Category Archives: Concert Photos/Reviews

Wolf Trap ~~ By “An Il Volo Fan”

June 26, 2014 Kelly 34 Comments

Hey, Everyone!

This review of the Wolf Trap show was submitted to us by a shy young lady who wanted to share her story but remain anonymous….maybe we can encourage her to post more. 🙂

The following is my Il Volo story. I felt compelled to share it for some reason. I hope you all enjoy!

Sometime in March when the Il Volo tour dates were released I saw, remarkably, that after a few years of waiting, they had at last come near the Virginia area.

On my 16th birthday, no less!

Needless to say, I was borderline ecstatic.

My reaction… almost.

I’m not exactly the sort of person that goes into rhapsodies over things like this, but this was almost a miracle. I was expecting the usual ceremony of cake for my birthday… but this, never! It also completely removed my superstition of Friday the 13th. Did I mention there was a “Strawberry Moon” for the 13th? Not to mention the astrologists were simply all over that day… I prefer solid facts, though. But I digress.

On the way there, the weather was downright awful, unfortunately. Terribly heavy rain, but it cleared soon enough.

We finally arrived at Wolf Trap (lovely place, may I add) an hour early, but the place was already packed. When they say arrive an hour early, they mean it.

It was rather humid there (or maybe I just hate heat!) but by the time we got there, it calmed down nicely. The weather was acting up for just a moment and the wind even moved the curtain a bit before showtime, humorously. By the way, they were about 3 minutes or so late. Unforgivable! 😉

Fortunately the crowd was mostly older ladies and gentlemen so my sensitive hearing was not irritated (I’ve had to forego concerts and baseball games because people screaming in my ear is a no-no.)

The backdrop was not a video like past seasons, it was simply a red, green, etc. etc. background that I much preferred.

Unbelievable as it may seem, I could have chosen closer seats, but the prospect of somebody possibly serenading me for a few seconds before thousands of people terrifies me beyond measure. No offense, of course.

My adolescent joy had probably reached its zenith when the show finally started. I actually had only listened to a handful of their songs before the concert because I wanted to keep them fresh, but don’t ask me how I managed to do that!

I will never forget the way I felt when the concert finally started. A billion Ennio Morricone death/love themes couldn’t of properly conveyed how I felt. When I eventually reach senility (if I’m lucky, that is) I’ll remember this moment (or not remember) and smile like a cornball. I know there are all those quotes people post on Twitter about how to trust actions, not words. I detect anti-poeticism here. What do I have to do to prove myself: jump out of a plane screaming “IL VOLO FOREVER!” in a green, white and red jumpsuit? You get my point, trust me folks.

When they started my, ‘phone (well, not my phone) could not capture the stark vividness of the red background and their figures, but let me tell you, it was intense.

I adjusted it just a smidge to make it seem more like it was in person.

My personal favorite.
Ignazio was the usual joker with his arm around Piero whose face looked comically deadpanned. He went on about the singers they were in love with, and he said that Gianluca was in love with Frank Sinatra (it’ll never work out, I’m afraid), and that Piero was in love with… him! Aha!

Surprisingly, it was also Barbara Vitalli’s birthday that day, so they sang “Happy Birthday” to her! Some coincidence! I must say that was a little unexpected!!

During the “Maria” number in place of bringing girls onto the stage they instead went by the first few rows and sang to some lovely ladies.

My favorite moment was probably when the selfie (in my own world that is not an accepted word in the Oxford dictionary) prince came out and sang his “Night and Day” number. Not because he reminds me of Elvis but because I think that he executed (in a good way) it so very well.

I have listened to countless old (excuse me… vintage) videos on YouTube thinking there was no reason to ever go to see a concert in person because I thought that I would never hear or see anything that good in this life and era. Michael Buble, Josh Groban, etc, etc… may be good in their own way but I’m afraid they are not a very satisfying substitute. Well, I guess I was completely mistaken. I still I can’t believe I heard something so lovely in person. Although, I do do a little convulsive knee jerk every time they say they sing it in a “fresh” way, it was never stale!! (Use of that word is marketing, I suppose and I guess I’m just a overly sensitive music purist. 😮

I think these days people feel a little obligated to give a standing ovation, perhaps out of pressure or politeness. But I can tell you, there was no pressure here. They all deserved each one!

Well, I think I am done waxing lyrical about the concert. It was good. They sounded good. More than good. Fantastic! I liked/loved/enjoyed it. Oh yes!

I especially thank God, thank my dog, thank my parents, thank the universe but most all of thank Il Volo for existing. (I’m sure somebody is going to steal that for an Oscar speech, just you wait).

With utmost bliss,

A Very, Very Overzealous Teenage Fan-girl ♫

P.S. I have no idea what possessed me to write this! I must be off my rocker!
P.P.S. The piece my piano teacher gave me to study the day before I went was called “The Flight”. Really!

Concert Photos/Reviews, Gianluca, Ignazio, Piero

Carli in Nashville

June 22, 2014 Kelly 25 Comments

Hey, Everyone!

So, Carli is out of town this week, but sent her story because she is so excited to have us hear it. I’m not going to say any more except that at some point during the evening, I’m guessing her father had a little moment of panic, because…well…he’s a father, and that’s what they do when it comes to their little girls… 😉 Enjoy!

Sing, My Angles Of Music

…There came the turquoise smoke with the first notes of “Un Amore Cosi Grande” and then, as a phantom, appeared Gianluca, wrapped in the swirling mists of light. The crowd roared. Then a few moments later, Piero, and then Ignazio, to the same lively crowd…
* * *

June 17th, 2014, the long-awaited day had finally come when I would set my eyes for the first time upon three boys whom I had come to love. The first pleasant surprise of the day was when I was at the store getting last minute things for Il Volo, and all of a sudden, What did I see? but red glasses! Not sunglasses with red rims and not reading glasses, but just stylish red glasses! I almost shouted as I said, “Piero Glasses”! They looked very similar to his older pair of red glasses, which I adore almost as much as the face that wears them. I had never found such a perfect pair, and they were a very good price! I was almost ecstatic! I would now have a pair of Piero Glasses to wear to the concert! Later my dad told me he saw Piero smile when he noticed me wearing them.

After we got to the venue, we went in to get my wristband and then walked around the building some. It was absolutely gorgeous! I was so excited and could not believe that this dream to see Il Volo was about to come true! Then–oh, I’m getting chills just writing about it!–We entered the concert hall… I just about started to cry!!! Then I saw my seat!!! IT WAS SOOOOO CLOSE!!! As I had not been able to make a sign before this, and I had brought paper and a few markers, I hurriedly wrote “Piero, Sing 2 Me” on it. I had this on my lap for much of the time. While I was waiting for the concert to begin, Jeannie, I think, waved at me and I waved at her, she also pointed to someone else, but I could not hear who she said. Sadly I did not get to meet her or any of the other Il Volo Flight Crew members there. I did were my badge though, and had a couple people ask about it, and I told them about you all.

The lady sitting next to me during the concert said that she heard that you were allowed to take photos, just as long as you didn’t use the flash. This was good news for me as I thought from what I had seen, that we weren’t allowed to during the concert; and I was already planning to try to sneak a few in, so now I didn’t have to sneak. I was able to get some pretty nice shots, although my camera batteries started to die part way through because I had forgotten to charge them. I stopped taking photos to save some battery for M&G.

So, the concert itself. As the band members walked on stage, the audience started clapping and chanting “IL-VO-LO, IL-VO-LO, IL-VO-LO…” We got so pumped up! It was great! And then, the lights went… off as our “flight” began. There came the turquoise smoke with the first notes of “Un Amore Cosi Grande,” then, as a phantom, appeared, Gianluca, wrapped in the swirling mists of light. The crowd roared. Then a few moments later, Piero, and then Ignazio entered to the same lively crowd. As they stood amidst the fairy lighting, it was breathtaking. There stood the loves of my life, who are among the people I adore most in this world, and there they stood right before my eyes.

Oh, how do I describe the concert? Words such as “phenomenal,” “sensational,” “stupendous,” and “breathtaking” really don’t do the job, but for lack of a better means of describing this event, I am forced to use such words. Only those who experience it for themselves can understand. Il Volo’s voices were out-of-this-world, especially Piero’s! I have to agree with everyone else that they sound even better and look even better in real life! I heard later that the Nashville Schermerhorn Symphony Center was either one of the best or the best venue for sound quality in the world! Ignazio did seem to have a little trouble with his voice, but not to much. The lighting crew was good too. Only once can I remember when Gianluca was singing in the dark. It was so cute, he was motioning with his had to have the light on him! They were endearing on stage, as always. I loved it when Ignazio played the drums during one of the songs. Later, while sitting on the piano, he kept turning on and off the light for the pianist! It was fun to watch them interact with the band members. It was a wonderful performance and there were several times I started to cry. It was a most stunning performance!

I was privileged to be on the front row and got a lot of interaction with them! I can’t remember if Piero or Gianluca responded to me first, I think maybe Gianluca. I threw him a kiss, and he smiled at me! But then… so yeah, I blew Piero a kiss, and he blew me one! I just about died! I can’t remember, but i think maybe he did it more than once. Several times he looked at me and smiled! In another song, I went up and touched Gianluca’s hand and kissed it. That was the first time I had ever kissed a guy, but I’m not sure if I want to count that exactly, you’ll see in a little bit why.

During “I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You,” I saw Gianluca pointing to someone behind me, and I pointed to myself to see if I would get a reaction, and I did! He looked right at me and winked! There was also another time I got to touch his hand, I think. And then Ignazio! He was perched atop the piano, and I blew him a kiss, he blew one back to me! Then he shouted, I think to me, “What is that for?” I shouted back “BECAUSE I LOVE YOU!” Another time, Ignazio messed with Gianluca’s hair, and I gave Ignazio a disapproving look, and he scowled at me! Hehehe! I hope he took it in fun!

Anyways, I did save the best for last, and that is when Piero sang to me! He sang part of “Beautiful Day” to me! He came to the edge of the stage and held my hand in his beautiful hands and looked into my eyes and smiled as he sang to me! I stood there gazing into the most beautiful dark chocolate eyes that ever have looked upon this earth and sang along! When he was done, He kissed my hand, and I kissed his! Piero was the first guy to ever kiss me! But that’s not all! Later after he took a drink out of one of his water bottles, he threw it to me! (So I was really upset with myself later when I grabbed it instead of my own bottle, and took a drink out of it. I wanted to never open it after he had opened it and used it.)

It was such a marvelous night, and the wonderful crowd gave standing ovations for most or all of the boy’s solos, plus a standing ovation to at least one other of their songs they sang together, not counting the encores. Il Volo’s final exit was so cute, there were curtains that were opened at the end, and after the concert was done, the boys jumped down and behind! Like a perfect ending, if an ending of Il Volo can be perfect.

After the concert, we then headed to M&G. While waiting, I got to say hello to Barbara and Gianluca’s mother and take a picture with them. Gian’s mom and I both had on a red dress! She is so beautiful! I said, “Grazie” to her, and she said, “Thank You!”

So back to M&G though, I didn’t drool. lol. My mouth was so dry from all the screaming at the concert, and plus it was really warm were we were waiting to meet them. I thought that possibly it was so hot because the boys were there. But kissing was a different story. When it was my turn I ran and jumped into Piero’s arms, screaming “PIERO” while I wrapped my arms around his neck, and he wrapped his arms around me! HE WAS HOLDING ME!!! My feet were off the ground!!! I then started kissing his cheek like crazy! He was the first guy I kissed, if you don’t count me kissing Gianluca’s hand. I lost myself in his arms, and while I was kissing him, he was chuckling to himself! It was so adorable! He smelled so wonderful!

He asked “What is your name, What is your name?” in his sweetest voice, and I had to stop kissing him to say “Carli.” Then I motioned for him to kiss me on the cheek but he wouldn’t. I kept pointing, but he kept turning his cheek, maybe he wanted more kisses! I was getting a bit desperate. But then, the most memorable and magnificent thing happened! He turned his delightful face and looked at me with a kiss on his lips, and motioned for me to kiss him! Of course I could not deny such a wonderful offer request and… WE KISSED!!! He had initiated it!!! I don’t really remember how it felt, the last think i do remember was going towards him to kiss him. And the best thing about it was that I wasn’t asking for that kind of kiss either, he asked for it! (he didn’t verbally, but you understand) Just being in his strong arms and seeing him look at me with his lips ready for a kiss is one of the most charming and surprising sights I have seen in my life. I got to touch his hair a little bit too! Then he put me down.

When I think back to this, I have a hard time believing that it really happened. I then said hello to Gianluca and touched his hair, and he smiled. We took two pictures, both of which only Piero was looking, (but he was smiling!) and then the M&G people were trying to get me out. I said I had not gotten them to autograph my shirt yet. They let someone else go next while i got my shirt for them to autograph. They signed it, and then I had to go. I was too excited to be stubborn about leaving. I didn’t even get to really say hi to Ignazio, and I didn’t get to give them the gifts I had brought, I had to give it to the M&G people. I hope the boys got it. Later I realized I forgot to give them the Nutella for Gianluca.

Although I spent most of all my time short time with Piero, and didn’t get to tell them what I had planned, it was well worth it! Piero is the most darling thing! Needless to say, I had the time of my life, and the sights and sounds of that magical night are forever etched in my mind! I can not wait until the next time!

Photos

Click here —> http://www.pinterest.com/baroschettoble/il-volo-nashville-my-photos/

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Concert Photos/Reviews, General news, Gianluca, Ignazio, Il Volo, Piero, Site News

Oh NO THEY DIDN’T!!!!!!!!!!

June 19, 2014 75 Comments

Oh yes they did!! Flat out left me alone! Marie, Michele, Kelly and Elaine just packed up and went on a three concert tour. Kelly promised she’d be back after Elgin, but the others, GONE!!!

To be fair, I couldn’t go this year (did you check out my sign with the three Guys?) 🙂 so I’m here holding down the fort. The ladies have all promised e-mails and texts during their travels, so i’ll be sharing them with you every day. Keep checking this post, I will be adding to it as I hear from the travelers!!!

Marie and Michele checked in from the road yesterday about noon. They got into Detroit about 4 and just as they got in a big thunderstorm rolled in!

Elaine flew from San Francisco early yesterday morning, didn’t get to Detroit until about 7 pm, now THAT’S a fan!!

Kelly is on vacation starting today and will leave Friday for Elgin. Kelly also thinks she may be getting a cold, so medicate and drink fluids, Kelly!! We need you well to go to this concert.

Il Volo rode te bus from Nashville to Detroit yesterday and were pretty quiet. Gianluca did tweet that he was watching the World Cup. Prehaps today we’ll hear more on what they’re doing!!

Piero did tweet “Detroit!” Isabel, I thought you would enjoy this picture!

Marie, Michele, Elaine and Elaine’s husband met for dinner in Detroit last night and a good time was had by all!!

Check out this great review of the concert at Wolf Trap. Thanks to our friends at All Things Il Volo. http://dcmetrotheaterarts.com/2014/06/14/il-volo-wolf-trap/

Don’t forget to check this post periodically for updates on the concerts and the adventures of the concert goers.

*****This just in from Marie this morning!

Good morning, Linda,

Well, Michele left for our trek from Wash. D.C. the night before last. Stayed the night in Pa. And picked me up yesterday morning in Ohio. We made it to Sterling Heights by late afternoon. After checking into the Hampton and driving around the building to make sure there was no bus with a picture of 3 young Italians on it we found we were close to the venue. We drove there it is an amphitheatre. No bus there either. We figure the Boys had to come north the same road we took. We went back to the hotel and waited for Elaine and her husbands plane from San Francisco. They arrived and we went to dinner. What do you suppose the dinner topic was? Everyone shared pictures of their previous concert. I have now “met” 4/5 of the Flight Crew Board!

***** Just in from Kelly at 4:30, she’s getting her mani/pedi and then getting her rental car!! The color for her nails, All lacquered up! You go kelly!!

*****Just in from Marie at 7:45pm, met Flight Crew members, Donna May and her daughter Chris, also met Joanne and Diane. Concert about to start!!

****** Update from Marie on Detroit concert, says it was fabulous!!

******From Marie early this morning (Friday at 6:30am) On the road soon to Elgin, following the Boys!

******From Elaine 11:20 this morning: Elaine T (@ElaineYYTse) tweeted at 11:10 AM on Fri, Jun 20, 2014:
Road trip…Sterling Height to Elgin #ilvolosummertour2014 http://t.co/dZK7pFdtGZ
(https://twitter.com/ElaineYYTse/status/480004722041303040)

******From Kelly on her way to Chicago for Elgin Concert!

Good Morning!
Got a pretty early start today (6:15ish), making sure to have my #1 Road Trip necessity: sunflower seeds to keep me awake!
I have about an hour to go; just taking a rest to stretch my legs (the nurse in me always worries about DVT). It’s a wonderfully cool breeze right now. If it stays like this, the night will be perfect!

*****Just in from Marie at 2pm. Marie, Michele, Elaine and Elaine’s husband are caught in Chicago traffic. Kelly is hanging out at the venue hoping to get a glimpse of “The Guys”!

****** Just in at 8:30 from Marie at Elgin! Marie is with Kelly,Michele, Elaine and Ann. They met Loretta and Irene and were introduced to 2 members of the Elgin Symphoy Orchestra!! They’re having a beautiful evening, kelly is enjoying a srawberry vodka lemonade and sent a photo, but I couldn’t download it, darn!!

Tune in for more!

******This is the e-mail from Marie, this morning 6/21!

met so many Flight Crew members and soon to be members that I can’t begin to list them all! However I have most of there names and some pictures of them I’ll share when I get home.

The concert was, once again stupendous! Piero received a birthday cake from an audience member and blew out the candles. Ignazio jumped off about a six foot stage to mingle during Maria. Him getting back up on the stage was pretty comical. Meet & greet was fun. Gave that kiss to Piero for Isabel and got Ignazio’s OTHER dimple real good for me!

When we were driving away we saw a few people standing by the back gate. So, of course we stopped and got out. Pretty soon Piero came out and chatted. A few minutes later out came the other two! All four of us were able to have actual conversations with them! I can’t say enough how wonderful these Guys are! They talked about being pretty tired, yet stood there leaning on the fence talking to us. Oh yes, I have pictures. Following the Boys to Milwaukee in the morning!

Marie and Michele have reached Milwaukee, Marie texts at 3:45 today:

“Made it to Milwaukee! Yay! The theatre is just outside my hotel room window! Big picture of “our Boys” on the front!!”

From Kelly his evening!

Well I’m home, and already needing reasons to go back to my happy place from last night (getting back to my own car from the rental place was a huge fiasco that had me exhausted, over-heated and aggravated beyond belief), but being home with my mom to fuss over me has soothed that over. An immediate 2 hour nap helped too.

An amazing time with some great stories which I will write soon…some I will keep to myself for a little bit. Winking face I wish I was in Milwaukee…one concert seems like not enough when they can’t get to my neck of the woods too often.

Thanks for doing this, Linda, and I hope our readers enjoy it.

*****Update from Marie and Michele, 6/22/14 They are in Springfield, Ohio! They are spending the night and will be home tomorrow. They both seema bit weary from their marathon concert attendances and all that driving. WHEW!

Love and Luck tomorrow, Il Volo!!

Linda

Concert Photos/Reviews, Gianluca, Ignazio, Piero

With IL VOLO, Angels All Around ~ by Jeanine DuBois

June 18, 2014 30 Comments

How do you express the magnificence of IL VOLO,

the treasures of Piero, Ignazio, and Gianluca?

…Painfully Beautiful*? stunning? incredible? amazing?

For me, IL VOLO, Our Guys, are truly Angels All Around…

…the guys ~ angels of kindness, love, sweet humor, authenticity

…their fans ~ angels of love, friendship, anticipation, excitement

…IL VOLO’s entourage, their angels ~

whispering in our ears, sparkling in our eyes, cooing in our hearts

…IL VOLO’s music ~ how can a single note be so rich, vibrant, soaring?

how does their harmony blend like birds swooping in unison?

perhaps every molecule of air bursts into song with them!

Squisitamente belissimo!**

The IL VOLO effect? ~

discovering our wings, we are transported, uplifted, soaring in ecstasy!

2014 Saratoga, the Mountain Winery, Connie’s and my road trip, my parents’ 60th wedding anniversary was rich with angels in all shapes, all forms, all moments. So this is my story, not an official Flight Crew blog. I’m that person who loves Einstein’s quote,”There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” So, as you read this, expect a miracle… or two.

I realize now that the angels were on board before our trip ever started.

If you’re curious for details, my expanded story, with angel winks, found money, Carnegie Hall, and more is on my Reflections Page,

http://www.compassions-doorway.com/Jeanine_reflections.html

Fans-become-friends, thanks to our angelic blog!

(left to right: Jeanine, Elaine, Pirate Connie)

~ Connie was a fantastic travel buddy. Easy-going, interesting, expressive as needed, and good ole’ pirate humor! Together we soared with the tunes and supported each other’s heartfelt experiences of The Guys.

~ Elaine was a treasure to get to know. Tour-guide par excellence in San Francisco, exchanging IL VOLO concert experiences, and sharing her spunky, fun true self.

~ While waiting for our menus on the patio at Florentine Trattoria, I mistook two ladies for our dinner company. Turns out they were headed to see IL VOLO, too, so Mary Ellen and Carol joined us. Mary Ellen seems potential Flight Crew material, and her friend Carol now understands that there are thousands of us just as fanatical about the IL VOLO mystique as Mary Ellen! 😉

~ Once in The Mountain Winery parking lot, we swapped stories with several IL VOLOvers, including Sharon and Patty.

~ Delighted to meet up with Vicki, Lauren, Gerri and her friend, we shared hugs, photos, and IL VOLO appreciation. Hoping for more in the future!

~ The biggest surprise was meeting Agnes and Marisse from Guatemala! What sweethearts, and talk about enthusiasm… traveling to another continent for 3 days of concerts!

Thanks, Elaine, for posting all the great photos!

~ My parents and sister and her husband loved the concert! IL VOLO’s sweet, fun, cute hearts extra-animated my sister. So now she knows… it’s not “just” that they sing more incredibly than anyone we know! 😉

~ The next day, at my parents’ 60th wedding anniversary celebration, I hooked my iPhone to their TV and brought an IL VOLO tribute into their living room with “L’amore e’ …amare l’amore” [Love Is… Love Love] by and with Toto Cutugno. (The video is in my expanded story.) Mom and Dad so enjoyed this among many loving touches!

And the concert… Holy Moly!

Oh my gosh! The closest I’ve ever been is the dress circle (first row balcony), and those two concerts were heavenly! But this… this was our view of the stage… third row aisle with no one in front of us!

Seeing:

…Ignazio motioning just an inch more volume to his mic.

…Piero smiling with pleasure at the crowd.

…Noticing Gianluca’s gentle hands.

Experiencing:

…The excitement in the young lady Gian sang to.

…A moment of Piero, Gianluca, and Ignazio each looking into my eyes and me into theirs.

…Seeing Gianluca’s eyes particularly sparkly at the end of the concert.

…As the concert was ending, going up to the stage and clasping Gianluca’s hand.

And still, whether I’m in the most distant seat from the stage,

at home in front of my computer,

or happily singing along with an IL VOLO tune,

IL VOLO’s music uplifts my heart into new realms of joy because…

So much love, joy, harmony, fun, celebration! I think I sat on the edge of my seat the entire concert, taking in every note, every smile, every nuance. We were flying high with IL VOLO Love!

And then… our Meet & Greet!

OK, there were aspects that could have been better (it was a dark space for photos, they were rushed, I could feel the stress of the gentleman moving us along).

Yet none of that colored my brief moments with the guys.

I had made a card for each, told them amazing things:

~ How Divine Grace angels had spoken to me of the soul group “Truth Through Music”, how the angels proclaimed “music is the breath of God”, and still more treasured words about IL VOLO!

~ About healings which came through their music.

~ About the day Ignazio’s tweet inspired me to write a multimedia book, IL VOLO: The Synergy of Love.

~ About my gratitude for their commitment to Truth and goodness, standing with their Venezuelan brothers and sisters.

In turn, I looked into each of our angel’s eyes, handed him the card, and said “Promise me you’ll read this. There’s something special in there.” Each one gave me a wonderful hug ~ with Ignazio, only after he said to me “Please!” Oh my Yes, Please! I so did not mean to be rude. I just had waited so long to share these angelic insights. I had to deliver these words of wonder!

Then Gianluca gave me a gentle kiss and a hug.

The photo was snapped, and I was left in awe of such an evening!

~ Jeanine DuBois, 2014 June 6, Saratoga, The Mountain Winery

* Thanks, Myron!

** Italian for Exquisitely beautiful!

Concert Photos/Reviews, Gianluca, Ignazio, Il Volo, Piero

One Down ~ Three to go ~ Wolf Trap ~ Vienna ~ June 13, 2014

June 15, 2014 mariecrider 61 Comments

My sisters (Carol and Debbie) and I Took off for Friday’s concert on Tuesday. It’s a seven hour drive so we decided to take a short vacation and tour D.C. while there. Leelee flew in from Florida and met us there. First night was dinner with Michele. You know, we have emailed or Skyped or phoned each other almost daily for over a year and have never met still…hearing Michele’s voice coming out of the person standing in front of me took some getting use to! Spent a few more days touring and having fun in DC, but what you really want to know about is the Boys!

Before the Concert:

We arrived really early at Wolf Trap. In the parking lot we could hear music. After we parked I snuck toward the back of the theatre. Just to the front side of the stage. There was Gianluca rehearsing. I was eventually joined by Debbie and Leelee. We stood there quietly behind a post for about 15 minutes. Finally Wolf Trap security spotted us, looked at my Flight Crew lanyard and said, “I see you have backstage passes” Not wanting to lie to the man I crossed my fingers behind my back and said, “uh-huh”. So he said, “still, you can’t stand here during the final sound check” and led us out to where we were close, but couldn’t see. We were still pretty happy until Il Volo security showed up. Our badges didn’t fool him and we were asked to leave. Shucks!

When Michele arrived we rode a tram from the parking lot to the ticket window to get our tickets. On the tram a woman in front of us turned around spotted our badges and said, “I follow the Il Vollo Flight Crew! What are your names?” We told her and she said she knew who we were and seemed pleased to have met us. Hello Jean, Renee and Judy. I didn’t meet any other badges but my sister did.

The Concert:

I have to begin this part by saying that Ignazio did not sing “Ti Voglio Tanto Bene”. He mentioned it, but didn’t say why he didn’t sing it. (You’ve got three more chances Sweetie!! Do it!)

Ignazio – That wonderful “edgy” voice made me melt into my seat! You have all heard about the many fun, silly and endearing things he does during a performance, so I won’t repeat them though there were plenty. You’ll have to see for yourself. Ok! One thing! He had a blast with the drums.

At one point he sang part of Maria to the woman seated directly in front of me!

I don’t care what you say! Ignazio is the most handsome man on the planet!

Piero – This young man looks all around at his audience. He looks directly at as many people as he can with the most genuine and sincere smile you can imagine. He sings while reaching out to you figuratively and literally. His voice…Oh his voice! It was powerful enough to shake the Wolf Trap rafters and gentle enough to make me tremble.

Gianluca – Soooo Smoooth! When he sings in that deep baritone you just hold your hand over your heart and swoon! He did Elvis better than Elvis!

My sister remarked that they sound the same as on their CD. Meaning no studio backing and blending, no re-takes. But really Carol, (an Il Volo Concert novice) there were many wonderful differences! A new pause here, a change of tempo there, etc., etc.

The man sitting next to me kept shouting, “O Sole Mio”. I would shout “No”. The man must have thought I hated the song. I knew it was their signature song and would mean the “Painfully Beautiful” end to this extraordinary evening.

The Meet and Greet:

The M&G was held in a large room beneath the stage. We were all lined up waiting and watching. I have to say that everyone I saw took some time with the Boys before staff ushered/pried them out.

I happened to notice Barb and Mrs. Ginoble sitting off to the side. I walked over and actually had a conversation with Barb. She does speak English and understood everything I said. At least she said she did. I thanked her for answering my emails and doing me a favor a while back. I asked if I could take her picture and she said only if I was in it too. So I said ok and she handed my camera to Mrs. Ginoble who took our picture. Then Barbara took the camera and Mrs. Ginoble and I got a picture together. I’m going to keep those to myself for a while. They then let me take this picture of them both. What gracious ladies! Mrs. G is a tiny thing she actually made the first move to hug me. Barb hugged me too and thanked me for helping to promote Il Volo. Oh Yeah! She knows who we are!

It was finally my turn with the Boys! You will all be happily surprised to know that I behaved myself. I hugged and kissed each one of them on the cheek and thanked them all for being alive in my world!

Yeah that’s me being deliriously happy. No, my hair doesn’t always look like this. With 97% humidity in an outdoor theater, in the rain I tend to take on the look of a French Poodle.

I pulled my Flight Crew Badge from it’s lanyard and they all signed it!!!

As you know, four of your Flight Crew Board members are meeting in Chicago. The other one, like some of you, can’t make a concert this year. I explained that to the boys. As you can see it made Ignazio sad!

Yes, this one's real. — Yes, this one’s real.

Then Ignazio got down on one knee in front of me. I’ll give you three guesses as to what he was doing down there:

1) He was proposing marriage.
2) He was begging me not to grab him and run.
3) He was taking a picture of my tattoo.

I’m hoping for #1 at the next concert. No, I didn’t tell any of you about my tattoo. I figured you all thought I was crazy enough anyway. Barb also took a picture of it. I know there will never be a reason I’m sorry I have it. What are they going to do – Kick puppies? Next year I plan to tattoo my entire body with “Il Volo” – Oh, not really!

OMG did I go on or what? A couple more things then I’ll let you all drool some more over those pictures of THEM!

My sisters are great travel companions as always. They put up with a lot of Il Voloing. At the end of our time there they adopted the loving and funny Leelee and wanted to trade me for her. Yes they did! I send you a big red banner of love Leelee!

Looking forward to meeting Elaine and Kelly as well as some of you. Michele, see you in a few days for our three concert road trip!

Ineke, I’ve got your shirt.

Bottom Line:

If you haven’t attended your concert yet you need to know that it is worth every dollar you spent, every hour it took you to get toThem and every night before and after you will spend without sleep! Those of you who have already gone know this.