I’ve only been to two concerts in my life. The first was last Thanksgiving where I saw Tina Turner in Newark, NJ. My parents wanted to see her and offered to pay for my ticket. For a free ticket, I’ll see Tina. It was her 69th birthday and if I can shimmy and shake like that at half her age I’ll be happy.
The second concert I’ve ever seen was this past Tuesday night – also for free; The Circus Starring Britney Spears. Thanks to my friends, I was graciously invited to see the show at no charge. It was one of those friend of a friend of a friend can get free tickets deal.
We arrived about an hour before showtime and took a walk around the Amway Arena where she was performing. I happened to walk past a billboard that made me think twice. I posted it on twitter, but thought it was worthwhile enough to post again.
Here are my problems with this sign. First of all. What legendary service do these employees provide? Because quite frankly, I didn’t see anything that was spectacular. The ticket taker took my ticket, the usher showed me to my seat and the program salesperson yelled too loud.
Secondly, did you notice how many employees were recognized for delivering service? If EVERYONE delivers that great of service, how do you challenge people to deliver even more?
Finally, let’s make a big assumption that every employee did deliver great service. What kind of message does this bulletin board convey about how much the organization values the employee? A messy, sloppy posting on bent paper that looks like it was tacked up after drama club tryouts. How embarrasing.
I encountered other shocking sights too. Like a $150 Britney Jogging Suit.
Sorry Britney, but you’re not worth that OR the $40 T-shirt. Oh, and that goes for you too Jordin Sparks. Speaking of Jordin, let’s talk about the opening acts. First up was Kristinia DeBarge. Who? That’s what I said too. She sings the song on the radio that goes, “na na na na, na na na na, hey hey hey, goodbye”. Riiiiight. You didn’t miss much except for her ugly blue leggings.
Next up was this new group called One Call. One song was enough from them. They are a new boy band that appeared as though they were recruited from Ms. Janice’s Dance Studio at the shopping mall. It was horrible. Jordin Sparks from American Idol closed the opening acts. Not impressed. Moving on…
Britney had a 20-minute break before she would start. It was time for a final bathroom break. The arena corridors were jammed with ladies trying to use the bathroom.
The men’s room was, as usual, a walk-in. As I’m minding my own business at the urinal a group of smart ladies walk into the men’s room and enter the stalls. Why wait in that ridiculously long line for the ladies room when you can walk right into the men’s room, right? They had nothing to fear either, I don’t think any of the men in the bathroom gave them a second look.
The main event was about to start. Above the center ring was a countdown clock. As each minute passed the crowd would erupt in cheers.
At the moment the clock struck 0:00 the arena erupted in applause as the music grew louder, the lights darker and the show started. A variety of circus acts kicked off the show. Clowns, trampoline acts and martial arts performers.
Photo Courtesy of britneyspears.com
The martial arts performers were the best. Enough said.
Britney appeared from the ceiling with all the pomp and circumstance of a vegas spectacle. There was glitter, smoke, lights, fire, fireworks, elaborate staging and theatrics. I went there knowing she wasn’t going to actually sing. And of course she didn’t. But realistically, how can you expect someone to when they are dancing non-stop?
Britney looked good. I don’t care about celebrity’s lives, especially Britney’s, but it was refreshing to see her take back some control of her life. She had energy, smiled and enjoyed being on-stage. I was also impressed with the simple fact that an individual has enough celebrity to draw a crowd of thousands. What is she doing to make that happen?
I write this blog six days a week and have assumed a small following of readers. I’d like that number to increase each day into the thousands. So it was admirable to see someone accomplish such a lofty goal.
Congratulations to Britney. She delivered a superb stage show. Great music to dance to, lots to see visually and an overall great night. Now, I’m off to the gym to tone up!
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So first, a brand new stadium worth a few thousand… has an outstanding group of employees who can ably take tickets and… really? Are our standards really getting this low for employees?
The same new stadium worth a few thousand (you’re getting the sarcasm, right?) has AGAIN (with most) not come close to providing enough women’s bathrooms? Will these designers/builders/architects/owners EVER get it – or care? Good for those ladies! So glad they built it new!
Then there are 3 – THREE opening acts?
A twenty minute break?
What has Brit been doing all this time?
And then she comes out… wait, no, the circus comes out…
then.. the “concert”? Last concert I was at – and I’ve been at a few – well, all of them really, the person we’d come to see (or group) sang.
Hence, “concert.”
So, Brit has learned she cannot sing and isn’t going to try and fool herself anymore? Ok, I’m fine with that… but really? A dance show? Ok, you all seemed to enjoy it – we didn’t go – nor would we pay her a penny (let alone $150) to “perform” for us. Glad you enjoyed. I just don’t get it.
Those who paid (way to go on that $ saved my friend) paid to see 3 opening acts, stand in line for the bathroom, watch a circus and then see her dance… As long as you guys feel you got your moneys worth.
Now, as for that brand new stadium…
RoriTravel’s Florida recently posted something special..Sea World Orlando Christmas Celebration mixes heart of Christmas past with spirit of today
Sorry Rori, this concert was at the old Amway Center, not the new one.
I’m guessing you don’t have a Britney Spears CD in your collection? haha
Thank you Jeff. What did I do specifically that made you want to continue reading? Glad you enjoyed it.
Liked your post here. Read the whole thing even though you know I am not a fan of long posts. It was the way you wrote that had me wanting to continue reading. Nice work. jeff
Thanks for the hook-up! Very curious how she was able to manage jumping on the trampoline…?
I’m glad you had such a good time at the concert and that you were able to go with us
It definitely was one of the best concerts I’ve been to and Britney did not disappoint. The lady with no legs on the trampoline though still has me freaked out!!!!
Thank you for the ticket and for a fun night!
Well I agree with you Ben, maybe because I was sitting next to you the whole time
She does have a lot of talent. That was my 5th Britney concert and I think the best of them. I have also seen Cher 3 times and agree with Mikey that Cher puts on the best show but it is also hard to compare the two.
Thanks Mikey. The talent that some say she lacks in singing, was certainly compensated for by the theatrics of the arena show. I am glad you enjoy the site and thanks for the link to Tracy’s.
Nice to hear from you.
I completely agree with you about how Britney looked and performed. I enjoyed her show in Boston and she lived up to my expectations. She looks good, danced good, and the show was a spectacle. I didn’t expect it to be on par with Cher, which is the best show I had ever seen, but I think this show was great.
Loving your site!!!!!!! You should check out my friend Tracy’s website. You may enjoy her adventures as well.
http://iwww.comewithtracy.wordpress.com/
Your friend Mikey up in Rhode Island
PS. Tell the hubby hi!