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16 HAVE YOU SEEN THE MAP OF EZRA? MISSED THE DEBUT EDITION OF THE SERENADE? CLICK HERE MISSED THE MAY EDITION? |
Editor's note: Magic Moments is a new feature where Ezralites can relate about their first, or most memorable, BTE show or adventure. First up, Kristi takes us to Portland, Oregon: THIS MAGIC MOMENT: BTE AND COWBOY MOUTH, PORTLAND,
OREGON 2002
...I was anxious, excited, and my heart was beating way too fast!!! I was finally about to see the band I have loved (almost too much) for about a decade. This was not just any show at Portland’s Crystal Ballroom, this was a dream come true. I was trying hard to keep from having a bad panic attack, something that has kept me from seeing them, and just about every other band for the past 8 years. But this time I wasn’t going to be disappointed. So I took a spot up front and braced myself for whatever was going to be thrown at me (musically, that is). Stacy and Alana were my companions that night. Let me tell you, they were the perfect companions for the show. They had "educated me before the show, i.e. who would be standing where and how you are either a "Tom side" or "Kevin side" Ezralite. I chose the very middle (the "Travis side?"), it was the best possible choice for my very 1st BTE and Mouth show. Enter Fred Leblanc, John Thomas Griffith, Rob Savoy and Paul Sanchez, known collectively as Cowboy Mouth. Stacy and many members of the BTE message board had spoken of CM and Fred's stage antics, strange faces he made, and something about body fluids flying. I literally had no clue what to expect. By the middle of the first song, I was completely hooked and hoping that the music would never stop. Fred fascinated me. I studied his drumming. As he sang, spittle flew in every direction, sweat pouring off him as if there was a shower over his head. I was dancing along and it felt so good. And yes, this is where I belonged, front and center. When Cowboy Mouth left the stage, I felt physically and (somewhat) emotionally drained. I told my companions how much I totally loved Cowboy Mouth and was having a blast. I was getting so pumped up to see "the Guys." As the BTE entrance music started playing, the crowd’s cheers got louder. I looked over at Stacy, who was aiming her camera at me. As Kevin walked on stage I was screamed, grinned, and cried. Stacy captured the moment forever. I have that picture and as dorky as it may look, you can also see the pure joy on my face. |
From my front row spot, I noticed little things about each band member.
Kevin spits almost as much as Fred! And his mic is up past his mouth so
when he sings he’s looking up. I was mesmerized by the way he forms his
words. Tom smiles and makes eye contact with so many people. His cheeks
are flushed red and he’s so into his music. Travis is in his own world,
his eyes half closed, looking almost as if he’s sure the sticks are
going to hit him in the face, his lips forming a little "o" I was singing and dancing, stopping only every once in a while to stare and snap a picture. Throughout the show I was aware of how much I love BTE’s music. The songs sound different live, but so incredibly good. I can’t recall the setlist, but it doesn’t matter. It was all good. I just heard and absorbed everything they offered me. More importantly, the other things I garnered that night were friendship, freedom from fear, and a truly spectacular and special concert. I didn’t want the show to end. It was so wonderful singing along to Kevin's words, watching Tom and Travis play their instruments with such energy. After the show, I was exhausted and immensely happy as we walked outside toward the tour bus. We stayed there for a while and were thrilled to get some time to chat with both Tom and Travis. I ended up NOT saying anything I practiced saying in my mind over the previous 8 years or so AND I did manage to put my foot into my mouth a few times. The guys didn’t seem to care though. Travis was very quiet and kind and willing to take pictures. Tom was more talkative and is an educated and hilarious guy.
I know most Ezralites would say that their first BTE show was a life altering moment. It was for me too. The happiness it brought to my life is still with me. I won’t ever forget how it felt. It was great to meet Stacy and Alana and other Ezralites. I felt as if the band were just playing for me. BTE has some of the most amazing fans, perhaps because they are such amazing musicians and people themselves. Thanks for sharing your story with us, Kristi. Do you have a MAGIC MOMENT to share? Then tell us about it! ED@streetserenade.com |
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