HIS WAY

(click photos to enlarge.  click underlined links for more information.)
I was looking forward to the concert at Radio City Music Hall. Ruth & Jim Morgan would meet me in New York after their flight from Europe. Jim would visit his friend from high school while Ruth & I attended the concert and toured New York. All good things. This trip was going to be FUN and nothing and no one could stop us from having a grand time!

After an extra day in Dallas due to a cancelled flight, I arrived in New York. Ruth Morgan & Charles Mc Murray met me at our hotel which was in the middle of Times Square. We could not have a better location. The musical Chicago staring Rita Wilson (Tom Hanks wife) was playing directly across the street and people formed lines twice a day to see the show. We were in the middle of everything.

Charles came from Canton New York to meet Ruth and I, see Ground Zero and of course, attend the Andre Rieu Concert. Ground Zero should be seen by every American. Today it looks much like a construction site, but we should never forget why there is construction or the loss of life. May God Bless all the dear souls who perished.

Fire Station #10 was of special interest to Charles as his brother was a New York Fire Fighter who gave his life in the line of duty while a member of Station 10.

Jerry & Nita Stover along with their two sons, Bruce & Sterling joined us for a pre-concert dinner. We dined at a fabulous steak house and from there, it was a short two blocks to Radio City Music Hall and Andre.

Andre did not disappoint! He arrived in a large white stretch limousine with the entire JSO. We watched the Jumbo Screens as Andre and his JSO came through clapping crowds into Radio City Music Hall. 76 Trombones Lead the Orchestra! (ok, so I changed the words to fit the JSO)

What a spectacular concert this was. Andre told us he had a special guest to re-introduce to us. The orchestra raisers drew apart and from the smoke emerged Akim Camada! Andre & Akim shared past performances with the audience via the jumbo screens and then Akim played Elfentanz. Andre Rieu Fans were also treated to a duet by Carla Moffioletti and Akim Camada singing a beautiful rendition of Pie Jesu.

We clapped to music from The Harlem Gospel Choir. They had us singing with their first song: Amen. They sang more than a few songs including the closing number with Andre, When the Saints Come Marching In.  Sanne continued the party playing jackety sax, rocking Radio City.

Radio City Music Hall saw the Plantin Tenore bring us their harmonies. I loved seeing Gary, Bela & Thomas again. (If you have not ordered their CD yet, I recommend you do so. It is terrific!) Celine, Carla and Suzan all shown as they sang in new gowns and brilliant smiles.  This will be a must see broadcast if only to watch the soloists.

Ward showed off his talents on the organ, bring classical music and rock together.  A White Shade of Pale & Take the "A " Train  were very entertaining.  I Will Follow Him was sung by the Celine, Carla & Suzan, along with The Harlem Gospel Choir.

The night ended all too soon as Ruth & I walked back to our hotel, the sounds of the Johann Strauss Orchestra playing in our memories.

It is my wish for everyone to attend a concert. The live sound is superb and I believe Andre's fans to be the best in the world. The two are always a winning combination.

The following day, Ruth & I took off to explore New York. We saw the Statue of Liberty and even took a Grayline Tour where our tour guide was Ben Gassman & bus driver was --oh I hope he forgives me -- I forget his name, were both delightful as they showed us around town. We told them about Andre Rieu and Ben told us about his new play, A Queens Style Hobo Story.

Cameras, ipods, and suitcases full, Ruth, Jim and I sat in the Admiral's Club as we waited to board our flight home. We I sipped wine and lunched in First Class as we looked at the photos we had taken and re-lived our memories of the concert.

Radio City Music Hall. Another concert. Another Memory. And many more wonderful days to come.

Webmaster Sally

Yes, there were more songs to the concert, but I do not want to spoil it for those of you who will see this concert on broadcast television. :)