Summerfest & Sleepovers

Last night was one of the greatest concert nights of all time. For Mama, it might have been THE greatest concert night of all time. Aaron and Jamie had planned to go see Styx at Summerfest. We dropped off Lorelei at Grandma and Grandpa Kohlweiss for Lorelei's first sleepover with them. Everyone was very excited--especially Grandma. Mama was rightfully nervous as this would be the longest time Mama and Daddy would be away from Lorelei, but, we knew she was in good hands. Aaron had won a free parking pass to Summerfest. So, after we finally found the lot, we were good to go. Our first goal was to find the brick that Jamie had bought for Aaron for his birthday last year.

Next, just for kicks and giggles we decided to inquire at the box office about New Kids On The Block tickets. And, we were just looking for a single ticket for me. Aaron would not be attending NKOTB twice in his life. :) The box office told us they had tickets the band just released and I could sit 8th row center. But, to me, the cost was too much for this and we planned to see Styx anyways and I was hoping they would sing "Lorelei" for us. So, we checked out a couple bands including Jamie's new favorite, a boy band/party song cover band, Hot Sauce Committee.  We had some food including sharing a bacon cheeseburger with peanut butter and the best tator tots from AJ Bomber's! We went back to the box office for a second time and I could now sit in Row S. Now, I was certain I would be seeing Styx and was completely fine with that. After all, that is what I was there for. We walked around Summerfest for a while more and found ourselves back yet again at the Marcus Amphitheater box office. However, they have now posted a line up of when each band was expected to go on. Boyz II Men were to go on at 7:30pm, followed by 98 Degrees at 8:00pm, with NKOTB headlining at 9:00pm. This now became very interesting as Styx wasn't expected to go on until 10:00pm. I then began thinking could I actually do both?!!??! I inquired at the box office of the best single ticket they had and was told Row S again. I asked if they had anything closer and was told I could be closer but to the side. I was told they had Section 3, Row D, Seat 8 available. I literally counted on my fingers and realized that was 4th row. I then looked at the seating chart and saw that section started with Row B, so, that meant it was actually 3rd row (seating chart below shows just standard seating). I called Aaron over and told him about this. He listened, looked at me and said sweetly, "Happy Early Birthday" and got out his credit card. At this moment, I am a ball of nerves, giddiness, and so happy. I am also feeling a bit anxiety as I have never gone to a concert by myself before so this will be a brand new experience for me.

 

Aaron watched me go up the ramp and I was gone. I walked in by Section 1, so, I had to walk all the way around to my section. Boyz II Men had already taken the stage and were singing their hit "I'll Make Love To You" and were passing out roses to the ladies in the audience. I walked very quickly to my section, showed numerous ushers my ticket, and found my seat. And, I kid you not, the very second I got to my seat, a Boy II Man threw me a rose and I caught it! Also, I almost forgot to mention, that because of how the rows were angled and how the stage was set up, I was actually in the FRONT ROW!!!!!!!!! I could not believe this. I was going to see my favorite band as a little girl from the front row. As soon as Boyz II Men were done, I had to go find Aaron and tell him that I was actually in the front row. I found him sitting in our seats at the BMO Harris Bank Pavilion waiting for Styx and was so ecstatically happy to tell him I was in the front row. I think he was shocked to see me and shocked to hear this news. 98 Degrees had taken the stage as I was leaving to find Aaron so I rushed back to see their set. They were very good and the highlight was when the 4 of them took 4 fans on stage to serenade them. It was very sweet.

 

I was now making friends with the ladies around me and sharing with them that my wonderful husband had just bought me a ticket right when the show was starting. A few minutes past and the theater went dark and thunderous screams erupted. The New Kids took the stage and the next 80 minutes were a bit of a fast blur, but, included: me crying during their first ballad, Donnie hoping off the stage and I got some nice arm touches, the boys going in the audience and on their way back I touched Joey (my favorite) and got a hug from Danny. They did all their hits and then some.

 

 

I stayed after and got the set list (always my goal at a concert) and now rushed to find Aaron and Styx. They took the stage a little earlier than expected so I got to see half the show, but, missed them singing "Lorelei". :( We left shortly after the concert was done and got back to Grandma and Grandpa's to find a sleeping baby. We went to sleep on the futon and weren't woken up until 7am by a beautiful, happy baby girl.

 

Donnie when he jumped in the pit on my side.

Joey--my favorite.

 

 

Danny--who hugged me.