Ahead of Our Time

The other day, Brandon's boss called his staff together to announce that he had concert tickets he wasn't going to use. And while everyone else was asking, "Who are The Oak Ridge Boys?", Brandon was gasping in excitement. So the tickets went to him. He'd listened to their Christmas CD every year from birth and jumped at the chance to see them live - if only to make his family seethe with jealousy.

We found our seats in Row 7 (of 15) behind these folks. I said "folks". You imagined the "old" part - but for the record I didn't say it.

Oh, and we sat beside an older couple (the ones on our left were older) and in front of even older people...you get the idea. Let's just say people were looking at us like we were lost.

Confession: the only Oak Ridge Boys songs we knew revolved around "Mama Mary" and an old lady named Christmas Carol, and since the concert was in February, none of our yuletide favourites were performed. But despite not knowing a single word to a single song, we had a fantastic time. Besides, the ol' bitties sitting in front of us were singing loud enough for all of us. Not to mention flailing their arms and cat calling, trying to get the attention of The Boys, while their husbands sat idly by, perhaps contemplating growing an impossibly long white beard or purchasing some cowboy boots. I poke fun, but years from now when Brandon and I are sitting side by side in our wheelchairs, listening to Hanson or the Backstreet Men and I'm flailing my Relief Society arms in an attempt to get a wave or a smile, I will think back on this moment.

Seriously, they were super entertaining. If you don't believe me, check out this video for one of their most famous songs, "Elvira", the one everyone but us was singing along to, but we've been singing ever since we got home. They've added some pizazz since the 70s, but this video showcases Richard, the Bass. Incredible. And I never would have picked him as the owner of the ridiculously low voice, but sure enough, he's the guy hitting the B flat at the bottom of the piano. Enjoy. (If you're pressed for time, watch @ 1:08 & 1:38 for the amazing stuff...and stop being so busy - you're making me look bad.)

At the end of the show, those who were able "rushed" the stage. If I'm being honest, it was less rush, and more shuffle. Given that we had an advantage over those with recent hip replacements, we managed to make it to the stage in time to shake hands with two of The Boys. And they seemed genuinely surprised to see us there. 

The next weekend, The Osmonds were gracing the same stage, but unfortunately we didn't have free tickets fall into our laps again.

This photo doesn't do her justice, but Catwoman's grandma came out (in costume) to see the show.

It's pretty evident that we had fun. Thanks go to Kristina & Pablo for babysitting - more on their visit to come. Until then, "Oom papa oom papa mow mow". If you watched the video, you're probably still singing it too.