He began the night by sharing with us his desire that we be able to focus entirely on the music in this, his first ever unplugged, stripped down, full length acoustic show. And ohmyheck, did we ever! Without the usual distractions, the main focus was clearly on just David, The Voice. I have run out of adjectives to describe his performances. Actually at one point he said it was fun not to have to “perform” and just focus on the music, so maybe he didn’t think of this as a “performance.” But at any rate, he was quite simply…outstanding!

His entrance to the stage was not grand. In fact, he walked in with the rest of the band as if they were going to sit and have a jam session with us. The band remained sitting for the entire show, while David mostly sat, but did sing some songs at the mic stand. He was happy, had fun and was definitely in his element. His vocals were in top form. His comfort level at the midpoint of the opening song, Touch My Hand grew as the 300 fans were loving it and by the end of the song, he seemed totally at ease and comfortable. The set list included most of the songs we are used to hearing, except for Zero Gravity and Barriers. BUT NOT LIKE THIS! He added all the riffs and runs we all love and his falsetto was perfection. The tempo on some of the songs was just a tad slower and sounded mellower. Stand By Me was his best rendition so far. The only two instruments were Dave’s bass and David’s voice. It was awesome! This rendition should IMO be on his next album.

For his first encore he sang Bubbly, and again it was perfect! Next he sang I’ll Be, not a shortened version, but the entire song. I don’t know how he does it, but he out did himself! His voice was flawless. This was a total surprise to me as I wasn’t prepared to love the song, but after David sang the entire song, I am loving it. I am so sad I only have it in my memory. He absolutely MUST sing it at one his solo concerts. Then the final song, the song he should always and forever close his concerts with, Angels.

Louisville setlist

As a VIP (more on that in a moment), I got early entrance, and was lucky enough to be standing directly in front of David’s keyboard. The stage was about 16″ off the floor so basically when he sat at the keyboard, I was eye level with David. He was about four feet from me. I could see the sparkly green color of his eyes. I could see the three beauty moles clearly on his face. I could almost hear him breathing as he spoke. I could have leaned over a little, reached out and touched his face. That’s how close I was to him. Well, not just me, there were a few others on each side of me that were close too, but I was directly in front of him! When he sang Angels, I could literally see his expression change to a heightened state of bliss as he went to wherever it is he goes when he sings this song. It was a sight I will not soon forget. The passion he exudes is beyond my comprehension at this point. I want to go where he goes when he sings Angels, Somebody Out There, You Can, To Be With You, and Don’t Let Go. We feel his passion, but the place he goes to is still a mystery to me. I just can’t stop reliving the whole experience from last night. I want David to schedule an acoustic tour in venues of 500 or less in the near future. This is the Real David. I love, love, love the explosive, jumping, running, David on stage, but this is about The Voice and therein lies the Magic!

The VIP, for 23 fans, took place in a club room situated in back of the HRC which was closed for the day and which also happened to have a baby grand piano. David was not supposed to sing for us but he did. Crazy was awesomely crazy! And Heaven was heavenly! He answered three questions, then had pictures taken. And then he was gone. It went by very quickly it seemed. Then we were escorted back to the HRC for a preordered lunch, hamburgers/cheeseburgers and fries. But I had to be different. I had a very nice salad with calorie-laden dressing, thank you! After lunch we were again escorted out a side door so that David could come in and do his sound check. At this point I decided to take my “goodie bag” to the car parked in the attached garage behind the HRC. As I walked to the back, who do I pass? David of course! Security is escorting him to the back entrance to the HRC. We thought he was already in the HRC. He smiled and waved when he saw me as I thought to myself… this is getting to be almost a regular occurrence. But it was no biggie… ahem!

After the concert, and after most of the people were gone, a group of us sat for a while a talked about how very fortunate we were to be there and also to be a part of “all this.” I met many new people again, and spent some time with some great ladies I knew from previous concerts, and who flew in from out of town, like KT, Deb, Lorna and Janey. And too many other wonderful people to name here. I’m sure I would forget some. I have no idea how I missed meeting prd9601?

Mike K. and SF in Albuquerque

Before I sign off,  I’d like to share with you all one really cool and thoughtful thing that happened after the concert. Mike Krompass, who my sister Theresa and I had the pleasure of talking to in Albuquerque, and who actually recognized and talked with us at all the subsequent concerts we’ve been to, came up to me and gave me the copy of the written set list which they tape to the floor – as a memento he said. I was touched that he would do that.

So this is my recap of David Archuleta’s first ever acoustic show, here in my very own hometown, Louisville, Kentucky. I will be forever grateful it happened here and that I was able to be there. Thank you David for continually bringing me joy.

~Silverfox

There is NO ONE on the music scene today, or ever, male or female, that can compare to The Voice. There just isn’t. Seeing and hearing him on stage is special, but believe me when I say, hearing him at the VIP was out-of-this-world sublime. It’s effortless. It’s heartfelt. It’s beautiful. It’s unforgettable.

Part of the fun was seeing so many wonderful fans of David. My sister and I had lunch with KT, Deb, Mary, Bonnie, Lorna, Wendy and her mom, Nancy, YJfanofdavid, momjulee, SandyBeaches (and Mr. SandyBeaches), and I chatted with bluebarsa and kizzi at the show.

At the VIP all the chairs were taken when we walked in, so we had to sit on the floor in front, with all the young girls. That must have been a pretty sight for David… a white-haired granny sitting with all the pretty young girls! As we waited for more than ninety minutes, my anticipation was killing me, as was my poor booty! Then FINALLY he came in, sat at the keyboard and looked like he was where he wanted to be. I think he said a few words… I don’t know. You see, I went into an Archudaze. I think he asked which song we wanted to hear first. We must have agreed on “Crazy.” And then I died a little. The Voice was perfection. Every note was smooth, mellow, yet strong and full of fire and I felt warm chills from the top of my head to my toes.

Then he sang “Heaven,” and I thought this must be what heaven feels and sounds like. I remembered how “he had me at ‘Heaven’” as a devoted fan completely and forever. As if that weren’t enough, a fan asked him to sing “A Long and Winding Road” and I will truly never forget the feeling that came over me as I listened to David live up to who he is, The Voice. I love what he does and who he is on the stage, but I would be satisfied if he just sat on a stool with a mic and just sang. He is THAT good!

Then it was picture time. They tried to hurry everyone due to the time, but David, ever patient and gracious, let everyone take time to say what they wanted to say to him. Our time came up and I do not recall this, but my sister said I pushed her out of the way as we walked toward David. Who me? He said “Oh hi!” and I said “Hi David, how are you?” and gave him a little grandmotherly hug. Then my dear (bless her heart) sis, proceeded to sing “I flew all day to get to you” to the tune of Celine Dion’s “I Drove All Night.” He laughed at her, even though she said he laughed WITH her. I keep telling her she can’t sing and maybe now the look on David’s face will finally convince her (here’s hoping!). I love my sister, but we do argue about which of us loves David more!

We had great seats for the concert, fourth row dead center. When the lights dimmed, as the drumbeat intro started, I felt sure it was my own heartbeat I was hearing. What a rush of adrenaline! I swear David is keeping me young at heart. Suddenly there he was and the whole world disappeared except for David. I could hear no sounds except for The Voice. I couldn’t hear the screams, the cheers, or the applause. I was surprised at all the screams on the videos. It was quite shocking as I really was not aware of them.

As David progressed from one song to another, I began to marvel at his ability to make each song new. I marvel at how he has grown, how he is basking in his confidence, and I think he is finally getting it! He finally believes he deserves all this – all the love and adoration. He takes command of his stage now and it’s a sight to behold. He sang some of my favorites: “Stand by Me,” “Somebody Out There” and “To Be With You.” TBWY was so beautiful, but there was something different. He changed a lyric, subtle but unmistakable, and I wonder if it’s his way of sending us a message?

For his first encore he sang “Bubbly” and now he owns it. But the absolute highlight of the evening, not counting the acoustic session, was “Angels.” David’s heart and soul were laid bare. He was magnificent! I think I forgot to breath for the whole song, because I was literally gasping for breath when he was done. Then I was undone when he said, “I love you guys.” He bowed to his captive audience which should have been the other way around – us bowing to him for showing us a supreme glimpse of heaven. He gave a palm to heart, turned and was gone.

When friends and coworkers ask me why I go to so many David concerts, I explain that each time I see him, he surprises me. He gets better and better. Even singing the same songs, he makes it a new experience. He is worth triple his weight in gold. He is after all, The Voice.

~ Silverfox

Thanks to carnivalridexx for the beautiful photos.

In my own words..Reno, etc. I often wonder what I’m doing & why. Then I realize I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else at this time in my life. Besides bringing me joy, excitement and wondrous music with his exquisite voice, I have formed many friendships, some of which will be lifelong friendships. It’s the bond we share, the love for David. This special human being, the enigma that is David James Archuleta. I can’t imagine my life without him in it.

Reno.. where shall I start? The Grand Sierra Resort Hotel is a beautiful, huge, sprawling place. Walking into the hotel, I was thinking of David’s future, when he could, if he so chooses, perform in any of the grand hotel showrooms in Vegas, or anywhere in the world someday soon. After checking in, my sis & I walked around the casino and David’s photo was everywhere you looked. Many of the people who worked there did not know who David Archuleta was. I thought..You will after tomorrow night!

The next day, I went down at around 9 AM, figuring a line would already be forming..and of course there were about 20 people already there, not in front of the Theater though. Because of the minors, they had roped off an area close to the corner entrance of the building. By mid afternoon, the lined extended outside and around the building. I met & talked with many fans from all over the U.S. and the world. The love for David in that huge casino was overwhelming. The anticipation and excitement of seeing our Idol perform was palpable. Fans of all ages talking about our favorite subject, David and his music, yet not being able to explain our complete devotion to this 18 year old, but knowing we were compelled to follow him wherever he appeared. I had a great time meeting so many people, putting the faces to the blog names. No one seemed to have trouble guessing who I was…and I just can’t understand why? I did a lot of PR for justDavid. I think we will have a lot of new lurkers and maybe even new posters!

Finally, the time came…the security guards ushered us to the doors of the theater and like a stampede of cattle, the fans rushed into the theater, running every which way, some to the seats, but most to the “pit”. I foolishly went to the pit with my lovely new friend, Lily. My sis, the “smart one” in my family, went to a table with a great view of the stage. Actually there were no bad seats in the 2000 seat theater. The The Grand Theater is a beautiful venue fit for a Star. Lily & I are both shortys, but we had a pretty good view. I just knew we would get moshed & squished when David came out. We would just have to hold our ground, and we did, right in front of David’s keyboard. The huge stage which would have engulfed a lesser artist, had David shining with a backdrop of twinkling starlights. When the lights dimmed and the intro started, you could feel the electricity in the room. The screams were deafening. David made his entrance like the star he is fast becoming. David, the brightest Star in front of a wonderwall of twinkling stars, was center stage, bigger than life.

I noticed David looked a little tired. But even so, David’s performance was electric. The energy in the showroom, could have supplied all the energy needed to light up all of Reno! I can’t quite believe I’m here witnessing this once in a lifetime experience.. I can’t quite believe I’m in the mosh pit! What was I thinking? David is wearing dark fitted jeans, black or grey sneakers, a grey hoodie over a Tee that at first glance looked like a sweater vest & tie, but was a graphic tee. Hair perfect, face perfect, smile perfect. The Voice is perfect. My eyes are fixated on David. I am directly in front of David’s keyboard, two young girls in front of me. I am incognito….I’m wearing a baseball cap, black with itty bitty sequins which I bought in one of the shops in the casino. Incognito? Again, what was I thinking?

David goes through each song with the ease of a seasoned performer. His ballads SOT, YC, are sublime and he has the audience in the palms of his hands. The up tempo songs are energetic, but less so than at some of the previous venues.. Still, he is having a good time. (I noticed he looks up in the audience a lot during the concert. I found out later Lupe was in the audience so obviously, David was singing to his mom). He is leading his audience and we follow wherever he wants to take us. The medley of the cover songs was superb, better than the originals as only David can do. We’re enraptured. By the time he gets to ZG, we are putty. After ZG, we are his slaves. I am his slave! I can’t take my eyes off him, even while I’m holding ground as those behind me are pushing & shoving, trying to get closer to the master, the Magic Man. Then the end came too soon, and we were “Crushed”. David came out for his encore, and he’s right in front of Lily & I! The light emanating from his beautiful face is indescribable. ATM, unbelievable! Then he sings to the Angels. At least that’s what it looked like to me. He goes somewhere else, he’s no longer here with us, his face is serene, like he can see the angels he’s singing to. His face looks pure, clean, though he’s glistening with sweat, he has a glow, an aura around him. Watching him sing Angels I know we really are in the presence of future greatness.

And I feel a profound sadness. Have you ever felt extreme joy and sadness at the same time? It hurts. The pain I was feeling was real. I knew as I watched David that we, his fans who love him, who want only the best for him, are slowly “losing” him. I don’t think it’s something David wants, but it’s beyond his control. He wants so much to share himself and his music with the world, but the irony is in sharing his gift, he will become inaccessible to the very people he wants to share his gift with. It’s already begun, the inaccessibility. I understand he must be protected, but it pains me that he’s being protected from us. That there are only a select few fans who will be able to even speak with him. I know he doesn’t want this. Otherwise he would not have come out after some of his concerts, when he saw his fans waiting for him and would not leave. In Reno, he didn’t have to come out. He could have let Ray and the venue security handle the fans but he didn’t. He came out and made his fans so happy! I could see as he came quickly down the line, he was loving the closeness with his fans, even though it was a few seconds with each one, with no touching allowed. How difficult it is to be so close you can almost smell him, but can’t touch him? With me, it was maybe 60 seconds, and he did hold my hand. Does he know what those few seconds mean to us? How we constantly think about what he said to us, how he looked when he said it? Those few seconds seared in our memories? Now it’s a few seconds. Soon, as his star rises, he will be more & more isolated. We will have no personal contact at all. But I understand..I do. And it makes me very sad and why I am so grateful for his band members. They take the place of David after the concert meet & greets. Mike, Alex, Eli and Kendra are doing a super job, not only on stage, but off as well. They love the fans and the fans love them. I hope they will have a lifetime professional relationship with David. It’s obvious they love being on the stage with David and it’s obvious the feeling by David is mutual. We were able to spend several minutes with all four after the concert. They are all very talented in their own right. I have to make an additional comment about Mike Krompass. He is very aware of everything around him. I once said that David sees lyrics all around him and I believe Mike has that same quality. I’m looking forward to more & more song collaborations by David & Mike.

My trip home was long and I had a long time to think about this particular time in our journey with David. I was thinking how quickly the last year went by, and I was wishing it was possible to turn back time. Back to when we first saw David on AI. It was the start of a magical time, the start of a wondrous journey. The journey goes on. The culmination of this chapter of our journey with David will be the Finale of his solo tour in SLC. A new chapter begins with the UK tour. I believe when David comes home from the UK, David will no longer be “ours”. He will belong to the world. His destiny is being fulfilled. silverfox