Music legends Def Leppard and Journey joined forces to play at the Colonial Center Thursday, November 2, 2006. They brought the house down with familiar favorites and even a new song or two.
Journey opened the show and fans went crazy. Though lead singer Steve Perry is no longer with the band, these guys still ROCKED!!! I heard many people saying new lead singer Jeff Scott Soto (who many people just referred to as "the guy who is not Steve Perry") sounded a lot like the original. Lead guitarist Neal Schon is the only band member to play on all Journey albums. Many of the Journey members worked with other famous musicians. Neal played with Santana, bass guitarist Ross Valory played with Steve Miller, pianist Jonathan Cain played with Michael Bolton, Peter Frampton and Sammy Hagar. Dummer Deen Castronovo once was with Ozzy Osbourne.
Def Leppard members are: lead singer Joe Elliott, who was impressively mobile in tight black leather pants, guitarist Phil Collen (not to be confused with Genesis' Phil Collins), guitarist Vivian Campbell (who once played with famous hairband Whitesnake - and is NOT a girl, despite the name), bassist Rick "Sav" Savage and probably most famous of all -- drummer Rick Allen. Rick lost his left arm in a car accident in 1984. He overcame great odds to learn to drum again, this time with only one arm.
Both bands put on a great show. Setlists for both are listed below and photos are coming.
There was a rumor that actor Kevin Bacon was supposed to attend, but there was no confirmed sighting. Mr. Bacon has been in Columbia filming a new movie called "Death Sentence" that also stars Aisha Taylor and Kelly Preston.
Also, the Colonial Center threw a kickin' good time Pre-Show party that featured lots of food and beverage and the band 88 Rewind. With your party pass, you also got a gift that was not available to the public. This gift, and I have to admit was my idea - so naturally I LOVE IT, was so darn clever. It was a sugar shaker with a Def Leppard and Journey concert label on it. I totally rocked out to Pour Some Sugar On Me during the final encore of the night - and every time they sang those words, I "poured sugar" from my shaker into the crowd.
Sometimes, it's the little things that keep us entertained.
So on that note, I'm out!
BB
Thursday, November 2, 2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
NBA Exhibition Game: Pacers vs. Bobcats
NBA Exhibition Game..October, 24, 2006
Indiana Pacers vs. Charlotte Bobcats.
Former UNC Tarheel standout and first-round draft pick Sean May led the Charlotte Bobcats with 20 points in their 101-89 win over the Indiana Pacers at the Colonial Center Thursday, October 24th.Fans from across the state and state lines were anxiously awaiting the return of Columbia's own Jeramine O'Neal (with the Pacers) and Latta native Raymond Felton (with the Bobcats). Both played with O'Neal putting up 15 points and Felton scoring 7.This was the second NBA exhibition game played at the Colonial Center. Last season, the Philadelphia 76ers took on the reigning NBA champs (at that time) San Antonio Spurs. Word had it that Eva Longoria might have been here with her beau Tony Parker, but I didn't see her.
And speaking of famous people, there was some talk going on before the game that NBA legend Larry Bird was going to be there, but there was no confirmed sighting by the end of the night. And believe me, Betty's little helpers usually don't miss finding the famous people. Spotted in the crowd was new female rapper Trina. She will be back at the Colonial Center on Saturday, November 4th hosting the T.I. ATL Invasion Tour concert.
So.. until next time!!
Indiana Pacers vs. Charlotte Bobcats.
Former UNC Tarheel standout and first-round draft pick Sean May led the Charlotte Bobcats with 20 points in their 101-89 win over the Indiana Pacers at the Colonial Center Thursday, October 24th.Fans from across the state and state lines were anxiously awaiting the return of Columbia's own Jeramine O'Neal (with the Pacers) and Latta native Raymond Felton (with the Bobcats). Both played with O'Neal putting up 15 points and Felton scoring 7.This was the second NBA exhibition game played at the Colonial Center. Last season, the Philadelphia 76ers took on the reigning NBA champs (at that time) San Antonio Spurs. Word had it that Eva Longoria might have been here with her beau Tony Parker, but I didn't see her.
And speaking of famous people, there was some talk going on before the game that NBA legend Larry Bird was going to be there, but there was no confirmed sighting by the end of the night. And believe me, Betty's little helpers usually don't miss finding the famous people. Spotted in the crowd was new female rapper Trina. She will be back at the Colonial Center on Saturday, November 4th hosting the T.I. ATL Invasion Tour concert.
So.. until next time!!
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
WWE Raw Live
Wooooooooooooooooooo!
If you weren't able to make it to WWE Raw the other night, you missed a treat! Everybody was there, including USC's own Steve Spurrier, who had ringside seats. Apparently all that hitting at football isn't enough, and he wanted to get some rasslin in his system. I'm sure Steve just wanted to be a part of the Raw Family Reunion. Word has it that he's friends with Ric Flair. Wooooooo... Nature Boy and the Ol Ball Coach. Sweet!
We had a great night at the Colonial Center with more than 7,000 people here to see WWE Raw, which was simultaneously broadcast over the USA network to millions of people watching at home. John Cena was on hand to defend his title and plug his new movie, The Marine. He also paid a special tribute to all of our service men and women who were in attendance. Later that night, he defeated the Undertaker in the title match of the night. The show featured wrestlers and announcers from all three of the WWE brands: Raw, Smackdown and ECW.
The highlight of the evening for me had to be when the Spirit Squad made the mistake of challenging the legendary Nature Boy Ric Flair to a match. Although I am sure Ric could have handled all five of them on his own, he brought a few friends along to help him out-- Rowdy Roddy Piper, Arn Anderson, Irwin R. Schyster (aka IRS) and the Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase! That sent the Spirit Squad running and Flair easily disposed of his opponent in the ring. And he did so with, what else, his trademark figure-four leglock.
I wish everyone could have the backstage view that I enjoy. These guys are huge! The Big Show weighs his advertised 500 pounds plus about 300 more, or so it seems when you are standing next to him. I saw a guy get thrown into a roll-up metal door, and whether you think rasslin is real or not, that guy was in pain!
Speaking of pain, I saw Triple H going into the training room for a little chat with the medical staff before the show. Wonder what that was all about? Probably just prepping the dr. for the butt-whoopin' he was planning to lay down on Cane & Murdoch later in the night.
There were also some hometown Columbia or South Carolina connections with the show... Lilian Garcia, who sang the National Anthem and announces during the show is from Columbia and is a USC graduate! Shelton Benjamin is from Orangeburg and the Big Show is from the Batesburg area. Columbians The Fabulous Moolah and Mae Young were also here.
There was also a LOSER LEAVES RAW match between Kane and Umaga. Well Kane lost.Where will he end up next? Smackdown or ECW?
Here's the official review and results on the WWE website.Oh yea, and some lucky winners from WMFX were treated for an Eat-and-Greet with Edge before the show.We missed you if you couldn't make it out! We hope you will join us at our next event when the Pacers take on the Bobcats in a NBA Exhibition game on October 24th.
If you weren't able to make it to WWE Raw the other night, you missed a treat! Everybody was there, including USC's own Steve Spurrier, who had ringside seats. Apparently all that hitting at football isn't enough, and he wanted to get some rasslin in his system. I'm sure Steve just wanted to be a part of the Raw Family Reunion. Word has it that he's friends with Ric Flair. Wooooooo... Nature Boy and the Ol Ball Coach. Sweet!
We had a great night at the Colonial Center with more than 7,000 people here to see WWE Raw, which was simultaneously broadcast over the USA network to millions of people watching at home. John Cena was on hand to defend his title and plug his new movie, The Marine. He also paid a special tribute to all of our service men and women who were in attendance. Later that night, he defeated the Undertaker in the title match of the night. The show featured wrestlers and announcers from all three of the WWE brands: Raw, Smackdown and ECW.
The highlight of the evening for me had to be when the Spirit Squad made the mistake of challenging the legendary Nature Boy Ric Flair to a match. Although I am sure Ric could have handled all five of them on his own, he brought a few friends along to help him out-- Rowdy Roddy Piper, Arn Anderson, Irwin R. Schyster (aka IRS) and the Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase! That sent the Spirit Squad running and Flair easily disposed of his opponent in the ring. And he did so with, what else, his trademark figure-four leglock.
I wish everyone could have the backstage view that I enjoy. These guys are huge! The Big Show weighs his advertised 500 pounds plus about 300 more, or so it seems when you are standing next to him. I saw a guy get thrown into a roll-up metal door, and whether you think rasslin is real or not, that guy was in pain!
Speaking of pain, I saw Triple H going into the training room for a little chat with the medical staff before the show. Wonder what that was all about? Probably just prepping the dr. for the butt-whoopin' he was planning to lay down on Cane & Murdoch later in the night.
There were also some hometown Columbia or South Carolina connections with the show... Lilian Garcia, who sang the National Anthem and announces during the show is from Columbia and is a USC graduate! Shelton Benjamin is from Orangeburg and the Big Show is from the Batesburg area. Columbians The Fabulous Moolah and Mae Young were also here.
There was also a LOSER LEAVES RAW match between Kane and Umaga. Well Kane lost.Where will he end up next? Smackdown or ECW?
Here's the official review and results on the WWE website.Oh yea, and some lucky winners from WMFX were treated for an Eat-and-Greet with Edge before the show.We missed you if you couldn't make it out! We hope you will join us at our next event when the Pacers take on the Bobcats in a NBA Exhibition game on October 24th.
Saturday, October 7, 2006
CMT Tour
Well hello guys... it seems we are back in FULL SWING over here at the Colonial Center. Last Saturday night (October 7) we rocked the house with country crooners Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean and Billy Currington - who were making their third stop on the Gain Presents CMT on Tour.
Billy Currington, who will be featured on CMT's The Greatest: Sexiest Southern Men on October 31st, wowed the crowd with his deep blue eyes and rich, Southern voice. Making his first Colonial Center appareance, Billy took the stage for about 30 minutes, singing hits like "Why Why Why" and "Must Be Doin' Something Right." The girls were goin' crazy over this fella... with his curly hair, scruffy face and those eyes... He "must be doin' something right" and I would expect to see big things from this fella.
Jason Aldean, a fairly new name in Country Music, followed Billy with an electric set of his own. He's getting lots of airplay though lately, because I found that I knew more songs that he sang than I thought I did. Songs you might recognize from Jason include the upbeat "Hicktown" and the slower "Amarillo Sky" and "Why." Both guys covered music outside the country realm with Billy doing Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On" and Jason singing Guns-n-Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine." Very interesting to say the least.
Finally - main attraction Trace Adkins took the stage and fired up the crowd with "Songs." With his long hair, goatee, black cowboy hat and tight jeans - he looked every bit the part of a country singer who's been around the industry and knew how to entertain a crowd. And that, he did. Trace, who was making his first Colonial Center appearance, kept the place rockin' by singing all his familiar favorites, including the latest fan favorite (and somewhat sacreligious) "Honky Tonk Ba-Donka-Donk". (See set list below.) Here's the review of the show on his official website.
Wednesday, August 2, 2006
American Idols
OK... so Betty got a birds-eye view of the show from the front row. And I gotta tell you - these kids can SING!! And the fellas.... well, honey let me tell you - these guys are SMOKIN'!!!!!! The girls, well, they ain't too hard on the eyes either.
The Idols sang a few songs solo, a couple of duets and then a group encore. Katharine surprised the audience with a short two-song performance, but she explained her reason was that she fractured her foot yesterday (they were in Charlotte, NC). During her solo, she was wearing a long black dress that covered the medical boot, which we later saw when she changed into jeans for the encore. Poor girl. First her throat, now this! I also heard that there's been a bout of the flu going around the cast, I just hope none of them breathed that on me when they winked, waved and smiled at me from the stage. Kellie and Taylor slapped our hands when they walked through the crowd on the front row - I hope I can find my hand sanitizer around here!
Bucky's twin brother Rocky picked up his tickets at the box office before the show and caused quite a scene. Once some little girls got a glimpse of the twin, a case of mistaken identity took over (I'm sure he's used to this by now!!). Girls were skrieking and screaming "BUCKY!!! BUCKY!!!" Rocky told them he was his brother and was not Bucky, but they said they didn't care and wanted pics anyway!!
Also spotted on the arena was a tour crew member singing karaoke. He was a young, white, bald guy with sunglasses and a lil' bit of facial hair. Well, apparently he gets mistaken for Idol Chris Daughtry a lot because he was wearing a custom t-shirt that had an arrow pointing towards his face and the words "NOT CHRIS" on it. It was great!! Among other t-shirts spotted in the crowd "Mrs. Yamin," "Bucky Covington Day in Rockingham, NC," "Soul Patrol" and of course, "I heart (fill in Idols name here)."
The setlist from the show is listed below. Also, my two sets of batteries conked out on me throughout the evening, but I did manage to get a few photos.... I'll have more once the official photographer sends me his. In the meantime, if you have pics you wanna share... send us the link to your online photo album or email the pics directly to us and we will post them. Be sure to include your name, age and hometown. You can include the name of your favorite Idol too if you want!!
The Idols sang a few songs solo, a couple of duets and then a group encore. Katharine surprised the audience with a short two-song performance, but she explained her reason was that she fractured her foot yesterday (they were in Charlotte, NC). During her solo, she was wearing a long black dress that covered the medical boot, which we later saw when she changed into jeans for the encore. Poor girl. First her throat, now this! I also heard that there's been a bout of the flu going around the cast, I just hope none of them breathed that on me when they winked, waved and smiled at me from the stage. Kellie and Taylor slapped our hands when they walked through the crowd on the front row - I hope I can find my hand sanitizer around here!
Bucky's twin brother Rocky picked up his tickets at the box office before the show and caused quite a scene. Once some little girls got a glimpse of the twin, a case of mistaken identity took over (I'm sure he's used to this by now!!). Girls were skrieking and screaming "BUCKY!!! BUCKY!!!" Rocky told them he was his brother and was not Bucky, but they said they didn't care and wanted pics anyway!!
Also spotted on the arena was a tour crew member singing karaoke. He was a young, white, bald guy with sunglasses and a lil' bit of facial hair. Well, apparently he gets mistaken for Idol Chris Daughtry a lot because he was wearing a custom t-shirt that had an arrow pointing towards his face and the words "NOT CHRIS" on it. It was great!! Among other t-shirts spotted in the crowd "Mrs. Yamin," "Bucky Covington Day in Rockingham, NC," "Soul Patrol" and of course, "I heart (fill in Idols name here)."
The setlist from the show is listed below. Also, my two sets of batteries conked out on me throughout the evening, but I did manage to get a few photos.... I'll have more once the official photographer sends me his. In the meantime, if you have pics you wanna share... send us the link to your online photo album or email the pics directly to us and we will post them. Be sure to include your name, age and hometown. You can include the name of your favorite Idol too if you want!!
Tuesday, June 6, 2006
Hot Rod Power Tour
June 6, 2006
Power Tour Takes Over the Capital of South Carolina(Article from http://www.hotrod.com/powertour/hrpt_2006_day4_coverage/)
The capital of South Carolina, Columbia, was virtually taken over by the HOT ROD Power Tour as thousands of cars and spectators crammed the city during Day 4 of the epic event.
By Glen Wilkinson, Greg Clark
The show site for Day 4 of the HOT ROD Power Tour was a a lot different than the last three. Our parade of two-thousand-plus cars virtually took over Columbia, the captial of South Carolina, as we motored into the heart of downtown to park in the shadow of the Colonial Center, which, for you hoop fans, is where the University of South Carolina plays ball. Being in such a locale made us reflect how much the Power Tour has grown over the last 12 years as it's come a long way since the days of meeting in Wal-Mart parking lots.We put the car in park, stepped out and did a 360 taking in all that's around. The obvious spot to go first was the entrance road where hot rods of all kinds were rolling in. Has luck would have it, about 50 feet from where we stood was a contraption dear to the hearts of all rodders - a dyno.The dyno was there for the Mobil 1 Dyno Challenge. The challenge is a simple one - find out who has the most horses during each stop of the Power Tour. A line of cars accepted the challenge and the runs were on. First up was Jim Boyles of Plain City, OH.
First on the dyno was Jim Boyles' '71 Chevelle."I'm really interested to see what she'll do," Jim speculates as he sits on the dyno. The deal is two pulls taking the max horsepower from the two and posting that number for all to see. The leader gets to park his or her car along side the Mobil 1 trailer as the king of the day. Though, if the number is surpassed, then you've gotta find a new parking spot.
The Mobil 1 Dyno Challenge runs each day of the Power Tour from 1 to 5 p.m. Anyone can enter and there will be a daily or host-city horsepower champ and, after the whole cruise is over, an overall Long Hauler champ.Jim did pretty well and, partially, actually entirely, because he was the first run of the day, got to park his '71 Chevelle in the coveted spot. His numbers? 320.8 max power and a max torque of 375."I'm pretty pleased," Jim said, "considering it was hot. A little cooler and with some tuning I think it'd run better."Jim's time atop the leaderboard didn't last too long as the next car up was Tarry Lorentz's 383 stroker Nova. Tarry pulled 343 max power and 371 max torque and got to back his car up in the primo spot."I'm happy with the run," Tarry said,"especially when a few days ago the old motor let go."Tarry's plight was one of those epic Power Tour stories.
His engine gave up the proverbial ghost on the drive down from his hometown of Danbury, Connecticut to Kissimmmee while on his way to Day 1 one of the Power Tour.Wayne Potts of Philadelphia ran his Hemi Cuda to the tune of 275 max power and 304 max torque.Mobil 1 is displaying Greg Carrillo's 8,000 hp Top Fuel Dragster during at each stop.Some local Hooters girls were hanging out at Year One's display - and so were a lot of guys.Seems his motor suffered from a bad crank. Luckily, his brother lives in Greenville, South Carolina and he was able to stop in, order new parts and fix the ailing Nova in time for the start of Power Tour."I used three cars to make just this one," Tarry recollects as he was the one who did all the resto work himself. "A lot of aftermarket guys just don't make the parts like bumpers, fillers and such to complete it. But I was very fortunate to have my brother there and to have Summit work has hard as they did to get me back on the road. It worked out in the end."Tarry's run, however, fell a bit short - well, a lot short.
The winner of this day's Mobil 1 Dyno Challenge was Brian Anderson from Warner Robins, Georgia. His '64 Rambler classic pulled an evil 1,075.36 max power and a jaw-dropping amount of torque at 803.39.The dyno runs ran on into the night trading noise-volume punches with the giveaway announcements on the nearby Power Tour stage. Tomorrow we're pointed toward Roanoke, Virgina for Day 5, but Day 4 still lingers with the memories of hot rods ruling the capital.
Check out our Pics!
Power Tour Takes Over the Capital of South Carolina(Article from http://www.hotrod.com/powertour/hrpt_2006_day4_coverage/)
The capital of South Carolina, Columbia, was virtually taken over by the HOT ROD Power Tour as thousands of cars and spectators crammed the city during Day 4 of the epic event.
By Glen Wilkinson, Greg Clark
The show site for Day 4 of the HOT ROD Power Tour was a a lot different than the last three. Our parade of two-thousand-plus cars virtually took over Columbia, the captial of South Carolina, as we motored into the heart of downtown to park in the shadow of the Colonial Center, which, for you hoop fans, is where the University of South Carolina plays ball. Being in such a locale made us reflect how much the Power Tour has grown over the last 12 years as it's come a long way since the days of meeting in Wal-Mart parking lots.We put the car in park, stepped out and did a 360 taking in all that's around. The obvious spot to go first was the entrance road where hot rods of all kinds were rolling in. Has luck would have it, about 50 feet from where we stood was a contraption dear to the hearts of all rodders - a dyno.The dyno was there for the Mobil 1 Dyno Challenge. The challenge is a simple one - find out who has the most horses during each stop of the Power Tour. A line of cars accepted the challenge and the runs were on. First up was Jim Boyles of Plain City, OH.
First on the dyno was Jim Boyles' '71 Chevelle."I'm really interested to see what she'll do," Jim speculates as he sits on the dyno. The deal is two pulls taking the max horsepower from the two and posting that number for all to see. The leader gets to park his or her car along side the Mobil 1 trailer as the king of the day. Though, if the number is surpassed, then you've gotta find a new parking spot.
The Mobil 1 Dyno Challenge runs each day of the Power Tour from 1 to 5 p.m. Anyone can enter and there will be a daily or host-city horsepower champ and, after the whole cruise is over, an overall Long Hauler champ.Jim did pretty well and, partially, actually entirely, because he was the first run of the day, got to park his '71 Chevelle in the coveted spot. His numbers? 320.8 max power and a max torque of 375."I'm pretty pleased," Jim said, "considering it was hot. A little cooler and with some tuning I think it'd run better."Jim's time atop the leaderboard didn't last too long as the next car up was Tarry Lorentz's 383 stroker Nova. Tarry pulled 343 max power and 371 max torque and got to back his car up in the primo spot."I'm happy with the run," Tarry said,"especially when a few days ago the old motor let go."Tarry's plight was one of those epic Power Tour stories.
His engine gave up the proverbial ghost on the drive down from his hometown of Danbury, Connecticut to Kissimmmee while on his way to Day 1 one of the Power Tour.Wayne Potts of Philadelphia ran his Hemi Cuda to the tune of 275 max power and 304 max torque.Mobil 1 is displaying Greg Carrillo's 8,000 hp Top Fuel Dragster during at each stop.Some local Hooters girls were hanging out at Year One's display - and so were a lot of guys.Seems his motor suffered from a bad crank. Luckily, his brother lives in Greenville, South Carolina and he was able to stop in, order new parts and fix the ailing Nova in time for the start of Power Tour."I used three cars to make just this one," Tarry recollects as he was the one who did all the resto work himself. "A lot of aftermarket guys just don't make the parts like bumpers, fillers and such to complete it. But I was very fortunate to have my brother there and to have Summit work has hard as they did to get me back on the road. It worked out in the end."Tarry's run, however, fell a bit short - well, a lot short.
The winner of this day's Mobil 1 Dyno Challenge was Brian Anderson from Warner Robins, Georgia. His '64 Rambler classic pulled an evil 1,075.36 max power and a jaw-dropping amount of torque at 803.39.The dyno runs ran on into the night trading noise-volume punches with the giveaway announcements on the nearby Power Tour stage. Tomorrow we're pointed toward Roanoke, Virgina for Day 5, but Day 4 still lingers with the memories of hot rods ruling the capital.
Check out our Pics!
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Champions on Ice
Champions on Ice - May 17, 2006
Champions on Ice made their second appearance at the Colonial Center on Wednesday, May 17, 2006. They had a very nice and interactive crowd on hand. Photography was allowed at the practice session, so the photos are posted below. The local Boys & Girls Club was invited to watch practice as well. The performers played XBOX, ping pong and soccer backstage with the kids. Apparently Johnny Weir is a good soccer player too!
Champions on Ice made their second appearance at the Colonial Center on Wednesday, May 17, 2006. They had a very nice and interactive crowd on hand. Photography was allowed at the practice session, so the photos are posted below. The local Boys & Girls Club was invited to watch practice as well. The performers played XBOX, ping pong and soccer backstage with the kids. Apparently Johnny Weir is a good soccer player too!
Wednesday, May 3, 2006
Cirque du Soleil
Cirque du Soleil "Delirium" - May 2 & 3, 2006
Since no cameras were allowed in the show, the blog cam was out of commission. Official photos are listed below!! If you were not able to attend this event, you really missed out on a very unique and interesting show. There was dancing, singing, musical performances, acrobatics, hula hooping (this girl had like 8-10 going at once moving them up and down her body, while twirling 3-4 of them in her hands... she was amazing!!) and special effects! There was breakdancing, drum offs, tribal vibes and techno-house music. There were four main characters - a guy on stilts, a guy hanging from a balloon, a girl wearing a white dress and tribal guy. There were four main singers - three girls and a guy. The stage was the biggest stage I've seen at the Colonial Center.... it was 130' long and 20' wide. It divided the arena floor in half and the audience into two separate groups and since no one sat in the endzones, so you were pretty much front and center no matter where you sat.
The equipment needed for this show is the eqivilent of what is required for two major rock shows. They have 23 semi-tractor trailer trucks that haul their equipment from city to city, alone with 13 full-sized tour busses to transport the cast and crew. According to the tour publicist and website, there are 44 cast members from 20 countries, 75 technicians and 25 management and artistic support personnel. It took 70 stagehands working non-stop for 10 hours on Tuesday to set all of this up. Load in and set up began at 4 a.m.
Also, because I am so enthralled by these facts, here are some other facts from the Delirium website, above the stage there are 2 rail bridges that were specifically designed for Delirium to support 130,000 pounds of equipment. The main character alone requires four motors for his actions in the air balloon and three generators are needed to run the event.If you want to check it out, go to their official website. They have a video sampling, a music sampling, an explanation of the story line and all sorts of other information.I would really recommend seeing this show to anyone who has not - it's really worth the money!
Take care til next time...BB - OUT!
EVENT PHOTOS
PRE-SHOW PARTY PHOTOS
Since no cameras were allowed in the show, the blog cam was out of commission. Official photos are listed below!! If you were not able to attend this event, you really missed out on a very unique and interesting show. There was dancing, singing, musical performances, acrobatics, hula hooping (this girl had like 8-10 going at once moving them up and down her body, while twirling 3-4 of them in her hands... she was amazing!!) and special effects! There was breakdancing, drum offs, tribal vibes and techno-house music. There were four main characters - a guy on stilts, a guy hanging from a balloon, a girl wearing a white dress and tribal guy. There were four main singers - three girls and a guy. The stage was the biggest stage I've seen at the Colonial Center.... it was 130' long and 20' wide. It divided the arena floor in half and the audience into two separate groups and since no one sat in the endzones, so you were pretty much front and center no matter where you sat.
The equipment needed for this show is the eqivilent of what is required for two major rock shows. They have 23 semi-tractor trailer trucks that haul their equipment from city to city, alone with 13 full-sized tour busses to transport the cast and crew. According to the tour publicist and website, there are 44 cast members from 20 countries, 75 technicians and 25 management and artistic support personnel. It took 70 stagehands working non-stop for 10 hours on Tuesday to set all of this up. Load in and set up began at 4 a.m.
Also, because I am so enthralled by these facts, here are some other facts from the Delirium website, above the stage there are 2 rail bridges that were specifically designed for Delirium to support 130,000 pounds of equipment. The main character alone requires four motors for his actions in the air balloon and three generators are needed to run the event.If you want to check it out, go to their official website. They have a video sampling, a music sampling, an explanation of the story line and all sorts of other information.I would really recommend seeing this show to anyone who has not - it's really worth the money!
Take care til next time...BB - OUT!
EVENT PHOTOS
PRE-SHOW PARTY PHOTOS
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Kenny Chesney
Kenny Chesney with Dierks Bentley & Sugarland - April 29, 2006
Kenny brought the house down, as usual!, with his electric show. Fans had been tailgating in the parking lots for most of the day and were ready to go when Sugarland took the stage at 7:30. I'd been looking forward to this performance for a while now. They surely DID NOT disappoint! They were great.. Deirks was good too. I think he's probably played here more than any other support act. I'd have to look that up. And then of course Kenny rocked! He came out of a box at the back of the floor to open the show, then sat in a swing that carried him to the stage. I tried to take as many fun photos as I could, so click on the link below and enjoy!
Backstage Betty's Blog Cam photos....** UPDATED - May 4 ** Official Photos!
Kenny brought the house down, as usual!, with his electric show. Fans had been tailgating in the parking lots for most of the day and were ready to go when Sugarland took the stage at 7:30. I'd been looking forward to this performance for a while now. They surely DID NOT disappoint! They were great.. Deirks was good too. I think he's probably played here more than any other support act. I'd have to look that up. And then of course Kenny rocked! He came out of a box at the back of the floor to open the show, then sat in a swing that carried him to the stage. I tried to take as many fun photos as I could, so click on the link below and enjoy!
Backstage Betty's Blog Cam photos....** UPDATED - May 4 ** Official Photos!
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Motocross
(Recap provided by Motocross announcer "Sharpie")
Columbia, SC
March 25, 2006, Saturday nightColonial Center.What an amazing night of competition here in Columbia, SC. With almost a full house the energy was just right for Freestyle MotoX. Making it in the FMX Finals would be Slade Waltman, followed by Gabriel Villegas, Jason Rowe and Javier Villegas. But before the FMX finals the crowd was mesmerized as 9 time national champion Geoff Aaron came out and killed it in the Extreme Moto Trials portion of the show. We are sad to say that this will be Geoff's last night on tour with us he starts his training for the upcoming USA Nationals as he looks to regain his title and take his 10th National win! Good Luck Geoff.
In the Big Trick Tourney it was Gabriel Villegas and Jason Rowe battling it out in the end. Jason came out and threw a huge Indy - Rock Solid, and Gabriel hit back with his signature trick the "G-Force". But it was all "Chi-Town" Jason Rowe tonight in the ecstatic crowd's eye. Nice job J-Rowe! Coming out of intermission once again Jennifer Schneider blasted out of her Cannon and the crowd went nutz! FMX Finals time and it was heated. Slade came out first and ripped out a solid run, but with a slip up on his approach he would miss a trick. He still score a healthy 87 and took the Wendy's hot seat. Next out was Gabriel and he stuck every trick. He would take the seat from Slade with a 92. Jason came out next, and he came out swinging. With a great combination of tricks he would steak the seat from Gabriel with a 92.25. Last nights winner, Javier Villegas was last to run. And he rode like a true champ. With an arsenal of huge tricks and a wicked Tsunami he would take the win in the end with a 93. Way to go Javier!
Watch for him this summer as he takes his shot at the Dew Action Sports Tour.Peace,Sharpie.
PS: You may notice the scores were bit lower than in the past, as injured IFMA rider, Paul Smith did the judging this weekend, thanks Paul for your expertise, and welcome aboard!
COLUMBIA RESULTS:1. Javier Villegas 93.02. Jason Rowe 92.253. Gabriel Villegas 92.04. Slade Waltman 875. Clint Esposito 83.06. Jeff Winstead 85.57. Johnny Jones 85.08. Shawn Conners 82.09. Doug Cossey 80.0Big Trick Tourney: Jason Rowe (Indy Rock Solid) Gabriel Villegas (G-Force)
Columbia, SC
March 25, 2006, Saturday nightColonial Center.What an amazing night of competition here in Columbia, SC. With almost a full house the energy was just right for Freestyle MotoX. Making it in the FMX Finals would be Slade Waltman, followed by Gabriel Villegas, Jason Rowe and Javier Villegas. But before the FMX finals the crowd was mesmerized as 9 time national champion Geoff Aaron came out and killed it in the Extreme Moto Trials portion of the show. We are sad to say that this will be Geoff's last night on tour with us he starts his training for the upcoming USA Nationals as he looks to regain his title and take his 10th National win! Good Luck Geoff.
In the Big Trick Tourney it was Gabriel Villegas and Jason Rowe battling it out in the end. Jason came out and threw a huge Indy - Rock Solid, and Gabriel hit back with his signature trick the "G-Force". But it was all "Chi-Town" Jason Rowe tonight in the ecstatic crowd's eye. Nice job J-Rowe! Coming out of intermission once again Jennifer Schneider blasted out of her Cannon and the crowd went nutz! FMX Finals time and it was heated. Slade came out first and ripped out a solid run, but with a slip up on his approach he would miss a trick. He still score a healthy 87 and took the Wendy's hot seat. Next out was Gabriel and he stuck every trick. He would take the seat from Slade with a 92. Jason came out next, and he came out swinging. With a great combination of tricks he would steak the seat from Gabriel with a 92.25. Last nights winner, Javier Villegas was last to run. And he rode like a true champ. With an arsenal of huge tricks and a wicked Tsunami he would take the win in the end with a 93. Way to go Javier!
Watch for him this summer as he takes his shot at the Dew Action Sports Tour.Peace,Sharpie.
PS: You may notice the scores were bit lower than in the past, as injured IFMA rider, Paul Smith did the judging this weekend, thanks Paul for your expertise, and welcome aboard!
COLUMBIA RESULTS:1. Javier Villegas 93.02. Jason Rowe 92.253. Gabriel Villegas 92.04. Slade Waltman 875. Clint Esposito 83.06. Jeff Winstead 85.57. Johnny Jones 85.08. Shawn Conners 82.09. Doug Cossey 80.0Big Trick Tourney: Jason Rowe (Indy Rock Solid) Gabriel Villegas (G-Force)
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Nickelback
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Nickelback ROCKED the Colonial Center Wednesday, March 22nd with Chevelle and Trapt. They performed with a lot of pyro and fun videos.Seen around the arena on event day:
* Chad Kroeger (left), Nickelback's lead singer, was asked for his ID when he walked in the VIP door upon arrival at the arena. He was so nice about it and was just like, "Oh, I'm the lead singer of the band." But, he laughed and showed them his all access pass.
* Kroeger was also spotted on the arena floor before the doors opened playing what seemed to be a game of rollerhockey using tennis balls and hockey sticks with a group of unidentified guys.
* Also seen backstage, something you don't see very often - an inflatable slide was out back for the kids of the band crew, staff and personnel.
* Trapt signed autographs on the concourse after they performed and before Chevelle went on. An insider said the band was one of the nicest group of performers that she has met while working in the Colonial Center.
Photos!!......
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Toby Keith
"Big Throwdown Tour II" with guests Joe Nichols and The Show Dogs
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Toby returned for his second Colonial Center appearance on Saturday, March 11, 2006. Poor Toby was battling Bronchitis, but the crowd (other than being told by Toby himself) would never have known. The big country singer blew fans away with an explosive concert performing some of his greatest hits (see setlist below). Newcomer Joe Nichols surprised audience members, not only with his singing ability, but I overhead some of the ladies in the audience and backstage marveling at his rugged, yet boyish, good looks! Joe wore his token Colonial Center gift, a USC football jersey, on stage and fans loved it! The Show Dogs opened the show and got the audience prepped for a fun-filled event!
Some facts from event day:* USC football coaches Steve Spurrier and Steve Spurrier Jr. were backstage to present Toby and Joe Nichols with jerseys and the signature Spurrier visor.* Since USC students were on Spring Break, Toby, Joe, and the Show Dogs went to USC's premier fitness facility, "The Strom," to work out and play basketball in the afternoon before the show.* Toby did an interview with CMT somewhere backstage. (But they must have been real sneaky about it, because Backstage Betty didn't see their set up when I was nosing around!)* Ok, now Backstage Betty is definitely a lady who appreciates the many tastes of people - and who has DirectTV at home, so I've seen (and even liked) a few episodes of "Flip This House" on A&E. Well, I believe I spotted Richard Davis, owner of Trademark Properties, the company who runs the construction and sale of the "flipped properties" on the big screen standing off to the side of the stage with what could have been his son.
Photos...
Saturday, March 11, 2006
Toby returned for his second Colonial Center appearance on Saturday, March 11, 2006. Poor Toby was battling Bronchitis, but the crowd (other than being told by Toby himself) would never have known. The big country singer blew fans away with an explosive concert performing some of his greatest hits (see setlist below). Newcomer Joe Nichols surprised audience members, not only with his singing ability, but I overhead some of the ladies in the audience and backstage marveling at his rugged, yet boyish, good looks! Joe wore his token Colonial Center gift, a USC football jersey, on stage and fans loved it! The Show Dogs opened the show and got the audience prepped for a fun-filled event!
Some facts from event day:* USC football coaches Steve Spurrier and Steve Spurrier Jr. were backstage to present Toby and Joe Nichols with jerseys and the signature Spurrier visor.* Since USC students were on Spring Break, Toby, Joe, and the Show Dogs went to USC's premier fitness facility, "The Strom," to work out and play basketball in the afternoon before the show.* Toby did an interview with CMT somewhere backstage. (But they must have been real sneaky about it, because Backstage Betty didn't see their set up when I was nosing around!)* Ok, now Backstage Betty is definitely a lady who appreciates the many tastes of people - and who has DirectTV at home, so I've seen (and even liked) a few episodes of "Flip This House" on A&E. Well, I believe I spotted Richard Davis, owner of Trademark Properties, the company who runs the construction and sale of the "flipped properties" on the big screen standing off to the side of the stage with what could have been his son.
Photos...
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Motley Crue
MOTLEY CRUE - February 12, 2006
Hard rock group Motley Crue made their first-ever Colonial Center apperance on Sunday, February 12, 2006 with the "Carnival of Sins Tour." After an hour-delayed start (due to travel difficulties from the night before), Motley Crue brought the house down with the likes of fan-favorites such as GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS, HOME SWEET HOME and DR. FEELGOOD. They also brought lots of pyro and explosive special effects. However, not long after the show started, one fan got a little rowdy and launched his beer up on stage and hit Vince Neil in the face and the band left the stage. After a few minutes of slience and fan confusion, the band came back out and rocked the house. Lead singer Neil had requested a USC Gamecocks jersey earlier in the day and wore it on stage for the beginning of the concert.
Crazy drummer Tommy Lee suprised fans with an unusual set up for his drum solo. He played on two different platforms suspended from the rafters opposite the stage near sections 101 and 118. One set of "drums" looked like an emsemble of beer kegs and empty miniature gas tanks. It certainly produced a sound that was unlike a real drum set. And the other platform looked like it housed a synthesizer drum set. Tommy was hoisted up to the platforms and transferred between them wearing a vest that hooked into a cable in the ceiling.
Click here for photo album.Send us your comments and photos from this event... Email Backstage Betty.
Hard rock group Motley Crue made their first-ever Colonial Center apperance on Sunday, February 12, 2006 with the "Carnival of Sins Tour." After an hour-delayed start (due to travel difficulties from the night before), Motley Crue brought the house down with the likes of fan-favorites such as GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS, HOME SWEET HOME and DR. FEELGOOD. They also brought lots of pyro and explosive special effects. However, not long after the show started, one fan got a little rowdy and launched his beer up on stage and hit Vince Neil in the face and the band left the stage. After a few minutes of slience and fan confusion, the band came back out and rocked the house. Lead singer Neil had requested a USC Gamecocks jersey earlier in the day and wore it on stage for the beginning of the concert.
Crazy drummer Tommy Lee suprised fans with an unusual set up for his drum solo. He played on two different platforms suspended from the rafters opposite the stage near sections 101 and 118. One set of "drums" looked like an emsemble of beer kegs and empty miniature gas tanks. It certainly produced a sound that was unlike a real drum set. And the other platform looked like it housed a synthesizer drum set. Tommy was hoisted up to the platforms and transferred between them wearing a vest that hooked into a cable in the ceiling.
Click here for photo album.Send us your comments and photos from this event... Email Backstage Betty.
Saturday, February 4, 2006
Monster Jam
USHRA MONSTER JAM - February 3-4, 2006
Monster Jam is always a crowd-favorite event and returned for their fourth consecutive year at the Colonial Center during the weekend of February 3-4, 2006. Grave Digger (left) is probably the most well-known truck and was surely a fan favorite again this year. He won both the Monster Truck and Freestyle events on Saturday. Also on Saturday, fans who had purchased their tickets online and chose print at home, were given FREE pit passes to a meet-the-drivers Pit Party before the show. Fans who picked up FREE passes at Advance Auto Parts or who purchased them at the box office on the day of the show, could also attend this event. A record number of fans (4,600) attended the pit party where they took photos with the drivers, got autographs and experienced an up close and personal view of the Monster Trucks.
Click here for official event recap.
Click here for photo album.
Send us your comments and photos from this event... Email Backstage Betty.
Monster Jam is always a crowd-favorite event and returned for their fourth consecutive year at the Colonial Center during the weekend of February 3-4, 2006. Grave Digger (left) is probably the most well-known truck and was surely a fan favorite again this year. He won both the Monster Truck and Freestyle events on Saturday. Also on Saturday, fans who had purchased their tickets online and chose print at home, were given FREE pit passes to a meet-the-drivers Pit Party before the show. Fans who picked up FREE passes at Advance Auto Parts or who purchased them at the box office on the day of the show, could also attend this event. A record number of fans (4,600) attended the pit party where they took photos with the drivers, got autographs and experienced an up close and personal view of the Monster Trucks.
Click here for official event recap.
Click here for photo album.
Send us your comments and photos from this event... Email Backstage Betty.
Friday, January 27, 2006
Gretchen Wilson
Gretchen Wilson w/ Van Zant & Blaine Larsen - January 27, 2006
Gretchen Wilson made her second Colonial Center appearance, her first solo, on Friday, January 27th with special guests Van Zant and Blaine Larsen on the "Redneck Revolution Tour." Gretchen was on tour with Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker last year when they stopped in Columbia for a sold-out performance.
Gretchen arrived at the arena in a monster-sized truck (see left) sponsored by WCOS 97.5 FM. And once on stage, she rocked the house to fan-favorites such as "Redneck Woman" and "Here for the Party."
Click here for photo album.
Send us your comments and photos from this event... Email Backstage Betty.
Gretchen Wilson made her second Colonial Center appearance, her first solo, on Friday, January 27th with special guests Van Zant and Blaine Larsen on the "Redneck Revolution Tour." Gretchen was on tour with Kenny Chesney and Uncle Kracker last year when they stopped in Columbia for a sold-out performance.
Gretchen arrived at the arena in a monster-sized truck (see left) sponsored by WCOS 97.5 FM. And once on stage, she rocked the house to fan-favorites such as "Redneck Woman" and "Here for the Party."
Click here for photo album.
Send us your comments and photos from this event... Email Backstage Betty.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Ringling Bros. Circus
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus - January 19 - 22, 2006
The RBBB circus made their fourth consecutive appearance at the Colonial Center in January. They brought back Bello the Clown and crowd-favorite tigers and elephants and more. Ringmaster Tyron McFarlan is a native of Columbia and a graduate of USC.
Event Tidbit: WLTX, Bell South and The SC Commission for the Blind arranged for 30 children (photo, left) to experience the circus through their sense of touch. Before the Friday night show, children were brought onto the floor to "feel" their way through the circus. Children touched the costumes, listened to clowns playing musical instruments, and pet an elephant on their tour of the Circus. Children then sat in seats, wired specifically for this performance, and listened to WLTX reporter Johnny Chappell as he narrated the action of the Circus.
Click here for photo album.
Send us your comments and photos from this event... Email Backstage Betty.
The RBBB circus made their fourth consecutive appearance at the Colonial Center in January. They brought back Bello the Clown and crowd-favorite tigers and elephants and more. Ringmaster Tyron McFarlan is a native of Columbia and a graduate of USC.
Event Tidbit: WLTX, Bell South and The SC Commission for the Blind arranged for 30 children (photo, left) to experience the circus through their sense of touch. Before the Friday night show, children were brought onto the floor to "feel" their way through the circus. Children touched the costumes, listened to clowns playing musical instruments, and pet an elephant on their tour of the Circus. Children then sat in seats, wired specifically for this performance, and listened to WLTX reporter Johnny Chappell as he narrated the action of the Circus.
Click here for photo album.
Send us your comments and photos from this event... Email Backstage Betty.
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