Day 8 of July

What a busy day.  What better way to end it than a good concert.  And it was a good concert - not a great concert, but a good concert.  First of all, any artist who has to follow a Garth Brooks concert within in a 1 month period, is going to have a lot to live up to.  Having said that, Mr. Diamond, I think did his best. 
  I thought we actually had tickets in one of the boxes, but it turns out we were just in the president seats section.  They were comfy seats, but quite far from the stage.  That wasn't a big disappointment as there were two giant screens up, plus Neil had his microphone turned up quite loud; just in the case the audience went wild and we wouldn't be able to hear him - that didn't happen.  I did learn a few things at the concert.  Neil just turned 71 in January (actually I googled that when I got home)  He just got married to Katie (apparently his third wife and a lot younger than him;again from google)  I didn't know "I'm a believer was a Neil Diamond song; the more familar version is of course from the Shrek movie.  I realize Mr. Diamond is 71, and no doubt his voice is going to be different from years ago, but I was disappointed in how much he talked in his songs.  I remember his songs from when I was in elementary school.  And just to make sure I wasn't missing something, I went back and listened to his earlier recordings.  Yes he talked in some songs,but he sang much more.  There were also a couple of times in his concert that I was a little confused about.  I didn't know if he was being serious or trying to be funny.  There was one song where he got down; first on one knee and then laying down to serenade a lady in the audience. Another time was when he sang Sweet Caroline.  We were so excited with he song and of course everyone cheered and stomped at the end.  Who knew he would sing the last chorus of the song again; and again; and again.  The last time he sang it, people were actually laughing - I don't think it was supposed to be funny.  Then he just finished telling us about his new wife and dedicated a song to her.  The next song, he did a duet with one of his back-up singers (who had a great voice) and lets just say, the bad actiing added with the pretend make out session seemed wrong. 
   On a positive note, the dome was packed (I actually felt young).  The brass section was awesome and seemed to be having the most fun.  The camera never actually left Neil's face, so it was difficult to see the musicians from where we were sitting. And we had great company.  Thanks to Tammy and Jamie for inviting us.  I'm curious to see the critics reviews tomorrow to see if we were at the same concert.
  Got a few more things to get done tonight because the SON is coming home tomorrow.  Can't wait to hear all the stories.
 Good night Sweet Caroline and Cracklin' Rosie
  Stacey