Here is my impression of my first Meet & Greet with IL Volo, last night at the Borgata Hotel & Casino. The boys were absolutely in top form and their singing was the most powerful I have heard outside of CDs on my stereo. The theatre was sold out and we were packed like sardines but it was a very happy group to be there seeing these wonderful boys.  They boys looked absolutely adorable …as ever.

While being first in line before the doors opened I chatted with several Security Personnel and they said they have never seen a concert fill up like IL Volo’s or the people getting in line so early.

I stayed at the hotel and met many wonderful fans while walking around due to me wearing my IL Volo necklace. After the concert we waited in line for about half hour and were ushered into this very large room where the boys were standing and waiting for each person or group to go up and chat and have a photo taken. Never rushing us. What a thrill to be standing next to them. Gianluca recognized me and remembered me. He requested the photo with me showing the banner I am wearing and the flag (which I held up many times during the concert) I had made with the ‘Granny Groupies’ (Deborah Georgini Beaupre, Madeline Vitella and Joan Brenin) news articles of our trip in May. They loved it and looked at it very carefully. I wanted it signed but unfortunately we were told nothing to be brought to be signed, just photos.

After my turn I was able to hang around in this room and spoke with Gaetno Barone (Piero’s Dad) for about a half hour. I also spoke with Barbara Vitali (she is so pretty!) and Maestro Diego Basso. Maestro Basso seemed surprised that I knew who he was. Of course I congratulated him and thanked him for doing these concerts. Gaetano and I chatted in Italian (he does not speak English). He told me how proud he is of Piero and Mariagrazia and Francesco. I asked about Eleonora and he said she told him all about the Granny Groupie’s trip to Naro in May. I felt honored. He knew that I had gotten the courage to return to my homeland after 50 years of being afraid to fly because of IL Volo and especially Piero whose picture I carried of him sleeping like a baby on the plane. He said he loved hearing this.

I can’t wait for my second and third Meet & Greet next week in D.C. and Easton.

Ciao.
~Maria