How Many FF Geeks Does It Take To Fix A Car?
The answer to the question above (read: How the Dear Friends concert went and why I almost didn't get a chance to see it) can be found under the cut. Sorry for the delay, but I'm not too cool for school :-P
Well, the Saturday started pretty normal. K got picked up by the in-laws early in the morning (I was dying for some sleep at that time b/c I was an idiot and got myself involved in a 2 AM EST Magic Online 8th Ed. Sealed Deck tourney that I ended up going 3-3 in, but I digress). I took a quick morning nap and woke up a hour and half later to get my car's oil changed and lunch for me and Shere. The ulterior motive behind the oil change was to see if there was anything the local Jiffy Lube could do to my coolant system that was mysteriously venting coolant fumes out from under the hood (in hindsight, I could have done something about this a few days ago when I did not have to worry about a Wed. evening ACC class but like an idiot decided to be lazy). Mechanic said they only do a radiator flush, decided that would not help, and opted for the change and picked up lunch.
So I decided to leave around 4 PM which would give Shere and I enough time to get in Chicago, eat at the Giordano's just up the street from the Rosemont Theater, and then go see the concert. We left about 4:45 PM (planned for this to happen, we hardly leave on time for anything) got gas and cash and jumped on the Toll Road. As we were driving I noticed the temp. gauge on the dashboard rise gradually about the time we about halfway in. About when we left the main IN Toll Road area and reached the Gary area the temp. gauge was in the red (never happened with my car, a '97 Chevy Lumina; it's always been reliable), the hot temp. warning light was blinking, and all at once the performance power of the car dropped about two-thirds. Luckily we limped off the highway and pulled into a rundown neighborhood to park somewhere give the engine a chance to cool off.
To make a long story short we were in Gary, IN for about 1 1/4 hours and found out from an AutoZone parts guy that it sounded like the engine's thermostat was faulty and there was nothing we could do except drive slow enough where the engine would not overheat and keep adding coolant when needed. This gave us about less that 2 hours to drive about 50 MPH from Gary to Rosemont-Chicago while worrying about my car blowing up in the middle of the highway. On top of that, as I found out later, I also had to deal with the infamous I-90 inner Chicagoland congestion and delays. Fun.
Somehow, we made it to the concert with 10-15 minutes to spare.
The first thing I noticed as we drove by the theater for a parking spot was the LINE OF PEOPLE WAITNG TO GET INTO THE BUILDING. It was literally stretched around the surrounding sidewalk (cool moment #1 of many to come). As we got parked and into the line to get in we noticed many people dressed up for the occasion. And I'm not talking khakis for guys and tights and skirts for gals; some opted for full tuxes and prom dresses (cool moment #2). Once inside I got a very nice official program ($20!!!) that had pictures of all the games featured in the concert and some extra stuff. Just by the program alone I could tell this was going to be a great event.
After about 10 after Shere and I got into our seats and got a good look at the layout of the theater hall (we were sitting in the upper balcony POV towards the center right of the stage) the man himself came strolling down the lower theater asileway: Nobuo Uematsu. Immediately, the whole audience gave him a lengthly standing O. Not to sound too geeky about it, but the fact that he was there live and everybody cheering him in appreciation was one of the best moments that evening, and the music haven't even stared yet (cool moment #3). After that, the concert started. The order of music was:
Liberi Fatali (w/ choir) (VIII)
Zanarkand (X)
Terra's Theme (VI)
Theme of Love (IV)
Dear Friends (V)
Vamo' Alla Flamenco (IX)
Love Grows (VIII)
Intermission
Aeris's Theme (VIII)
Not Alone (IX)
Ronfaure (XI)
Final Fantasy I-III Medley
New Music from FFVII: Advent Children
Final Fantasy
The highlights:
- Personally got choked up during Zanarkand and Aeris's Theme. No, I wasn't the only one; Shere told me the couple next to her were in tears as well.
- The guy that did the guitar pieces (Dear Friends and Vamo') seriously rocked. Looked like he was a bit winded after the latter piece. Wouldn't blame him; it was a very demanding part and he played it flawlessly :-)
- The use of videos that were played above the orchestra enhanced the experience (this was apparent during Zanarkand coupled with Yuna's Sending scene form FFX), but played them too often in the beginning and too few in the second half. Nice but could have been better balance.
- The music from Advent Children makes me curious for more of the movie and music ;-)
- Vivi from FF IX gets the "Intermittent Applause" award for his cameo on the video screen. Honorable mention goes to Chocobo's Theme in the I-III Medley.
- Before I forget, huge props to the Chicagoland Pops Orchestra. They are a great group of musicians and very worthy of playing this selection of exceptional pieces of FF music. Bravo!
After the Final Fantasy theme Uematsu appeared on stage with much applause and cheering and said his thank yous and appreciation of the fans of his music. You could tell he was genuinely touched by everybody's warm appreciation and liked to have some fun as he gave a "survey" of sorts for the audience to answer. Afterward, he gave way to the orchestra to perform the special encore: One-Winged Angel.
After all the cheering and praising, the first FF US tour stop came to a successful close. The turnout was superb, the music was outstanding, and the enthuisiasm was classy and second to none. I'll tell you one thing, San Fran is going to have to work hard to top that MidWest hospitality :-)
Anyways, after stopping for promised Giordano's stuffed pizza, Shere and I (slowly) make our way back to South Bend. The only downside to this return trip was the lack of heat from our car. Probably the longest 2 1/2 hours ever for me. Made it back a little after 4 AM cold, exhausted, but grateful for the best concert experience I've had to this day.
Anybody else who went: shout out and let us know if you liked it or not?
Well, the Saturday started pretty normal. K got picked up by the in-laws early in the morning (I was dying for some sleep at that time b/c I was an idiot and got myself involved in a 2 AM EST Magic Online 8th Ed. Sealed Deck tourney that I ended up going 3-3 in, but I digress). I took a quick morning nap and woke up a hour and half later to get my car's oil changed and lunch for me and Shere. The ulterior motive behind the oil change was to see if there was anything the local Jiffy Lube could do to my coolant system that was mysteriously venting coolant fumes out from under the hood (in hindsight, I could have done something about this a few days ago when I did not have to worry about a Wed. evening ACC class but like an idiot decided to be lazy). Mechanic said they only do a radiator flush, decided that would not help, and opted for the change and picked up lunch.
So I decided to leave around 4 PM which would give Shere and I enough time to get in Chicago, eat at the Giordano's just up the street from the Rosemont Theater, and then go see the concert. We left about 4:45 PM (planned for this to happen, we hardly leave on time for anything) got gas and cash and jumped on the Toll Road. As we were driving I noticed the temp. gauge on the dashboard rise gradually about the time we about halfway in. About when we left the main IN Toll Road area and reached the Gary area the temp. gauge was in the red (never happened with my car, a '97 Chevy Lumina; it's always been reliable), the hot temp. warning light was blinking, and all at once the performance power of the car dropped about two-thirds. Luckily we limped off the highway and pulled into a rundown neighborhood to park somewhere give the engine a chance to cool off.
To make a long story short we were in Gary, IN for about 1 1/4 hours and found out from an AutoZone parts guy that it sounded like the engine's thermostat was faulty and there was nothing we could do except drive slow enough where the engine would not overheat and keep adding coolant when needed. This gave us about less that 2 hours to drive about 50 MPH from Gary to Rosemont-Chicago while worrying about my car blowing up in the middle of the highway. On top of that, as I found out later, I also had to deal with the infamous I-90 inner Chicagoland congestion and delays. Fun.
Somehow, we made it to the concert with 10-15 minutes to spare.
The first thing I noticed as we drove by the theater for a parking spot was the LINE OF PEOPLE WAITNG TO GET INTO THE BUILDING. It was literally stretched around the surrounding sidewalk (cool moment #1 of many to come). As we got parked and into the line to get in we noticed many people dressed up for the occasion. And I'm not talking khakis for guys and tights and skirts for gals; some opted for full tuxes and prom dresses (cool moment #2). Once inside I got a very nice official program ($20!!!) that had pictures of all the games featured in the concert and some extra stuff. Just by the program alone I could tell this was going to be a great event.
After about 10 after Shere and I got into our seats and got a good look at the layout of the theater hall (we were sitting in the upper balcony POV towards the center right of the stage) the man himself came strolling down the lower theater asileway: Nobuo Uematsu. Immediately, the whole audience gave him a lengthly standing O. Not to sound too geeky about it, but the fact that he was there live and everybody cheering him in appreciation was one of the best moments that evening, and the music haven't even stared yet (cool moment #3). After that, the concert started. The order of music was:
Liberi Fatali (w/ choir) (VIII)
Zanarkand (X)
Terra's Theme (VI)
Theme of Love (IV)
Dear Friends (V)
Vamo' Alla Flamenco (IX)
Love Grows (VIII)
Intermission
Aeris's Theme (VIII)
Not Alone (IX)
Ronfaure (XI)
Final Fantasy I-III Medley
New Music from FFVII: Advent Children
Final Fantasy
The highlights:
- Personally got choked up during Zanarkand and Aeris's Theme. No, I wasn't the only one; Shere told me the couple next to her were in tears as well.
- The guy that did the guitar pieces (Dear Friends and Vamo') seriously rocked. Looked like he was a bit winded after the latter piece. Wouldn't blame him; it was a very demanding part and he played it flawlessly :-)
- The use of videos that were played above the orchestra enhanced the experience (this was apparent during Zanarkand coupled with Yuna's Sending scene form FFX), but played them too often in the beginning and too few in the second half. Nice but could have been better balance.
- The music from Advent Children makes me curious for more of the movie and music ;-)
- Vivi from FF IX gets the "Intermittent Applause" award for his cameo on the video screen. Honorable mention goes to Chocobo's Theme in the I-III Medley.
- Before I forget, huge props to the Chicagoland Pops Orchestra. They are a great group of musicians and very worthy of playing this selection of exceptional pieces of FF music. Bravo!
After the Final Fantasy theme Uematsu appeared on stage with much applause and cheering and said his thank yous and appreciation of the fans of his music. You could tell he was genuinely touched by everybody's warm appreciation and liked to have some fun as he gave a "survey" of sorts for the audience to answer. Afterward, he gave way to the orchestra to perform the special encore: One-Winged Angel.
After all the cheering and praising, the first FF US tour stop came to a successful close. The turnout was superb, the music was outstanding, and the enthuisiasm was classy and second to none. I'll tell you one thing, San Fran is going to have to work hard to top that MidWest hospitality :-)
Anyways, after stopping for promised Giordano's stuffed pizza, Shere and I (slowly) make our way back to South Bend. The only downside to this return trip was the lack of heat from our car. Probably the longest 2 1/2 hours ever for me. Made it back a little after 4 AM cold, exhausted, but grateful for the best concert experience I've had to this day.
Anybody else who went: shout out and let us know if you liked it or not?