October 18, 2008 - Tacoma, WA (Tacoma Dome)

[frana]

Hi Koolan

 

Beautiful pics

 

Thank You

[kelseyraye]

Hi Everyone!

 

I don't write on here all that much, so many of you may not know me...except Jennifer, Heidi and Brenda---who I met this weekend. I am Kelsey--the other one in the pic with Celine. Wow, that was an amazing day! This is the first chance I have had to post on here, because after the concert, my dad and I wrapped up our vacation in Vegas. (he loves to gamble...and I hadn't been there since I had turned 21....Celine was my pre-gambling fix in Vegas...it was weird being there without seeing her, but seeing her the night before really off-set it!) Anyways, I just wanted to share how nice it was meeting everyone! It was great to connect with other fans.

 

I tell you what...we were definitely in the right place at the right time. I really think we were very fortunate because of the venue. (I know that if we had been in Houston, where I live, for example, we probably would not have been allowed to hang around the entrance for hours like we did!) Plus, we had a hill that kept us out of sight of "fair-weathered" fans who might have seen us gathered and thought "oh that might be fun to get an autograph." Because there were only 4 of us, not inlcuding my dad, I really think this is why she stopped.

 

When Celine pulled up she just rolled down the window and waved. (She was not on the passenger side this time) So Rene was closer to us. And that was it. We thought that was all we were going to get....but then they pulled in to the gate and while they were waiting for security to open it...I yelled out Celine, Celine can we please have a picture....a couple of times... and we can see Celine telling them to wait and then Nick rolls down the window and says you HAVE to be fast. So we all RUN to the other side of the car.

 

Celine was sooooo polite and soft-spoken to us. She couldn't have been nicer. I was yelling at my dad to take the picture of us and she goes "Oh poor dad" And then I rambled about how my dad has come with me to all of her shows. That's about all I can really remember saying to her. I've read where other people have met her and said they can't remember what they said or they want to meet her again because they didn't say anything they actually had planned to say.... and now I can totally relate....it just goes by in such a blur! But nonetheless, she was great. She even asked at the end...is that everything? We were all like ahhh have a great show! It was so fast, but so great. I am sooo glad to have that picture!

 

For everyone who worries that meeting her will take all of the excitement out of it...you don't have to worry about that. I promise, that if you ever get to meet, she won't let you down. It was such an exciting thing...something I always believed would happen for me...I just always thought it would take longer! haha! For all of you hoping to meet her....you can make it work.

 

I really took the advice on here to heart.

 

My dad and I drove to the Tacoma Dome around 1:00 and drove around the whole venue looking at all of the possible entrances. Whoever had said you would definitely know...was right! All the trucks, security and comotion made it clear what the entrance would be. BUT just to confirm, we pulled up to the security guard and pretended to ask about parking. At the end of that, I said, if I am hoping to get an autograph...would this be the entrance to be at? And he said, I really can't tell you that....and I said okay...but do you think I am on the right track? And he winked and gave me the thumbs up and told me to look for a black limo. (I didn't want to tell him that my friends on the forum had better information and that she actually would be in an SUV...so I bit my tongue! haha)

 

Well after we got ready, my dad and I got to the Tacoma Dome around 4:40. It was cold out (at least for someone from Texas in a dress) so we decided to sit in the car for a few minutes since I knew we were early. Well about 10 minutes later my dad goes "oh no, there she went" so I got out of the car and did a mad dash up the hill thinking about how mad I was going to be if I missed her. Well needless to say, that was not her. When I got to the top of the hill, Brenda was already there and she let me know that Celine had not come by. Whew, what a relief. After that, my dad and I went to walk around for a while. When we came back, Jennifer and Heidi were there with Jennifer. Then we all chatted about Celine and waited...and waited....and then finally she came! It was well worth it!

 

Then the show was great too. I was really worried that it wouldn't live up to the Vegas show because I had never seen her anywhere else. But I loved it. I also loved our seats...even though they were in the "nosebleed" But I didn't feel high at all. The "nosebleed" section in Houston is muuuucch higher...but luckily for that show, I'll be in the 10th row. And I got the Por Que Tu M'Aimes Encore shirt...so cute!

 

Okay....I think that pretty much sums up my trip! Hope you enjoyed reading about it....gosh this was long!

[Shesings2me]

Kelse, that's magical...thanks so much for sharing. The awesome thing is that it is you who made it happen by not being afraid to ask for what you wanted, and being persistent about it! I'll have to punch you in the arm though if I ever meet you because Celine was even later for soundcheck...which I was in. Please wish me luck as I try in Edmonton and Winnipeg to have my Celine moment. It's eluding me and I'm starting to feel defeated. I'll have to pick myself up, dust myself off, and follow your lead on how to make it happen.

 

Thanks again for sharing, Tracy

[kelseyraye]

Keep hoping...it'll happen for you too! And I promise...we didn't keep her more than 2 minutes! haha!

[Chellbie]

AHHH kELSEY - that was such an awsome story!! =) I'm sooo happy for you and everyone else that got the chance! And a big high-five to you for being so persistant and going for what you want! Its a great lesson for us all!! =) Enjoy that experience for the rest of your life!

 

 

Tracy... stop that.. your time is coming! =) I feel the same way but good things come to those who wait =) keep believing

[Nmj]

Cant wait to see your picture Kelsey

[Chellbie]

here are a couple pictures.. they were earlier in the thread =)

 

 

We met Kelsey from this forum while waiting for Celine. She was there with her dad who actually shot a picture of her, me and Heidi with Celine. When we get it we'll post it!

 

 

Here it is!!! Me, Celine, Kelsey and Jennifer!!!

[daSinga]

Okay, my pics from the show in Tacoma. Mind you my seat was in the nosebleed section (I was almost afraid to stand up and dance, let me tell you, the seats are really steep in that section! And I was wearing heels!) so most of the pics are from the screen.

 

 

Enjoy! ~~Bren

 

I'm on the far right (I think you can figure out where Céline & René are in the pic) From left to right is Heidi, Kelsey & Jennifer.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z242/daJazzSinga/Celine%20Dion%20Concert%202008%20Oct%2018/025.jpg

 

I'm the one with the back of my head to the camera. lol Heidi's on the left.

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z242/daJazzSinga/Celine%20Dion%20Concert%202008%20Oct%2018/023.jpg

 

Okay, now for the show. . .

 

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z242/daJazzSinga/Celine%20Dion%20Concert%202008%20Oct%2018/SANY0054.jpg

 

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z242/daJazzSinga/Celine%20Dion%20Concert%202008%20Oct%2018/SANY0053.jpg

 

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z242/daJazzSinga/Celine%20Dion%20Concert%202008%20Oct%2018/SANY0042.jpg

 

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z242/daJazzSinga/Celine%20Dion%20Concert%202008%20Oct%2018/SANY0057.jpg

 

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z242/daJazzSinga/Celine%20Dion%20Concert%202008%20Oct%2018/SANY0047.jpg

[Celineforeveranangel]

So it turns out that I missed my Celine meeting yet again...darn it, LOL. It's true though; Jen, Bren, and the others all got to meet her when I was in soundcheck. BUT that's ok folks 'cause I'm grateful for all that I have been able to do re: Celine and I know I'm due for my Celine moment very soon. I'm going to remain optimistic.

 

OK, so here's my story about my adventures in soundcheck and at the concert. Enjoy!

 

We get let in at approx 5pm after being told to be there at 4:30pm. No problem 'cause I'm super pumped just to be there. We're told not to bring gifts but I took some good advice and just brought it anyway. We get checked and I explain that I won't try to give Celine my gifts during soundcheck, so the guy tells me to leave them on the desk inside for guest services to bring to Celine later. Well, I don't listen and keep the gifts with me. We wait a long time for Celine because her plane only landed at like 5:40pm or something like that. During the wait I decide to stand by the doorway so I can be the first one into the dome area to get the best seat. As I get to the door I notice Patrick Angelil talking to our host. He looks over and I start talking to him in French. I remind him that we took a picture together in Paris and he jokes around about whether he looked good in the pic, etc and then he walks over and chats with me some more. Because I'm a wimp and don't want to get myself kicked out of soundcheck I ask Patrick if he'd be kind enough to give Celine my gifts. I explain to Patrick that I put a 1968 Nickle in the card for good luck and that around the frog's neck there's a handmade Aboriginal beaded/cow hide bangle for her. The bangle was made by one of the ladies at the shelter where I work; she's fleeing abuse and trying to heal. I explain this all to him. Then Patrick tells me that it would be his pleasure to take it right to Celine's dressing table and put it where she can see as soon as she sits down. I thank him so much again for his kindness and he leaves.

 

We wait quite a bit longer in our holding cell (I mean room) and then we are told that we're heading into the dome. I rush to be first in line (which I succeed at) and when we get to the seats by the catwalk I'm sitting first row dead center. The band members practice and make their last adjustments, sing, fool around etc and still we wait and wait for Celine. At this point I'm wondering if we ever will get to see Celine and then who do I see walking in but our beautiful chanteuse. Now I've lost track of time so I can't tell you when she showed, but it was so lovely and so so exciting to see her. It looks like Celine is going to go directly up to the stage but instead she takes a couple of steps towards us and apologizes for her tardiness and jokes around a little. What she said exactly I don't remember because my mind was racing and I just kept trying to tell her that it was ok that she was late and that we're so happy to be there. Celine makes some funny noises and sings a little into the microphone and then talks for about 5 mins with her sound crew. I notice right away that it sounds like she has a cold. I couldn't ask anyone else around me though because they're not die-hards like the rest of us. She starts pacing around the stage and then makes like her nose is running; then she starts looking around for kleenex. Then the cutie patootie goes and puts the kleenex up her nose and walks around with it like that for a few seconds; I'm sure just to make us laugh; she's an entertainer in every way our girl. At this point I'm so worried for her and wondering how she's going to put on the show with that bad cold, but her practice voice sounds fantastic.

 

Celine is in fine form now and she picks up Gordie's props and models them all for us. When she puts on the Elvis glasses and sideburns she gives a little Elvis impersonation; it's so adorable! Celine sings only a few lines from a few songs (not her songs) and I'm sorry but I can't remember which ones. She also does a bit of Taking Chances but adlibs that too and so it's not the song we all know. Afterall, she's now in a hurry and her heads full of snot; I think she wanted to save whatever energy she could muster for the show. Celine thanks us all for being there and says she'll see us later. But, someone in the band starts up the music again and she says, "oh, one more then I guess" and proceeds to belt out strong, powerful vocals. Wow, I'm remembering now...it was some of The Prayer. If I end up remembering more detail I'll add it later, I promise. Ok, so that ends and she says her goodbyes again. (She was on stage for maybe 20 mins). We get asked to start moving out of the dome before Celine's even down the stairs, but I stay and call Nick over. I can't tell you why Nick sort of knows me...trust me it's not a big deal, but I did find it super cool when he comes up, says my name, and then shakes my hand. He wants to chat a bit longer but he must go right to Celine's side as soon as she's at the bottom stair. I wanted to ask him if I could walk out with him and Celine but I know he can't do that. I can't get any special priviliges especially since the other soundcheck guests would get really pissed off.

 

We leave the dome area and go back to our room for dinner. The dinner is absolutely delicious and we sit around our tables chatting about how incredibly powerful Celine's voice is, how nice it was to have that experience, etc. There is a nice couple from Quebec (I'm from Montreal by the way) who speaks French with me and we bond, LOL! They raffle off a signed program but of course no one at our table wins it. But then we get a nice surprise of a complimentary program; I later give mine to Bren. I already had one and she didn't so it only makes sense to me!! After a little more mingling we set out for our 3rd row seats (section 1). The seats are so good; it is the side where Mego, Andre, and Jean-Sebastien hang out; we're on the end with Andre & J-S. I found that Gordie was very funny. He made me laugh quite a bit; I'm warmed up now. Bren finds me at the break by screaming my name and flashing her CD above her head. I'm so happy for her and run around the whole section to give her a big hug. Just then Michel walks by and I say "bonjour Michel"; he acknowledges me as he hurries by. I realize that I can't run after him for a picture 'cause my camera is still at my seat.

 

The concert starts and the crowd is on fire and electric. Most people are very vocal, stand up to dance and stuff, etc. Celine is so darn close and my mouth is wide open for the first few songs. I also can't stop taking pictures; I want to preserve every moment!! I think Celine did good with her use of the stage, with making sure she got everywhere evenly. I recognized the times when she struggled for her voice, but it was so rare (mainly just with some parts of Alone). Otherwise, Celine hit this show out of the park!! She was dynamic, full of energy, full of spunk, and she chatted quite a bit with us too. It was a concert I will never forget! I was blessed to have had another Celine experience and even more blessed to have met some beautiful fans again. Thank you Christina (I'm forgetting the lady's name that was with you), Bren, Racie and Sue for an unforgettable weekend. Bren, keep singing and always stay hopeful. You have a lot to give and eventually life will give back to you! Racie & Sue, our road trip was tons of fun and Vancouver sight seeing was just an added bonus to an amazing trip.

 

For those people on here that don't make the effort to meet and bond with other fans I'm sorry but you don't know what you're missing. We all have so much to learn from each other and sharing Celine is what makes her music that much more special. I'm not sorry for how long this is and I hope it was worth the read.

 

Celinely yours,

Tracy

p.s. I have lots of pics and some videos. I haven't got them onto my computer yet but if there are some good ones, I'll post them soon. I also took some audio of the soundcheck (bad girl, huh?) but my camera was in my purse at the time so I'm not sure if it turned out. Ok...bye.

 

Thanks for your lovely story Tracy. I promise if i could get To all Celines concerts and meet all you lovely Celine fans that I chat to on this forum I would... for sure love to meet you all.

[Terre]

Poor Céline... I think she sounds amazing and looks stunning on the videos even though she wasn't feeling well.

 

Thank you so much for all the great reviews, pics and videos! And congrats to Jennifer and everyone else who got to meet Céline! I envy you so much.

[daSinga]

Thank you so much for all the great reviews, pics and videos! And congrats to Jennifer and everyone else who got to meet Céline! I envy you so much.

 

LOL I made prints of my photos at Wal-Mart for the first time in I can't even recall how long! Also took a photo of my Taking Chances CD cover which she graciously signed. Don't want to risk losing it, or -- heaven forbid -- have someone walk off with it!

 

I did get a vid of "My Love", but I missed like the first line and a half. The audio turned out pretty good for it being a <$100 digital camera doing the video, but because the zoom is up so high, the pic is grainy and shaky. IF you'd like me to post it anyways, let me know.

 

~~Bren

[anewdayhascome]

will the video bootleg be shared to download in MM? or should I download from youtube?

[fab]

Thank you i love this one

 

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z242/daJazzSinga/Celine%20Dion%20Concert%202008%20Oct%2018/SANY0054.jpg

[Adeline]

thanks for the pics Edited October 24, 2008 at 08:05 PM by Adeline

[daSinga]

Bad news I thought I had transferred the vid of "My Love" onto my computer, then deleted it from my computer. sorry

 

I'm glad you liked the pic, fab!

 

~~Bren

[racey3229]

well i am back in the uk now, i will post some pics very shortly, i have some good ones!! bren it was great to meet you, i cant believe a week has gone by already!!

 

i will post my pics of my signed dvds and ipod in the autograph topic

[racey3229]

ok guys here are some pics from tacoma

[racey3229]

[racey3229]

[racey3229]

this ones for you tracy lol

[racey3229]

[racey3229]

can any1 help, i have lots of pics but it will only let me upload 1 at a time and i have to crop it to less than 800k which ruins the pic????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? HELP PLEASE

[Shesings2me]

this ones for you tracy lol

 

Thanks Race ...I'm a happy camper now, but do send it to my email too please!!

[Shesings2me]

 

Totally GORMLESS, but oh so cute!!

[racey3229]

yes tracy the last pic i posted is the definition of gormless lol

[celinevegas]

Oh my god!!

She is terrible this photos but what it spends you he Céline?

[celinevegas]

Oh Racey ,You took enormous pics!!! On plans excel!

Wahou!!!!

[spellbound]

WOW!! I'm so excited (and slightly jealous )for everyone who got to meet her, and the soundcheck seems amazing as well. I didn't even know people could be in there...shows how out of the loop I am with this tour. Does anybody know if it would be possible to try to wait outside entrances at other venues? I'm going to be at the San Jose concert and I would love to try and wait. I've never been to San Jose though or the HP Pavillion, so I don't know how my luck would be. That's so sad that she was sick to, atleast she wasn't too sick to go on and perform. I am so paranoid about her canceling because it happened to me the first time I tried to go see her in Vegas a couple of years ago.... I found out an hour before I got onto the plane and I literally cried the entire way there . Luckily I have seen her three times since!!

Congragulations to everyone again!! I'm glad the show was better than the Portland show. I was in Portland and the crowd REFUSED to move or stand up.....so frustrating!! Hopefully there will be a better crowd in San Jose!

[maxceline]

that's so so funny we know her faunny faces thanks for sharing!

[Bellamy]

can any1 help, i have lots of pics but it will only let me upload 1 at a time and i have to crop it to less than 800k which ruins the pic????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? HELP PLEASE

Upload on imageshack... first, then post links here.