RachR’s Recap of Danny Gokey opening for Lady Antebellum, Allentown PA (9/2)

Iheart contributor RachR has shared her experience attending Danny Gokey’s concert Thursday night in Allentown PA, where Danny opened for Lady Antebellum. Thanks Rach!

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Recap: Milgokey Fan’s Appalachian Fair & Grand Ole Opry Adventures

Warning: This is a two show recap so it is really, really long.  If you decide to proceed ahead you may want to grab a snack and a beverage…and maybe a pillow

Monday, August 23 – the day started out clear and warm in sunny Nashvegas.  A perfect Gokey day.  Asics and I had been in town, or on the town, depending who you ask, a day and a half soaking up the country music history and atmosphere that is Nashvegas and were about to leave on our 4 plus hour trip to Gray.  We hopped in the car with plenty of CD’s and road trip snacks and off we went, driving through the hills and valleys of the long, beautiful state of Tennessee.  Asics and I rocked out to Danny along the way, with a few other country artists thrown in to help quench Asics thirst for all things country music!  She is such a country music sponge.  Everything was going great and we didn’t even get lost so we made it to Gray in time to pick up Steph at the airport.  Yes, we did actually see Steph leaving the airport.  Granted we didn’t see her get off the plane but I’m pretty sure ya’ll would have heard about a spaceship landing in Tennessee.    Unless she….oh, never mind.  [Comment from Steph: despite my better judgment, I left this part in when posting for milgokey, but see below for my revenge ]

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Jan’s Recap: Danny Gokey at Delaware County Fair (Walton, NY)

Danny Gokey in Walton, New York

Delaware County Fair, opening for Lady Antebellum (August 21, 2010)

WARNING!  As is experienced in most active addictions, seeing Danny Gokey live is going to result in intense cravings to finagle your way to more and more shows.  Normal behavior patterns will be abandoned, sleep deprivation is likely to occur as you “live” on the Iheartdannygokey.com website. New, intense connections will form with complete strangers from different states, different countries, AND different continents.  So far no alliances have been reported with beings from different planets.  However, it is possible they are in earthly disguise*, and are already attending Danny’s concerts.

_{Hmmm…Steph* appears to be everywhere…how does she do that?  And she has not been seen actually boarding a plane….  Don’t say I didn’t warn you.}

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Recap: Teefly’s Danny Gokey Concert Experience (Orange Beach AL, 8/6)

Iheart follower Carmen aka @Teefly has written a great blog detailing her experiences seeing Danny Gokey for the very first time in concert, at his final Sugarland concert August 6th in Orange Beach AL.

Here’s an excerpt but don’t miss Carmen’s full blog with photos at http://teefly.blogspot.com/2010/08/danny-gokey-concert-experience.html

She also shared some partial videos that we’ve posted below <3

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.

Videos after the jump!

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Pam’s Recap: Danny Gokey at Dupage County Fair (Wheaton, IL)

If you missed it, you can check out Pam’s pictures from the DuPage Country Fair (Wheaton, IL – July 21st) HERE.

The tell-tale sign of a True Gokeyholic: making another road trip just 6 days after the last one to see Danny. I couldn’t resist since Wheaton was only a two hour drive from Milgokey. And my fellow road travelers are definitely enablers, asking me ahead of time if I wanted them to get me a ticket! Michelle – you would not make a good GA (Gokeyholics anonymous) sponsor! Read more

Amy’s Recap: Danny Gokey with Tim McGraw Charlotte, NC

My recap won’t be too long as we only got two very short visits with him. At meet and greet before the concert my friends and I were standing mid-way through the line. I was pleasantly surprised when he recognized me, called out my name and waved as he came in. I know it’s such a small thing, but I will never tire of that. Once it was our turn, I was first up to get my hug. I said I know we’re not supposed to talk but I just have to thank you for doing the interview for the site with Erika and sending out the tweet. He went into how much he liked all the tabs for voting/requesting again. Mike came up and asked if I was taking too much time and Danny, said No! This is the owner of iheart. Mike said, “Oh! We love you guys you do an awesome job!”

I asked him about the next single and he said they’re deciding. He knows what he wants but asked me what everyone wanted. I said, “Well, I can tell you what I want…Crazy Not To.”  He kinda of laughed and said that’s what he wanted to because he hasn’t done a romantic song yet. I REALLY hope that happens but it sounded like it was still up in the air. I didn’t have time to ask about the fall or winter tour. He mentioned again when I gave him the gift about us making him fat with all the food.

My friends got their pictures and Connie got hers and then all the sudden I remembered my friend and I had decided to get our arms autographed since we hadn’t brought anything. I already have several things autographed so I just hadn’t thought of it.  Anyway, he was happy to do so except he had a hard time because I was so sweaty.  It was RIDICULOUS hot out last night.  I had sweat going everywhere!  He took some time to keep going over the signature since it wasn’t writing well.  Anyway, pretty sure the people behind us were probably getting irritated by then and we happily let them have their turn.

Read more after the jump…

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Jan’s Recap: Danny Gokey at DuPage County Fair

Danny Gokey at the DuPage County Fair
July 21, 2010 in Wheaton, Illinois

Danny Gokey put on a dynamite show as the headliner for the DuPage County Fair on July 21^st!  The Wheaton, Illinois show was a high energy, full voice, 90 minute performance! It included a ton of fun, un-choreographed dance moves by Danny.  If you’ve seen the concert video of  “T.R.O.U.B.L.E”, you know what I mean!  We all loved it!  Danny seemed to be running on adrenalin from the excitement of participating in the American Idol Season 10 auditions that morning in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  Lucky us! Read more

Erika’s Recap: Danny Gokey at Old Settlers Days

I warn you, it’s looooooong. Start reading at your own risk of falling asleep!

You’ve already seen the pictures but, if you want to see them again, go HERE.

Old Settlers Days, Rockton, IL – July 15, 2010

The fun started even before we got to the Old Settlers Days grounds, as Michelle took us (Jen, Pam, Val and I) on an awesome road trip to Rockton. I could travel with these superb ladies forever! So much fun! Love you all dearly! Lots of good talk, good music (Danny, of course) and plenty of laughs. We stopped at a gas station called Love’s on our way. Too memorable! We had to take pictures! Read more

Pam’s Recap: Danny Gokey at Old Settlers Days

Pam’s (unofficial videographer) Rockton overview

Well, I have to say this concert was a little different than most for me! I was more excited, because Erika was doing an official road trip with us, as well as Steph coming to meet a lot of ihearties,. But also more nervous- A BIG responsibility lay in my hands- immortalizing one Erika Usizima interviewing the one and only Daniel J. Gokey! If I fell down on the job, I would be considered an IHatie instead of IHeartie!

Bright and early- 7:30am-Erika came to work with me and puttered around Milwaukee with Val (shesmylittle). I worked quickly so we could leave on time- could not be late for this one!

We met Michelle and Jen Ruditys out in Oconomowoc and as usual Michelle provided the taxi services. Of course our mouths never closed the whole time; a Danny road trip is always filled with chatter and laughter. We made a pit stop at a LOVE gas station and of course had to be goofy and get our pic underneath it making the heart sign (no we hadn’t had a “cold drink” yet!). Read more

Jan’s Summerfest Recap!

Regular iheart poster Jan has shared her recaps and photos from last week’s Summerfest concert with Danny Gokey — and featuring our very own iheart site admin Erika on her visit to the U.S.!

Summerfest 2010-Danny Gokey’s Hometown Concert

Jan’s Recap and a Bonus Feature: Ed’s little Summerfest Story

What’s more fabulous?

 Meeting and renewing friendships of all the ihearties that support Danny Gokey as a new country recording artist?

 Watching Danny Gokey practically burn up the stage at Summerfest with a smokin’ hot show on a stormy 4th of July night? And in his hometown of Milwaukee?

 Getting to meet and hug Erika AND see her meet Danny Gokey for the very first time?

Lucky us; we got to do it all!

Many of you have seen the pictures of Erika at various dinners, city excursions and the concert. Having her in the USA has been great. I’m going to concentrate on what it was like for many of us ihearties on the couple of days around Danny’s homecoming to Milwaukee for his first Summerfest concert as a national recording artist!

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Pictures: Erika & Toni’s New York City Adventure!

Thanks Toni!

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Cheryl’s Summerfest Recap

The big day arrives! We first had to attend a church event so we didn’t get to the Summerfest grounds until around 6:00 PM. Knowing the IHearties would probably be front and center I found my way to Pam, Darla and Erika. The band that was playing was very loud so we didn’t get to talk much, but I was thrilled to meet Erika and Darla for the first time. Since we had arrived so late we did not have seats saved so shortly after the loud band finished we left to go to the Meet & Greet line and just hoped we would find decent seats once we got back for the show. There were a lot of IHearties and Twitter buddies in line, Toni, New Cindy, Kathy, Asics, Amy, Lori, Jan, Laurie, Jason, Christie, Val to name a few, some I met and some I didn’t get a chance to talk with. To those of you who I did meet it was truly a pleasure!

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Erika’s Recap: Danny Gokey at Summerfest

First of all, I apologize for taking so long to put this recap up! Thank you to everyone that made this trip possible! I truly can’t thank you all enough! <3

Special thanks to Pam, who is one of the most incredible people that I’ve ever met, and to her beautiful family; to Jan, that showed us what a great city Madison is; to Toni, that took me to an awesome adventure in NY (wish you were still here!); to Milgokey fan, for a fun and relaxed day at the zoo and for the ‘Danny Gokey Day’-a-thon! =); to Val, for the great days in Milwaukee and for encouraging me to ride a bike; to Angie, for the fun day at the Harley-Davidson museum and downtown Milwaukee; to Dani, for setting up the conference calls and to all the ihearties that called; and to all the sweethearts that I met at the Cheesecake Factory and at Mo’s Irish Pub! Also to Amy and Steph, who share with me the pleasure of running this site. Oh, to Danny, of course, for being every bit of awesomeness that I imagined he would be and a bit more; and to Mike, Tracy and Rendy for being so kind and taking such good care of him!

Summerfest – Milwaukee, WI – July 4, 2010

Pam and I got to the Summerfest grounds around 12:20 and to the Big Backyard Briggs and Stratton stage at around 12:30. The day was sunny and windy. And HOT. Very hot. There were already some ihearties/twitter peeps there, scattered on the left and right sides of the stage on the front row, and in the center on the 2nd and 3rd rows. We saw Toni right away and she told us that  we could choose where to sit as they had saved several spots on the center of the 2nd/3rd row and that Darla had saved 2 spots on the front row at the right side of the stage. So sweet of them to do that! We decided to sit at the front with Darla. I’m short (5’3″/1.61 m) so front row it was. And what a pleasure! Darla is a sweetheart, extremely polite and I looooved her accent! So cute!

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Jan’s Recap: Sophia’s Heart Community Event and Fundraiser

The June 6, 2010 Sophia’s Heart Community Event and Fundraiser was a great event. The many volunteers that joined in to make this a well run event was impressive. I saw lots of familiar Iheart and Danny’s twitter fans working and/or contributing to make this a fun and successful event!

The event started with opening remarks from Steve Glynn, Interim Executive Director of SHF and Henry Tyson, Superintendent of St. Marcus School. The SHF choir performed 3 songs: Hey Soul Sister, I Still Believe, and Need You Now. The choir did a great job. The director, Jeff Krumbein has a lot of energy and seems to have a great rapport with the kids. Danny, sitting in the front row (only 8 feet away from Melinda and I…!…) took some video of the kids during their performance. He later sent it out to his Twitter followers. After the choir, Danny gave the keynote speech. He talked about Sophia and why he started SHF and how he wants to help Milwaukee children through a music and arts programs. He was very sincere and inspirational. He has big plans for Sophia’s Heart Foundation and you could feel his excitement about it as he spoke. The event closed with the choir singing 3 more songs: Naturally, We Are The World, and MBDAAM. Danny joined the children in singing at the end–which brought huge cheers from the crowd!

Once the program was over, the Meet & Greet people were brought in to see Danny in small groups. Melinda and I were fortunate to have M&G passes. It seemed a long time ago that Melinda went with me to meet Danny at Grafton, Wisconsin. Do you all remember Danny appearing in the Grafton Christmas parade? At that time, Melinda was cool and calm. And many of us Ihearties were bundles of nerves! Now it was Melinda’s turn to get all fluttery! She told me she’s a much bigger fan now and that was probably why she was so much more excited! And then there’s the fact that he looks so darn good…….or as she would tell you, he looks so “hot!” I went first and chatted briefly with Danny. I told him how much all the Ihearties loved the Ocean Way video of IWNSGB. I did get a picture with Danny, his autograph on a photo album (that I intend to put together) and a hug before I introduced Melinda, my son Joe’s fiancée. Danny congratulated Melinda on her engagement. Melinda tells me she has no memory of what she said to Danny, which is pretty typical for us star struck fans, LOL! Fortunately Ivan does a great job with taking pictures–Melinda and I each got nice photos with Danny. Kristie, a big fan of Danny, went after us. We were suppose to leave the M&G room as soon as we left Danny‘s table, but Kathy, who was up next, did not have a camera with her. I offered to take a picture and email it to her. I snapped a photo as quickly as I could since it was clear I was taking too long for the room “guard”.

A lot of us Ihearties just naturally gathered together before and after the SHF event! We had so much fun hugging, visiting and marveling over Danny’s energy, passion and “heart” for SHF work. I got to see Pam, Christie (twitter), Jen, Jason, Michelle, Cori, Latrece, Valerie, and Karen again. I also got to meet Marcia, MilGokey fan, Cori’s husband, and Kathy for the first time! All great Gokey fans! We hung around talking for quite awhile. Danny came back out to take a group picture with the SHF volunteers after the M&Gs ended. I snapped a few pictures of the group, but by then we felt it was time for Melinda and I to head back to Madison.

I want to mention that for as hard as Danny has been working, he looked really good at the SHF event. I thought he looked well. When I zoomed in on some of my photos, I’d say he looks rested and fit (not too thin as some have said). And he had quite a day! I heard that he was due to arrive in Milwaukee at 11AM the morning after the Ohio Sugarland Concert. He had to go direct to a SHF sponsors luncheon downtown and then to St Marcus School At the school, he met the kids and their parents before the SHF event. All of this in addition to being the keynote speaker, doing the Meet and Greets with the “VIPs” and then taking the group picture with all of the volunteers.

When we got home I showed the pictures to my family. My son Joe turned to his fiancée and teasingly asked “Why don’t you smile like that when you take a picture with me?” Melinda responded “You’re not Danny Gokey!”

CMT: CMA Music Festival Concert Sparkles With Carrie Underwood and Other Top Stars

[...] On the very bright side, however, the talent lineup was dazzling, consisting as it did of musical magic by Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, Jason Aldean and American Idol finalist, Danny Gokey.

[...] Gokey’s set was brief — just four songs — but his emotionally defiant “I Will Not Say Goodbye,” which he said will be his next single, went over particularly well.

Read the full article: CMT: CMA Music Festival Concert Sparkles With Carrie Underwood and Other Top Stars

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