A Report from the ArchuFog
Santa Rosa & San Francisco
The weather was mild and the sky was a clear blue these last few days in Northern California. There was none of the usual fog in San Francisco this past weekend, but there is a persistent, personal ArchuFog surrounding me after two days of concerts in Santa Rosa and San Francisco. Friends gathered, personal stories were shared, and new faces were connected to screennames. Some of us enjoyed some precious face-to-face time with David, and all of us lost ourselves in the joy of the Voice. It is sweet to enter this vortex, and I’m in no hurry to leave it.
Perhaps it’s a somewhat awkward idea to combine pop and Christmas songs in one show, but it mostly worked. The short break in between the sets, and the clothing changes for both David and the band helped to change the mood. But some fans were still confused apparently, and were reaching out to touch him as he sang some of the sacred songs. Imagine a girl reaching out to grab David’s leg while he’s singing about the birth of Jesus – a bit of a disconnect! But the wide variety of songs showcased David’s amazing ability to sing anything and everything. He is equally at home with Spanish 16th c. carols, jazz-tinged Christmas standards, and jump-up-and-down pop hits.
Someone (his mother? some professional? David himself?) is doing something right as far as dressing David. The black and white plaid shirt and black pants (not church pants, thank you very much) fit perfectly and highlighted his hair and coloring. For the second section David added a tuxedo jacket to the pants, plus a dark purple shirt. Sneakers were changed to black Sperry Topsiders to create a look that was formal, but young and hip. All memories of The Suit are happily erased with this outfit. (Sorry silverfox!) David has never looked more fit and trim and downright gorgeous.
As to the shows themselves – where to begin? If the Santa Rosa venue wasn’t sold out, then it was darn close. The crowd looked like a mix of David fans of all ages and types, with the addition of those who were perhaps only there because they had subscribed to the Wells Fargo Performing Arts concert series. The Demi Lovato-loving tweeners were few and far between. At the VIP, I was surprised that David allowed the group to choose the two songs he would sing. “What do you want to hear?” he asked. I shouted out Mary Did You Know? Others shouted out a number of other songs, but I was delighted that he decided to sing my choice. He asked Kendra if she knew it and off they went. What a treat! Some of you may remember the grainy YouTube of David singing this song at a holiday event before the AI 7 season. Many of us have been mesmerized by this song since then, and were hoping that it would be included on the Christmas album. For the second VIP song, he asked if we would like to hear a pop song. He ended up singing a fully engaged version of Zero Gravity.
Each VIP allows a few people chosen at random to ask David a question. Sometimes the questioners ask what his most embarrassing moment has been. Sometimes they simply ask if he will sing a song. In Santa Rosa, we lucky fans were treated to snippets of Be Still My Soul and When You Say You Love Me.
We were all wondering how the San Francisco show would go. Rumors were that the crowd would be small since David gets zero playtime on the radio here. But our fears were overblown. There was a rabid crowd of David lovers of all ages and varieties. Once again, the screamie teenies were in short supply. There were lots of well-dressed guys with fashionable scarves, couples of all ages, and a good number of college-aged fans. It was interesting to compare the behavior of the fans at the two shows. In Santa Rosa people mostly sat in their seats and listened enthusiastically. In San Francisco, the moment that David first appeared, there was an instant mosh-pit at the front of the stage. The whole audience stood for much of the show and shared wonderful, crazy, enthusiastic love for our favorite guy! (Are you listening, local radio stations?)
At the SF VIP, after some audience ideas and discussion, David decided to sing Touch My Hand. He said that he has missed singing this song. A lucky (and persistent) Gengen got a precious touch of David’s hand. For the second song, David once again threw Kendra a curve ball and asked her to accompany him on I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas. Kendra is definitely the MVP of the band. She sings, plays keyboard, piano and violin, and graciously takes whatever David throws at her. One of the VIP questioners asked David what the fans have to look forward to on the next album. David gave no hints about styles of music unfortunately, but shared (with a lot of charming gesticulation) that he is working on songs that express who he is, and how his mind works. Hmmm… does that mean the songs will be full of random observations and non-sequitors? We’ll just have to wait and see.
There were innumerable highlights of the two shows, but several stand out. Fields of Gold in Santa Rosa was transcendent. There had been some problems with sound balance throughout the evening at the Santa Rosa venue. It was sometimes hard to hear the keyboards and the bass was mostly too loud. But for Fields of Gold, it was just David with Steve on acoustic guitar. You could hear the full, rich, velvet brown timbre of his voice. THIS is why we travel to live shows. You could almost describe this live concert voice as the “color” version of the “black and white” sound heard on videos. As fabulous as the videos are, even with HQ and a good pair of headphones, there is nothing like hearing him live. This is a Voice that envelops and surrounds you with everything that is good and pure and beautiful in the world. Suffice it to say, I was completely slayed, and was glad that my concert buddy mikesd was nearby to lean on.
It was a lovely surprise to have Lupe sing with him on Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas on the San Francisco show. The two of them just beam with love for each other and their voices blend together beautifully.
David finished off the shows with O Holy Night. He takes you on a journey with this song, into the hope of something glorious and pure that will transform the world. You can’t help but travel with him. In Santa Rosa he finished the song with the last word, “di-viiiiiiine,” and I was close enough to watch him as he re-engaged with the real world. He looked serene, but was deep, deep within himself as the song ended. After the last note, he seemed almost unaware of his surroundings. I watched his face as he slowly adjusted to seeing the people around him and hearing the noise of the applause. That transformation is something that will stay with me for a long time.
Perhaps in a few days this lovely ArchuFog will clear, and I will return to my normal state. But for now, I am basking happily in the afterglow of the glorious Voice, and in the embrace of friendships new and renewed. Thank you David for all that you do.
(Many thanks to Gengen for her fabulous pictures.)
~ davidfanLIZ
ABOUT THIS AUTHOR
beebee -- Maybe you could bring over your “blither bomb” to the new post, so we can continue to enjoy it.
Hi Liz!
THANK YOU so much for sharing your beautiful concert experience. I am unable to make any of David’s shows this tour so I am living through each person’s concert feedback. I think more than ever, David is baring even more of his soul to us through the renditions of these songs. More than ever, he is closing his eyes and digging deep within himself to share beauty of music and personal faith with us. It is indeed a privilege to be fan of this extraordinary artist.
“…You could hear the full, rich, velvet brown timbre of his voice. THIS is why we travel to live shows. You could almost describe this live concert voice as the “color” version of the “black and white” sound heard on videos. As fabulous as the videos are, even with HQ and a good pair of headphones, there is nothing like hearing him live. This is a Voice that envelops and surrounds you with everything that is good and pure and beautiful in the world.”
Aaaand you slay me with THIS.
s.i.g.h.
davidfanliz, great great write-up! Loved reading your observations about the varied crowd! And absolutely loved your 2nd to last paragraph!
Someone definitely needs to bring over beebee’s super-charged blither bomb! She is master class…and she knows how to bahrrriiing it!
Liz, Beautiful recap and lovely photos by Gengen. And yes, the “suit” has long been forgotten, except by me. I would still like to know it’s being kept in a safe place.
David’s on voice rest! Yesssssssssss!
Good night, and for David…
Dear lord,
Please take care of David.
Watch over him, protect him from all harm.
Cloak him with your love and give him the strength to endure all that is thrown in his path.
Give David the courage and guidance to say no to those who ask for more than he can reasonably give.
Surround David with loving and supportive people who love him unconditionally as we, his devoted Archangels do.
Separate David from those who have agendas other than for his well being.
Give him rest when he feels weary.
Give him stamina to sustain his hectic pace.
Give him assurance when he feels doubt.
Give him joy when he feels sad and never allow David to feel alone or lonely.
Give us the wisdom to always do right by David.
Help us support David so that it’s always in his best interest.
A SPECIAL REQUEST LORD…CLOAK DAVID IN YOUR PROTECTIVE ARMS THROUGHOUT HIS WINTER TOUR, KEEPING DAVID AND HIS VOICE HEALTHY AND STRONG as he fulfills his Destiny which was written in his Book of Life before he was born.
Though we may be unworthy Lord, we humbly pray. Amen
David, have a good & restful night’s sleep with sweet & happy dreams. Thank you for all you do and for who you are. Keep with you all our love, support & prayers always. Contigo siempre! We will be with you always.
Liz: That is one beautiful article articulating the very best moments of the two concerts.
n Santa Rosa he finished the song with the last word, “di-viiiiiiine,” and I was close enough to watch him as he re-engaged with the real world. He looked serene, but was deep, deep within himself as the song ended. After the last note, he seemed almost unaware of his surroundings. I watched his face as he slowly adjusted to seeing the people around him and hearing the noise of the applause. That transformation is something that will stay with me for a long time.
In the TDC chat, Abrra discovered a few moments in a video of David singing Ave Maria (or is it O Holy Night?) where we have all watched (over and over) the look of utter transcendence on his face. I can only imagine the impact of that in person.
You VIP’s sounded absolutely luscious!
(I’ll leave you to your archustupor for a few more days, but there’s sweeping to do, and dusting in the back room here. You and Ronald have been playing around long enough! Oh, and Rascal? You are on my sh*t list -- your chores are piling up, too!
)
Oh my, marlie -- you are a stern taskmaster. I’ll be out of my stupor shortly (I think, I hope!) xoxox
Brought over from the previous thread. A note from the inimitable BEEBEE herself:
beebee . December 1, 2009 at 8:28 pm
(Blither Bomb Warning)
Hi everybody! *waves*
Sandy Beaches, what an absolutely BEAUTIFUL recap of your Salt Lake City Experience. Simply LOVELY. You REALLY DID take us there!
It’s not easy for me to articulate about seeing David (which is why I leave that to others who CAN.) And after Contigo En La Distancia I finally had to come to grips with the fact that there simply ARE NO MORE WORDS I can possibly utter that could add anything to any disucssion about David. I mean, sheesh, I was never even able to pull it together after my first live experience a whole YEAR AGO at the Sacramento Jingle Thingy. (This didn’t stop me, however, from publicly blithering on and on in unspecified ways. lol) If the JINGLE THINGY wiped me out, just try to imagine the state I’m in NOW — after a full David concert at Santa Rosa on Sunday night by a One-Year-Older-And-RADICALLY-More-Seasoned David! And in an intimate venue with full focus on THE PRIZE.
SO, in spite of my loss for words (pshh!)…I just had to pop in here at The David Chronicles for a good old fashioned *Thud!* or two and some nice, mindless, blog-hogging blither after my second David, Live Experience.
David was BRILLIANT at the Wells Fargo Sunday night. And this was SANS a live orchestra. He was positively sublime… AND, PEOPLE, IT’S ONLY GONNA GIT WORSE (er…BETTER) The first half pop song set was fabulous. I’ve never heard/seen a better performance of ALTNOY or Crush, for that matter, and My Hands was FABOO! (DANG I do love My Hands! And he BRUNG IT!) Zero Gravity and Waitinig For Yesterday were SOLID and masterful. NO, make that solid, masterful and SASSY. He seriously has the bull firmly by both horns and is in full command. It is SUCH a THRILL to behold. And OH, the NEW COVERS—Fields of Gold… oh heaven help me! GUH! (Eva MUST be smiling!) Somebody, PLEASE…PINCH ME!! There are NO WORDS. And Prayer of the Children *chillllls!* and The Riddle!! It was just too … too… TOO! (And he LOOKED MAHVELOUS!) (DUH!) AND then of course the indescribably beautiful Christmas repertoire (complete with wardrobe change. Gotta love it. A clever and effective transitional device…not to mention an archu_fashion_show bonus! :p) Hearing David perform these Christmas songs live is… unbelievable. And LORDY, HOW HE’S GROWN *shivers!* It HURTS. It actually HURTS. I am Toast. Crispy. Crumbly. Charred beyond recognition.
*ahem* Dang, I was gonna try to be borderline articulate. *composes self*
I’ve never been able (or motivated!) to choose favorites when it comes to David. From my vantage point there’s just too much to love— why would I or should I narrow things DOWN when I can (and DO) love it all? So I won’t pretend to have a favorite performance in the show. I will, however, say that I was really excited in anticipation of David singing HYSAMLC solo — and boyhowdy, did he evah DELIVAH! (Joner, YEAH! ” ‘Mr. Suave’ was playing around with the ending of that song like it was a shiny new toy!” LOL! That was priceless! You MOZ DEF got THAT right! ) It was like taking a long, luxurious swim in a vat of chcolate mousse with candy cane sprinkles. lol I’ve seen videos of his duet with Lupe and have been brought to both tears and laughter. Those vids are priceless beyond words and I am so happy and GRATEFUL that he and his mama have been able to perform together at some of the shows, and that they’ve been caputured on video — BUT… that solo rendition is…PHEW! *hair falls out*
The reverent carols were, for me, transcendent. How does he do it? Well, actually, we KNOW how he does it. He takes his fierce & formidable skills and intuition and chops and artistry and runs them straight through his mighty heart & soul — and THEN out of his mouth, THAT’S HOW. David’s performances are so unspeakably REAL. I’m not sure I know of any other live performer who can DO that THANG he DOES. I think I was actually getting dizzy (uh, I believe they call that *swooning* … lol) during Ave Maria. Seriously. When listening to the album I am always in danger of being sucked into the Ave Maria Vortex. Can’t even begin tell you how treacherous it was for me to hear him sing it live. (And speaking of treacherous, he was teetering on the precipice for that high note in Ave Maria and he almost FELL OFF! But he recovered! Phew!)
All of his other Christmas songs were equally captivating in their own ways, too. Pat A Pan and Riu Riu Chiu… just WONDERFUL. He brung it, baby. They were stunners! There is something just too cool about how he can really get his guh-roove on while singing traditional Christmas carols (in foreign languages, no less).
The First Noel, Silent Night, O Holy Night…Superb. Spine tingling. Exquisite. He literally crawls INTO those songs and LIVES THEM. Lordy LORDY! Rascal nailed it. For David, these are love songs.
OH…and during the VIP he sang a snippet of Mary Did You Know. It was nothing short of mind blowing to me — absolutely beautiful and haunting. To hear something like that, that he just pulls out of his hat in response to a random, unanticipated fan request — yet delivers so positively exquisitely… just a verse…just pulled out of thin air… and then *poof!* it’s over, and on to the next question—what an unreal experience that was for me as an observer. The What-Just-Happened Factor seems even more enlarged and ramped up in a situation like that. *whimper*
That there exist a number of EXCEPTIONAL vids of the Santa Rosa show to revisit … is just plain I.N.S.A.N.E. (helllllp meee! lol) I can’t fathom how those who are able to attend many, many concerts are able to survive. (HOW DO Y’ALL DO THAT?)
David, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are unbearably bedazzling! What a beautiful and generous gift to us all your Christmas Album and tour is.
OH! Can’t leave THIS out: I WON an autographed teenie tiny teenie-bopper-sized DAVID ARCHULETA tee-shirt at the VIP. *squee!* LOL. (Hm. Maybe I can hang it on my Christmas tree. Yeah. :p)
And ascphil, BEAUTIFUL commentary! (and I loved your “killed me to pieces” lol. I may have to borrow that — jez sayin’) You and SB have articulated in a way I’ll never be able to. I have not yet had the time to truly submerge myself in all of the Christmas Tour vids (and Emily’s Ann Arbor audio-vids! Emily, you RAWK!) By the time I’ve managed to wallow in it all… those already captured, and those to COME… i shall be officially *daid*.
Goboywonder, so glad you survived San Francisco. I haven’t even peeked at the San Francisco vids yet. (*quakes*) I read his tweet about his voice being shot, but he has said this before—he simply amazes me how he can pull it TOGETHER, pull it OUT, and MORE than pull it OFF. “Go Boy Wonder!”
I just know everybody had a blast at the San Fran Show. Tho’ I’m sorry I couldn’t be there, I am supremely happy with the Santa Rosa Experience!
Liz & Vermeer, it was so lovely to see you again! (Liz, can’t wait to read your thoughts!) And Bookaholic, if you’re lurking, a special howdy to you, too! *waves!* (And Bliss, I can’t wait to hear/read YOUR take on the Archuleta Christmas Experience, once you’ve HAD it!)
SF, wherever you are…{{{big hugg}}} Now, try not to worry too much, ok? *wags finger* I agree with Marlie that David knows what he’s doing. (Ok, I know not worrying is not an option for you. So I take it back. Go ahead and worry. lol)
OK, NUFF BLITHER! I b’lieve I’ll jez mosey on over to the Santa Rosa & San Francisco PITS that JackRyan hath prepared (JackRyan you are DA BOMB!) Wish me luck!
(PHEW! Quarterly Blither Quota Fulfilled ~ *check!* lol)
I am not ready to really speak about my experience of the two days of hearing David live and meeting him twice however briefly (not even sure if I will be ready at any point…), but I wanted to pop in to say, from the last thread, goboywonder, I am so glad I got to meet you even though it was at the very end of the evening. To think I almost missed you!
beebee, what are we going to do with you??!! LOOOVE your “mindless, blog-hogging blither” (bwhahahaha!) Blither away my friend!! I can’t believe I had to wait almost a year before I could see you and Mr. beebee again!!
Liz, your saying that “This is a Voice that envelops and surrounds you with everything that is good and pure and beautiful in the world” and beebee’s words, “unbearably bedazzling”, make me say yes! he is simply unbearably beautiful, inside and out, I just feel a sense of awe. It’s weird to think such a young person can make an older person feel awe but he does!!
I am not even going to attempt to speak about the two concerts -- SR and SF, because the words would either trip over themselves trying to come out of my mouth and risk making no sense or my mind simply goes blank because I really feel words do not do justice when I try to explain what he does to me. I am definitely in an Archufog and I want to stay there however long I can and quietly remain there.
{{vermeer}} Yes, definitely, stay in the ArchuFog as long as you can lol!
I just posted this on another blog and wanted to repeat it here since davidfanLIZ and I were on another Thelma and Louise junket this weekend in the Bay area. The first statement refers to someone asking me if it was me who yelled out “We love you David” before OHN in SF. My response and my recap of the shows…
That was not me but I heard it as well. There were definitely more men in the audience in San Francisco…After all it is San Francisco… Benton Paul mentioned that it was his favorite city to visit. Got a chance to speak to Benton in Santa Rosa as he was setting up his own merch table. I spoke to him for a few minutes in French as he does a number in French from his time in Paris. He has a great voice and band and I enjoyed them very much both nights.
As for David, well…I can echo a lot of the sentiment that has already been put forth about the concerts themselves. I was lucky enough to get a front row seat along with Davidfanliz directly in front of David in Santa Rosa. The stage was only about three feet off the ground and we were about three feet from the stage. It was like the LA Tree lighting times 10! When we were on our feet for Zero Gravity we were almost at the same level. Like having a private concert. Were there others in the audience? Could have fooled me. I could focus totally on the whole picture…the movement, the voice, the face, the whole Archuleta. I know others have experienced this so I am sure you can relate. Don’t want to be redundant. What was also elevated for me in this experience was the meet and greet photo session. Back in LA in the summer, I barely got to say hello as we were a bit rushed. This time my strategy worked and I was able to at least have a brief chat and really experience David on a personal level. In SR I told him how I was in the audience at the ALMA’s and how brilliant his performance was, how he commanded the Spanish language in that song and how I could not wait for a total Spanish CD from him. He was gracious beyond belief and said that he too couldn’t wait to do a Spanish CD. Not, hi David, smile for the camera and “next” but a brief exchange like I was talking to an old friend. In SF I told him that I had left him a small gift bag in SR with my copy of Les Miserables in French by the original French troupe. I also told him that his French on the Christmas CD was “parfait”. Again he was thankful and told me that he really worked at it. Brief conversation but a laser lock in his eyes that won’t go away for a long time! Lupe joining him on stage in SF was a big big bonus. BTW, my seat in SF was second row dead center, again barely ten feet away. Can’t wait to see him again tomorrow. Not sure what my conversation will be but I guarantee it will be meaningful.
Which brings me to this… My own little revelation after these two shows is that my posting and my comments here and on any other blogs are going to be confined to my experience in seeing David in person. That is what it is profoundly about for me. I could care less what number he is on the charts because he is more than that to me. I could care less about how he stacks up against other performers because he is more to me than that. Anything else to me, is counter productive in my David Archuleta experience. Sorry if any offense is taken by anyone but I don’t want anything to interfere with the pure brilliance I experience when I see this musical genius and incredible human being up close and personal. I wish every person on every David blog could have the opportunity to see David in the same capacity in person. It would really make for some great discussion, much like we have after each show to compare “notes”.
On to Anaheim…
(Liz et al, (and you know who you are!), had a great time in SR and SF with you! Thanks for the brunch too! I say we get a season ticket for the next tour…
HA… Oh Liz, repost that thing? I would NOT do THAT. Nooo. (Way too MESSY! lol) OOOPSIE--TOO LATE!
Your recap is much appreciated, and beautifully written, as always.
This is a Voice that envelops and surrounds you with everything that is good and pure and beautiful in the world.
You reminded me that the WYSYLM and Be Still My Soul snippets were just as searing and shocking to my system as Mary Did You Know. It is more than just a lit-tle bit scary how whole chunks of the experience are a kind of BLUR. (That seems so unfair.) Sensory Overload is a VERY REAL HAZARD for me with this Archu_thang. Not EVEN kidding. Hard to decide if numerous concerts would rectify the situation… or just finish me off faster.
I was stopped dead in my tracks by that one Ave Maria video from San Francisco. If that’s his “shot” voice… sheesh! I think witnessing that live, could have done me actual harm. lol I could (and probably WILL) spend a YEAR just wallowing in the videos from this tour alone. (Like a moth to a candle…)
Joymus, I totally agree with you that David seems to be digging deep and baring even more of his soul.
Hi Emmie! *waves*
Vermeer! *wave* and {{hug!}}
And SF, AMEN! It’s late, and I’m pooped! Nitey nite!
Hi TDC folks still reeling from Archustupor -- some updates on the tour pages:
BAKERSFIELD -- now complete
SANTA ROSA -- also complete
SANFRAN -- still lacking 4 numbers but some pax are still uploading
There are plenty of HD and high- quality vids with very good audio in these 3 stops so go over them Tour pages and ENJOY! Just be prepared to be slayed for some extreme closeups with Mr. Suave.
MARLIE -- I dunno what happened this afternoon (my time) but the contents of these pages disappeared. I had to restore previous versions (thank goodness for autosave!) but had to re-do most of the new entries I made this afternoon
OK, am off to do some Christmas shopping so I will check back much later!
ps: before I forget, YouCanCallMeTina has been gracious to share her super high-quality vids (MOV format) from SLC. If you have the patience to download (WARNING: HUUUUGE FILES!), go and click in my mediafire folder:
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=b168764a61c78fdf67cd7f7bd65f7eefecabe50ff8ea4231d9ecd7d091ba63d2
Will eventually upload all MP4s of this Tour in this mediafire folder.
Ciao!
First to my sweet friend Liz-thank you for a beautiful recap!
I am furiously trying to catch up on reading while simultaneously watching videos! It is NOT easy! I’m so stunned by David on this tour… I mean, I expected him to raise the bar and bring it, but I.DID.NOT.EXPECT.THIS. With each performance, I am sitting with my jaw just drooping open at his maturity among other stuff. His solo rendition of HYAMLC practically landed me on my floor like a piece of burnt toast. T.O.A.S.T.
Beebeecava my most wonderful friend. I am really glad Liz brought your blither bomb (bb) over to this thread, because no one should miss this little piece of brilliance. Your delight feels like my delight and Momma Josie is extremely happy today!
My love and hugs to all! ♥
What more can be said except that David mesmerizes us with his brilliant singing, brings joy to everyone who sees and meets him, he appreciates everyone equally and take care of many people beyond our imagination.
David brings people together…
When I listen to David singing, I can more easily fly across a continent, drive comfortably for hours, do everyday chores and more joyfully work on fixing just about anything that is broken…
Thank you Liz for your most interesting reading this morning…the tour continues.
Beebee,
No words?! My dear, you are the master of blithering, and you found the right words! I wish I could blither as well as you do, lol! You are terribly, terribly funny and there is no composure needed when you are in extreme fangirl mode.
No need for my permission to borrow ‘killed me to pieces’. Use it any time when you squee about David. I’ll be joining you when you do, and everybody else! =D
Now David just killed me again with that San Fran Ave Maria…
JR: I’ll try to see what happened. Thank you for the work of getting them back!
{{mikesd}} You are a fab road trip companion. We always have fun together!
I love your recap of talking with David. Having that moment with David is so precious. Many people speak about his eyes. For me, it is his touch that is so powerful. My strong memory from my SF encounter is a sweet connection of hands. I reached out my hand to shake his, and then we just held hands while I spoke to him.
And mike, I totally understand your desire to manage your involvement with the blogs. Each of us has a different way to connect. Some obsess happily over stats, some watch every single video, some comment or just lurk. I know that I have gone through a number of different stages in my ODD. My current thought is -- if it is adding to the pleasure, then go for it. If not, then leave it behind. It works for me lol!
{{ Josie }}
Hi folks! I was in S.F. also and loved every minute of it! I’m just stopping by though to say that I’m gonna have a writeup too. Today’s too crazy for me though even to read other people’s stuff, but I’ll get to it! See you all soon!
COOL!
Marlie just put up an easy link to all things related to the 09 Christmas Tour. Look on the far left on the black navigation bar at the top of the page. This link will take you to the videos of the tour plus any related articles.
ENJOY!
Well dag nabbit, I wish I really had time to PAY ATTENTION (and still had a brain with which to do so. Dang it, David, you evil brain smusher. You kill me to pieces. LOL)
Josie -> {{{Mega-Hug}}} There is a problem: catching up is hazardous. BIG TIME. The UP side: we could die HAPPY trying. Works for Me!
I can see now that Marlie’s handy (read: ENABLING) 09 Christmas Tour nav link will be quite instrumental helping us along (read: in hastening our demise. How thoughtful. :p)
OH GOODIE! RONALD, can’t wait to read your reflections… and VERMEER, you, too! (and everybody’s!) Uh, but only when you’re ready…lol. You can see the unfortunate results of premature … uh … flailing. (Snot pretty.)
Joymus, I so agree with you about David’s willingness to bare even more of his soul. An insanely packed year of experience and performance and life’s trials appears to have rendered a finely annealed David with even more strength, depth, nuance and refinement. Even though I knew all of it was inevitable, it STILL kinda scares me to ponder the continuing evolution. (I shall be brave, however, and press on. :p)
Mikesd, loved your comment and I hear you re: what it’s all about for you. I truly enjoy your take. Tho’ many shows is not a practical option for me, simply taking in the unfolding evolution and marveling at his brilliance is pretty much what is THE BOSS O’ ME. lol
SB, when you said David “brings joy to everyone who sees and meets him” my first thought was remembering how gobsmacked I was a year ago at the Sacto Jingle — since I was struck dumb, it has always been bianca’s words that summed it up for me perfectly. Quite simply: “David is a Joy Machine.” (Oh, and he has moz def “taken care” of MOI —uh, just not in a way he might have intended. heh) (Did he INTEND to create basket cases? I’m thinkin’ NOT.)
Must run now…stuff to do… time to *poof!*
Helloooo (band)….j/k. But helloooo:))
Usually a reader (lurker) not a commenter (i tend to sound WAY younger than i really am when I write about David, so i usually keep it to myself…heh!), but wanted to pop in and say David was UBERamazing (see what i mean? it’s incurable!) in Bakersfield, Santa Rosa (especially!) and San Francisco!
The crowd in Bakersfield was waaaay passive IMO (hello people…do you not SEE him or HEAR what he is doing up there….geez)….it felt to us at least, kinda like David was feeling a little pressured to impress with little crowd participation and/or feedback. He seemed to recognize the lukewarm reception and accordingly, came off as a bit unsure of himself. Needless to say, the vocals were superb (duh, when are they NOT?) and you could hear a pin drop during the more reverent performances, which was a drastic change to having heard him live in Pomona, Sacramento, San Jose, Del Mar and Utah (yay, lucky me…i have seen him often…wow:p). As much as I know that David feeds off of the energy from the crowd, this show was an opportunity to really HEAR his voice…and oh my, how it filled the theater with blissful sounds straight from heaven. Erm….did you hear his Ave Maria?! o_O. Do not even get me started on his Riu Riu Chiu….cannot.go.there.
Santa Rosa….IMO, David was feeling the crowd and they were definitely feeling him. Just WOWZA! He was on fire….a bit sassy….confident….mindblowingly effervescent. That sounds really fangirly of me, esp. at my age….but this is what David does to me, not gonna lie! Audio mix left ALOT to be desired…but once again….our guy rose to the occasion, and although he claims his voice was tired, if you were hearing him sing live for the first time, you would only have noticed a slight dropped note during the sooooo fantastic falsetto portion of Ave Maria. O David, you were TOO much in Santa Rosa. That one will be stuck in the memory banks on repeat until I’m an old woman…..albeit still in the front of the stage in my wheelchair (David, reach out to me….touch my wheels..hah!)
SF….the reason i actually came on here today! RonaldSF…..I am Mare. Met you in VIP line in SF. After much searching, I found the post that i was referring to that you did awhile back that I loved so much. Turns out, it IS a poem. After reading it again this morning, i still laughed hysterically and enjoyed it as much as the first time:)) Thank you for that! I will repost it here for those that haven’t seen it in awhile. What a gem it is:)) Oh yeah, and David…my dear boy….you were stellar in SF. I am sad to see you go. Don’t know when I will see you again but oh, you will!
http://www.thedavidchronicles.com/2009/06/i-hate-you-david-archuleta/
(hope that worked)
Ciao for now:)
crownjewel -- thanks for posting the link to Ronald’s brilliant ode. Well worth another read. My favorite lines (out of many):
So stop singing me ballads, it’s not gonna work.
There’s somebody out there, and he’s a jerk.
Liz….my personal fave as well:))
A close second:
“Bluesy runs, techno hooks,
Shoulder pumps and burning looks.
And though this affair with your fans you deny
Your movements spoke louder—and your thighs don’t lie.”
bwahahaa!
Win a Christmas call from David. Here is the link to the contest rules and here is the phone number to call now 801-386-8196
http://www.zombalabelgroup.com/davidcontest/contest.pdf
(Posted on David’s Facebook)
Hi All, Just wanted to let you know that I posted on Eva Cassidy’s website about David’s mentioning Eva and performing “Fields of Gold” at his concerts. I told them to look for the video’s on youtube from SLC. They have now posted a link to the “Fields of Gold” post here on TDC. This comment is on the What’s New Page: “DAVID ARCHULETA CONTINUES TO PRAISE EVA: Bless the boy,…..: http://www.evacassidy.org/eva/evanew.shtml I posted there under my real name, Ellen. This makes me soooooo happy. Eva started this all for me. She was the one who made me “feel” music again and really listen and feel it. David continues to do that for me. It makes me so happy that Eva was an inspiration to David. Check out Eva’s website if you get a chance. People post there from all over the world (in the guestbook).
HopeUDance2 -- What a great idea to comment on Eva Cassidy’s site. In my two VIPs I mentioned to David how much I enjoyed his singing of Fields of Gold. He certainly carries on her spirit with his singing of that song.
Amazing, wonderfully detailed stories, Liz, Mike, Goboywonder and crownjewel ( hope I did not miss anyone). Wow, really kind of weepy reading these amazing recaps. Words kind of fail. Mike what you said was really sweet. Sometime around my VIP, various events sort of came together to give me a real peace about David and his future, I will still worry about his health, his safety and welfare, when he is flying, whether he is getting rest etc… ( which is why I just still aftet all this time, marvel at how perfect SF’s prauer is) but I just feel like there will likely be ups and downs, mistakes and mis-steps, but all will be well and there is simply no stopping what is meant to be with David, at what ever level he is meant to change the musical world and touch lives. The fact that in area’s like mine and San Franciso, where he gets no radio play and still has STRONG concert showings, tells me that once you catch David fever, that is it. You will be a fan at some level forever. JMHO
oh and, hanging head with hound dog eyes… I LOVED your gushing, funny, so lovely remarks Beebee…did not mean to overlook you.
Mikesd, thank you for this…
“I could care less what number he is on the charts because he is more than that to me. I could care less about how he stacks up against other performers because he is more to me than that. Anything else to me, is counter productive in my David Archuleta experience. Sorry if any offense is taken by anyone but I don’t want anything to interfere with the pure brilliance I experience when I see this musical genius and incredible human being up close and personal. I wish every person on every David blog could have the opportunity to see David in the same capacity in person. It would really make for some great discussion, much like we have after each show to compare “notes”
No offense taken here as I agree 100%!
I just got the Kansas City ILAA itinerary for my sis & I. It’s just one week from tonight! Hope the expected snow holds off til after the concert in KC. Getting a little worried about possible flight delays…Oh well, que sera, sera, no sense in worrying about something I can’t control.
Good night, and for David…
Dear lord,
Please take care of David.
Watch over him, protect him from all harm.
Cloak him with your love and give him the strength to endure all that is thrown in his path.
Give David the courage and guidance to say no to those who ask for more than he can reasonably give.
Surround David with loving and supportive people who love him unconditionally as we, his devoted Archangels do.
Separate David from those who have agendas other than for his well being.
Give him rest when he feels weary.
Give him stamina to sustain his hectic pace.
Give him assurance when he feels doubt.
Give him joy when he feels sad and never allow David to feel alone or lonely.
Give us the wisdom to always do right by David.
Help us support David so that it’s always in his best interest.
A SPECIAL REQUEST LORD…CLOAK DAVID IN YOUR PROTECTIVE ARMS THROUGHOUT HIS WINTER TOUR, KEEPING DAVID AND HIS VOICE HEALTHY AND STRONG as he fulfills his Destiny which was written in his Book of Life before he was born.
Though we may be unworthy Lord, we humbly pray. Amen
David, have a good & restful night’s sleep with sweet & happy dreams. Thank you for all you do and for who you are. Keep with you all our love, support & prayers always. Contigo siempre! We will be with you always.
Warfields of Gold
Words.
What are they?
Gone.
Brain too.
Buh-bye!
No… try!
The clouds are pretty.
There’s David’s face!
Oh, now it’s raining…
down my face.
Concert over.
But memories linger
of that precious singer
and walking in
Warfields of gold.
Our very own
fields of gold.
- -- - -- - -- - -- -
Thank you, all TDC friends, old and new…. as Mikesd says, “and you know who you are!” It was dee-viiiiiiiine!
(((Liz))), Great recap. I too noticed the hands reaching for David during the Christmas set and thought it was a bit awkward! David must have noticed as well because after the encore he bent down, moved quickly along the front of the stage to touch hands before leaving.
Lovely that the audience was quiet during the slow/Christmas songs.
Vermeer -- the fog started in San Francisco the day after the concert (it had been clear and sunny the few days before but we saw it laying low on our way over to Alcatraz the morning after the concert) and I wonder if it was coming off of all us fans that were lucky enough to be at the concert?
It was GREAT to see familiar fan faces and meet NEW ones too. Thanks all for helping make our trip to SF even more memorable.
HopeUDance2 #27 -- what a lovely thing to do. I will have to visit the link you posted.
Highervibe -- totally can relate to your poem, thanks.
It was delightful to meet and see again so many friends at these shows. I am still in the “Archufog” and think that my soul shall stay there all season after the SR and SF experiences. But I did want to stop by and say hello and thank you to you all!