September 24, 2008 - Cleveland, OH (Quicken Loans Arena)

[Celinenvegas]

Found this article online - have fun everyone!!!

 

 

Celine Dion spectacle coming to town

 

Diva to bring her big voice, big show to Cleveland. Fans sure to get sight, sound treat

By Malcolm X Abram

Beacon Journal music writer

POSTED: 01:06 p.m. EDT, Sep 17, 2008

 

Celine Dion doesn't do anything small.

 

The Quebecoise super star, who has spent the last five years in Las Vegas getting tourists to empty their bank accounts for a few precious hours in her grand presence (to the tune of $250 million), has hit the road for the first time in a decade to promote her first full English-language pop album in five years, Taking Chances.

 

In what is appropriately dubbed the Taking Chances Tour, the mainstream adult contemporary pop diva is bringing all the pomp and circumstance of her New Day Vegas run to the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on Wednesday.

 

Thousands of fans probably had to forgo summer vacations to purchase decent tickets (there are $27 and $47 nosebleed seats, but it's $125-$185 everywhere else in the arena). They will surely have their Dion jones fully satiated, as the nearly two-hour show is by all accounts a typically ''Dion-esque'' visual and aural spectacle.

 

The title of her latest album, No. 35 en totale, suggests that at 40, Dion is ready to break out of her formulaic and wildly successful blend of mild pop tunes and sweeping maudlin ballads to try something different.

 

And there are some surprising names among the credits, including former Evanescence songwriter/guitarist/producer Ben Moody, ex-4 Non Blondes singer and songwriter-for-hire Linda Perry, ex-Eurythmics guitarist Dave Stewart and current R&B hit maker/singer Ne-Yo. But throughout the album, the ''chances'' are mostly superficial, with traces of rock on Can't Fight the Feeling, and some light electronic beats on Shadow of Love. However, there is nothing amongst the 16 tracks that will frighten or confuse Dion's massive fan base, which would be content to hear her wrap her technically dazzling multi-octave voice around anything.

 

Though the album might not quite signify the shift in her career she hoped it would, Dion does actually take a few chances on stage. During the show, she takes on Heart's '80s power ballad Alone and Clevelander Eric Carmen's All by Myself and pays homage to both James Brown with a version of It's a Man's Man's Man's World and Queen with two songs, The Show Must Go On and We Will Rock You.

 

Dion has always been a consummate professional, almost to the point of being a high-fashion, big-voiced automaton. All of her familiar moves are in evidence; the wide-open arm flaps during the many big notes, the forearm slapping and chest beating (so you know she really means it), the tiny Fat Elvis karate kicks (in six-inch heels!), the forlorn stare into the imaginary horizon just as the video screen gives the audience a close-up of her pristine alabaster skin.

It's all there and it all works.

 

It's also surrounded by what Ed Sullivan used to call a ''really big sheooow!'' With the stage set up ''in the round,'' the show features a seven-piece band with a drummer and a percussionist, a cadre of acrobatic dancers, moving catwalk, four hydraulic risers, dazzling lights and more strategically placed video screens than at your favorite sports bar.

 

In the middle of all that is the diva herself, running through several songs from Taking Chances, the aforementioned covers and, of course, her hit-filled catalog, including Power of Love, My Heart Will Go On, the up-tempo Chrysler jingle I Drove All Night and a gaggle of ballads.

 

Though her recent albums haven't flown off store shelves with the same alacrity as they did in the '90s (Taking Chances has only sold platinum in the States), Dion's status as superstar and (arguably the least diva-like) pop diva is cemented. Just as other veteran (less talented) pop divas, such as Madonna and Janet Jackson, have watched their record sales drop, their fans are always willing to shell out the francs to see their heroes do their thing on a stage.

And just like those other (seriously less talented) singers, Dion gives her adoring crowd exactly what it wants: To spend a few hours basking in the visual spectacle of her stage presence and presentation and to have their ears and hearts massaged by the Voice.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Malcolm X Abram can be reached at mabram@thebeaconjournal.com or 330-996-3758.

 

 

 

 

 

Details

 

What: Celine Dion

When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24

Where: Quicken Loans Arena, 1 Center Court, Cleveland

Tickets: $27-$185

Information: http://www.ticketmaster.com, 330-945-9400

[Celinenvegas]

Have fun at the show everyone!! Did anyone buy the hot sound VIP packages? Edited September 20, 2008 at 04:19 AM by Celinenvegas

[kathy4]

i can't wait to see the pictures.

[Celine684201]

FOR SALE!!!

Celine ticket for Cleveland

24 September 2008

 

Section 106...Row 4 Seat diclosed to purchaser

 

$100.00 USD

 

PM me if interested

tickets are in hand...i will meet up with winner before the show

purchaser please have cash

I CANNOT take checks

you can also call me at:

702-561-0518

Hope to hear from you soon!

Antoinette

Edited September 23, 2008 at 08:51 PM by Koolan

[Nmj]

Have a great time Wednesday Everyone!!!

[Doug Tesar]

Great find on the article celinevegas I enjoyed read it.

 

 

Hey everyone only 5 days till the concert are we all getting excited. I went down to the Q today try to beat the rush on getting my hot sound tickets but I missed the times the counter was open. Guess I will have to run done there Sunday afternoon. Those of you that have will call tickets like I do they are open from 12:00 noon till 5:00pm. I took some pictures in front of the Q I wanted to share with you all.

[SarahJB5]

yay...thanks for the pictures...only 4 more days!!! Can't wait to be there!

[ashleylovesceline]

Yay, now I'm even more excited!! I can't believe it's already here!

[idolfan05]

I am brand new here..I can't wait to see her on Wednesday--I'm going to back-to-back concerts Tuesday & Wednesday..Tuesday being carrie Underwood and Wednesday being Celine.... I'm so not gonna have a voice Thursday

[ashleylovesceline]

Hi, welcome to the forum!

 

You'll have to try to meet up with us if you'd like -where are you sitting?

[whineupemily]

Ahhhh i freakin cant wait, can you guys believe how quick it came!

My seats are fantastic, and i cant wait.

 

I know she will do her best for us

Ahhh cant wait!

[Doug Tesar]

Hey Ash I had to go back down to the Q Sunday to get my tickets when I went down there Saturday I missed when will call was open. FYI everyone You don’t have to wait till the night of the concert to get your tickets if you have them in WILL CALL. All you need is proof of ID your credit card aslo would hurt if you have your hot sound or hot seat lamanated cards with you just in case you can't get in to get them but shouldn't be a problem. The WILL CALL ticket booths are located on the North East side of Building inside. I had a hard time finding it there is nothing on the outside doors to tell you where it is. If you look at the picture I posted of the main entrance it is just left of the main doors. You will see some construction being done in front of it, that’s where you want to go in. There is a parking lot is across from the Q by the Residence Inn or if you are lucky as I was I parked on the street and didn’t have to pay. I am so excited here are my tickets below. I wish I could go to the sound check like you. Doug

[Doug Tesar]

Here are my tickets anyone setting around me

[Nmj]

whats that circle picture near your tickets???

[Doug Tesar]

I am showing you what the gold seat tier laminate passes look like for those of us that are sitting in my area. I would love to see what the hot sound package laminate passes look like or other tier packages that were available.

[minniemare5]

I got my hot sound package laminates for Detroit, and they look just like yours.

[idolfan05]

Hi, welcome to the forum!

 

You'll have to try to meet up with us if you'd like -where are you sitting?

 

Sec.127 Row 5

[ashleylovesceline]

See all of you soon!!!!!

[Doug Tesar]

Hey Ash I sent you a text message yesterday did you get the picture I sent you of me and Dalia?

[venezia7]

Have fun, can't wait to hear reviews

[Doug Tesar]

Hey dose anyone know how early they will allow you in the Q?

[Shamrock_1982]

Hey guys have a great night....

 

Darren.

[minniemare5]

Thanks! Does anyone know if Celine went back to Montreal or is staying in Cleveland? Anyone know what entrance at the Quicken Loans arena she'll be pulling in at? I just came back from there and spoke to a security guard who said that she'll be going underground and there's no way I'd see her (police escort, etc..) but she stopped for Sarah in Columbus, so I'm thinking if we find the right entrance she may stop in Cleveland. I walked around to all the entrances of the ramps connecting to the arena, and they all have low entrances, so I'm wondering how the semis will get underground? Everyone's thoughts are much appreciated! I'm trying to take every opportunity to meet Celine, and I'm so mad at myself for not sticking around the ramp yesterday at Columbus. I guess it just wasn't my time. She does leave immediately after shows right?

 

I'm sitting in section 110, row 5, seats 9 and 10. Anyone want to meet before the show? I'll probably get there around 3 or 4pm tomorrow.

[Shamrock_1982]

Shes back in montreal...

[Doug Tesar]

Believe it or not the cop is right about how she will enter the Q. Underneath the Q is another city that joins not only The Q to Progressive field and a joining building around it. It quite a maze I know one of the entrances is on the far Westside of Progressive field near the out field. It is gated by a high fence and security guards. Pull out of there is a straight shot down to Burk Lake Front where I am sure her plane will be. I am thinking she won’t stay here fly to Michigan and stay and the Creaser Winser Hotel

[whineupemily]

Have fun everyone, the concert is in about 27 hours, cant wait!

I hope the hot sound packages dont mean to much, because i had the chance to get them, but i didnt, i regret it!

[Nmj]

I want to see her arrive in Detroit , i know wrong topic but does anyone know if the Palace of Aubrun Hills is underground as well or Not. I hope not I hope to get as lucky as Sara and meet Celine!!!

[minniemare5]

Nope, The Palace is not underground...so much easier! It sounds like we won't see her come to the venue in Cleveland. Thanks for all your help.

[minniemare5]

Doug,

 

So is there anyway to see Celine at the airport or at the garage entrance that's so hidden? Should I bother getting to the show early, or is there no chance at all?

 

Thanks,

 

Deborah

[Chellbie]

So excited for you guys! I'll be thinking of you all tomorrow while I'm at work! I HOPE SOMEONE GETS THEIR SPECIAL MOMENT WITH CELINE! Exciting to think about huh?

 

BREATH!!!!

 

yay!!!!

 

try to get some sleep tonight! =)