great to see pretty much all of the VA contingent of the Rudie crew there last night. It had been a long time since I had seen Randy and Becky and seeing Jenny was wonderful especially given the situation. Seeing Oak again so soon was a treat too. Oak was our official photographer there at the end :o since our camera's battery died...

I did notice that Janis seems to be playing one of her Santa Cruz guitars...I may be incorrect but the one she was playing last night was an all black "Santa Cruz" looking model...one of the Ryans was on the stage.

Thinking of you Jenny, hope you had a good night at work Randy...crossing my fingers you stayed awake for the big brass this morning Oak....take a well deserved nap this afternoon...EVERYONE! :D

-di

[Oak Kitten]

I drove to the Birchmere straight from work Thursday afternoon. I had to pick up my ticket at the box office, which opened at 5:00pm. They issue you a line number at the box office, deli-style. When the doors open, they call you by number and you can take any available seat, so it behooves you to get there early. I had only been to the Birchmere once before, when Janis played there 2 years ago, and did not know the drill back then. As a result, Lexa (Sister Rose) and I ended up sitting towards the back of the room. I checked in with Jenny by cell phone, and she said they had a table arranged, so I decided to steam independently and take advantage of my low number to score the best possible seat.

Got a beer and waited for the doors to open. Janis’s assistant Deb walked by and said “hi.” I ended up sharing a table in the bar with some nice women, Arlene, Sue and Wendy. When they learned of my Rudie status, they peppered me with questions; “How was Janis’s voice?” I assured them that her voice was fabulous. “Where can we get Rude Girl shirts?” I directed them to the website, although I am not sure what the clothing inventory is at this point. I also told them to be sure to check out the Holiday Sale in December. We compared line numbers, and as I had the lowest one (63) they glommed onto me and we got the table directly in front of center stage. Kathleen’s friend Charlie was already seated there, and we had been engaged in conversation for quite a while when Kathleen (Changeling) wandered over and was surprised to see us sitting together. It was pure serendipity. Charlie’s friend Sylvia arrived later. They were both very pleasant company, as were the rest of my table mates. A couple of people in the group had never seen Janis perform before. Boy did they have a treat last night! As much fun as it is to hang with Rudies at a show, I really enjoy being with people who are seeing Janis for the first time. It is so much fun to watch them respond to her performance. I had a whole stack of “Get Folked” temporary tattoos I had put in my bag for the picnic, and had fun handing those out to people.

I remember that JohnL said that the Birchmere is one of Janis’s favorite venues, and her affinity for the place shone through in her performance last night. She was very relaxed, and her banter with the audience was quite extensive – more than I have ever witnessed at any of her other shows, and the audience loved every minute of it. When she first took the stage, before she even had a chance to plug in or say a word, people were shouting, “We love you!” (No, it wasn’t the Rudie table.) Janis replied by saying perhaps she ought to quit while she was ahead. Kitty Kelley and Tom Paxton were in the audience, though I would not recognize them if I tripped over them. Charlie, who works in the publishing industry recognized Kitty Kelley, and Janis acknowledged Tom Paxton’s presence.

When Janis spoke about her mother as the segue to “I Hear You Sing Again,” she held the audience rapt. I could hear sighs of recognition from the people around me who have no doubt experienced the dilemma of watching an ill/aging parent slowly slip away. When she launched into the song, I observed with my peripheral vision that every person in my immediate vicinity was in tears. When the lights came up for intermission, everyone was reaching for napkins to dry their eyes. It was amazing.

As Dian mentioned, Janis did some great guitar riffs on “Silly Habits,” and from my vantage point, center stage just a few feet away, it was apparent from her facial expressions that she was wholly in the moment and having a great time. (The glasses of Chivas may have facilitated her mood.) The audience roared with laughter when Janis played “My Autobiography” and “Married in London.” She had me in stitches when she was describing her precociousness as a six-year old of keeping a personal journal, with entries that began, “It was a sultry day. . .” and an offhand remark about the word “lesbians” sounding like a type of vegetable. Damn, she was funny!

After the show, the meet and greet line was HUGE, the biggest I have ever seen at any of Janis’s shows. The lobby area outside the main stage/dining room is very large, and the line stretched across the lobby, around some sound equipment, and all the way back to the far corner where the restrooms were located. People queued up with vinyl, songbooks, programs, the autobiography, which seemed to be selling well, reel-to-reel tapes, and one woman had a Verve label 45rpm record. I took some pictures for folks who did not have cameras to forward to them by email. There were several older men in the queue who took great pleasure in giving Janis a kiss on the cheek, no doubt gratifying a fantasy they probably have harbored since 1974. Janis was, as always generous with hugs and posing for photos with her fans.

Most of the Virginia Rudies had to leave early, but Dian, Kathleen and I stayed until the end for the obligatory Rudie pics. Among the other people who lingered were two young women, one of whom is apparently a published science fiction author. Dian and Kathleen know who she was. I don’t read science fiction, so I have no clue. I printed out two copies of the great photo that Mary took of the Rudies with Janis at B.B. Kings, and had Janis sign them for my friend Beth and her mom Betty, who were at that show.

It was well after 11:00pm when we finally left. I managed to find my way back to Maryland without getting lost, falling into bed just after midnight. Unlike Dian and Kathleen, I had to get up “at the buttcrack of dawn’” (to use a favorite expression of a certain auctioneer friend of mine) to go to work. I managed to muddle my way through the day, but I have been running on fumes all week. As soon as this post is finished, I am going to bed! It was, as always, a total blast. I continue to remain in awe of how Janis can maintain the touring schedule she does and never turn in a bad performance. We get to enjoy the fruits of all that hard work, and kudos to her team who helps keep everything on track. Bravo Zulu.

Oak

[lucille]

Excuses, Excuses:D Where are the videos/photos?:confused:

[Marcia Drummergal]

Oak, thanks for that very vivid description...made me feel like I was there....I wish!

Marcia:)

[Bat]

With more performances like that one and with more ambassadors of goodwill and info like Oak, I predict that there are going to be a lot more Rudies after this tour!

[Oak Kitten]

Excuses, Excuses:D Where are the videos/photos?:confused:

I am awake now, had a good nap. No video, but I will have pics to post tomorrow.

Oak

[JoanM]

Thanks for the reviews.

I just talked to a friend who is stuck in traffic on her way to the Old Town School of Folk Music show in Chicago. She hasn't heard Janis in about 30 years and is really excited. (She just finished the book on Tuesday and is listening to the two CDs in the car.)

Glad you got some rest Oak, take your time with the photos, we'll love them when ever they are posted. You've really been going above and beyond lately.
We appreciate your work, and I might add you've come a long way with the flip video.

jm

[hoops]

thank you all for the reviews of the show, it's exciting to read everyone's account and what they individually found moving about the show. Janis hits alll the right "notes" you can't help but love to "be there" in whatever way you can. thank you all for helping me be there with you.
Jenny, i'm so very glad you had such a good time! life is to be elivd and enjoyed as much as possible.
Becky VA and randyVA, seems as tho those rudie vibes are working well, you can always count on them. it seems like a miracle to have both of you attending Janis show, to have randy back in the world living and enjoying life!
it is a good time indeed. thank you all for all you do to make it good time in the universe.
peace
hoops

[Oak Kitten]

Here are the Birchmere Pics!

Janis’s name on the Marquee:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/Birchmere%202008/BirchmereMarquis.jpg

So just how long was that “Meet and Greet” line after the show?

Well, it started here. . .

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/Birchmere%202008/Line1.jpg

Then it wended its way back around the sound equipment:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/Birchmere%202008/Line2.jpg

[Oak Kitten]

And it kept on going past the seating & eating area:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/Birchmere%202008/Line3.jpg

All the way, waaayyy back to the far corner by the bathrooms:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/Birchmere%202008/Line4.jpg

[Oak Kitten]

Dian and Kathleen under the Marquee

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/Birchmere%202008/DianKathleen.jpg

Charlie & Sylvia getting stuff signed:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/Birchmere%202008/CharlieSylvia.jpg

Charlie getting his reel-to-reel tape signed:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/Birchmere%202008/CharlieJanis.jpg

[Oak Kitten]

Dian, Janis and Kathleen:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/Birchmere%202008/DianJanisKathleen.jpg

Janis and the lady with the Verve 45 record:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/Birchmere%202008/JanisFan.jpg

Janis and Randy

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c70/rbalano/Birchmere%202008/JanisRandy2.jpg

[dragonlady]

Here are the few pictures we took at the Birchmere...our camera battery died with the fooling around with settings since we couldn't use the flash during the show. Kathleen played around with the black & white settings while Janis was on stage...

http://s80.photobucket.com/albums/j170/Dragonlady229/Birchmere%202008/

Enjoy...

-di

[hoops]

very cool, i hope a good time was had by all
peace
hoops