So I'm going to try to remember everything from last night in as clear of detail as possible. So let's get started :)
I arrived at the venue about an hour before the show, like my Sophia's Heart ticket purchase told me to do, and picked up my stuff at the Box Office window. I got a new SHF bracelet, which my sister stole, but I'm okay with that because I completely adore my old and worn (aka loved) one. I noticed that my information told me to go to the stage door on the left of the theatre, not knowing exactly where that was I asked for directions, a few very nice ladies told me where to go and said they were jealous, asking how I had gotten the meet and greet.
When I found where I was supposed to be the security guard told me it would be about 15 minutes until they let people back to meet him, so I turned and saw a very nice older couple with a daughter in a wheelchair behind me. We struck up a conversation and they were very nice people who loved Danny and his music. The crowd started to gain volume and the time to be escorted back finally came. I was behind the nice couple I met and was perfectly fine with that. I was, after all, pretty much second in line.
It was relatively hot backstage waiting for Danny to appear, but well worth it. After about 5 minutes I saw Ivan walk out of the door, which made me really happy because I had been told only Danny was present at the meet and greets and I had really been hoping to meet him as well. A few seconds after he exited the building I spotted Danny. He was wearing dark jeans, brown combat boots, a brown shirt, necklace, and of course matching glasses. He looked extremely happy and even cuter in person. The people in front of me wandered his direction and I heard them talking to him, but I was talking to Ivan. He said, "TeeFly!" and I was happy he remember, if not a little embarrassed. I got to talk to him for only a short bit, hopefully next time it will be longer, but I managed to get a picture with him, which I love.
After taking my picture with Ivan I got back in line and noticed the group in front of me were done. Danny turned toward me and said, "TeeFly, right? I think that's your whole twitter name." I told him it was and he seemed glad he had remembered. He asked me if I had anything for him to sign and I handed him the slip of paper. While he was signing it he looked up at me and said "You know this is my last show with Sugarland." he seemed sad about it. I told him that I saw that on twitter and he laughed. Right after that he noticed the bag I was holding in my hands and said excitedly, "Is that for me?" I told him it was and he took it quickly and hugged it, smiling. He looked inside and said, "Oh I thought it was chocolate, I was like everyone is trying to make me fat!" haha (it was a Green Bay Packers tee btw) I laughed and said no, and the guy asked if I wanted him to take our picture. I said yes and then we did, I thanked Danny and began to walk away when he said, "Wait, you forgot your hug." So I went back and hugged him (he really is a great hugger) and then walked out to the concert smiling!
After meeting Danny I decided to go and look at the merchandise booth to see if I wanted one of his shirts. I loved the black ones, but all of them were way to big so I got a pink one, which I actually really love, now! After that I picked up a Sierra Mist and made my way toward my seat, after all, Danny was about to go on.
Danny came out singing "Get Away" and the crowd was getting really into it. I was amazed at how awesome he sounds live, since most people don't sound as good live as they do on CD, but I actually think he sounds better. He got really into the song and made most of the crowd get into it as well. I for one was jumping up and down singing.
Next he sang "My Best Days" which the kid in front of me freaked out about. I thought it was awesome of course and was singing along. I liked his introduction for it too. He talked about how he had recently celebrated his 30th birthday and he wasn't sad or depressed, but rather, he was celebrating life. It was very heartfelt and genuine. Danny appeared completely at ease in front of this huge crowd.
The next song he sang was "Be Somebody" it had a little introduction and then he got into it, running all around the stage and and singing with every ounce of enthusiasm he had in him. It was just incredible. He really can put on a show. You haven't heard or seen Danny until you have experienced him live, it is a whole new level.
His last original song was "IWNSG" and he talked about Sophia for a bit and how he knew he would see her again in Heaven. It was a beautiful speech. He dedicated the song to everyone who had ever lost someone in their life. And even though I've heard it a million times I teared up and almost started bawling hearing it live. He just sings it with so much conviction it's insane. It is probably the most beautifully sung song I have ever heard live and that is saying something.
Last he sang, "Life is a Highway" and everyone in the crowd was at attention standing up for this. When he was done he announced that after the show he would be signing stuff and he would love to meet everyone and shake their hands.
Little Big Town was pretty good after Danny, and Sugarland is actually pretty incredible live. Very energetic and beautiful singers, truly. I only took pictures of Danny, however, since he was my purpose for being there.
We got in Danny's line for after the show and were about 5 people from the front. After around 45 minutes of waiting I spotted Danny walking on the grass toward the venue. I told the little girl behind me to look because she had been waiting for so long and she screamed and jumped up and down in excitement, it was so cute. Danny came and sat down and started signing things. You weren't allowed to take pics from the line, which was random, so I didn't get any.
But my sister got him to sign her picture she had bought and I gave him my ticket, which he signed upside down. He asked, "So how did you enjoy the show?" I told him that it was even better than I had imagined it would be and he smiled and said, "I just want to thank you so so much for all your support." and did his scrunched up nose smile. I told him no problem, well kind of I said it as I was being shuffled away and I hope he heard.
All in all, I had the most amazing time ever, and I just can't wait for my next Danny Gokey concert! :)
