MONKOTBSB


On a plane somewhere between Chicago and Nashville: Over the past month, I’ve had the opportunity to see two concerts featuring my first musical loves. 25 years ago, M&D took me to the Douglas County Fair to see the Monkees. That was my first concert ever. They were there as part of their 20th year anniversary tour, which made it hard for me to comprehend why Davy Jones was a 40 year old man instead of a 20-year-old boy from the TV show I had been watching on MTV (I quickly understood the concept of “rerun” after that).

So now, on their 45th year anniversary tour, I was able to take M&D to Harrah’s Casino to see them once again. And though I’m a lot older and different looking now than at 11, I’m still a little shocked when I see how the 20-year-old boys from the TV show have, errrr, matured. (Kids, don’t do drugs.)



With the assistance from a friend in the biz, I was able to be a part of their meet & greet – which was a good way to help me remember what it’s like to be on the other side of the camera: little conversation, one quick picture & you’re outta here. Oh well – at least I have the pictures to show for it.






A couple of weeks prior to the OBB (original boy band), I went to see the combined forces of New Kids On The Block and the Backstreet Boys. Because the only thing better than 5 guys dancing and singing on stage is 9.


I was able to meet them again too, and am sympathetic to – yet cringe at – the fact that they just really don’t want to be there (sorry, 15 year old self – they still don’t love you like you thought they would).


I sat in a suite for the first time and loved the freedom of having my shoes off and not having to deal with other boy crazy fans in my dance spare (though nothing will ever top my last experience seeing them…).

What I love most about these trips down memory lane is that I was able to recapture some of the pure bliss of first loves… prior to responsibilities and grown up decisions and heavy hearts. Where I can lose myself in music and memories. Where the “dance like no one is watching” mantra comes to fruition.


The second thing that I love most is all the funny comments from friends (via Facebook or in person) about my never-ending crushes. I used to get discouraged with the constant teasing I got while growing up. ButI’ve come to appreciate even more that if music moves you in a certain way, it really doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks. Plus, at the end of the day, it’s just FUN! A friend texted me during the show and said “this is proof that God wants you to be happy and to dream big.... or at least He wants to squeal with you!" All of this is part of what makes me me – a quirk that you must embrace if you ever want to really know me. And seriously – look how loyal I am! ☺

Next time around, however, I’m hoping they assemble a little tighter so I can see all three groups in one night. I’ll go ahead and coin the band name now: MONKOTBSB.