So got up this morning and had a little fun in Clearwater, teased you all a bit, and then packed up to head to Ft. Lauderdale. During part of the trip, I typed up out group review so that it could be posted when we got here. Otherwise, once that was done, the road just seemed to go on forever with nothing to look at. We did eventually hit a rest stop so that we could stretch our legs. We got here about 4pm and got all checked in. We all got ready to go and headed out for food and to try to get some photos printed up for EIBEE. After eating, it was 7:30 pm, so we hit Walgreens to pick up EIBEE's photos. Well the stupid people at Walgreens lost her photo order and went to print it up again. Unfortunately we could no longer wait for it was 20 minutes to show time. 

We left walgreens and got to the venue about 10 minutes before the show. EIBEE and I jumped out of the car to get her ticket and to see if we might be able to upgrade. RCS took the car to valet parking, and yes, I didn't want to walk to the car in heels. lol. We got to will call and found out that the show was "sold out" and we couldn't upgrade. We didn't get a chance to meet back up with Renee at that point and we had to head to our seats. Again we were all seperated but at least we were all pretty much on the same side of the theater.  I was seated the farthest back out of all of us in row Q seat 18. I had an okay view and at least there were no really tall people in front of me. There was one seat empty in front of me and the people sitting next to that seat left at intermission and didn't come back. Apparently it was either way past their bedtimes or they were not really thrilled by David. In my delusional state, I would like to believe that it was past their bedtime.

As for the rest of the audience, it was a mostly older middle aged crowd. They were for the most part very reserved. Only a few I noticed really got into it. I did have 2 ladies that were sitting behind me that were telling me that they just recently found David and have been trying to buy his stuff off of EBAY. I directed them to the forum if they really wanted to join and I exchanged email addresses with them so that I could tell them about Amazon.de. Anyway, back to the rest of the audience around me. As I tried to clap to songs and cheer for the guys, the peopl around me (minus the 2 ladies) were giving me dirty looks. I just had to shrug it off and keep on supporting the guys.

As for David and the guys, well David came out the left side (not usual for most of the time I see and hear about him coming from the right) and headed up on stage. He was wearing a grey button up shirt, black blazer, jeans, and his black boots. He did have his pants pulled up farther than usual, I'm sure out of respect for this venue. They played the same set as last night, except they did add in Somewhere as a 2nd encore. A few differences from last night to tonight were things such as the temp in his apartment in Hells Kitchen went from 115 degress in the summertime to 117 degrees. Then they joked around about what key something was to be in and David looked at Marcus and said, "It's  the right key,  I swear." Definitely some joking going on onstage between some of the guys. Other than that, they played wonderfully and energetically. I do have to say that I think that I liked last night's concert better just for the fact that the audience was smaller and more active and receptive to David.

After most everyone left, we hung out by the stage. We saw David a few times as he was getting ready for a Meet & Greet....really, when I called and was willling to pay that $150 extra for a M&G both venues said that they didn't have any planned. FIBBERS! Oh well, I still got to meet David last night. lol. Anyway, I was waiting for Marcus to come out and the only one on stage was Jeff Allen. So I asked Jeff if he could get Marcus for me and he was such a sweetie and did. Marcus came out and we talked for a little bit. I gave him one of the knitted/beaded necklaces in a gift bag to take home to his girlfriend. He seemed amazed that I even thought of that. We talked of his new album and I told him that I had to definitely get a CD of it so that I could have him sign it since I downloaded his other ones off of iTunes. He told me that he would have to see what he could do about that. Then all of us girls talked to him about what future concerts we were going to and EIBEE told him about the ones she would see him at. I told him that I would have to wait until November to see him again in Germany. 

After that it was back to the hotel and posting. So tada! 

The road to Ft. Lauderdale...a whole lot of nothing.

Oh look an emergency call box. Is needing something besides road and trees to look at considered an emergency? lol. Didn't think so.

Finally a rest stop. Please note the large cell tower that we had so that we could finally get reception on our phones.

Traffic into the venue. Also the sign advertising David!

The outside of the venue.

The stage at the venue. Sorry it's so dark, was trying to sneak in the photo before the picture police came around.

The guys...sorry that they are so small. I had to take the photos with my Blackberry cell phone. It was during the encore and I really didn't care about the photo police by that point. I wanted you all to have photos. lol

And lastly, The Big Blue Bus! It's hard to see since it was after the concert, but still had to get a photo of it at this venue. It has a fan club just for it. lol

 Only some fotos from me right now, I have to write my review later, cause I'm really tired. But what to share some pics at least. Enjoy.

Birgit's "Bridge of fear"

Is this a river, or the street, hmmm?

our little travel-companion

yes, this is a boat

yay, we almost made it!!

Parker Playhouse interior

Greetings Everyone! Just a few quick lines before we hit the very long and exhausting road back to St. Pete (to get my pets) and then back to Orlando. I was fortunate to be able to be able to sit in the front row last night, and now, no other row will do for a David concert! It was AMAZING to be so close to him while he was performing. I was able to watch his hands and I have to say, I have even more respect for him as a performer now. I could not believe how fast his bow was flying, even as he perfectly hit every note. He might critique himself a bit harsher, but from a layman's point of view, his technicality was stunning!

We all wore the t-shirts that David designed last night, and I think he noticed mine because I got a smile and a nod. Maybe a wink, too? In any case, it made my night. I was disappointed that we were not able to get pictures with him last night when we got autographs, but maybe next time. Might even be able to get a word in edgewise next time, too. :-)

The picture police were out in force last night, too, but about partway through the second half after intermission, I couldn't stand it any longer and took some pictures. I was emboldened by the latecomer who brazenly took out her camera and started gtaking pictures with her flash. I got reprimanded a couple of times, but come on, people, you can't not sit THAT close with such a perfect open view and NOT try to take pictures. I didn't use my flash, so at least that didn't disturb my fellow patrons. In any case, the pictures are still on my camera and will have to wait until I get home since I have neither the technology nor the know-how to upload them directly to the forum. Please forgive me for the tease. I'll post them as soon as I can. I hope DG and Parker Playhouse will forgive my being naughty and taking the pictures. Till later...

EIBEE:

 

Birgit's "Bridge of fear"

LOL!!!

NOOOOOO!!! It really looks horrible, doesn't it??? And just the very low ceiling.....Can you imagine driving over it in Hurricane season, heavy rain, heavy storm, having problems to hold the car on the street???? The stormy sea with high waves underneath??? HELP!! My hands were sweatend and my heart beating fast....

But, I don't want to write about the bridge.

Your reviews are great. Yes, the audience looks a bit older. What I totally love is the way the Broward Center or Parker Playhouse announce the concert with a little flyer, introducing David and the concert.

The concert-hall looks beautiful. Can't wait for your photos Renee and you are right, once you have experienced the first row and see David's playing and his facial expressions so near, you never want to sit anywhere else.

Birgit

What great reports - just got off the phone with you all and yes did come right to the Forum to read your reviews.  Sounds like another wonderful night for you all even if a bit more reserved.  Arielmr1 so nice of you to make the necklace for Marcus's girlfriend - very sweet of you.....RCS I am sure he saw the shirt from what you mentioned.  LOL  - that is awesome!  I bet it made your night for sure!!  You are so right, after front row - you become very spoiled to it and want it every time.  Until you are close you cant believe how fast those fingers fly. Eibee so nice to chat and so glad you are all having so much fun and enjoying all the concerts. @Birgit - that bridge looks like a nightmare.  LOL... Scary without a storm....

later gater girls.

Heather

Thank you so much, ladies, for the reviews and the photos

It sounds a marvellous experience, and brings back such happy memories for me of last October.

Keep enjoying the music

xx

EIBEE, RCS, Arielmr1,  thank you for sharing your adventures with us!   What a great road trip you've had!  And I can't think of a better reason to hit the road than to see David in concert!!

 I feel as though I've been there with each forum member from Concord, NH, to Seattle (and Portland, OR!!!!!) to San Diego, CA and now Clearwater and Ft. Lauderdale, FL.  David has really covered the four corners of the US on this tour and left his mark behind. I imagine thousands of new fans all anxiously awaiting the release of his new CD this summer. Who knew the blue bus would take on a fan following of its own??? LOL.

Only one more show to perform, then we'll have to depend on our friends in Germany to provide our David Garrett fix!

Keep the great reviews coming.

All best wishes,

Lynn

Again so beautiful photos and again a great review. Thanks so much for sharing all these things with us! Excited about RCS's photos... I think this were days you remember for the rest of your life, ladies!

Thank you ladies for the reviews of your other GREAT evening with David and the band.  So glad Marcus was able to make another connection.  And, I definitely know what it's like to sit in the front row.  You're right RCS, when you can see his hands up close and his beautiful technique there's no other place you'll ever want to sit!!  I had the pleasure to see David twice in the front row and now I'm spoiled for life!! 

Looking forward to your pictures.  Sounds like an incredible couple days and a fun girl road trip! 

~Pamela

@Lynn...yes it's been a lot of fun hearing all our stories seeing David from the four corners of the U.S.  Now I'm feeling a little sad that we will have to say good-bye to him and, it seems, for quite a while! 

We will be living vicariously through our Forum friends in Europe until David returns to us.  Looking forward to all the up-to-the-minute happenings!!

~Pamela

"Bridge of Fear" is an understatement.  Sounds like a song title.  Anyway, thanks again for the reviews and pics and ditto to what Pamela said.  The US tour is official over.  Boo Hoo.  But no matter who went where and with who, we all made alot of memories!  Hope everyone one this forum has gotten a chance to see him.   Shalimar 

 Hi everybody.

So sorry for not writing my review so far, but Arielmr1  and RCS kept me busy showing their hometown-places,lol. And apparently you/ll have to wait a bit longer  till I'll be able to upload all the pics and my review. This will have to wait till I get back home and can do it properly. But I promise some of the pics are worth waiting for, lol.

Thanks for your patience (which I know you don't have ;-) )

Greetings form sunny Orlando!

EIBEE