Free Concert

Last year, my cousin Pam, won two tickets from a radio station. The tickets included airfare for two from LA to Kansas City, a suite at a beautiful downtown hotel, and two tickets for to a Vote for Change concert.

Vote for Change was arranged by musicians for John Kerry. Without getting into my political affiliation, I will tell you that the concert was the bomb.

We had not just front row seats, but we could touch the stage seats. We saw Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt and Keb'Mo. They were fantastic. It was a little unnerving sitting so close because when the performers sang they often looked at us. Right in the eyes. Made me want to divert my eyes on to somebody else on stage.

I have loved Jackson Browne's music since my teens and had all of his albums. Yes, albums. Bonnie Raitt, well she can do no wrong. She so amazingly talented! And Keb' Mo. I had never heard of him. He is fabulous. Best description is that he is a Cool Cat. Tremendous musician and wears very cool hats. Bought one of his cds when I got home.

I have a Keb'Mo for Peace bumper sticker on one of the glass sliders in our home. I have to put something on there to prevent people from walking through them, as they are so damn clean that people don't know they are closed! Usually, I use something like colorful fish stickers. But Keb'Mo needed a home and it was the perfect place. We have six glass sliders, and I wish I had five more of Keb's bumper stickers.

I don't put bumper stickers on my car. Not big on advertising. My sister-in-law, Phoebe, once said that more than two bumper stickers on a car, makes the person a nut. I tend to agree, unless of course, you need them to hold your car together. I have seen some of those.

Back to the trip.....wandered there for a second. The hotel was so beautiful. Had a two story fountain in the lobby. It is also connected to a mall. Now, the person who dreamed that one is brilliant, in my opinion.

I will never forget Pam jumping into the middle of her bed and sinking deep into the down bedding. They are called heavenly beds and Pam proved them right. She was in heaven.

My brother Danny lives in Lawrence, Ks and he and his wife Janet came to take us out the night before the concert. They showed us around KC. I didn't know that is where Hallmark lives. And there is a coffee company there as well. The aroma wafts thru the air for many blocks. If you don't like coffee, you may want to take an alternate route, if you ever go there. Or bring along a clothes pin.

The theatre where the concert was held has to be the most beautiful I have ever seen. I have seen a few too. It was completely restored. It was built in the 1800's and had gorgeous chandeliers and intricate wood work on the walls and the ceilings. It was stunningly gilded in gold leaf as well. It was a real trip... back in time.

The day following the concert my brother took us riverboat gambling. Not quite Vegas, but it was enjoyable and family oriented, not that we had our kids with us. I just thought it was worth noting. When you arrive you give them a credit or debit card and they give you a card with a springy key chain. Springy like the old fashioned telephone cords. We didn't gamble for too long and we ate the best ribs I have ever had in one of the riverboat restaurants. Not that you veggie people will like that.

Anyhow, we had a blast. All for free, almost. Because the bars did charge!

The reason Pam took me instead of her husband? Because my cousin Ron had to work! Now you want to know if my cousins are missing teeth and related to each other, right? Well, they aren't. Ron is my cousin, also referred to as cuzbro, cuz we are so close, not THAT close, he's like a brother. And Pam, well she married into this family and she is like the sister I never had.