SECTION  103, ROW D, SEATS 1 - 8

 We heard the music, then turned to see Andre Rieu leading his happy band of musicians down the aisle toward the stage.  It was May 1, 2005 at the Nokia Theatre in Grand Prairie/Dallas, Texas.  He was there and so were we just four rows from the stage and exactly center, and I had been assigned Seat No. 1.

 It had been a long wait -- 8 months -- since, by accident, I learned that the Rieu Organization had contacted our PBS station, KERA.  Never underestimate the power of an Andre Rieu fan!  How did we get those “perfect” seats as one attendee put it?  Well, it all began with a fan in Florida and Andre Rieu, Sr.  Yes, Andre’s father.  You see, I had put word in the Guestbook that fans of the son might like to purchase a CD that I had discovered. It was  a CD of Concertos recorded by Andre Rieu-der Vater.  Not knowing any German, it didn’t matter.  The picture in  the frame on the cover with a violin beside it told me it was our Andre’s dad.  Don’t good things begin with a good father who was also a music conductor?

 Now to the fan.  Bridget in Florida contacted me by email and asked my help in purchasing that CD.  I shall always be grateful to her and so will 7 other fans. Bridget mentioned a promotion being put on by her PBS station naming Andre Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra.  I had only discovered “the man” a few months before and wanted to learn more.  So, I made a call to our PBS Station, KERA.  The voice on the other end sounded shocked when she asked me, “How did you know?”  Know what, I asked?  That the Rieu Organization had contacted KERA about a possible concert in Dallas—the first ever for the orchestra in Texas.  Negotiations were underway at the time.

 What followed is history.  I kept in touch with Patricia Lyons, their VP for Membership and with Patsy Brown, Manager of Audience & Member Services.

By the time KERA was ready to put out the word, Patricia was able to tell her TV audience that people were coming to the Nokia Theatre for Andre’s concert from all over the country. From where? California, Missouri, Arizona. On May 1, she told me that I had even sold tickets because she could make that statement.

 With this early knowledge, 8 fans rushed in their reservations: Sally Chaney from California, Terry Clark of Dallas, Texas, Dan and Shirley Kirk of Joplin, Missouri,  Jeff and Barbara Wilson of Phoenix, Arizona, Barbara Henderson of Carrollton, Texas, and yours truly of Flower Mound, Texas.  It would not be until late April, 2005, that we would know that those dear ladies had kept us in mind; had put us together; in Section 103, Row D, Seats 1 through 8. They had favored us with seats dead center and just 4 rows from where Andre Rieu would be leading his Johann Strauss Orchestra.  Of course, we all had Meet and Greet tickets, VIP parking, and all that went with that.  Thank you Patricia, Patsy, and KERA.   Andre and the JSO gave us a memorable evening of wonderful music and fun.  Although not a born Texan, I will say Y’all come back, Y’hear.  Texas wants to hear your magical music again and again. 

Photos provided by Audrey Clough.  Click photo to enlarge