I have an amazing book that sits on my desk. It is unlike any other and there is absolutely no copy out there like it. This book has over 70 authors with so many stories, poems and life lessons. And really I can argue that its worth, well it is priceless.
My book holds the only thing I have ever taken the time to collect, ticket stubs. Ironically enough I am realizing my first concert was a little over 10 years ago, happy anniversary to me! I have been attending concerts, Broadway shows, comedy performances and professional sporting events now for just over 10 years.
Where did it all start? It started in 1999 with me begging my mom to take me to what would be my first concert experience at the age of 16, Everclear at the House of Blues in Orlando. It had previously been planned for my brother and I to tag along to Orlando with mom for the weekend for a conference. I guess I must have been extra good that month (duh!), because my amazing mom bought tickets for the three of us to attend. I clearly didn’t have a complex with “going to a concert with my mom and little brother” like normal 16 year olds probably would have.
It seriously was a night I will never forget. Jimmy’s Chicken Shack was the opening band, where I firmly tried to stand and keep myself in the mosh pit. That lasted one song. I promptly joined my family upstairs safe on bench overlooking the action. Well, more props to mom, because she was sitting behind Drew Carey and Ryan Reynolds!! My first time being truly star struck (and it still happens these days for sure!). Drew was very friendly and even said hello, Ryan (my oh my he is attractive) was incredibly wasted. But hey, he was fun to look at. Finally Everclear took the stage. I knew every word to every song and couldn’t stop smiling. Of course I left the show with a souvenir t-shirt and great appreciation for the new world I finally stepped into, entertainment.
As I flip through the pages of my ticket stub diary, the variety of artists, shows and venues is pretty much out there. Some of the stubs that jump out, well how about seeing *NSYNC three times in one year, THREE! That right there is almost $200 worth of Justin, JC, Chris, Lance and Joey fun. Man I was devoted. The pattern in this memory lane is that I am a repeat offender, I see bands multiple times, it’s a little crazy. John Mayer, Tony Bennett, Hoobastank, Good Charlotte, Gavin Degraw and O.A.R are considered two timers, but Sister Hazel, ten timer. Whew.
And then there is my first real punk concert I attended right here in Jax at the Marquee Theatre, we now know as the 5 Points theatre, Less Than Jake. I had to be convinced to go to this one, considering my love for mosh pits. So the guy I went with so sweetly said…I’ll protect you, just stand behind me. RIGHT. As the first cord hit, BAM, I’m thrown to the back and he is conveniently in the front row rocking out. Ahhh memories. Oh and Less Than Jake would be in the two timer category.
I consider myself extremely blessed to have the entertainment experiences I have had over the last 10 years. I have seen many venues, which in itself is a treat. It is hard to believe that I became familiar with my “home”, The Florida Theatre, just over 2 years ago. It is like collection was leading me here. Working here, in this entertainment palace is clearly a dream come true for a once 16 year old with a hobby.
KRB