Ray, Me & Tom

Review/ experiences of the whole night:

Before going I knew in advance that I was going miss Tom's band, because he was
scheduled to start at 9pm.But I told myself it was OK (because he was also going
play with Ray's band).

I got there at 10:05pm. The first thing I noticed was that Ray had not started yet. I
then saw Tom half way across the club from me. I asked the guy at the door if Ray was
around & he pointed behind me. So I turned around and saw Ray coming towards me. Ray
said "Miriam", and I said "yes". Next thing I know Ray is giving me a hug [ with my
husband watching-but Allan handled it okay]. Ray said he was glad to meet me & also
asked what I thought of his new CD (which is interactive if you put it in you computer).
Ray told me he had talked to Kasim & was supposed to be getting a schedule for Sept,
Oct,& Nov from Kasim soon. He said that he heard that they (Meat & the NLE) maybe
doing the OPRAH Show. We chatted a bit more. I can honestly say at this point I
didn't know who was more excited to see the other person-me or Ray[And my husband
can back me up on this statement]. Ray then introduced me to Tom. I chatted with Tom
a bit. I asked Tom about the "Jedi" reference in the '99 MeatLoaf tour book, and Tom
told me he was a big Star Wars fan.

***At this point I gave my husband some attention & I went to get a soda.

After getting the soda I went back over to where Ray was standing (as my husband was
also standing in the same area). Ray was talking to a couple whose child is singing on
Ray's new kids CD (which should be going out to where it will be put together in about
a week). Ray introduced me to the parents saying "This is Miriam-we are Email pals"
{Allan said I really blushed}. He also told the couple that I made the BVG Desktop
theme.

I then moved up to the front of the club to get a good spot to take pictures of Tom's
band {did I forgot to mention this -they were running late so I got there in time to see
Tom's band & didn't miss it after all}. Tom's band then went on..

"You Were Spiraling Show Review"

Tom's band sounded really good. I didn't know any of his songs. But the music was
really good. Tom has a really good voice. I was amazed at how Tom was able to the play
the keyboards & dance at the sametime. He never stood still. Tom's hair is now back to
brown (YEAH). Tom played for about 1/2 hour to 45 minutes.

** After taking a bunch of pictures of Tom & his band. I moved back away from the
speakers. And I stood with Ray (with someone between us). When this person moved I
got Ray to autograph some things I brought with me. One of the things was the '99 tour
book, which Ray showed to a couple people b4 giving it back. I stood next to him for a
while during Tom's set. At one point Ray took my camera & said he would get a good
picture of Tom's band for me (since he is taller then me). After he got back I told Ray
I had already taken pictures. Shortly after this Ray's wife -Patti-arrived, and he intro-
duced me to her. I got to talk with her for about a minute. Right after this Tom's band
ended..

While Ray & Patti were setting up I went over to Tom, and asked him to sign  my tour-
book.

Blue Van Gogh Review

BVG played 10 songs ( 9 from both of there CD's & Ruby Tuesday). Both Ray & Patti
sounded great. [and I am not saying that just because I was sitting-on the floor-right in
front of them] Tom played keyboards for them. During one song they invited a singer
from another band to join them. During one song Patti got up on the bar & danced.. After
the song she said she only did it because someone asked; and joked about getting up
there. It was really nice to hear there songs live. As like other bands they (Ray & Patti)
enhance their songs live when performing them live. Both Ray & Patti were chatty with
some of the crowd who knew them. They have a good little fan following from the clubs
regulars. It was great to hear them sing my favourite songs from their CD's. I just hope
they didn't notice me very quietly singing along.

* During one of the BVG songs I got to stand backstage (well kind of). The bathroom in
this club was behind the area where the band plays. When I went back there was a bit
of line. So I stood next to the sound guy and watched Ray & Patti singing. [ hopefully I
will have a better backstage story to tell one day]

**After the show my husband took a picture with me, Ray & Tom. After this Ray & Tom
had to go because they had to take apart the equipment & get their things put away. So
I said Good Bye to them & I left...What a night. I will not forget this for a long time to
come.

**ABOUT THE CLUB--The Budapest is a small street corner club. I was expecting it to
be smokier. When I got there even Ray checked with me to see how I was handling the
smoke. Thank G-d my lungs behaved. My husband's one real comment on the evening was
that they had too many speakers for the size of the club. Meaning it was to loud for
my husband.

My thanks to Tom, Ray & Patti for an evening I will not forget for a very long time.

Click Pictures to see my pictures from the show.
There are a lot of pictures so it will take a few moments to all come in.

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