EDITED MAY 6, 2011: I edited this review and took out details of interacting with the girls both in the show and the M&G. I didn't feel comfortable keeping it up there, as I feel that is something personal and should be kept to myself. The full review is still on my Facebook account. Thanks for understanding. This might be my longest review ever. Ugh, I’m sorry, lol.
This weekend was INCREDIBLE!!! Even though the weather in Chicago was less than desirable, I’d say this weekend was even better than last year’s ForumFest! The theatre was nicer, our seats were closer, and the M&Gs were not as rushed as last year (which I think had to do with the fact that last year’s M&Gs had more people and also had all 5 girls at each one, so there wasn’t a lot of time to chit chat). We did miss a few important “regulars” though, like Joe and Kathy, Brad and Cindy, and KASEY(!!), among others.
I flew into Chicago on Friday, the day before the shows, which is what most of us did. I flew in on probably the WORST flight I’ve ever been on. I do NOT recommend Spirit Airlines – spend the extra dough and go with a better carrier. It was made worse by the fact that the weather in Chicago at 6pm on Friday was really nasty, so our landing was incredibly rough, and for a few moments I actually thought we weren’t going to make it, if you know what I mean. After I got off the plane I was still shaking and had to take a moment to take a breath and say a prayer of thanks to God for keeping me safe because that was just a rough flight.
That being said, it was TOTES worth it and I’d do it again for the weekend I had!!!!!!!
Jenna was a total angel (thanks again, J) and picked me up from O’Hare and we headed into downtown Chicago. About 12 of us (Me, Jenna, Coleen, Ennica, Jamie, Gary B., Zo, Sara, Ashley, Melissa, Sharon and Bernie) all had some pizza at Gino’s East, which was really fun!
Jenna and I roomed together like we did last year, and for those of you who have never met J, she is FREAKING HILARIOUS!!!!! I was pretty much in stitches the whole weekend.
Saturday we didn’t get to do much in the way of sightseeing simply because the weather was yucky. It was rainy and FREEZING!!!!
We all met up for dinner at the Emerald Loop, and I have to thank Gary B. and everyone involved in setting it up because it was perfectly organized! We had a whole little separate area of the restaurant to ourselves and it was a lot of fun. There was a lot of laughing going on and probably a few topics that can’t be mentioned on this forum, LOL. What happens in Chicago, stays in Chicago.
Then it was on to the show! The Saturday night show was HEAVEN!
Our group had the ENTIRE front row of the pit, every! single! seat!, and about half of the second row (for BOTH shows). I was seated in the front row, towards the end, right in front of Tommy Martin in the band, but it was a perfect seat. I was sitting next to Ashley, which was really fun because she gets into it just as much as I do. We had sat next to each other for the second half of the Red Rocks show back in September too. I also sat next to MikeyK, which was great too! It was really nice to meet you and your Mom, Mike.
The crowds for both shows were ABSOLUTELY INSANE. We were definitely leading it, of course, but I will say that the Chicago locals were just as crazy. We could hear the screaming and hollering from way in the back, so I know it wasn’t just the pit. Chicago obviously LOVES Celtic Woman and they are NOT afraid to show it!! Laura from the choir commented on Twitter about how wild the crowds were in Chicago and I have to agree. The Chicago Theatre was ROCKING on Saturday and Sunday, for sure.
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M&GSo, after the show is finished on Saturday we head to the M&G. We had nearly the entire M&G. We lined up and then Dustin told us we’d be meeting Lisa K and Lisa L!! I was SO SO SO excited because obviously I LOVE Lisa K, but I hadn’t gotten to meet Lisa L yet and was really wanting to, especially since I’ve gotten to know her so well on Twitter during this tour.
Both girls were very sweet and I really enjoyed visiting with them both.
And for anyone wondering, this is the story behind the "kiss" photo:
So, I take a “normal” super cute photo with her (see evidence below) and then as I start to back away from the table, she says “WAIT!! WAIT, ONE MORE!!!” I was kind of confused by this because Jamie, who was taking the photo, had given me the all-clear that the photo had turned out well, so I wasn’t sure why Lisa wanted another one. So, I lean back in for the second photo, and all of a sudden I feel her grabbing my chin and kissing me on the cheek! At this point I am DYING of laughter (which you can see in the photo, haha).
After we take the photo, she goes, “YOU BETTER MAKE THAT YOUR TWITTER PIC!!!” I was like “GIRRRRRRRLLL, you KNOW I’m going to put this up on Twitter as soon as I get back to the hotel!!” She laughed. In the words of Cindy, I JUST LOVE THAT LISA KELLY!!!! She pretty much made my LIFE with that photo!
After the M&G, we headed to the Renaissance Hotel and chilled out in their lounge for some post-concert libations and discussions. Again, what happens in Chicago, STAYS IN CHICAGO.
And let me say now that on Sunday morning, I woke up with a very sore voice from all of the screaming, hahahaha. I was exhausted, hoarse, and felt like I had been hit by a truck. I call this the “CW Hangover.” NEVERTHELESS, I was READY FOR ROUND TWO!!!!!!!!
