REVIEWS


courtesy of 2gether 2day newsletter

----There was a box at the entrance for money donations to The Michael Cuccione Foundation. Near the food, there was a stand selling buttons (a popular item that sold out), Michael's CD and book, and T-shirts ("QT" in puffy blue jacket holding teddy bear, some text: "Support The Michael Cuccione Foundation" and "2Ge+her") for Michael's foundation. Domenic and Gloria Cuccione, Michael's parents, stood nearby, meeting, greeting, and signing autographs. They were very kind and warm to all of Michael's fans, appearing to be some of the strongest and most caring people on earth.

--Following a brief appearance by 2Ge+her at the beginning of the show, Soul Decision, 98o, and BBMak performed.

--Finally, a DJ announced, "Now, are you guys ready to meet 2Ge+her?" Everyone screamed. Our boys ran out at the sound of their names. "EVAN FARMER (Jerry)!" "NOAH BASTIAN (Chad)!" "ALEX SOLOWITZ (Mickey)!" Kevin (Doug) was absent; he was busy filming a movie. The guys of 2G began talking about all the things that Michael accomplished in only 16 years. They then lit 16 candles around the stage in his memory.

--Once the candles were lit, the Cuccione parents were introduced ("Here's the bravest woman in the world, Michael's mom, Mrs. Cuccione.") to talk a little more about all the things that Michael did and how all of his dreams came true.

--A video that ran approximately 15 minutes began, including clips from "Behind The Awesomness", clips of Michael as a child that looked like Cuccione home videos, and clips from the series like Mickey and QT's "friends forever" speech (from Season One, Episode One). Many people were crying, including Noah, Alex, Evan, Domenic, and Gloria. Then most of the audience held up lighters and glow sticks in honour. Mr. and Mrs. Cuccione promised that Michael was there with them right then and that he was smiling down on them, realizing how much he was loved. To the Michael supporters, they said, "Never give up on your dreams, no matter how far they may seem. You can do it." They then explained that, since good things happened for Michael, they can happen for anyone out there.

--For the next section of the tribute, Alex took out a guitar and sat in the middle of the 16 candles, singing a very slow song that he composed for Michael. As he sang, onlookers could see tears streaming down his face. He was the most quiet member during the tribute, and one could tell he felt very emotional. Although the song was difficult to hear, the lyrics were beautiful if you listened closely, with lines such as, "I got the news this morning...can't believe you're gone...friends forever."

--After Alex's song, Noah took the mic. When he said that one of Michael's favorite things to do was sing, especially his song "Visualize," speakers began blasting its opening chords. Noah then asked everyone to sing along and think of Michael while the song played. This, according to onlookers, who horribly sad but also stunningly beautiful; the darkness was illuminated only by lighters and candles as fans, Evan, Noah, Alex, and Michael's parents sang along. It's been said that very few people were singing due to the fact that it's difficult to sing and cry at the same time.

--Evan was the next speaker. "Have you ever dreamed of being in a TV show?" All screamed. "Have you ever dreamed of being a singer?" All screamed. "Have you ever dreamed of being in a movie or two?" All screamed. "Have you ever dreamed of making a few CDs?" All screamed. "How 'bout doing all of that BEFORE you're 16?" All screamed. "And doing it *all* for people to be aware of cancer!!!" A few more words were said about Michael before 2G wrapped it up.

--Following 2Ge+her's 45-minute-long (or longer) appearance, Gloria Gaynor, No Authority, Dream, Nine Days, and several other performances (ATC, Wyclef Jean) "did their thang" before the show was called to a close.

--According to fans who met 2Ge+her at the show, the guys were *very* supportive to all, giving hugs and support to crying fans. They were also quite accessible at their hotel, where they hung out with several lucky fans until the wee hours of the morning.