I adore going to concerts. I love the high-energy crowds, live music, and overall excitement in seeing and hearing someone you listen to everyday - in person. One downfall to living in the middle of nowhere, is that unfortunately it is a rare, RARE occasion when any current band or artist comes within 6 hours of you. And it's even rarer when that band/artist is someone Preston and I both like, since we have pretty (extremely) different tastes in music.
Thanks to Augustana College, Phillip Phillips (last year's American Idol winner) came to Sioux Falls and performed 2 packed shows back-to-back at the Washington Pavilion. Getting tickets was a little bit of a fiasco -- the first time tickets went on sale, they literally sold out immediately. So many people were bummed that they weren't going to get to see him, that somehow it got worked out for him to do a 2nd show. Preston and I stood in line, and got tickets to that one.
It was general admission, and we lucked out and got 2nd row seats. That was pretty much the closest I've ever sat at a concert. I looooved it. We were up where the orchestra would normally play - so he was literally standing 10 feet from me. It was ridiculous -- in a good way.
Preston and I have earned a hilariously bad reputation for taking TERRIBLE pictures anytime we "dress up" to go to a concert or wedding. We always (think we) look ok when we head out for the event -- but then we try to take a picture together and we have triple chins and closed eyes, or you know, the lens breaks. So I'm warning you now - these pictures aren't so great. Now, if we try to take a picture when we haven't spent 2 hours getting ready -- our eyes are always open and are smiles are always perfect. Regardless of any of that, we still attempt to take pictures together.
So, here's what I've got!
I got one of his signed guitar picks from the security guy! :)
When we went out to dinner after the concert, Preston said I was holding on to that guitar pick like Gollum holds onto "the Ring" in "The Lord of the Rings" and had to take it away from me.
Life will be a bit crazy (in a good way) the next few days, as we get to spend time with our amazing families and celebrate Jesus' resurrection. If you're looking for somewhere to go to an Easter church service - you are welcome at "The Ransom" in downtown Sioux Falls - there will be services at 8:30, 10:00, and 11:30 (infant - 5th grade nursery/childrens' church is available at the first 2 services.) I pray that every one of you has a blessed Easter and are filled with the eternal, real hope this holiday brings.
I'll post early next week -- so stay tuned. :)
xo,
Emily
