The Michael Buble Concert - The Real Recap

I have to say - going to see Michael Buble again for the second time did NOT disappoint.

I was a little worried that I had over-exaggerated how much I enjoyed him last time... but I was wrong.

He was just as fun, had just of great performance aspects, and was spectacular as usual!

Here are a few photos and videos I snapped.

First, what I wore:

SISTERS!

Then, we had great seats (if I do say so myself)!

 He entered sliding down the ramp into the stage.  After some pyrotechnics that I missed on film.

He also had a second stage at the opposite end that he used for a while.  He did something similar last time with a box in the middle of the floor.

Encore sparkly blazer? CHECK!

Finally, a little video... a great sing-along song and some heart shaped confetti.  Because who doesn't love a confetti canon... or 10!

#33 - Go to a concert

While technically, I did attend the Barenaked Ladies concert in July, I am going to write about the Michael Buble concert.  Why?  Because it is a PERFORMANCE.  I loved the Barenaked Ladies and Ben Folds Five because it was relaxed (outside) and fun (to sing along to), but Michael Buble....  MB is a spectacle!  His staging and lighting are incredible (okay, that was the nerdy work-related side of me) and he does not disappoint in the presentation and fun of his concert.

Melissa and I saw him in DC a few years ago and his show became my all-time favorite.  So, I was stalking his website and getting email updates on when he would be on tour again.

Well, FINALLY, it is the night.  Melissa, Lauren and I heading out to the concert tonight (Saturday) and I couldn't be more excited.

I sent them a screen shot earlier of where our seats are:  (sorry for bad photo quality)

I'll have to post pictures when I get back from vacation.

The most epic month of 2013

I'm not kidding when I say that I have been actively looking forward to September since.... May... April even?!

As I am sure you have gleamed from this blog over time, I LOVE Michael Buble!  After seeing him in concert with Melissa in 2010, I have been actively stalking his website (and getting email notifications) for when he would be returning to the US on tour.

Like any great internet stalker, I was able to find out in late April that his US tour dates would be announced soon.  PLUS, as a Citibank card holder, I could get early access to purchase tickets.  Lucky for me, Chicago was his FIRST stop on his new tour!!!!!

As soon as I heard the dates announced, I sent a group text message to my mom and sisters telling them the day he was coming and asking them to commit ASAP if they wanted to go.  I was planning on buying the tickets as soon as they became available so I needed everyone's response and commitment.  Unfortunately, at the time, my mom had planned to already be in Barcelona with my dad.  So it was just going to be Melissa, Lauren and I.  (Of course, now plans have changed and she will be in town.)

So, I set a calendar reminder for the time and day that tickets would be on sale and waited patiently.  Just like my tickets to Brian Regan, I was able to score some pretty great seats for a reasonable price.  In fact, all three tickets were cheaper than the two tickets in DC three years ago.  And I think these seats might technically be a bit better.

Anyways, after months of random texts and facebook posts, that concert is finally THIS Saturday.  I'm super excited because Melissa and I had a great time last time.  He put on an amazing show and I know this time won't disappoint.  I'm also excited to spend the night with both of my sisters since I missed the Maroon 5 concert earlier this year.  Plus, last time Melissa was pregnant with Kayla and now Lauren is pregnant with baby #2.  Hopefully, this baby will become an early Buble fan like Kayla. :)

In preparation for the concert, I will be spending Friday night and all morning Saturday doing laundry and packing for the MOST EPIC VACATION EVER!!!

I know I've mentioned it a few times but that next morning, I will be heading out for my 11 day vacation to Barcelona and Paris!!!!!!!!  I can't even clearly convey how excited I am about the next two weeks of activities, so we'll just leave it at that....  lots and lots of exclamation points!

And then when I get back, we celebrate Brody's birthday.  Before I can blink it's going to be October, so I want to enjoy every second that September has to offer.

I know Leslie keeps bugging me and I am working on a packing post for my trip.  It probably won't be until Friday or Saturday though because I am only in the beginning - list making - point of packing.  :)

Madonna - World Tour

The Madonna concert was A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!!

I had an absolute blast.  She performed for a solid 2 hours and was incredible.  I'm so glad I went. (Even if I am really tired today).

It's so hard to grab photos at a concert, but I did my best.  First, my outfit - leggings, boots and lots of jewelry.  I felt like I fit right in.

Here is the view from the suite I was in.

And here is a shot of the opening bit.

Finally, I got this mediocre video.

It was seriously AWESOME.

1 - The Favorite One & A MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I hope everyone is able to celebrate the holidays with their loved ones.  I know I am! :)

I'm wrapping up my Christmas Music Countdown with my all-time favorite Christmas song..... "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas".  It was difficult to choose which version to pick, but Michael Buble's is one of the best.

So please enjoy my favorite song, by my favorite artist, on my most favorite of days.....

And for an extra warm fuzzy, enjoy the studio clip.....

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

2 - The Holy Night One

I'm not going to lie..... I have probably enjoyed this Christmas countdown more than you all have..... and now I am down to two of my all-time favorites.

For today, a reverent and romantic song.  It seems funny to consider a very faithful Christmas hymn as "romantic" but I think it is.

There are a ton of version of this song that are really great, but this one is my favorite.  Something about the choral group singing along with him.

3 - The Ultimate Christmas One

White Christmas.

Bing Crosby made it famous and others have tried to duplicate.  But you can never replace the original.  Sung in both "Holiday Inn" and "White Christmas".

Holiday Inn:

White Christmas:

Plus, BONUS..... a collaboration version from a TV Christmas special.  :)

4 - The Santa one?

" 'Zat You Santa Clause?" by Louis Armstrong

This song makes me laugh and I LOVE singing along with it.  I think you will too.

5 - The Twelve Days

I know people have mixed feelings about "The Twelve Days of Christmas".  It's repetitive and kind of annoying.

I have a distinct memory of listening to my mom's Christmas music at home and hearing this unique version sung by Frank Sinatra and his children.  Funny the things you remember.

So I searched and searched and finally found it on itunes last Christmas season.  My mom didn't even remember which song I was talking about.  Guess some things just stick with people.

6 - The Wishful One

If everyday was like Christmas....  could you imagine it?

I know Elvis wanted to.  I agree with him, completely.  Also, kudos to this person that made this pretty cool video.

7 - The Sassy One

What holiday would be complete without a sassy, seductive song?

I love Eartha Kitt's "Santa Baby".  In an effort of full disclosure, when this song comes up on my ipod while I'm out walking Samson, I get a little swing in my step.  :)

8 - The Christmas Song

I don't think anyone can sing "The Christmas Song" better than Nat "King" Cole.

And I challenge you to prove me otherwise. :)

9 - The Rudolph One

I have to admit, I'm not a HUGE fan of Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer song.  I can't really explain why.  I just don't.

I do, however, enjoy the playfulness of the Bing Crosby version.  At least you can see they are having fun singing it.

10 - The Mistletoe and Holly one

Frank Sinatra's Mistletoe and Holly was my ringtone for several years before I downloaded Ella.  If I hadn't lost the file in a computer transition, it probably still would be.

I started off this post fully intending to show a generic YouTube video for this song.... and then I found this gem.

You are welcome.  :)

11 - The Snowy One

Bing Crosby - Let It Snow.  Enough said.

This song reminds me of the snow scene from White Christmas.  You know the one.  When they are on the train and build a snow scene out of napkins and things on their table.

I love that movie.

12 - The Soulful One

I love Louis Armstrong.  His gritty voice, his playful attitude and his trumpet playing.

I love his version of Winter Wonderland.  It's soulful and jazzy.  That is all. :)

13 - The Jingling One

It's Jingle Bells.  And it's Michael.... again.

Honestly, have you bought the song yet?  I've previewed at least half the album for you. :)

Honestly, with my love of Michael aside, this is one of the best versions of Jingle Bells out there. It's fun and playful. And, the Puppini Sisters are kind of awesome.

If you listen to his studio clip from the production of the song (yes, I follow Michael on YouTube), he says that he wanted to emulate his favorite version of the song, Bing Crosby with the Andrews Sisters.  Honestly.... that was my favorite version too!!!  I knew Michael and I were destined to be friends.

For those of you that don't know, here's an extra bonus song... the Bing Crosby version.  Can you hear the similarities?

14 - The Unknown One

I'm not sure how many people would know this song for today.  It's by a well known artist, Frank Sinatra, but it's not a very common song.

It is, however, one of my all time favorites (top 5 for sure).

"I wouldn't trade Christmas" by Frank Sinatra and his kids is a great holiday song.  It is my holiday anthem....  for all of those who love Christmas more than all the other holidays combined.

Also, for an extra bonus, you might enjoy this other less common song by Frank, Old Fashioned Christmas.

15 - The coupley One

"The snow is flowing..."

I love "I've got my Love to Keep me Warm" by Dean Martin.  Sure, it's not specifically Christmas, but it's definitely holiday and wintery.

This is another song you can hear on just about every radio station during the holiday season.  I can't help but sing along with it!

16 - The One from the Claymation Movie

There's Santa Clause is coming to town and Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and a few other Christmas specials all made in the 60s and 70s.  They are quintessential holiday movies.  Everyone knows them.  (Although, I found out at work the other day that there are adults that have never seen these before.... I'm not sure how that's possible.)

Burl Ives sings "A Holly Jolly Christmas" in Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer.  My office watched this movie last week and it was hilarious.  It's so funny watching these movies as adults and seeing how they can be pretty inappropriate lessons for kids.  If you are different, you are a misfit?  Nice.  :)

At least the music and ultimate ending saves the day!