Emails, Phone Calls & Plans

Ruth Morgan, Joanne Larson, Dora & Gene Senn & myself were set to see Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra at the Arco Arena in Sacramento, California. As December 14, 2005 approached, we met via email another fan from our local area; Jan Schmedinghoff who along with her husband Steve and mother Ruth would also be attending the concert. Michelle & Peter would be arriving with Dora & Gene and we all planned on having a good time. We were not disappointed.

Some of us met for an early dinner prior to the concert. We filled the restaurant with stories and laughter. Other patrons came to our table asking if we were going to Andre's concert. We had a good time; good visit with now good friends and eagerly left for the concert.

Once parked, Ruth spotted two figures walking ahead of us in our aisle. "Hey Dan the Banner Man" she shouted with glee. "It's Ruth from Lake Tahoe". Of course Dan the Banner Man only knows Ruth from New York and we all got a laugh. After a short visit with Dan and his lovely wife Alice, we found ourselves in line waiting for the doors of the Arco Arena to open.

The entire way along the line to enter people were asking about our buttons, which Ruth had made. Many people hoped to buy them and wished they too had buttons like ours. (After the concert Peter told us how a man offered him $10 for his!) In San Jose a man was disappointed when I told him the button was a gift from a friend and not for sale. Telling me it was his 35th anniversary, I had to give him one of the extras.  I was amazed to see him pin it on his wife's mink stole.  While going to the Meet & Greet a lady asked Bobbie de Jong where she got the button from and, an extra button was given to her.  She had to put it on straight away and even kissed it!  (I have not unwrapped the gift John & Bobbie gave me.  I am holding temptation at bay and waiting for Christmas)

Once inside Ruth & I found our seats and next to us were new friends we made that night, a charming couple. I love how nice people are drawn to Andre's music and each other. I've seen it time and time again. Beautiful music bringing wonderful souls together. It is truly a gift.

The concert arena was filled with people who like myself had purchased tickets more than a year in advance, some who only recently learned of Andre Rieu and some who would hear his music for the first time that night. There were couples, friends, and mothers with children, and young adults all with the same goal. To enjoy the evening while listening to the most glorious sounds we know. Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra's Christmas Tour.

December 15th at the HP Pavilion in San Jose promised to be more of the same good time. I would meet Bobbie & John de Jong, Suzie Henise & her family; Dan & Alice would be there, as would Sigrun who came in from Germany. My seats in the front were surrounded with other Andre Rieu Fans who came for the Christmas Concert, to have a good time listening to good music with other fans and friends.

After the concert, I met with Ton (tuba player) who is very talented and a friendly person. I promised to bring a better photo next time we met, as I could not find the large print out I had of him. He understood and we had a short chat about traveling and music.

Manoe and I spoke about the clarinet which my daughter Kathleen also plays and Manoe's singing. (She has a lovely rich voice) Manoe winked and said she has many talents! I talked about this website and told Manoe of the page Sophie created as a tribute to her. She was surprised and impressed and gave me something to send to Sophie.

Leon enjoys visiting as many places of interest as he can while on tour. We talked about Yosemite and The Winchester Mystery House. He told me whenever he can, he site-sees during his free time.

Rene and I had a good talk along with Barbara Wilson & Rae Alexander. Rene is outgoing, intelligent and can easily converse on any subject. He has played trumpet from age 7 and with the JSO for over 20 years.

Bela was surprised and happy to hear I appreciated his singing with the JSO on this tour and had purchased the tenors CD from their website. He said he was enjoying the tour and meeting the fans.

Carla was meeting with us and speaking of how she loves the stage. She is a natural actress and blessed with a beautiful voice. She lit up the room with her smile and made friends with those of us at the private reception.

Along with other members of the J.S.O. and Andre Rieu Fans, we all had a grand time. The reception ended too soon for the fans, but with the JSO needing to get some rest and private time, we all said goodbye until we meet again.

Happiness Always,
            Webmaster Sally