The Pit Seat Story

So we're at the Portland concert, sitting up in section 222 of the Rose Garden, right at the end of row 5. We're pretty close to the exit, just a few feet from the big ole divider wall. We've waited patiently through Ginuine - not my thing, though I laughted my ass off when he, his dancers and singers were imitating one of those funky modified cars that just jerk and shudder along. On purpose.

The lights are up, we're watching them set up the stage, a rigger climing this really long ladder up to the upper light booth, and Lori, people-watching, sees someone by the exit. Johnny Wright. (For those not in the know, this is Nsync's manager.) She nudges Lucy, "That's Johnny Wright!"

Lucy doesn't really believe her until she too looks over. Yep, it's Johnny alright, and she's got the aisle seat. Being Lucy, she pipes up, somewhat casually, "Hey Johnny!"

"Hey guys, how's it going?"

"We're good, how're you?"

"Good, good." And he disappears around the exit divider a moment, and pops back and asks us, "So, how many are you?"

"Uh...three." We're somewhat mystified, but only for a moment, because right then he shuffles through some tickets in his hand, pulls out three and hands them to Lori. "Go sit in the Pit."

Lucy's out of her seat before I can register a thing. Lori's up and shakily thanking Johnny, who disappears quickly. Pit seats! I can only grab randomly for our stuff and dart after Lucy - I can't loose her, and Lori's got the tickets, so I pause halfway down the stairs. Pit seats! Ahhhhh!

And lo, we did pass under the stage and take our seats with the chosen few. And it was good.

(no subject)

Other people being more coherent about the concerts than me:
The Oregonian puts in their two cents.
And today, the Seattle PI has something to say.

Other Concert reviews:
Suzanne
The Sandies
Dine
More Sandies
wearemany
Sunnie
JIC - pretty damn extensive, but then, I saw her notebook right after :)
Nemo

Soundcheck Portland, from Suzanne And another tidbit.