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Jennifer's Stories

The first time, my 5 year old daughter (her first concert) and I saw Andy this past December 5th in Ft. Myers, Florida. He was the second act of three. I was really impressed by his show--at that time all I knew from him was "You Won't Ever Be Lonely". He signed autographs at the end of the evening and posed with my daughter and me for a picture (I'll post it in the photo section here.) In the few moments I was able to speak to him, he was so nice. I bought an 8x10 pic and asked him to sign it to my daughter, and he did. Such a nice guy.

The second time was this past Friday night, April 28th, again in Ft. Myers. I won my tickets off the radio, which was so cool--the first time I ever won concert tickets. I brought the pic of the three of us with the hopes of getting it autographed for my daughter. I didn't bring her this time because it was in a bar. After me and my husband got in, we went to the merchandise booth to check things out. I was elated when I found out that Andy was going to be signing autographs again. I bought a CD to get autographed (this time to me.) About an hour before the the concert was to start, I dragged my husband out to the front of the stage (I HAD to be in the front!!) Let me tell you something, Andy put on one of the best concerts I've ever seen. He puts so much emotion into his performance. He sang some new songs, one of which really stuck in my mind. The name of it is (I believe) "Practice Life". It's bound to be a hit. After the concert was over, I got in line to see Andy. I asked him to autograph the picture to my daughter, and he did. Maybe I was just imagined it, but I thought he seemed flattered. He asked where it was taken at. I then asked him to sign my CD, and he did. After he got done, I got to shake his hand--it seemed like the longest hand shake I've ever experienced (it was by far the best!!) Such a sweetheart.
I guess you could say I'm hooked now. I've listened to my CD about 10 times now. I love all of the songs, but If I had to choose a favorite unreleased song on the CD, it would be a tie between "Waitin' On Sundown" and "Shine On Me."

Saturday night my friends got married, so I didn't get to bed until midnight. The alarm went off at 2:00 AM. Man, it was early, but I was sooo excited. We hit the road at 3:00 AM. Nine and a half hours later we made it to Panama City. We stopped at the first hotel we came to (there were a few in the same geeral area.) My husband parked the car and went in to see if they had a room available. While in the car, I looked across the street and saw a black tour bus. I immediately jumped out of the car and got my scrapbook out of the trunk. Back in March, Country Weekly did a story on Andy's new bus with photos and I had it in my book. It was a classic moment--I looked at the bus, I looked at the book, looked at the bus, looked at the book. At that moment I had the revelation--THAT'S ANDY'S BUS!!!!! Oh my, I almost ran in after my husband so he wouldn't book a room in the first hotel. Luckily they didn't have anything available till later that day. I was like, THAT'S ANDY'S BUS!!!! We went over there, and confirmed that it was indeed his bus. We followed Lance in the hotel. All the while, my husband was saying "Calm down." Geez, how could I calm down?? The guy at the front desk was telling us what he had left, but I didn't hear, I just said we'll take it! We go out to our car to get out things and I notice that most of Andy's band was in the pool area. Now my husband was saying "respect their privacy." Oh, the temptation! I didn't venture out to the pool, I chose to respect their privacy. I won't lie, I did take a long look! :)

We get in our room and I'm all excited--in total disbelief that we were in the same hotel as Andy. I conveniently need to go out to the car to get something(Actually, my daughter wanted her coloring books--honestly!) I pass Ty at the elevator. I just kinda looked in awe---didn't want to bother him (you know--the "respect their privacy" thing.)I get back to the room and get myself and my daughter ready. We then go sit down in the lobby, scrapbook in hand. The guys of Ward 8 passing through back and forth through the lobby. No Andy, yet! My husband comes down and we go outside to go to the car.

I stop in my tracks--there was Andy!!! My daughter looks at me and says "Is that Andy?" I go "uh huh"--I couldn't speak. He sees us and we say hi---I couldn't say anything else that moment. I was in complete awe. Yes, I've met to get out "Can we bother you for a minute?" He came over and gave me a hug and held out his hand to shake hands with my husband. I don't recall what my daughter did. Finally words came a little easier from me. I told Andy that we had drove 9 1/2 hours to see him. I don't think he expected that. He said that we (him and his band, I'm sure) appreciate that. He asked if we liked Joe Dffie, and I told him that I thought Joe was ok, but we really came to see him. We got to talking about where I was from and how many times we've seen him. I then tell Andy that I've been trying to get my husband to call in sick this Friday so we could go to Melbourne to see him again (assuming I could get out of work.) Andy told him that he should. I'm showing him my scrapbook, my husband is talking NASCAR with Andy's band, and my daughter is munching on chips Ty offered her. This whole moment felt like a group of friends who had not seen eachother in awhile. Truly amazing!

As we were looking at my book, I asked Andy if he was ever on the internet. He said yes, so immediately I get out the print out of this club's front page and tell him about it. I let him keep it, and hopefully he'll stop by here someday. We'll keep our fingers crossed! I had two of my photos enlarged and I asked Andy if he could autograph them for me and my daughter. One photo was of him and Ty, and I asked if Ty would sign it, too--and he did. He also said that he would like to have a copy of that photo (it's getting done at Eckerd's tonight--it's definitely my pleasure--he liked my photos!!) I also brought my issue of Country Weekly with Country's 25 Sexiest Stars and asked Andy to sign it. He laughed, and he did sign it for me. At this point it seemed like we were there forever. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Andy posed with us for pictures and we said our good-byes. I asked Andy if there would be a meet & greet that night and he said yes. I told him that we'd see him then!

Andy and Ward 8 were so friendly and nice to us--they didn't have to be. I just want to say THANK YOU to them for being great to us!! They really made our trip worth it (not that it wasn't before--you know what I mean!!)

When we were on our way to the concert, I was on cloud 9. I still couldn't believe my time with Andy and Ward 8.

(Cledus) gets off stage and they start setting up for Andy. Katelynn and I go over to the merchandise table to ask about the meet & greet and he didn't know when it was going to happen. We go back to our seats and then I go up to the stage and ask Ty about it. He said that they were still going to do it and that they'd let us know. We go sit back down. A little while later Ty points out at us and tells us to go back for the m&g. Let me explain, I know I had already spent time with Andy that afternoon, but I forgot to ask him a question that I had on my mind. When we get back there, there are about 10 people--all of which had items to be autographed. We didn't bring anything else for Andy to autograph---some people looked at us like we were nuts for not getting his autograph. If they only knew about earlier in the day. I again ask Andy if we can get our picture taken with him, and he does. I get to ask my question and then have to leave.

Andy made his entrance and people stormed the stage. You know I went right along with them. My daughter followed me. We make it to the front and the stage is a good 2 feet over her head. A guy behind me picks her up so she could see. I didn't know him from Adam, but he was really nice. I can't remember if I thanked him or not. If not, THANK YOU to the guy who picked up my daughter so she could see!! We both appreciated that.

Anyway, Andy announced during the concert that Justin was leaving the band. The words Andy said leading up to this were just so sweet. He was saying that Justin was like a brother to him and that he was going to miss him. I'm curious if they have someone lined up for this Friday's show in Melbourne.

The whole concert was awesome, but shorter than I'm used to. I guess they shortened Andy's show due to the time. What can I saw---Andy is incredible!! I'm truly thankful for him and his music.

Ok, here I go....

Friday I got off work at 2PM so we could hit the road and hopefully miss Miami/Ft. Lauderdale rush hour traffic (we succeeded.)

We get to Melbourne a little after 6PM. We take the exit to The County Line Saloon and see Andy's bus in the parking lot. There are a couple of hotels next to the bar, so we get our room there. While we're checking in, Justin walks in. I said hi to him and stood there in disbelief. He's checking in too. (Last week was supposed to be his last concert.) I finally get the nerve to ask him for his autograph on my scrapbook (I was so nervous--I was remembering the "respect their privacy" thing from Panama City), and he says sure. (I was so nervous in Panama City that I didn't even think of asking the guys of Ward 8 for their autographs!) I go out to my car to get it. While I'm gone, he and my husband talk. Justin told him that there was a problem with his replacement and that Andy asked him to play. I bring my scrapbook in and he autographs it for me. We all ride in the same elevator---my husband and I got off on the 2nd floor.

We then walk over to the bar and get in line to go in. Of course I have my scrapbook in hand and I'm talking about Andy to anyone who'll listen. I was sooo excited!! When we finally got in we found a booth and sat down. I was keeping my eyes open for the guys in the band. I see CJ and make a beeline to him. I ask him for his autograph, and he signs my book (and I get a hug!) I go back to the booth and sit down. The next autograph I get was Lance's. He even stopped and looked at my scrapbook. I go back and sit down at the booth again. A lady I was talking to in line came over to our booth and handed me a few coasters with Andy on them. Coasters!?!? The photo on them is the same as the album cover. I probably would have not noticed them since we didn't drink. To that lady, THANK YOU!!!

Moving on, I'm getting anxious for the M&G. I had a few things to give to Andy, and I couldn't wait to see him! They announce for all the people who won backstage passes to meet in a certain area, but nothing about the fan club. I grab a radio personality and ask her if she knew, and she said to get in line with the winners. I got in line and waited. I got to talk to a couple other fan club members. They said that they were going to see Andy again the next day in GA. Being curious, I ask how far away it was from there. They said about 4 hours, and I got to thinking...what's another 4 hours?? Anyway, the line finally gets moving. When I get to Andy, he seemed surprised to see me again. (In Panama City I told him that I was going to try to talk my husband into going to Melbourne.) He asked where Katelynn was. I give him the photo he wanted, a picture my daughter colored for him, and a card for him and Ward 8 thanking them for their hospitality in Panama City. I get my picture taken with him, and ask if I can get a picture of him holding the picture Katelynn colored for him so she could see that he got it (that was a mouthfull.) He said yes. I then go to leave when I step back around in line and call my daughter on my cell phone. I'm hoping that Andy will say hi to her since she couldn't be there this time. When I got back around, I quickly ask Andy if he could say hi to her. He talks to her for a minute or two, which was just about the sweetest thing he could have done for her. What the people around didn't know was that she is a fan club member and that she couldn't be there because she was under 18 (if it wasn't for that, she would have been there in person.)

I'm sitting there waiting for the concert to start. My seat is not even 2 feet from the stage. I'm talking to the girl next to me about Andy and showing her my scrapbook. Finally, the concert starts. During the concert, when Andy is talking, he says "Here Jennifer" and tosses me a pick! Of course clutzy me drops it--LOL! I did get it though. He sang two songs that they had been working on, "Freedom" and "Practice Life". Both are incredible (but what isn't from Andy??) After the concert, we get in line for autographs (and it's a BIG line, too.) My husband knew that I still needed autographs from Ty, Kevin, and Clay, and he pointed out that they were clearing the stage. We get out of line and go hit up Ty first. He signs my book and we talk for a little bit. He asks about Katelynn and we talk about the show in Panama City. Then I get Kevin's autograph, and finally Clay's. I now had all the autographs I needed!!

We get back in line to see Andy. When it gets to my turn, he autographs a photo for me and I ask for another photo with him. I believe that it doesn't hurt to ask--this may be good and may be bad. What's the worse he could say? No? I would have dealt with that, but he said sure. I get my picture taken with Andy (again) and get a hug. I ask him about Jekyll Island and he points me to Mike for the info. I then tell Andy that we might see him tomorrow if I can talk him (my husband) into going. We go over to Mike and get some info.

We finally get back to our room for 3 hours of sleep. It still wasn't decided if we were going to GA or not. Finally before we checked out, he said we'd go. Now it's 6:30 in the morning and we're on our way to Jekyll Island, GA.

When we finally get there, it's about 10:30 in the morning. There were people everywhere!!! While we were stuck in traffic, I ran to the Welcome Center and bought our tickets. Mark Wills and George Jones are there also, but we were there just for Andy. As we were trying to find a place to park, I couldn't believe all the people!! The line to get into the gate was probably a mile long (for real). We find a place to park and start the walk to the gate. As we're walking by a hotel, the security guard says if we already have our tickets we can get in line on the beach. After seeing that long line, we were willing to chance it. We get down there and it wasn't bad at all. When they finally let us in, I make a mad dash for the stage. I didn't think I'd get a very good spot, but I did. There were already people lined up against the fence, so I had to stand behind them (which was still a great spot.) Once again, I'm talking about Andy to anyone who will listen to me.

They announce the m&g and ask if there are any fan club members out there---of course I make my presence known!! I make my way through the crowd and get in line for the m&g. I was first in line. When We finally get to go back, we wait for Andy to come out of his bus. He seemed surprised to see me again. I get my hug (I love hugs) and get my picture taken with Andy again. When I get back to my standing spot, a girl asked me if he was nice. I could have went on forever about this. Of course I said that he's nice, and that his band is too----that they're just a great bunch of guys. The concert starts and I'm taking in everything because I won't be seeing Andy again for awhile. AT one moment, when Andy was talking, I yelled "I love you Andy" (I meant that in a respectable way) and he said "I love you too." From the looks I got, I think that the people around me thought I was crazy!! No, just a fan having the greatest weekend.

After the concert, Andy signs autographs. We get in line to see him. When we get up to him, I ask him to sign my ticket and if I can get one more photo before we leave. He's all for it, but the lovely law enforcement officers wouldn't allow it. He asks if we're going to be around for a little while. We tell him we would be and he tells us to wait for him at the gate and we'd get out photo then. We wait for him. While we were standing there, Mark Wills walks by going to the stage. Anyway, Andy is on his way back and I ask him about the photo. He says come on back. The cop was like "you want her to come back?" and he said yes. My husband and I get our photo taken with Andy. He says to us that we probably knew his show better than he did. I thank him and we say good-bye.

My Thursday began at 2:45 AM. I went to bed at 11:30 PM the night before, so I didn't get much sleep. I drive myself to the airport. I get checked in, and now I wait to board. Have I ever mentioned that I'm not fond of flying?? When we get to Atlanta, my connection was a million miles away, so off I go, running through the airport to make my flight. Fortunately, I make it (this time.) I arrive in Nashville a little past 8 AM. I get a taxi and I'm on my way to Third and Lindsley. Traffic was horrible--I was glad I didn't rent a car. I get there before 9 AM. There are already two people in line, Pam and Tammie. They were wearing Andy t-shirts made with their photos. They were really cool. We chatted about Andy and our experiences. I had a lot of fun while in line to get in. It was cloudy out and it rained on and off. I got a few email addresses, and I'm going to send them the info about our clubs. People were starting to arrive. When they were driving by, they looked as if they weren't sure they were at the right place. So Pam gets out there and holds up a photo of Andy and starts directing traffic--it was sooo funny the reactions she got from people. Andy's mom, Barbara, arrives. I introduce myself to her. I've been in touch with her through letters. She is a very nice lady. She had my party ticket and brought it out to me (that's another story.) The closer it got to the doors opening, the more excited I got. Pam had been there before, so I asked her how it was set up inside--I was already planning my route to the front.

When the doors open, we get a table right in front. We were sooo close. The food was great. While we were eating, Barbara came over to Pam and said that there was a reporter, Bob Paxman from Country Weekly, outside wanting to talk to some Andy fans. I went out with Pam and Tammie. The photographer took photos of them and told them that they wanted to get photos of them with Andy. Andy drives by, and pulls in around back. The photographer says to Pam And Tammie, come with us, and Pam says "What about Jennifer?" They say I can come too. While walking back there, I told them how I just flew in that morning to see Andy, and that I was going back to the airport after the party. They probably thought I was crazy. Andy comes over and gives us hugs. They take photos of Pam, Tammie, and Andy. Then Andy, him mom, and grandma. Then I got my photo with Andy. I also got one with my camera. We then head back towards the front door, and photographer tells me to wait, that he needed my info. Barbara gives him my full name and where I was from. I thought it was pretty cool she remembered all that. We go inside and sit back down. I tell some of the people that we were in line with that Andy's now there. I was just sooo excited!!

A few minutes later, Andy walks in and goes up on stage---just Andy and his guitar. He talks about his brother, which almost makes me cry. He sings one of his brother's songs. (I'm a very emotional person--I knew I'd be crying before this party was over after this. You might have read in previous posts from me that Andy and his music have really helped me cope better with my mother's passing---if you haven't been through something like this, you probably don't understand where I'm coming from. All the other times I saw Andy, I never felt it was the right time to tell him. I wrote about it to his mom. I got a letter from her last week and she said that she read that to him. I was glad--he did need to know. I was going to tell him myself today. I briefly mentioned this in a card I had for Andy just in case I didn't tell him.)

Andy brought some song writers up on stage with him, one at a time. The first songwriter Andy brought on stage was Tim Johnson, the second was Neil Thrasher, and the third was Brett Jones. Each songwriter got the chance to sing a song they wrote. Tim sang "I Let Her Lie" (recorded my Daryle Singletary.) Neil sang "What Do You Say" (recorded by Reba McEntire.) This song makes me cry everytime I hear it because I can relate to the last verse--my mother passed away from cancer. I was sitting there in the front row crying. I knew from earlier that I would be crying at the party, but never in a million years did I expect to hear this song at Andy's party. Brett sang "Heart Hush" (recorded by Reba.) It was a neat event---songwriters deserve more attention, and today, Andy gave it to them.

There was a question and answer time. Stephanie had to leave for a litte bit, so it was just Andy and Barbara. She is just the greatest! We got a few "Andy stories" from her. The one question that really stands out in my mind was "Boxers or briefs?" Andy said neither--it was sooo funny. Barbara said that she would read letters (that fans wrote to her) to Andy when he needed uplifted. So, if you've got a special story about something Andy and his musis has helped you with, let him know. Awards were given out to fan club members for various catagories. There was an auction benefitting abused women, a cause that Andy is supporting.

It was around 2:00 when Andy started signing autographs. Originally, he was going to go to each table and sign, but he ended up at the merchandise table. Mike (Andy's tour manager) said that Andy had to leave at 3:00 because he had somewhere he needed to be. Pam, Tammie, and I just wait for the line to go down instead of standing in line. I had brought something for Barbara, and I gave it to her. I got the chance to talk to Stephanie for a few minutes. She was so nice. I brought something for her, too. It may sound corny, but I just wanted to thank her for believing in Andy. Without that, we might not have his music today. I told her how Andy & his music helped me. It's now getting closer to 3:00. There weren't too many people left in line, so we finally get in line. It was now my turn. Mike came over and asked Andy if he knew that I flew in just to see him (we talked to Mike earlier.) I think it kinda overwhelmed him. He thanked me for coming, and I told him that he didn't have to thank me, that I was sooo happy to be there. I then said, "your mom told me that she read you my letter." He said yea. I said thank you to him, and got teary-eyed. I got a hug and said that I wasn't going to cry because I wanted to get my picture taken with him (saying that was the only way I could keep myself from crying more.) I got a few words of wisdom from Andy. He autographed a few photos for me and Katelynn and I showed him the gift I brought to him. I wanted him to see it when I told him the story behind it. Before I go, I get another hug and say that it's gonna be a long time before I see him again. He says, no it won't. He said that he'd get back to Florida. I told him that I'd be happy with south Georgia or even south Alabama. He said that they'd be in Mobile sometime. Gotta check that out!! After that, we stand there taking more photos of Andy while he was with other fans. It was around 3:30 when he got done.

We decided to go around back to say bye to Andy before he left. When they came out, Pam said to Mike that we were just there to say bye. Andy gave us each a hug and we left.

Hello!! I got back last night around 9:30pm. Originally, I was to get home by 6:00pm, but my flight to Ft. Myers was canceled due to the storms that passed through Atlanta. Needless to say, my evening was full of frustration. Through it all, though, I laughed. I'm 2 for 2 when it comes to problems flying out of Atlanta. What are the chances?!? :)

Later that day, we made it to the fairgrounds around 1:30pm. There were only two people there before us, Jennifer and Norma. Angie went and got our tickets for the reserved seats for both shows. I asked a guy who was with the fair, if we had reserved seat tickets for both shows if we could keep the same seats? He got back to us and said we could. While she was gone, Mike (Andy's tour manager) walked on stage while it was being set up. They had arrived!! We got ran out of the tent and had to wait at the entrance. We were just sitting there talking when I noticed Andy and Mike walking out from behind the stage. I jumped up and said "Andy!!!" He walked up to us and I got a hug :) and he asked me what I was doing up there. I told him that I needed to go up there and that I planned it when I could see him. He asked about my daughter. I told And that I had something for him and asked him if he wanted it now or later, and he said now. I had some "Florida" stuff, a photo album with photos from his fan club party, a letter that had everything I wanted to say just in case I forgot something, a copy of the front page of the club, and the lure. I got the fishing lure out and he said that he had gotten the first one about a week ago. He seemed to really like it---we should keep this up! I got my photo taken with him. Angie and Jennifer got to talk to him and then he had to go.

Later on, Andy's band started the sound checks. When they weren't busy, I hit them up, one by one, for photos. I was able to get Kevin, Clay, Ty, and Brett for photos with me. Ty asked about my daughter--I tell you, she's a charmer!! I took some shots of them while doing the sound checks. I used 5 rolls of film that day (with a new camera--hopefully it wasn't defective.)

The concert started at 7:00. Andy tossed out a pick and I ran up and grabbed it. He sang "Arms of Cocaine" and it was the first time I've ever heard him sing it. I thought that was way cool. He also sang a song that I'm not sure of the title, but I've seen someone post it elsewhere as "Army of Heaven". It's an incredible song, and if you've heard it, I'm sure you agree. After singing "Waitin on Sundown" he talked about domestic violence. He got cheers from the crowd. He played for an hour for the first show.

missing part of story--please fill in!!!

Of course we got in line again to talk to Andy. When I got to him, he asked me how I liked "Dance With Me". I told him I loved it!!! Angie and I got our photo taken with Andy. I thanked him for everything and gave him a hug. I told him I'd see him when they came back to Florida in November and that this time, my daughter would be with me. I asked Angie if she wanted to wait by his bus to tell him bye before he left, and she said yes, so we went back and waited. There were a few other people back there and we were talking "Andy". I got my photo taken with Lance and Brett (again). When Andy came back, he said "Don't believe what Jennifer says" and laughed. He signed some more autographs for the people there. He gave me another hug and I told him good night and have a safe trip. I also told him to get some rest! I had the greatest time!! Me and Angie are already talking about doing this again next year! Now she's got "Andy Fever"!!! Don't we all??? Andy is just the sweetest guy!

Andy in Ocala 11-04-00

11/7/00 7:38 pm
We arrived at the concert site at 5:00 am and were the second vehicle there. I got the "I told you so" from my husband. A few minutes after we got there, someone else pulled in. They came up to our car and tapped on the window. My husband rolls the window down and this is when we met Cassee and Linda--our concert buddies. :) My husband and daughter stayed in the car and I went ahead and got in line at the gate. There was already someone in line. While waiting in line, me and Casee made a deal, that whoever got down to the stage first would save enough room for all of our chairs (the front few rows were already taken by volunteers.) As the sun started coming up, buses started arriving. When I saw that black bus coming down the road, I was like "There's Andy's bus!!" I'm sure that people thought I was crazy. Me and Katelynn go by the road and wave at them. I was really excited now! The gates opened at 8:30 am and we ran to get our spots. We ended up in the 5th row--I was happy. The Warren Brothers opened the show (they were really good.) Andy was the next to perform. His show began with an intro that consisted of the sounds of helicopters and then clips of songs. I recognised some of them--Hank Williams, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Bob Segar, and (I'm pretty sure) Jerry and Tammy Sullivan. This was new to me. They opened with "You Made Me That Way." They played for about an hour. When they started playing "Ain't Livin' Long.." I knew it was about over...

The M&G was after the show. We had a few things to give to Andy, so we waited towards the end of the line. When it was our turn, I got a hug and Katelynn got a hug AND a kiss on the cheek. It was sooo sweet. We each gave Andy a fishing lure, and he said, "Now I can go fishing." I showed him the "Andy's Anglers" folder I made for him, and he seemed to like it. I flipped through the pages and told him a little about it. I also gave him a card from his "Anglers". We then got his autograph and our photos taken with him. We got one of Andy and Katelynn---I can't wait to see it! I asked him how the new album was going. He said that it was going well, that he had to do the vocals for a few more songs. I asked him if "Practice Life" was going to be on it (that song is VERY special to me), and he said that he didn't know--that they have 13 songs for the album, and that they had to cut 2 of them. I hope that song ISN'T one they cut from the album. One of the things we brought for Andy was Starburst candies, and Katelynn's question for Andy was "What is your favorite color of Starburst?" His answer was red, and then he asked her if she wanted one. Of course she said yes, so there we had Andy and Katelynn eating Starbursts! It was sooo sweet! That will definitely be one of my most favorite "Andy moments". Then, it was time for us to go. Andy gives me a hug and we say good-bye. I kinda stay in the background for a minute or two and watch other people getting to meet Andy. It was amazing. Andy is so good to his fans!

Now I needed to find the guys of Ward 8 to get my photos autographed. We talk to Ty first. My daughter wanted her photo taken with him. We got it and I got my photo autographed. Then we see Clay and say hi to him. Kevin was in a hurry to get done loading the bus, but he took time to autograph my photo (I felt kinda bad asking him.) Then I got Lance's autograph, then C.J.'s. I couldn't find Brent, so I asked where he was. He was eating, so we stood around waiting for him. I thought we were going to be thrown out because we were back there for so long. Finally, he started walking towards the bus. I stop him and get his autograph. They all were realy nice to us. It was great!!
SeaWorld Orlando
2/25/01 10:25 pm
I owe my husband big time for this!! I really didn't expect him to agree on going to SeaWorld. Last week when I got home from work on the day his grandmother passed away, he said to me "I don't blame you if you want to stay home. I know how long you've looked forward to these concerts." He was very sincere about this, very unselfish. I looked at him and said, "Do you really think I could stay home at a time like this?" There's no way I could have stayed home. I believe that you have to take care of your family before anything else. Right then I started calling friends to try to give the tickets away---I had no luck, everyone already had plans. :(

Anyway, we get there around 9:00 am, and the part of the park around the stadium was closed until 10:00am. So, we went walking around for awhile. Right before 10:00, we went back to wait for that area to open. Once it opened, my daughter and I started walking towards the stage (my husband had to run out to the car.) Then some park employees stopped us by the stadium and said that the area was closed because the band was still setting up. Frustration set in. We started walking in the other direction when I saw Ty walking with someone away from the stadium (they were far away---I was lucky to have seen that it was Ty.) I have my daughter start yelling Ty's name. He was looking around like he didn't know which direction the yelling was coming from. I yelled "over here" and then he saw that it was us yelling. He came up to us and we said hi to him. It was then that I realized it was Clay with him (he had on a hat---I've never seen him in a hat.) Ty asked how we've been doing. I showed him the photo of him and Katelynn that was taken last November. She then asks me if it's ok to ask where Andy is at. I say sure and she asks. Ty said Andy was still asleep. They said that they were going to check the place out, so we said bye. As they walked away, I looked at my daughter and said that we should have given them one of our maps (we had extra.) We caught up with them and she gave them one.

Later on, at noon, we got in line for the concert. There weren't many people waiting yet. At 1:00, they opened up the seating. We ended up getting 3rd row, center, which was awesome. I've been in the front row at a concert before and haven't been this close. I took over 100 photos and will get them developed as soon as I can. I'm going to try to drop them off tomorrow.

Andy in concert at SeaWorld
2/25/01 11:13 pm
I asked Mike about the meet and greet, and he said that it was going to be after the show. I was worried that there might not be one after last week's incident.
The concert began with "You Made Me That Way". Among many of the songs from his album, he sang "Where's The Train When You Need One", "The Ride", Army of Heaven", "Move It On Over" and "How Cool is That". He said that "How Cool is That" will be on his upcoming album, and that it was going to be the first single off it and that it'll hit radio in about a month.

About half way through the show, Ward 8 leaves the stage. Then Andy starts talking about how he wasn't able to spend Valentine's day with his wife. He said that called her that night to tuck her in and say goodnight (he had a late show that night,) and he asked her what she was doing, and she said that she was getting ready to go to sleep. He then went on to say that he said "It's me again Margaret---are you naked?!?" He had everyone rolling---it was soo funny!!! He also said that she was on the road with him this time and were going to spend a few days in Orlando. He sang a song for her, I think it was called "Be My Valentine". You couldn't see Stephanie, but you could tell where she was at because Andy didn't take his eyes off her. It was sweet--real sweet.

Then Ward 8 returns and they do a few more songs. When Andy sang "She's More", he got off stage and walked from side to side. Before he got back on, he mentioned that he never gets to get off stage because they're usually so high up. He stood back from the stage and looked at the guys and said that they were fine looking, and the gals in the crowd all yelled and screamed. He got back on stage and they went into "Ain't Livin' Long Like This". Instead of singing "I looked for trouble and I found it son, Straight down the barrel of a lawman's gun", he sang "I looked for trouble and I found it son, Straight down the barrel of a paramedic's gun"!! It was funny--I look at my husband and ask "did he just say what I thought he said?" and he said yes. I felt kinda bad about laughing, but it was really funny. The concert ended and now we waited for the m&g.

The Meet & Greet 02-24-01
2/26/01 12:02 am
There weren't many fan club members there. I would guess that between the fan club, contest winners, and VIP's that there were 15 of us. They took us under the stadium where we waited for Andy in a hallway. He came out and then a guy from SeaWorld said there was a better place to do the meet and greet, so we followed him. When Andy walked by he crouched down and said "hi" to my daughter and "nice to see you." That made her so happy. I only got the chance to say hi to Stephanie in passing.

We get back there and Andy starts talking to the line. The people in front of me asked Stephanie about when Andy sang to her. She said that she was surprised and that it was very sweet.

While waiting for our turn, I asked Mike if Andy was going on tour with Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney. He said that they were working on it. I then ask him if Andy passed the initiation. We got a good laugh and he said that they are planning on calling it "The Outlaw Tour". He then said that they did that just to make sure they got on the tour. I would have never made the "initiation" comment had Andy not used "Paramedic" in "Ain't Livin' Long..."

Then someone asks Andy about the Fan Club party. He said, "ask Mike or you could ask Jennifer, she probably knows more than I do." He remembered my name!!!!! I coudn't believe it. I hadn't even talked to him yet, and I didn't tell anyone my name. After we left, I asked my husband to make sure I heard correctly (he said I did.) About the party--it's going to be on Wednesday at Cafe Milano. I'm going to change my vacation tomorrow. Andy asked if I was going to be there, and I told him yes, that me and Katelynn would be there. He already seems excited about the party.

It's now finally our turn with Andy. I get a hug and Katelynn does, too. We had a few things for Andy, and my daughter was all excited to give them to him. She goes to hand him the whole bag, and I tell her to get the stuff out of the bag. We brought a lure from each of us, a Marlin can hugger (I was happy there was a Bass Pro Shop in Orlando---I had a Bass can hugger from a previous trip to BPS in Ft. Lauderdale, but it was at home) and more Starbursts. When she gave the Starbursts to Andy, she said "you can share them" and he said "not my Starbursts---I'll share cookies when I get them, but not these." It was so cute. She then asked him if he was going to eat them, and he said "if you eat one with me." They opened the bag and each got one. They start to open them and he says "I bet I can open mine faster than you," and he did. :) I told her to say that he's had more experience opening them. Then I get my autographs. Then I ask about "Something Wild"--when we're going to be able to buy it, and Mike said probably late this year.

Then Andy looks at my husband and says "I know you're an Earnhardt fan, I'm sorry to hear about that." It was last May when we talked about that (my husband being a Dale Earnhardt fan.)

Before we go, I ask if we can get our photos taken, and Andy says sure. He goes down right beside Katelynn and then says wait a minute. He gets two Starbursts, one for him and one for her, and they go to eat them. I believe that this time, she beat him opening it! He says to her, you've gotta show it in the picture. I can't wait to see that one. Then the three of us get our photo taken. I get one more hug and thank Andy for everything. When I stand back, Katelynn has this big bear hug on Andy. She wouldn't let go! She finally does, and we say good bye.

Andy in Tampa

Saturday night was awesome!!! We got to the Round Up around 6:30. We got a table and then I went to the merchandise table to meet Phil. What a nice guy!! I talked to him for awhile. I told him that the concert in Tallahassee (on the 6th) should have been scheduled for a Saturday instead of a Friday because I can't get off work to go, and he told me that they were going to be in Bradenton the next night!!! That is sooo much closer for me!! Ty came over and I talked to him for a little bit. I asked if they were going on tour with Tim & Kenny, and he said they weren't. He asked where my husband was and I told him at our table. I brought something for the guys, so I went over and got it and my husband. Ty talked to him for awhile (about hunting I think.) Oh, I can't remember when this came about in the conversation, but I remember it being mentioned that the new tour will be called the "Freedom Tour".

Anyway.....around 7:30 or so, people started standing in front of the stage, and the concert wasn't until 11:00!!! I wanted to be as close to the front as possible, so we went and claimed our territory. I ended up behind someone which wasn't bad because I was taller than her.

The meet and greet was at 10:15. Andy remembered my name again!!! WOW!!! Andy didn't have green on (he had a black t-shirt on with the "Animal" character from the Muppets, a long sleeved shirt over it, and jeans,) so I asked him, "Where's your green?" He didn't realize that it was St. Patrick's Day. I looked closer at his shirt and I found an ity bity bit of green that saved him! :)

The concert started right around 11:00. They didn't open with "You Made Me That Way", they opened with "I'll Go Crazy". That took me by surprise because I've never seen a show where they didn't open with "You Made Me That Way". During the concert, Andy sang "Freedom", "Practice Life", "How Cool Is That?", and "Where's the Train When You Need One", "Blues Man", "Move it on Over", songs off his album. When Ward 8 left the stage and Andy was up there with his guitar, he sang, I'm not sure of the title, but it's goes "My Jesus Has Me On His Mind" and "Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning". I can't remember if there were any others (I get too excited to remember everything!!) The guys came back on stage and they did a song or two more. Then they left the stage. They came back out for the encore and played "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" and "Ain't Livin' Long Like This". Overall, they were on stage for one and a half hours!! It was an excellent show!!

Afterwards, Andy signed autographs and I got in line again. I had a photo to give to Andy--I didn't do it at the meet and greet because I didn't have enough time, and another photo that I wanted to get autographed. He talked to my husband, too, which was really cool. Before I left, I got another hug! :) Andy is just wonderful! I took two rolls of film and will get them posted when possible. ~Jennifer~

Bradenton Concert

Hey everyone! Saturday night went by way too fast!

We got to Joyland around 7:00. We got a great table. As the evening went on, I saw Phil setting up, so I went over to talk to him for a little bit. I asked about the Jamey who posts at the message board, and he is legitimate. Phil is so nice--no wonder he has fans over at the message board at Andy's site! He's got something new to sell, temporary tattoos that say "How Cool Is That" and have an angel on it. They're really cool.

Anyway, the meet and greet was awesome! I got my hug! :) Andy said "Jenn, It's good to see you" and I said "I wouldn't have missed it. This was too close to miss." Mike asked how far I drove and I said about 2 hours---it wasn't bad at all. I had a fish pillow for Andy--I had got it back in December for the February concert that we had to miss in Sebring. I thought about waiting to give it to him at the party in June, but I might have to fly again this year and I didn't want to carry more than I had to. He really liked it. He said that the guys keep taking his pillows on the bus, that he needed another one. Now he's got this big fish pillow! If anyone wants to see what it looks like, let me know and I can post a photo of it here. I also made a gift tag using the "Andy's Angler's" logo. I attached it to the fishing lure. It looked really good. It's amazing all the wonderful things you can do at Office Max! Andy autographed my enlargement from the last concert and we get out photo taken. I get another hug :) and go inside for the concert. I went back to the table and tried to sit down, but I couldn't!! I went and stood in front of the stage behind a few people.

The concert was incredible! Andy opened with "I'll Go Crazy". During the concert, he sang many songs, I can't remember the order in which they were sang, but several were "Freedom"(<---I really love seeing Andy perform this song,) "Practice Life", "Where's the Train When You Need One", "How Cool Is That", "The Ride", "Brand New Something" (he sang that at the Tampa concert, but I didn't know the name of it then,) "She's More", "Ain't Done Nothin' Wrong", "You Won't Ever Be Lonely", "You Made Me That Way", "Waitin' On Sundown", "Move It On Over" (with a twist--Andy added different verses, one of which was from a Hank Williams Jr. song, "I Really Like Girls".) When the Ward 8 left the stage and it was just Andy, he sang "Blues Man" and "My Jesus Has Me On His Mind" (I'm not sure if that's the correct title, but those of you who have heard it know what song it is.) Everyone loved it---which was so cool. The guys came back out and they played a song or two more. Then Andy left the stage like the concert was over. I thought it was really neat how Ward 8 left the stage. They were still playing the song. One would stop playing and leave, then another, then another until it was just Kevin on the drums. Then Kevin leaves. After a minute or two, the guys get back on stage, then Andy gets back up there. They do two more songs, "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" and "Ain't Livin' Long Like This". The concert was now over.

After the concert

After the concert, Andy signed autographs. We got in line. Katelynn asked me to get Andy's autograph on the photo of her and Andy, so how could I not? :) When it's our turn, Andy talks to my husband for a little bit. He autographs the photo for my daughter and another one for me. I asked if he'd be doing photos, and he said after he got done with autographs. The line was still pretty long, so we set out to find Ty. Katelynn asked me to get the photo of her and Ty autographed, too. We found him by the stage. He and my husband talked a little. He autographed the photo for her and told me to tell her that he missed her (how cute!) I told him that he should go to the fan club party that she was going with me. He said he'd like to go, but doesn't know if he'll be able to. We can only hope! :) Then we go back to wait for Andy to get done with autographs. There were a couple of times when it looked like he was gonna finish, but then more people would get in line. The line did eventually end and Andy took photos with everyone who wanted one. When it was our turn, Mike and Andy teased me by saying that they weren't going to do this photo. I gave them a pouty look---it was all in fun. I knew they were joking (at least I hoped they were!) My husband and I got our photo taken with Andy. I got another hug and told Andy to take care, be safe, and stay out of trouble. He said something like "I'll see you next time" and I said it'll be June at the party. I told him that we'd be listening to him on the Opry on Friday night. Then we had to go, there were people waiting. I saw Kevin Weaver and stopped to say hi. I told him that I knew his birthday was next week, and to have a Happy Birthday! He introduced me to his wife--she was really nice.

Overall, it was another great evening seeing Andy and Ward 8!! I used 3 rolls of film and will get photos posted before June!

~Jennifer~

**The Party**

We (my daughter, my husband, and I) got there about 11:30 am and there were already people in line. It was already sooo hot!!!! We stood in line with Shirley and her family--I had the pleasure of meeting them Tuesday evening! :) In front of us was Amanda--Andy's girlfriend---he said it himself when he walked by us to go inside! :) While in line I got to meet Amy and Kristi. It was so neat to finally get to meet the people I've become friends with through the internet!! I also met Mama from the message board. I saw people I've met at concerts. We could see Andy inside helping with the decorations. I took some photos, hopefully they'll turn out. A race truck was brought in with "ANDY GRIGGS HOW COOL IS THAT" painted on the rear side pannels. The hood had Andy's logo on it (I did take photos.) We saw Mike and Jamey (I knew who Jamey was because I met him the day before.) Ty and Kevin came to the party. They both had family with them. Ty's little girl is sooo cute!! It was an awesome experience just standing in line waiting!

Once inside I found our table #20---which turned out to be really good. We were to the left of the stage. We were right beside Amy and Kristi's table. My daughter noticed the slide screen and got all excited. The photo they had up was her and Andy with the Starbursts, taken in Orlando. Andy took the stage and told us what was going on. He said we could go over to the slides and look through them whenever. He also said that he was going to go table to table with Jamey and make his own video of the party. When he came over to our side, we joined in with Amy's table. Andy had a game--I have no idea what the name of it is. He had a box of cards and pulled one out and read it to us. We had to figure out a phrase that sounded like what he read. (I stink at describing this! Does anyone know the name of the game??) After that, we went over and looked at the slides. There were some good ones! I took photos---I hope they turn out.

More about the Party

While everyone was eating, we got to meet fellow Anglers, Misty and Lee. We also got to talk to Barbara and Stephanie for a few minutes. Katelynn always asks about Andy's wife---I was glad she finally got to meet her. We got to talk to Brett Jones for a few minutes. He's such a nice guy!

About an hour into the party, Andy got back up on stage and started the music. I forgot to mention this earlier---Andy wore the "Andy's Anglers" laminate that Amy made!!! That was soooo cool!! He sang "You Won't Ever Be Lonely". Andy shared the stage with his sister-in-law, Tammy Sullivan. They sang a few song---one of which was the song "Tomorrow". They also sang a song that Andy's brother, Mason, wrote. Right now I can't think of the title, but it had the line "homeward bound" in it some.

Andy also shared the stage with Brett Jones. They sang "Practice Life" and a song called "Georgia".

When Andy was on stage with Wendell Mobley and Neil Thrasher, they sang "How Cool Is That". Neil sang a song he wrote called "Sweet Summer" (recorded by Diamond Rio,) and Wendell sang "How Forever Feels" (recorded by Kenny Chesney.)

Andy's Mom, Barbara, got on stage with Andy. She requested that he sing one of Mason's songs, and he did. She mentioned "Andy's Anglers" which was so cool!! She started an Andy story and he finished it. There was a question & answer session in which Stephanie was on stage with them.

Now it was time for the meet & greet. They did it by tables, so we had quite a wait. We spent that time talking with friends. When it was our turn, I let Kateynn go first. He's always so great with her! They got their photo taken together. Then it was my turn. I got to talk to Andy for a little, and then Katelynn and I got our photo taken with Andy.

Lee needed to go, so Shirley asked if we could get a group shot of "Andy's Anglers" with Andy. We were able to get a group shot---and it's just sooo awesome!! They sold prints at the party and some of us were able to get photos with our cameras. To get the Anglers together---it was sooo neat!!

It was just about time for us to go, so I looked outside for my husband (he wasn't at the party.) I saw him and got him to come inside. He shook hands with Andy and said hi. Then Katelynn goes,

"My Daddy doesn't like you."

OMG!! I think I almost passed out!! I then said, "Katelynn---that's not true." Where'a a hole to crawl in when you need one?!?!?!? My husband said "It's not that I don't like you, it's just that they don't release the songs I like." Andy said something along the lines of "yeah, I undestand." Geez, I was soooo embarrassed!!!

Everything I posted was from memory. I may not have gotten things in exact order, and I'm sure I didn't get every detail, but there were enough of us there to fill in the blanks. It was an awesome party---I wish we could do it more than once a year!!

~Jennifer~

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