I wore my Denon Andre Rieu Ambassador button as I explored Portland and found it to be a great conversation starter. Many of Andre’s fans do not have computer access and they appreciated knowing an 800 number they could call to order to order a CD and DVD. (1-800-843-2665). Portland was filling up with Andre Rieu Fans & Friends, everyone looking forward to Andre Rieu’s concert.

I have a funny story, well ... its funny now, to tell you about my hotel. I was lounging in bed, when at around 7:15-7:30 pm, I hear a key in the door, and my doorknob starts to rattle. I ask, “Who is it” only to hear a man’s voice. Again I hear the key and this time my hotel door opens. I jumped out of bed yelling at the man to get out of my room and run towards him thinking I’ve got an intruder. The look on his face told me he was as shocked as I was, petrified to be yelled at and he could not back away fast enough. After I ensured the deadbolt was on, I called the front desk. What makes this funny? I traveled with my digital camera, Tungsten (palm pilot), cell phone, Bluetooth earpiece, new iPod and a host of other gadgets. But what did I tell the front desk I was worried about? Still in shock as I spoke to the front desk about them mistakenly giving someone a key to my hotel room and I said, “I am scared sick about someone having a key to my room ... I’ve got Andre Rieu Tickets!!"  ...  "Tickets", I kept repeating.  Yes, all I could think was someone might steal my tickets. Ha! I have my priorities straight! Forget personal safety. Forget the thousands of dollars in electronics. But don’t you dare take my Andre Rieu concert tickets!!

The day of the concert, Marlene Warren met me for a late lunch/early dinner. As we were eating, Gerda Case and Suzan came by to say hello. Later we met Christina Thomburg and her friends and then Marilyn Smith and Terrie. All nice people, all in Portland for the concert.

Vernice Warneke and Marilyn Bas had invited myself, Marilyn Smith and Terrie to ride with them to the concert. At 7:00 pm a beautiful white limousine pulled into our hotel driveway. We joined 5 generations of fans in the limo. Vernice looked like a movie star with her gorgeous smile and stunning beaded jacket, Marilyn Bas was beautiful as always, Marilyn’s daughter Shelly and granddaughter Krystal provided proof that younger hip adults like Andre Rieu and at 3 years old, Kyleigh was the hit of the night in her robin’s egg blue waltz gown.

The Rose Garden was abuzz with excitement as thousands of André Rieu fans made their way to their seats for his concert. I spoke with many wonderful people and shared stories of Andre’s concerts and music with them. Marilyn Bas & I went to speak with Andre’s bodyguard, and then the person Pierre had designated to assist him with Marilyn’s contribution to Pierre’s WWII museum. (Pierre had sent email saying he was not going to be in attendance during the concert.) I saw Tanja and her husband; they have been driving for Andre about 3 years now. They enjoy it and are part of the Rieu team.

Soon … the lights darkened …

Linda Custers, Vincenzo Viola & Franco Vulcano Linda stopped the procession to pose for me. What a sweetheart!	Boris Goldenblank & Noel Perdaens Boris said Hello to me, then had to watch for the steps so he could make it onto the stage. Noel was greeting the people to the right.	Jet Gelens, Frank Steijns, Arthur Cordewener & Nicolle Steins Seeing the backup at the stairs, Frank ran down a side isle. He was playing around and funny as always.	Kremi Mineva, Concert Mistress Without missing a beat, even with the stair 'malfunction' Kermi was as graceful as ever.
Lin Jong Lin in her beautiful new dress, walking with the gracefulness of a ballerina.	Nadejda Diakoff, Teun Ramaekers, Manoe Konings Every JSO member had to pass directly by me in Seattle. It was a treat!	Roger Diederen Roger makes his way to the stage, getting ready for his featuring role this evening.	Nicolle Steins & Nathalie Bolle Beauty & Talent

*In Seattle the chairs were set too close to the stage, making it impossible to turn both sets of stairs forward for Andre Rieu & the JSO to walk up.  I was in the first row, center, so as the Orchestra backed up waiting to get up the stairs, I was able to be next to each member. Johnny & Mario did their best to have the stairs as stable as possible.  I had to move my chair, and managed to quietly speak to Andre as he waited.

Music can bring us a feeling of happiness, as well as move us to tears. Eljen a Magyar is filled with fun and happiness. Andre set the stage for Wolga Song sharing with us its meaning and then brought us to tears.

Laura Engles was in Portland & Seattle singing Besamé Mucho. Her voice is wonderful and clear. We heard from Gary, Bela & Thomas, along with Suzan, Mirusia & Laura, this time they all sang Amigos Para Siempre. And Friends Forever we shall be.
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Granada showcased the talents of the JSO.  Roger Diederen and the rest of the horn section was featured, playing for us while the girls in the choir used castanets & harmonized. The Girls From The Chantant entertained us.  When André announced he would play Emperor's Waltz, the crowd was silent with anticipation and in Seattle, André & his Johann Strauss Orchestra were given a standing ovation for their mastery of this music. Andre was gracious as always, taking his bow, and moving off center stage, so the JSO could also feel the love thundering via applause for them.

Concerto Pour Une Voix treated us to Mirusia Louwerse. Mirusia's stunning clear & crisp voice and beautiful looks dazzled the audience. Ohhhhs & Aaaahhhhs were heard when the angel arose from down under the stage.  A man behind me proclaimed, "WOW!".  As she sang Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again, I could see tears in the eyes of many in the crowd.

The Beautiful Blue Danube is just that when played by Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra .. Beautiful.  It is as Andre says, "The Waltz of All Waltzes".  Sure to bring the crowd to their feet, no one could resist.  Gerda found a dancing partner and Marilyn & Kyleigh danced before our favorite Maestro in a night to remember.

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Stunning as ever was Suzan Erens sang, I Belong To Me. Suzan sings with warmth, her voice, which lends itself so well to Plays and Musicals, enchanting us with each note.  The standing ovation for her was well deserved. (Marlene Warren & myself were the first to stand, and Suzan gave us an appreciative wink & a wave she left the stage.)

The magic of the night continued as André called upon Marcel Falize. "No one else can play this as does Marcel.  To hold the rhythm throughout the song, to lead the others while maintaining this constant rhythm is very difficult."  Marcel, with his excellence in percussions provided us with spellbinding brilliance. A treat for the ears, Maurice Ravel's Bolero!

What is an Andre Rieu concert without the Radetzky March, balloons falling, adults laughing and children playing?  With thousands of fans begging for more, Andre Rieu and his JSO came back to the stage for encores, but there never seem to be enough.  We are hungry for this music, you & I.