BO BICE IN ALBANY:SINGING THE REAL THING
I LOVE YOU BO BICE!!!!!!!!!!!
CAN'T YOU SEE
I'M GONE
JUST GOT PAID
WITNESS
CHATTY BO
SWEET HOME ALABAMA (Partial)
WHISKEY WOMAN AND TIME

Riverfront Park, Albany NY
July 10, 2008

For some ungodly reason I had told them at my temp job that I would work a half day on Thursday. No sleep for Susan. I got home at noon and Rita and I were off again! Albany or bust. I really didn’t know what to expect with this one. I’ve been through Albany many times heading west and it really isn’t that far, but I hadn’t been actually in Albany for years. When I was a teenager, the drinking age in CT was 21 but it was 18 in NY, so I spent a little time in Albany. But that’s another story.

We parked a little bit away, but there is a river walk right along the Hudson River that was very pleasant. They were setting up the food booths and as we approached the area we saw a big stage set up, a good size flat area in front of it for standing or chairs, and semi-circular cement amphitheater seating. Tons of room, and the concrete steps were large enough so people could put chairs down. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful setting. We sat on the steps and sound check began. Once again, we were treated to a mini-concert. There were only a few people there at the time, but when sound check ended some people did go up and ask for autographs and Bo gladly accommodated them. We positioned our chairs near the stage and had fun chatting to pass the time.

By the time the opening act came on it was pretty crowded, people surrounding the stage in all directions as far as the eye could see when they were done. A nice breeze had picked up, the sun was shining, the sky was a beautiful blue and we were primed for Bo on the Hudson. The mayor of Albany came out to introduce Bo and said it was the highest attendance they’ve seen and that Bo was a class act. He sure is! And, Lord, he did not disappoint. He came out with a vengeance and never let up, working that big ole stage like the pro he is. Making sure everyone got them some Bo, he ran from side to side and even to the back to give people listening from boats a glimpse of old BB. He climbed on speakers, leaning back to feel the vibration in the setting sun. What a beautiful memory.

We had been talking to the security people working the space between the stage and the audience. We told them how much they would enjoy the show and they replied that, no, they couldn’t watch the show, they were there to watch the crowd. There was one lone female who made the mistake of looking up at Bo. She never looked at the crowd again, except to remark on Bo’s very fine attributes. It was pretty funny.

It seemed every song went over well, these people were appreciating Bo’s Southern Style of Rock! Again, people were dancing and singing along, pumping fists, trying to hand him their scarves to wipe his sweat. Every time I turned around my heart filled up with joy. These people were here to see Bo and they were into it. The Band just got better, feeding off the crowd. Towards the end it thinned out just a tiny bit with people trying to beat the rush, but not very many. When the last note was sung it was still packed. I never thought he’d come out that night. But guess what. He did.

After the show we saw the mounted police. One of the emergency people said they don’t call them out unless the crowd is over 5,000. I think they were all in the autograph line. But we stayed. Bo was heading south after this show and I wanted to tell him how proud and happy I was for him. I spotted the security guard in line. Heh, guess she didn’t have to help with crowd control. Someone working there came to tell us that even though the line was long, Bo promised to stay until he had seen everyone. He said it with such respect. Bo is winning people over left and right.

I know several things. I know each of these venues would be only too happy to have Bo back. I know most of the people would come out to see him again. I know they will tell their friends about what a kick-ass show Bo Bice puts on. I know each show surpassed my wildest dreams and was unique. I know I went home from my three day Bo Bice extravaganza a satisfied woman.

What can I say? Bo was great as always!