Jen’s MSMC NY Concert Recap

September 27, 2009 – A NIGHT I WILL NEVER FORGET <3

Michelle and I flew to New York to catch Danny’s first solo performance. Throughout the week we had been in contact with numerous other Danny fans who we were hoping to meet at the show. I have to say that Michelle and I owe our lives to TonyaAM from Twitter because of her help! (We had gotten totally lost at one point during our journey and called her to get us going back in the right direction).

We met Audra and Casey, who drove from Pennsylvania, for dinner.

Once we got to MSMC, we met up with (and forgive me if I have forgotten anyone here or don’t remember your “real” names, I am horrible with names) Tonya, Val, “CallieGokey” and “LiveLoveLambert” (who actually made a sign for Cousin Joel).

Security there was nothing like any other place I had been. There was a sign indicating that there would be no cameras allowed and they would be searching bags. I was not gutsy enough at that point to take in my camera, which I now TOTALLY regret.

Once we got inside the auditorium, we scoped out the crowd. Mixture of young and old, so we fit right in (I won’t say if we fit in with the young or the old!). Tonya and her gang had third row seats, while we were much further back. So, me being me, went up to one of the security ladies and asked what would happen if we moved up closer to the stage than where our seats were. She said they weren’t supposed to let people do that, but she would turn the other way if she saw it happen (needless to say, she was the coolest security person there). So, about 6:55, Michelle and I moved up by Tonya and her gang (third row from stage).

As we were waiting for show to start I told Michelle that I certainly hoped that this was not going to be a crowd that sat during the whole performance, because I was definitely going to stand. We decided we were going to tweet to keep everyone updated but, of course, my phone went dead shortly into the show!

Then the band started coming out onto the stage and everyone began getting excited. Then came the man of the hour – Danny Gokey OMG, he looked hotter than ever

He started the show with PYT – crowd right away got on their feet and started singing and dancing. Whew, didn’t have to worry about the crowd not being receptive to Danny! Once he finished PYT and everyone was screaming and cheering louder than I had imagined, Danny said something to the effect that the band was really going to bring it tonight because of the crowd.

Motown themed songs were next….

September – Danny nailed this, again
Heard it Through the Grapevine – brought back memories of his audition
Signed, Sealed Delivered – brought back memories of hometown visit
Ain’t Too Proud to Beg – still bringing it

Country themed songs….

Danny slowed things down a bit with What Hurts the Most. Everytime I hear this song, it gives me chills. Tonight was no exception.

Then came a side of Danny that shows he is still human – Jesus Take the Wheel. He sat down to sing this song. Started out with a few words of the song and then….forgot the words to the song! Don’t worry the crowd helped him get back to where he belonged After that, he was fine.

Next, the tear jerker – I Can Only Imagine. You have all seen the video, so no need to elaborate and get everyone teary eyed again. Amazing song, amazing message, amazing performance <3

Stand By Me – got everyone’s emotions back in check after I Can Only Imagine.

Life is a Highway – a song that I never really thought of Danny singing, but man oh man did he bring it! Band TOTALLY got into this song by jumping up and down on stage. Crowd was introduced to band – including Byron “Mr. Talkbox” Chambers, who I had been tweeting the whole week before the show….more on that later.

A Little Latin flavor….

Maria, Maria – Alright, I think during the beginning part of this song Michelle was taking a snooze. Danny started singing and doing his moves. Then he turned his back to the audience to fix a malfunction in his wardrobe. Turned around sticking his tongue out and snickering. Some of us in the crowd caught what happened and others, like Michelle, had to be told after the show. Again, this song was awesome.

Smooth – new song, another magnificent performance. The way that man moves…Oh to be the girl that he brought up on stage to dance with him!

You Are So Beautiful – enough said

My Wish – ending the night with one of my favorite songs

Danny did not disappoint at all during any part of the show. His band is amazing!

After the show we went outside and were talking with the group we had met. All of the sudden we heard screaming from inside because Danny and some of the band had come out to sign autographs and promote SHF. Danny was sitting at a table with some of the band standing behind him. I told our group we should hang back and be the last ones to talk to Danny. The MSMC staff was rushing people through the line telling them to get their autographs and leave the building. I told the group we were definitely going to say hi to Danny because I didn’t come all the way from Milwaukee not to say hi.

As we got up to where Danny was sitting, Byron (Mr. Talkbox) came out to stand behind him. We were talking to Danny, telling him how we came all the way from Milwaukee to see him and he was surprised. Michelle asked him to sign a picture for Cheryl which, of course, he did. We gave him a gift of Teavana stuff and a card. Danny was very appreciative. Danny wished Michelle a Happy Birthday – I kind of chuckled to myself because I wasn’t sure if Michelle had tweeted him that it was her birthday or if Byron had told him about the tweets I had been sending.

Now, on to Byron. I had tweeted him all week long telling him Michelle and I were coming from Milwaukee to see the show in NY for her birthday. I asked him if he could ask Danny to give Michelle a shout out at the show. When it didn’t happen, I was a little disappointed but got over it.

Got Byron’s attention and told him we were the girls from Milwaukee. He said “Hi Jen” and wished Michelle a “Happy Birthday”. He directed us to come over to the side so he could talk to us. Of course, once we were over by him probably about 20 other people had to follow us. Told him to talk to other people first and we would talk to him when they were done. Then Byron talked to us and told us he couldn’t believe we came all the way from Milwaukee. He told me that he had mentioned to Danny that it was Michelle’s birthday. He again wished Michelle a “Happy Birthday” and told us that they had to get up to get to the airport at 4:00 a.m. and head back to Nashville. Talked to us for a while. Byron is sooooooooooo nice – I can see why Danny is friends with him.

Once we got back to our hotel, Michelle and I were like teenage girls at a slumber party and stayed up until 3:00 a.m. talking about the amazing night we had thanks, once again, to Danny Gokey.

Here are some pics from show….like I said I didn’t take my camera in so I don’t have as many as I would like.

Where’s Danny performing next….who knows, but I’ll definitely be there!
P.S. I had always wondered if Danny even got his gifts that were given to him by fans. I guess I know now that the answer is yes. Michelle and I both received a DM from Danny that said “Was it you who gave me the card and teavana? if so thank you soooo much! was someone else involved in that too?” OMG, this man is amazing