To:"Monkees Support Group" From:"Jan Barnes" Date:Mon, 26 Aug 2002 09:30:41 -0700 (PDT) Subject:[Monkees-list] California here I went Well, I'm back home (or rather, back at work) and I'm exhausted! I estimate I was up for 20 hours on Wednesday, so it's ok that I was still asleep Thursday at noon. So there 8-P At any rate, my California adventure was a success. As TODJ already mentioned, we had to jump through hoops to get seats for the first show. Was worth it (once) We were 3rd row, great view of the stage, wonderful show. Highlight for me was Micky's sister Coco (it was a surprise--6 times running! for Micky) & Micky dueting on Bye bye blackbird & Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. Micky has an amazing voice! For the 2nd show, we didn't get seats. As I found myself in the middle of a huge crowd, my agoraphobia kicked in and I found my way behind the crowd. It was great. I couldn't see, but I could hear perfectly, and was actually able to dance & sing along, making a complete fool of myself, but without getting in anyone's way. Lots of fun Next day: got up late. Headed out to DisneyLand, where Dave & I rode the Pirates of the Caribbean. Cool. Stood in line to get photos with Winnie the Pooh, Tigger & Eyore, but realized the line wrapped around such that we wouldn't make it in time to meet Ann & Moira, so I just snapped pics of the characters with other people in 'em. Back to the cool of the girls' motel for food, talk and a bit of a rest; then back to the Park for concerts 3 & 4. The crowd was even thicker than the the previous day, and I wound up listening to the show from the comfort of a curb way behind the crowd. I gave up dancing as my back was in severe pain from the day before, I guess. But I enjoyed watching a couple of kids dancing and jumping around with their mom-- having an absolute blast of a time. Davy sang 'Happy birthday, Mickey Mouse', which I'd heard of, but never heard before. A toddler and I were clapping in time to the song together. I guess ya hadda be there, but it was adorable Dave & I decided to skip the 2nd show, and went on the 'Soaring over California' ride instead. What an experience! Afterwards, we headed back to the show. I listened to one song while Dave had a smoke (boooo!) He found a carousel for me (I'd been telling him I must ride a carousel if we find one!) and we headed for it. Turns out it was right behind the lake behind the stage, and there were speakers facing that way--the upshot is I was riding the carousel, listening to the Monkees! Valerie(one of my personal favorites) was playing, so it was, like, 2 of my favorite things at once Then we wandered to the railing overlooking the lake back of the stage to watch the last 3 songs. What a great finale! almost, like, front row seats and got to watch the guys ferry right for us! Way cool. Next day, we decided to skip the Monkees (Sorry guys--I'd had enough of crowds--I really don't do well with 'em. I'd say that this was not the best venue for the Monkees--I think that it was underestimated what a large draw the guys are, even with just the two of them--there really needs to be better [read: more] seating) Dave & I drove down (up?) the Pacific Coast Highway, and I got to dip my toes (ok, up to my knees) in the Pacific ocean, and play tourist. Made our way up to Hollywood, where we took a jaunt down the Walk of Fame. I was looking for the THree Stooges Star, but no luck. We did however, stumble upon the Monkees' star So it was worth the trip. As it got dark, we headed to North Hollywood, where I'd been invited to meet/hear James Lee Stanley at a little coffee house. It was a wonderful place! Reminded me of the Penny Post, my old college stomping ground Brought back sweet memories. Unfortunatley, James Lee called in sick (legitimate) so I didn't meet him there. I was disappointed, but I still enjoyed myself. Next day I spent with my friend Colette, with whom I've been corresponding for years, and finally got to meet in person. We met up with Anne, Moira and Misumi (hope I have that spelled even close), whom we'd met previously in Las Vegas, for the taping of Hollywood Squares. That was a strange experience. If anyone cares, I'll elaborate more on that naother time. Suffice to say we got back to dave's arouynd 9:30 pm, Anne, Moira & Misumi went back to Disneyland, I wnet to sleep. Got up Sunday morning, A&M drove me back to LAX, came home, greeted Tony, flopped in front of tv, slep, got up, came to work, and now it's time for lunch A very enjoyable trip overall, though it can't compare to my Vegas adventure ===== Peace! Jan --My penguin was not Peter Tork