| August
17
Wells Fargo Center for the Arts
Santa Rosa, CA
Wow!
Our third show in a row...by now we were ready for at least a day break.
We played here in 2006...the audotorium was intiment and warm. Felt like
the audience was on stage with us. A lot of interactioin between Donna
and audience. They all seemed to be very familiar with Crayons and was
embraced warmly.
After the show, the venue had gift bags for everyone with a beautiful bottle
of Merlot wine...
After show...back on bus for a 8 hour ride to San Diego...who cared...we
knew we had the next 2 days off!!!
August
16
Paramount Theatre of the Arts
Oakland, CA
Rolled into from Reno around3 pm. As we entered the backstage
entrance, you were greeted by photos of past entertainers from decades
past. To see all the great's that were on the stage was very cool.
The theater was gorgeous...kind of an era setting...deco like.
The conecert began and the audience response when Donna first appeared
was overwhelming. This audience, like so many were there for a good time.
Donna was very playful and engaging with the fans all evening....Funny
moment was when Donna came out to sing Sand On My Feet, one fan yelled
out to her "Beautiful Dress!" ...Donna's reply..."Like it?
You should...you paid for it". Crowd went crazy...
Overall....it was a great show.
August
15
Peppermill Reno Hotel Casino
Reno, NV
The day of the show, I had a friend take me to see Lake Tahoe. It was a beautiful
driving in a convertible just seeing such a beautiful site....I got burned on
my face, but so worth it.
What a fantastic crowd! They were energetic and with us the entire show. You
could see off to both sides of the ballroom groups the whole evening dancing
to the music and enjoying every minute of it. Again we performed Bring Down the
Reign and was received well. After the show heard great feedback, even from the
owners of the venue on how impressed he was from the response of the audience.
August
13
The Mountain Winery
Saratoga, CA
This is one of my favorite venues to play with Donna. Our
third time back....A major change from last year. The outdoor setting
has been enlarged to seat more people.
Absolutely beautiful! This is the property of the Paul Masson Winery....been
there for decades. What a setting to play. The night was perfect! Stage
a little smaller than usual, but still was adaptable for a great show.
It sits above the Silicon Valley and you could look out and see forever....The
crowd was so into the new show. Donna was having fun....just worked
the audience into a frenzy....This night was the first time we performed
a new song off the project..."Bring Down
The Reign"
Went over great! Powerful
August
10
Northern Quest Casino
Spokane, Washington
For those of you who were wondering where I went this past week,
it was this show that I took on a nasty flu bug. 10 minutes before the
show I was wrapped in 2 blankets with the chills , something that has
not happened in some time. Did the show and found my way back to the
hotel to rest for the next couple of days. Started a Z-pak to remedy
this infection.
August
8 & 9
River Rock Casino Resort
Richmond, British Columbia
After a well needed 9 day rest, we were back on the plane
to begin the 2nd leg of the tour.
Great venue...the audience was energetic and a part both nights, but
the 2nd night was what stood out to me most. The fans were there to party
and wanted to make the aisle the dance floor. Security kept pushing them
back and escorting individuals back to their seats. By the time we got
to "Radio", they were out of their seats again and wanting to dance....From
her microphone....Donna yelled out..."LET THE PEOPLE DANCE". It was as
if the cork flew off a champagne bottle....the stage was rushed and the
venue turned into one big party. What a moment....FUN!!!
July
27
West Hampton Theater
Westhampton Beach, New York
Arrived from Atlantic City into the Hamptons early afternoon.
Big storm passed through the area. Tree limbs, debris, and downed telephone
lines all around. Small venue, and Sold Out. Sound check went on as
usual and then left for dinner.
Went to restuaruant next door, and during dinner...Power went out....had
to eat by candelight...Got back to theater and power down there too.
Show was delayed, but not cancelled. They hooked up generators to the
theater and the SHOW, as they say, MUST GO ON!
July
25 & 26
Caesars Casino
Atlantic City, New Jersey
2 Nights of great entertainment. Audience was right with Donna....throwing
out praises thorughout the evening.
The show rocks...no question about it...I know Donna is having fun with
the new material and all the new components that make it a wonderful evening
to be a part of.
On the bus now heading to the Hampton's for our last show for the eastern
part of tour. Home tomorrow and so looking forward to it.
July 23
Casino Rama
Rama, Ontario
Tonight was the last of 2 sold out shows.
I was so tired before the show. It is just a given that the band always
has a Red Bull before we go on to give a little kick...was not happening
for me. THe amazing thing is that no matter how tired you feel before
the show....when the downbeat hits, Donna appears...everything starts
hitting on all 12 cylinders and we are off to the races. Helps too when
you have a great audience...and that we did both nights!!
July 22
Casino Rama
Rama, Ontario
Back in Canada. I love coming to this venue....it's in the middle of nowhere,
but it's beautiful and a comfortable enviorment to be in....rooms even
have fireplaces in them :)
Show was great tonight...Everything on the production side is smooth...
"Fame" was omitted this evening...that encore is so powerful...missed
playing that tonight.
We are here again tomorrow evening then off to Atlantic City. The eastern
part of the tour is almost over....So ready to see my family!!
July
20
Seneca Allegany Casino
Salamenca, NY
Arrived by bus around 9:00 am. Did not sleep much on bus...blood shot
eyes when I arrived.
Got to soundcheck and ran a few songs. During soundcheck we had a jam
with Donna for about 20 minutes. It was inspiring. Time to time we do
that and come up with some pretty cool songs.
This was a smaller stage and setting was a little different from other
shows. The concert was projected on two big screens stage left & right.
Some very dear friends drove almost 3 hours to be there for the show....It
was wonderful to see them after so many years! The best part was they
brought me a box of cannolis....:)
July 19
Nikon Music Center
Jones Beach, NY
Happy birthday Natalia!!!
Just like Jersey it was hot in Jones Beach.
What a beautiful setting for this venue. Seats 15,000+ Before soundcheck
I walked to the very top row and looked out to see water surrounding the
stage. Absoultely beautiful!
"Fire" was back in the show tonight and went over great. From
here, an overnight trip to Western NY for a show tomorrow night. Tomorrow
is going to be a loooong day.
July 18
PNC Bank Arts Center
Holmdel, NJ
The word for the evening was HOT HOT HOT....
When we got to soundcheck it was 94 degrees out. Donna ran a few songs
then let us get out of the heat. It was a great crowd and full house.
We replaced "I'm a Fire" tonight with "Brazil".
I missed playing "Fire" and sure the audience did too.
For it to be so hot out....Donna sure enjoyed the evening and danced the
night away.
July
16
Pier
6 Concert Pavillion
Baltimore, MD
Beautiful setting for a concert...Water surrounded the pavillion and boats
just docked and watched the show.
It was hot, but was not an issue with those there. On thier feet just
rockin' to the old and new.
Cool spot it the show is when Donna brought Vienna (Mimi's daughter) and
her cousin Mariah to sing Crayons....Nice touch.
Bruce met up with us yesterday. So good to have him back with us!!!!
I know this sounds like a repeat, but each show just gets better....I
can tell Donna is having a great time, and the audience feels it, we feel
it, and we want to make it a great time for everyone!!!
July
13
BluesFest
Bank
of America Pavilion
Ottowa, Canada
5 minutes to showtime, backstage...radio making final calls,
pre-show pulsating music, chants for the Diva intensify, Donna arrives
on stage, and we get our cue to take stage and start the show.
Out as far as you could see...30,00 bodies with cameras flashing, and
anticipating the first appearance of Donna.
We played for 90 minutes with no intermission...It was a great evening
for everyone.
Today is a day off for everyone. Travelling and performing after a 3 day
run was welcomed.
July
12
Bank
of America Pavilion
Boston, MA
What an evening. From the very outset, Donna was received and
welcomed as one of their own. A standing ovation early in her performance
was a clear indication that those there were ready for a great time. Not
only for Donna, but for everyone on stage, we were all ready to party
with them.
The new songs were well received, surprising to see how many were singing
and already knew the lyric to the songs.
Visited with Donna after the show as we were waiting to leave. She is
having fun and so much enjoying the production, music, and giving back
to the fans.
2:30 am on route to Canada. Trying to stay awake as long as possible to
make the 11 hour trip as short as possible.
July
11
Bethel Woods
Bethel, NY
Wow...this venue was the most meaningful place we have been to
so far on tour. During soundcheck I found out that we were playing on
the very site that the Woodstock festival happened and made history almost
40 years ago.
The venue holds close to 20,000 people. Not sure of how many were there
but it was a good crowd.
Last
night's performance kept gaining momentum, especially as she mixed in
her old songs...By the time we got to Radio, the party had begun. 2nd
half continued with a mix of old and new songs....It was a great concert
and with each and every performance it only gets better.
Around midnight we loaded up the bus and headed to Boston for a show here
tonight. Got in around 5 am....few hours sleep and do it again tonight
for a long bus ride into Canada for a performance there tomorrow evening.
July
9
Mohegan Sun Casino
Uncasville, CT
What a show! 3rd show, everyone on stage is locking in to production
and is evident with the response from the crowd. I have been through this
show many times, and each night is exciting and different.
The addition of the dancers and video screens add a new dimension to the
show....mix that with the greatest voice, and it is magical!
The encore last evening was "FAME"....you could feel the energy
throughout the venue...In fact, the fireworks was felt from outside during
the song....what a finale and segway into "LAST DANCE".
Off today...then hit it hard next 3 days.
July 8
Meadowbrook Musical Arts Center, Gilford NH
After a much needed 2 day rest, we finished our 2nd show.
In spite of the heat, this crowd was with it from down beat....they were
ready to have a good time...and Donna delivered.
The new songs are going over great! Fun to see the reaction and surprising
to see how many know the songs and are sining along....
We are now on the bus heading to Mohegan Sun casino in CT. Should arrive
around 4 am....hopefully get some rest and do it again tomorrow evening.
For those of you who have the opportunity to see the show. it will be
a Summer to remember!
July
5
Wolftrap, Vienna VA.
After a full day of celebrating the end of 2 weeks of rehearsal and the
4th of July, we piled in the bus and left for our first show.
We played to a full and receptive audience. Very cool to see such a positive
response to Donna's new songs. As always she did an outstanding job, the
band, the dancers, really came together nicely for show #1.
Tonight we drive through to our next city
This is a must see show....It really is major change from the past couple
of years!
June 14
Coming
Soon!
Preparing for Summer Tour...Will be updating soon!
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