Catching Up - Part Deux: Walk This Way

After we got back from Nashville, Fayetteville was undergoing its annual transformation into Wal-Mart Shareholders World Headquarters, an event people travel from all over to come to, and one that always brings in a lot of traffic and some great music acts.  We've had Jimmy Buffett and Carrie Underwood.  But this year, it was just a little different.

Aerosmith came to town.

As you might know, I am a bit of an Aerosmith fan.  Ryan and I had tickets to go see them a few years ago for my first ever Aerosmith concert, but Steven decided to be an idiot and fall off the stage before we could see him.  So this time, Mr. Tyler came to me via Wal-Mart shareholders.

I couldn't believe my luck.  The only issue was that I am not actually a Wal-Mart shareholder.  I had a job offer from Wal-Mart right after college, but I turned them down.  I had not once regretted that decision until the day I found out ST and company were coming to town.  I was a pouty mess the entire day of the concert, and then I decided to work late just to dull the pain.  I got a phone call from Ryan that went something like this:

Ryan:  "How late are you going to work?"

Moi:  "I don't know, Ryan, as long as it takes."

Ryan:  "Well, I guess I'll take some other girl to see Aerosmith tonight."

Moi:  Silence.

Ryan:  "Hello?"

Moi:  "Are you being serious?"

Ryan:  "Yeah."

Moi:  "I'll be right there."

How happy is that face?

Cheap Trick opened, which was an okay show.  I only knew 3 or 4 of the songs, but I think I enjoyed it.  I don't really remember.  I was just too nervous for Aerosmith.  Finally, at around 9pm, the stage rotated.

And not long after that, out he came.

They only played for about an hour and a half, but it was the most entertaining concert I've ever been to.  I sang every song at the top of my lungs (sorry neighbors) and screamed at pretty much everything Steven said.  I wish they had played longer, I wish our seats had been closer, and I wish that I were on tour with ST right now, but all things considered, it was a near-perfect night.  I finally got to see Aerosmith in concert and it was in Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

I just have to think he knew he owed me.

So Hot in Herre

This weekend I did something I said I'd never ever do again.  I went to Riverfest in Little Rock.  After Hank Williams circa 2005 or so, I said I'd never again darken downtown Little Rock at 9PM on Memorial Day weekend just to see a concert.  The cigarettes, drunk people with their kids, and walking just aren't worth any artist who decides to come.

And then, Nelly came.

Oh yes.  My favorite artist in 8th grade (and every grade since then) signed up to come throw down in the Rock town.  I was in a dilemma.  And I broke my pact.  I had to go back.  I had to see Mr. Derrty Entertainment himself.  I wanted to ride wit him.  I had to batter up and practice my country grammar.  I wanted to see his grill, what, his grill in person.  And no, I didn't wear Air Force Ones, but I wanted to.  Because I am #1.  And I think that's the last of the song title references.

Nelly put on a super show.  I've said it to a few of you, but honestly, I didn't expect much.  Rap concerts are touch and go.  I saw Snoop Dogg (from just a few rows back) this year and he was awesome.  I really didn't think I'd get two good rap concerts in a year.  But Nelly can entertain!!  And knowing every single song he sang helped a lot too.  I think I screamed over him half the time.

And how cool am I?  I went with my siblings and my mom.  Seemed like the best way to spend Riverfest, having beer slung on you and seeing people with their newborns at a Nelly concert - with my own mom screaming "Girl, I think my butt gettin' big!"

Nothin' But a Good Time

Oh my.  It has been a little while since I  have updated.  I have to apologize - life has been busy.  Alli started dance class, we started back to Wednesday night church, football season is in full swing, and I've been to see Bret Michaels in concert.

Yes, you heard that right.  Bret Michaels of Poison and trashy television came to play at the AMP in Fayetteville last Thursday night.  Clearly being one of Bret's fans since forever (before the first season of Rock of Love, I'll have you know), I knew I was going.  And since Bret is a lot more mainstream now, I figured let's invite some of my awesome girlfriends/co-workers for a Girls Night Out!  We went to Shogun before for some good eating, and then we headed down the hill to see our (my) Brettie poo.

It was an awesome show, even for a non-Bret fan.  He played every great Poison song, from opening with "Talk Dirty to Me" and closing with "Fallen Angel."  And yes, friends, he did play "Unskinny Bop," "Look What the Cat Dragged In," "Every  Rose Has Its Thorn", and "Something to Believe In."  I don't think I sat still the entire time.  I sang at the top of my lungs!

I did get a VIP pass from a new and newly-ex friend.  But no matter how much sweet talking the girls and I did, we couldn't get back to meet Bret.  Maybe next summer...he swore about 10x he was coming back. I hope to add more pics later - clearly I didn't take any, so I'll have to get them from the ladies who accompanied me. 

BRET!!!!!!!!!!!!! (to the right side of the pic)

Yes, I got new cowboy boots special for the event...worth it