Both David pics: @rhiminee
“SURREAL” – having the disorienting, hallucinatory quality of a dream; unreal; fantastic
The David Archuleta fans began gathering in front of the stage area early on Saturday morning. We laid out our blankets and lawn chairs and laughed as we referred to it as our “real estate,” adding on “room additions” as more fans arrived. Some were long time fan friends while others were meeting for the very first time. It’s always fun to hear fans introduce themselves by their alter ego Twitter/posting names.
And then of course, there are the hugs; many, many hugs. David’s fans are “huggers.” It’s who we are. It’s what we do. It’s as natural as breathing to us. We are squishy fans.
We all knew this weekend was going to be special. It would be the first time that David performed a full concert with his new band. As fans, we had done our homework. We had researched Google, Facebook and YouTube in our attempt to glean any morsel of information about these new musicians. Their credentials looked good and a couple of them emerged on Twitter and Facebook, giving us a glimpse into the personalities of David’s new musical compadres. They were friendly…they were funny…they were talented…they were excited…and SO WERE WE!
This pic & below: SunNews.com
We fans spent Saturday together on our patchwork real estate, reconnecting, rehashing past concert memories, talking about the latest news about David or simply getting to know one another. There is nothing better than being surrounded by fellow David fans in anticipation of one of his concerts. There is a particular bliss in it. I’m a firm believer that one half of the David concert experience is the anticipation of it and this day was no exception.
I love that prickly feeling you get before David’s concert starts. It’s a mash up of emotions … anticipation, anxiety, and excitement as your mind swirls with unanswered questions about how he’s feeling, how the band will sound, and how the crowd will react. I don’t know about anybody else, but I always seem to hold my breath as David starts to sing his first song and then breathe a sigh of relief when I hear his voice sounds healthy and strong.
"Reach out to me, touch my hand, reach out as far as you caaaaan."
Well, let me tell you, when he came bounding onto that stage, smiling and addressing the crowd with, “How are you guys doin’?!!” as the crowd erupted into screams and applause, and then he began singing “Stomping the Roses,” there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that this was the start to a great evening!
David was on fire! ON FIYA!!!! The new band sounded spectacular, like they had been touring together for years! There was tangible chemistry going on up on that stage. You could see it in the exchanged glances between one another, silently communicating with each other as they fine-tuned their magic. Their timing was impeccable and they were flawless. David’s involvement with selecting this group of talented musicians was obvious, not just because of their skills but also because of their musical intelligence and synergy. It was exciting and glorious to behold!
Songs that I had heard many times before suddenly took on a brand new vibe and texture and I felt like I was listening to them for the very first time! I was thrilled that, for many in the audience, this would be their first introduction to David performing live.
David seemed different as well. His vocals were stunning and he tread fearlessly into new vocal territory with an intensity I had never witnessed before. David’s penchant for detail and his passion for musical expression were at full throttle! It was 80 degrees outside and I had the chills! It was all I could do at times to keep my video camera steady! He was in constant motion, using the entire stage as he spun his magic and you could feel the crowd momentum building as he progressed through his well-thought-out set list.
Source: @MyMyrtleBeach
David was energetic, powerful, and positively buoyant, and there was a feeling of something else. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it … then it occurred to me, it was PRIDE, and I’m not referring to pride in himself, because I don’t believe David thinks that way. I think it was pride in the talented musicians surrounding him that, in his mind, just made his performance that much better … the supreme gift to his beloved fans.
I won’t go into detail about the performance of each song because you can witness them for yourselves via the videos I took of the evening on my YouTube channel.
I stand by one of my many (albeit SPAZZZZZTIC) tweets in the aftermath of this momentous experience…
@Jonerz: I have seen A LOT of @DavidArchie concerts. He BLEW ME AWAY tonight!! The professionalism of he and his band was OFF THE CHARTS!!
Asian fans, start taking your vitamins. I think you’re gonna need them!
~ Joner
p.s. BYU Book Fair pics from @unicornfeather! (anyone know how to make a flip book? 🙂 )
Source: @NanDeeAy
Source: @NanDeeAy
SnowAngelz: Canadian fans of David Archuleta 
Great write-up! It was a magical evening and I am so grateful that I made the trip there to witness this big moment in Archuhistory!
Jonerz, Thanks for your fabulous recap. I felt like I was there. I read your tweets a lot and feel like I know you. Hope to meet you some day @ one of the concerts. Thank you too for so prompthly feeding us videos right after the concert. I was up until the wee hours watching them! I couldn’t help but think of your generosity in filming the concert and posting them so fast. (I thought she could have been celebrating but here she is posting) I was sorry to hear of your mother-in-laws passing while you were there. I’m so glad you were able to enjoy the day/eve. I don’t do twitter myself but enjoy your writing and quips. A Grateful David fan.
PERFECT!!!! Love your recap and your vids 🙂 🙂 Thanks so much!!
“David was energetic, powerful, and positively buoyant, and there was a feeling of something else. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it … then it occurred to me, it was PRIDE, …..” <—Yes!!! I think you nailed it!!
and your SPAZZZZZTIC tweet was right on the money too!! It was an amazing performance by David and his new band!! Probably best ever! I was totally blown away as well!
**waves to all** sneaking in and posting from work hehehe … ok back to work before I get caught 🙂
Jonerz: Thanks so much for your wonderful recap of the MB concert! I also saw your fantastic videos that you put on youtube. Loved them!! I get to see David at the Stadium of Fire on July 2nd and I can’t wait!!
I’m right there with ya on the Stadium of Fire!! I can’t wait!!!!
Tawna
LOOOOOVE every word of your recap, Joner, felt I was right there with you guys (as I soooo wish I’d been). Even through the vids you can sense that “pride” you mention … pride that all those hours of auditioning band members, trying out new arrangements & covers, rehearsing with & without power, lol, have paid off … all as a “supreme gift to his beloved fans” as you say.
And what a great crowd of so many brand new fans too, including the TV33south staffer who posted this vid of EWTRTW, check out the comment they posted with the vid:
Watched David during his time on American Idol but honestly was rooting for David Cook. After hearing David A. live and meeting him I have to say I am a very big fan now. He sounds fantastic in person. Watching him on TV does not do him justice. A US tour would go a long way to helping him really break out… I’ll post Black Bird when I get a chance…. Obviously the audio doesn’t do him justice. — TV33south
Love that comment!!
Joanie, You write as beautifully as you take videos! Great write up and I, too, noticed a look of “pride” on his face, especially at the beginning of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World”, and I agree, it’s a pride of what the group together was accomplishing. I also felt like he had such “happiness” or maybe even a greater “JOY” that he was able to share their (the entire bands) mutual love of music with the audience. It exuded from them. They are all young & will get even better as they play more concerts … is that possible??? Get even better??? Can’t wait to find out :).
And like, Heidijoy, I enjoy your quips on Twitter, too 😀
Wow. I just love all the details and yes it’s a hugfest at any David event. I always feel so fortunate to be there. That same pride you sensed, I also sensed at Motab. Palpable. I could not be more proud if he and I were related. He deserves every accolade and every compliment he receives but more importantly he deserves the joy he feels when he performs . He was born to do this and we are so lucky to be his witness.
*happy sigh* I would write something but I can’t pull myself away from EWTRTW long enough to compose a complete sentence.
thanks ever so much!
Jonerz, thanks for this awesome recap! This show would have been an amazing one to see live 🙂 Thanks for describing the atmosphere, sounds like alot of fun!!
From watching MB videos, it occured to me that I need to get myself to another pop concert (you know, if there ever are tour dates). He’s grown so so much since beginning of his solo tour, and I want to see it live! haha
Thanks for this delicious recap!
Your words (and your videos!) are more confirmation that the MB event reenergized the entire fan base to a new high; like we need more enthusiasm when it comes to David. I count myself plain lucky to witness the evolution of his career.
(A few more hours per day watching those videos and I may eventually quit beating myself up for not going to Myrtle Beach.)
Jonerz thank you so, so much for your write-up of your experience…you had me right there on the ‘real estate’ with you! And a HUGE thank you for your videos!! They brought it all home to those of us glued to our computers. Let’s face it, as amazing as UStream is for getting us there “live”, it just sucks at really giving us the beauty of the performance that David is throwing out there. I am certainly hoping for a US tour in the very near future….this —>”A US tour would go a long way to helping him really break out…” is so true.
Trish!! thank you for your vids as well. I can’t believe you guys were actually able to stay calm enough to handle a camera! lol
Off-topic…sorta … just saw this tweet from earlier:
@victoriashawcom: @mcktweepez brought sweet David Archuleta over to my office today. http://t.co/A0eTzXW
Turns out, Cardin McKinney (@mcktweepez) was also an A.I. Season 7 contestant who’s now a singer-songwriter based in Nashville and her music publisher is Victoria Shaw (who also wrote the country hit “I Love the Way You Love Me” for John Michael Montgomery and co-produced Lady Antebellum’s debut album) … zee plot thickens 🙂
Joner, your review was right on the mark!! I was one of the lucky fans that attended and felt like I was watching an emerging new talent. You could tell from the intensity of the energy David projected that he is still very much in the game…he’s just maturing and evolviong, and believe me, that is a good thing. LOVE his new band (so TALENTED) and so happy for what’s ahead with David and his band. Can’t wait for U.S. tour!!!!
Just love Joner’s wonderful recap. Have to say thanks for sharing and thank you for your wonderful videos. I was also up to the wee hours watching youtube videos as they appeared (to my extreme delight)! The next best thing to being at a David concert is to experience it through other fans’ videos, write ups, photos. So thank you for giving us non attendees such a fantastic array of DA footage and info, just awesome.
So right about the professionalism David displays and his pride in the band and how things are coming together. He gives his all and then some and boy, his expression of the music, of every note and vibration just seems to exude from every pore, every ounce of his being. He is definitely on fire on that stage!
It’s been nearly two years since I have seen David perform and I am soooo…overdue for another concert!
This is not from MB (will be watching those amazing vids infinitum, ha) but this is from the AI Viewing Party David performed at. This HD, crazy good video from PlatinumArchie is worth viewing and absolutely wonderful of David performing ‘Crazy’, so good:
Love that vid, thanks, peppertara, amazing audio … posted on my FB *gulp*
Thank you Jonerz! I love this eloquent, spazzy beautiful recap. 🙂
It’s been so long since he has done a real concert that I was expecting a little nervousness on his part. But no way! I could not believe his first song STR. He ran out and was all over the place! The moves! Hunkerdowns! Chest punching with fist and arm thrown out, lol. (looks like he did that one all throughout)
Sorry, now I am spazzing.
Thanks again for the videos. You rock.
Great recap! Sounds like everyone had a ball. On another site, posters are pointing out spots in the videos where David and the band members may be giving one another cues.
One of your comments confirms it: “There was tangible chemistry going on up on that stage. You could see it in the exchanged glances between one another, …”
Thanks for sharing your experience with us as well as all the videos!
desertrat, I noticed that too, in fact it’s the first time I’ve noticed David giving cues to the band, either to signal them to come in or (as at the end of Blackbird) a nod to the keyboardist to wrap it up after he decided he’d done his last “blackbird…. flyyyyy.”
When we first learned David’s band members had a jazz background, I was wondering if he’d incorporate some instrumental sections/solos into his set … so cool that he has, really adds texture and variety and that indescribable somethin’ somethin’, imo. 🙂
yep, david is definitely in control! i like the idea of instrumental solos to give his voice a rest and to give the band a chance to shine.
Joner, amazing recap. Love your description of the crowd, David, the band, their chemistry, “It was 80 degrees outside and I had the chills!”
Thanks so much the vids, we all know how difficult it can be to get those accomplished. 🙂
Great videos, David has some remarkable fans (with strong arms)! Pride, yes. At the beginnings of Blackbird and RTW, when he closed his eyes and just drank in the music (from the band) as a fan. Seemed more than it was (just) songs he loved? A band to take and go with on new (musical) adventures? (Pardon me, just really liked what seemed to be going on already on that stage) That rhiminee photo of David is a work of art!
A work of art, yes. Beautiful shot, perfect choice.
Sorry, Idk why I posted my comment in a strange reply place.
Thx for your recap and vids…wish I cudda been there…but ur recap gave me chills!!! Bring on da tour…plz!! 🙂
Well I said I wasn’t going to cry reading your recap then I did, beautifully written and expressed. Thank you. David was blow away amazing in the videos. Oh to have been there and shared in the experience first hand. Still when you said he was in Fire! I remember seeing him in Dallas this last December, and though it was a different band, he was blow away amazing that night and on fire, the most Professional – professional artist I have ever seen perform, and I saw Elvis mind you. NO comparison. David has arrived and is here to stay and stay and…. ♥DJA♫♪
oops I know it was hot that night but I meant to say David was on fire not in. ;/
RArchiefan…Yes it was hot that night at MB, in many ways! I agree, David just amazes me at how professional he is on stage. With every new performance he continues to inspire and astound and yes, he is here to stay and stay!
as Bridget said….Bring on da tour…plz!! 🙂
(We know it will happen when everything else is in place, in the meantime….endless remarkable videos). 🙂
Oh and on another topic, just have to say it…..GoCanucksGo!
Jonerz
Thank you so much for sharing your videos with us. David is very special as you highlighted in your commentary. I was not there but got the chill also hearing his
voice in your video. David was so comfortable up there and in total command. The new band is his labor of love. He seems to have a new confidence about him that he has taken control. Thanks again for your wonderful video’s.
Howdy and welcome Harold! Always nice to see new faces.
“PRIDE, and I’m not referring to pride in himself, because I don’t believe David thinks that way. I think it was pride in the talented musicians surrounding him that, in his mind, just made his performance that much better … the supreme gift to his beloved fans.”
************
So beautifully written Joni! I honestly thought I had commented on your amazing recap earlier but maybe I just tweeted about it. Nevertheless, I REALLY enjoyed it! It was a night to remember..don’t you just love the memories David leaves with us? ❤
How did I miss this???? The MB setlist (thanks, Something ‘Bout Archie!):
Looks like David’s handwriting … and of course, footprints! 😆
So D. will be signing at the BYU Festival of Books tomorrow in Provo, Utah, from 1-2:30 … fingers crossed he throws in an a cappella number! 🙂
Woah I missed this too! Haha love how it’s written on hotel paper 🙂
oh ya! lol Guess he stayed at the Sheraton 😆
aaaaaand, David’s Asian tour expands … if this press release is correct, he’ll be appearing at a 5-day music event in Japan July 21-25! 🙂
http://www.mfasdirect.com/news
http://www.idolmusic2011.com/
PLUS: Awesome interview with Steven J. Robinson (David’s drummer) over at Something ‘Bout Archie!
TOfan, you got the country wrong. He will be in Viet Nam for two concerts. I know he does want to go to Japan.
oh geez, you’re right, grammyj! It is Vietnam … watching EWTRTW so many times must’ve fried my brain! 😆
Watched a couple of other “notable” covers of EWTRTW. His just shines with a brillance.
emme, I listened to the original this morning for the first time in AGES and as I mentioned up-thread, this was like an anthem to me when it first came out, but after hearing David bring brilliant new life to it, there’s no going back now! 🙂
What I also love about this cover & GGTT is the STR attitude he brings to both… he’s got a message to deliver and he’s gonna tell it to us and make us understand it!
It’s fascinating to me that for someone so outwardly a-political, he chooses covers like these (and Imagine & WOTWTC) that have political themes.
He is of the world. One of the things I love most about him.
@byubookstore tweets! (click 2 enlarge)
@DavidArchie David Archuleta is being interviewed right now: his favorite books include “The Alchemist” and “Oh the Places You’ll Go”.
@annyo84 He is here with Kendra!!!
… David and my roommates
Big crowd for D! (@pabuckie twitpic)
UPDATE! Added @unicornfeather’s great pics from the BYU interview to the end of the post up top!
Today’s Book Fair interview:
David’s one busy dude tonight … presenting the community services award at the Utah Best of State Awards:
New post/thread!
🙂