I'm Coming Out - Diana Ross

There are certain legends of music who I would see despite not being a big fan of their music. I'll admit that Diana Ross's music isn't my favorite and I like her songs with the Supremes a lot more. No one can deny, however, that few artists have had the amount of commercial and cultural impact as Diana Ross. While the with the Supremes, she sang lead vocals on 12 number one hits and they remain the most successful vocal group ever. After she left the group in 1970, she embarked on a solo career that would yield 5 more number one hits and chart success all the way to 1985. Last week actually marked the 50th anniversary of the release of the Supremes first number one hit, "Where Did Our Love Go". This exemplifies the longevity of Diana and I must say she still sounds great. Complete with over half a dozen wardrobe changes, her performance was electrifying and featured songs from all parts of her long career. While I personally would've wanted to hear more Supremes songs, I still really liked the show and I was very impressed with her set. Her opener was good as well and was none other than her daughter, Rhonda. She sounded a lot like...Diana Ross.

Without a doubt I would say this was our hardest show so far. For one thing, we were nearly sold out and the lawn was almost completely full. There were also a lot of people who needed wheelchairs which ensured that the lawn staff were running around the whole time. The crowd was also pretty rowdy and it was hard to enforce much of anything during the show itself. To top it off, the lawn clearing took extra long and we didn't leave till over an hour after the show ended. With all this going on, it was hard to find any peace and everyone seemed to be on edge.  Despite all this, I think we handled the show pretty well and our ability to adapt to afferent situations really showed. As always, looking forward to more shows!

My favorite part of the show was when Diana ran through 4 or 5 Supremes songs in a row. Songs like You Can't Hurry Love and Baby Love are classic songs of the 60's and remain favorites of mine!

DC

2nd Only to the Beatles in terms of American Chart success in the 60's

1970's Diana Ross

Ode to Joy - The Philadelphia Orchestra

The main reason I remain open to all types of music is because since I'm a musician myself, I want to be exposed to different styles so I can become more educated on how music works and is expressed. While I don't have any classical music on my iPhone, I have the highest respect for the music and I believe the sounds created by a good orchestra are as pleasing as anything else. The Philadelphia Orchestra, founded in 1900, is one of the Big 5 orchestras in the United States. This means they're are one of the top orchestras in the country and have achieved national and international recognition. They have performed across the globe, including a trip to China in 1973, where becoming the first American orchestra to tour that country. At the Trap, they performed one of the greatest pieces of music ever written, Beethoven's 9th Symphony. Created in 1824, the 9th is considered his best work and a legendary piece of classical music. I had never heard the whole thing straight through and I was in awe of each movement as well as the proficiency of the orchestra itself. The sound and tone of the instruments was virtually perfect and it was great pleasure to hear them that night.

While the crowd was bigger than I expected, it was a very quiet show and I had a lot of time to enjoy the music while watching over the crowd. It was a near perfect night weather-wise and the crowed were very well behaved. The lawn was pretty full but luckily everyone complied with the rules, including the no-photography policy which can be very hard to enforce. As always, looking forward to more shows in the future!

My favorite moment of the night wasn't a single movement or part. Toward the end of the show, I gazed up the sky and as I observed the stars and the beautiful night, I realized how truly lucky I am to have an awesome job where I can enjoy wonderful music on a wonderful night. Truly blessed.

DC

The best orchestra I've ever heard in my life

He was deaf when he composed the 9th..how is that even possible?

Rockin the Suburbs - Ben Folds and the NSO

One thing I hoped would happen with this job is that I would be exposed to new artists and different kinds of artistic expression. I'm happy to say that this has already happened a number of times and Ben Folds is just one those newly discovered artists. Ben Folds first became popular while he was the pianist and frontman of the band the Ben Folds Five. Though never very successful commercially, their satirical songs and their shunning of their refusal to use guitars on their records made them very unique in the alternative music atmosphere of the 90's. After the band broke up in 2001, Folds released several solo albums and continues to tour throughout the country. If I had to compare his music, it would be a combination of Owl City and early Elton John. He isn't the greatest singer but his songs are very clever and he's a great performer. Backed by the National Symphony Orchestra, his songs came to life and the orchestra effortlessly blended with his soft material. It was a great concert and I'm glad I was exposed to his music.

Like the past few shows, the lawn was very crowded while the house had a lot of empty space. Our streak of no rain ended during this show but the rain only lasted a little while and the clouds mostly yielded heat lightening. The crowd was very manageable and there were no real concerns with anything. As always, looking forward to more shows in the future!

My favorite part of the show was when he sang Fred Jones, Pt 2. It's an incredibly beautiful song but what really made it special was there was heat lightning flashing all around the theater while he played the song. Definitely a moment that can only really be experienced at Wolf Trap!

DC

He knows what it's like to be male, middle class, and white

Summer Nights - Grease Sing-A-Long

It's confession time: I've never seen the entire Grease film from beginning to end. While I definitely know the music and the main premise of the story, I've never seen the whole thing and didn't know too much about the film itself. Luckily, I was able to see it with 3000 other people last night. Grease is a film based on a 1972 musical that ran on Broadway for a number of years. Everyone knows the story so I won't go into it but when the movie came out in 1978, Travolta and company made it the highest grossing film of that year. Travolta, who already had a hit film with Saturday Night Fever, became a household name and Olivia Newton John became an international star after being a successful American artist. The movies 1950's setting and music is still incredibly popular today and it's still the best-selling musical film of all time. I personally really liked the film and while the music isn't my style, I enjoyed seeing everyone else singing along.

The show was another easy one and was very similar to the Pixar show. Two big screens were showing the film and there were hardly any problems. People even left the lawn in a normal time despite it being another perfect night weather wise. Because the job was easy, this left plenty of time to watch the film and really enjoy the night. As always, looking forward to more shows in the future!

My favorite part of the show was when the song You're The One That I Want came on. Seeing everyone dancing and singing really exemplified how popular this movie was and I finally understood why it has stood the test of time so well.


DC

Hard to imagine this was 36 years ago

To Infinity and Beyond - Pixar in Concert

Disney has had its up and downs over the years in terms of film quality. No one can deny, however, that they reached a high when they united with Pixar Animation Studios and created a multitude of high quality animated films. Movies like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Up, Cars, and Monsters Inc, all attained critical and commercial success and for many people (including me), these films shaped their childhood. One of the defining elements of these films is the musical scores that accompany them. The music was the main focus last night when the National Symphony Orchestra played songs from nearly every Pixar film produced in the last 20 years. Along with the music, clips from each film were shown on screens in the lawn and the theater. All together, the show really took you through each film and highlighted the emotional parts they really made each one stand out. For me, it made me realize how good these movies really are and the high quality of the film making. Overall, I really enjoyed the show and it really was a revisiting of my childhood.

While the lawn was almost completely full, the show itself was pretty quiet and our job was pretty easy. There were a lot of kids but there were no problems and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. The weather also held up and once again, it seemed like the rain stopped just for the show. The cloud cover also kept the temperature and the humidity down. It was a really pleasant night and as always, Im looking forward to more shows in the future!

Deciding my favorite part of the show was hard since there were so many of my favorite films being screened. In the end though, nothing hit my feelings more than the opening scene of Up. Not only a highlight of the film, but also a significant filmmaking accomplishment.

They did play the opening music, known worldwide!

Say It Isn't So - Hall and Oates

Many artists don't seem to get all the credit they deserve. Hall and Oates are often seen to many as too soft or just a product of 80's pop. While they are a softer group, the duo's blend of soul and rock has made them one of the most successful artists of all time. Formed in 1970, Daryl Hall and John Oates began releasing albums in the early 1970's to little success. It wasn't until Sara Smile and Rich Girl in 1976/1977 that the two began to make their mark on the charts. The 1980's, however, was when the band truly reached their peak success. Scoring 16 top twenty singles and 3 top ten albums during the decade, the groups infectious songs combined soft rock with R&B and new wave. All together, the band had 6 number one hits in the US and still remain the top-selling duo in terms of single sales. Still together after almost 45 years, they still sound great and the songs still resonate just as well as they did back in the day. While their music isn't necessarily my style, I can't deny that many of their music is catchy and I enjoyed listening to their Greatest Hits album before the show. All in all, I have a new found respect for Hall and Oates and I am glad I was able to see them live while they're still going strong.

This was one of the busiest shows we've had. The lawn and house were completely sold out and it took a long time for people to get into their seats. Once they got there though, we had minimal problems. Many of these people grew up with the group and they were really only interested in seeing the two perform. The weather also held up for us and the cloudy skies really cooled down the night which was a much needed break after the hot week. The only hard part of the job tonight was clearing the lawn. People didn't seem to want to leave and it took almost 40 minutes for the lawn to get cleared. This meant that despite the show ending at 9:30, we weren't able to leave until 10:45. I can't complain though, the group performed all my favorite songs so I was satisfied. As always, looking forward to more shows!

My favorite part of the show was when the group did a double whammy of my favorite Hall and Oates songs, Rich Girl and You Make My Dreams. I was singing and dancing along like everyone else...who wouldn't be?

DC

I guess I can give them a free pass on the hair.

Roots of the Jam - The John Butler Trio

While the shows at Wolf Trap are for the most part tailored for an older, less crazier audience, there will be shows that draw a host of young people to the gates. John Butler Trio was by are most craziest show in terms of audience antics and even though it was a tough show, it was also my favorite of the season so far. John Butler Trio is an Australian band that formed in 1998. They have released six albums so far and have achieved sustained success in Australia. There impact in the US has been more minor but playing at Wolf Trap is no small feat and their sound is certainly unique. Featuring a blend of folk, blues, and straight up rock n' roll, the Trio put on a great show and are incredible instrumentalists and performers. The show was great on all fronts and even the opening act was good. Allen Stone opened the night with his blend of soul and R&B music. Dubbed, a "hippie with soul" Allen Stone and his band had a good sound and their sound was reminiscent of the Swam Romp last weekend. As a musician myself,  I'm always on look out for new music and after listening to JBT's album Sunrise Over Sea, I can proudly say I now have some of their music on my phone. Fantastic band and a great show at the Trap.

While the show was not close to being full, the lawn staff definitely had our hands full with the high amount of young people who were there. While there wasn't anyone who was really crazy or rowdy, there were a lot of smokers (of many types) and this presents an obvious fire hazard for the lawn and the wooden theater. Because of this, I was running around the lawn looking for any smoke or cigarettes I could find, which no doubt put a damper on some people's nights. The lawn also took a while to clear since it was a nice night to be out and the show didn't end till around 10:45. But while I was certainly busy throughout the night, I was having a great time and this show was really unlike any I have experienced at the Trap before. As always, looking forward to more shows in the future!

My favorite part of the show was when John Butler performed this solo guitar instrumental that was unbelievable. He's an amazing player and really gets into the music. Such a great group.

DC

The look belies his R&B/Soul music 

Honestly the best band I've discovered since hearing early Black Keys 

Born on the Bayou - The 25th Annual Louisiana Swam Romp

Coming from someone who has never spent much time in the Deep South nor has ever even been to Louisiana, I really enjoyed the music featured at the Swamp Romp this year. The Swam Romp, now in its 25th year, celebrated the traditional music of Louisiana with a number of bands. In addition to music, Wolf Trap also supplied Cajun style food and all the beads anyone could ever want. All this comes together to feature an event unlike any other and this show will definitely be a highlight of my summer. The bands played multiple genres of music from old style cajun music to funk and jazz. They all sounded very good and really got the crowd going. For me, it was interesting to get a taste for this type of music since I really haven't had any experience with it beforehand and had no idea what to expect. I also got to try some free Gumbo from the concession stand and I must say it really made me want to take a trip down to New Orleans.

Despite being a cheap show with relaxed rules, the crowds were not massive and the lawn was far from full. This made for a very chill show with a lot of time to take in the music and the general atmosphere. I had to watch South Gate again but I was still able to hear a lot of the music and when I did watch over the lawn itself, I had a great time. I've never seen the crowds so lively and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. This was also the best weather of any show we've had so far and I would't be surprised if it's one of the best days of the year. It was also a special day because my mom was able to watch me in action while enjoying herself on the lawn. It was a great day at the Trap and as always, I'm looking forward to more shows!

My favorite part was when the band Big Sam's Funky Nation played an awesome funk version of Purple Haze. While it didn't necessarily evoke Louisiana, it was a wonderful take on a classic song and I was one of the many people dancing along.

DC

Should've called them to play Brooklyn

Laying down the law 

Bravissimo - Il Volo

I'll be the first to tell you that Boy Band music really isn't my thing. While I like a good Backstreet Boys or Nsync song as much as anyone, I generally prefer something with a little more substance or punch. That being said, I was very impressed with this Italian Boy Band. Il Volo formed in 2009 after meeting during the Italian equivalent of American Idol. They have released three albums since that time and have maintained continued success in Italy as well as abroad. All three members are under 21 (amazing judging by there voices) and their music combines traditional opera with a more pop oriented feel. A lot of their music was in Italian but they had a few English songs and also performed a few covers of songs by U2, Elton John, and Elvis. Like I said, I was very impressed with their voices and their stage presence. They don't act like One Direction in any way and I must say their talent level exceeds many Boy Bands that are popular today. I'm sure they would have success in America if we were more open to international artists. In any case, it was a great concert and I'm glad I know about them now.

After a weekend of Beauty and the Beast and the sold out crowd during Ringo's show, it was nice to have a smaller show. The crowd was never rowdy and many of them seemed to be big fans of the group. Once again, the rain held off for the most part so we were in luck there. The lawn staff is still a little shorthanded so I had to man South Gate again but I don't mind since you can here the music pretty well, it just gets a little boring sitting there by yourself. Luckily, it was a nice night to be out. As always, looking forward to more shows in the future!

My favorite part of the show was their rendition of Can't Help Falling In Love, one of my all time favorite songs. They pulled it off perfectly and it truly was one of the most special moments I've had at the Trap so far.

DC

Look at those handsome fellows and their sexy accents

With A Little Help From My Friends - Ringo Starr and the All Star Band

The introduction to music for me was the Beatles. Like so many people. I was immediately captivated by their songs, their voices, and their impact on modern culture. Because of this, being able to see Ringo Starr, one of the most underrated drummers of all time, was a thrill. 45 years after the demise of his band, he's still going strong and sounds the same. Touring with him were a number of other artists who each took a turn on the mic. Steve Lukather, the guitarist for Toto, sang a few songs including "Hold the Line" and "Africa". Gregg Rolie, the lead singer of Santana and Journey (before they were bad) sang a few great songs including "Black Magic Women" and "Evil Ways". All in all, it was a great show and the band as a whole sounded great together. Of course, Ringo's songs were the main attraction and while he surprisingly sang very few Beatle songs, he sang most of the favorites including "Yellow Submarine" and "With a Little Help From My Friends".

This show was packed. The final count was over 7000 which means we were slightly over capacity. I had to man South gate for the second half of the show and had to direct traffic at the end. This meant, among other things, that I got to wave goodbye to Ringo and the band when they zipped by me on their way out. I thank Mother Nature that the rain held off for the entire show and there were very few problems in general. People were there to have a good time and crowd control was overall not too difficult. One thing that was difficult was the traffic. I have never seen the Toll Road so backed up in my life and despite leaving at 4:30, I still arrived a few minutes late. I guess I'll have to leave earlier in the future but it felt like being back in LA with all the traffic. As always, looking forward to more shows!

While seeing Ringo (which makes me 2/2 for seeing the living Beatles live) was definitely a highlight, I gotta say Oyo Como Va got me dancing more than any other song that night. Such a great song with awesome instrumental passages.

DC

Proud to say I've seen those 2 mop tops on the left in concert 

Crazy Little Thing Called Dance - The Trey McIntyre Project

I have mad respect for dancers. Seeing people act and express themselves through dance seems so intricate and intense and is something I will probably never do. While I love dramatic dance, my favorite type of dancing is with good old rock n' roll. The act last night had both. Trey McIntyre is a dancer and choreographer who founded the Trey McIntyre Project in 2005. Based in Boise, Idaho (imagine that), the dance group have won numerous awards and Trey has choreographed numerous dance works throughout his 25 year career. The show last night had two parts. the first part was a dramatic dance called The Vinegar Works: Dances for Moral Instruction. While I admittedly didn't see that much of it since I was at an entrance gate for a lot of the time, the parts I saw looked very well done and it was eerie seeing the show in the midst of a rain storm (more on that later). The second part really got me going. It featured dancing to the music of Queen, one of the most popular bands of all time. While they didn't play my favorite Queen song, Fat Bottomed Girls, they played virtual every other great song by the band and the choreography was spot on. It definitely gave me to admiration for both the Queen's music and the way it could be interpreted with dance.

While it rained a little at the last Beauty and the Beast show, I would no doubt call this my first rain show. Luckily there were only 71 lawn tickets sold and even less people actually showed up. This made for a night of simply walking around and trying to stay dry. The rain was incredible for the first hour or so and the bottom of the lawn was pretty much a lake. There was water gushing over the sides of the ramps and the rain got into the Filene Center whenever the wind blew. The rain did let up by the end but it was certainly quite an experience trying go about my duties during a thunderstorm, Otherwise, it was a very easy show and I was glad I had ample time to watch the second act because Queen. As always, looking forward to more shows!

My favorite part of the show was when they played my second favorite Queen song, Crazy Little Thing Called Love. Great song and awesome dancing to go along with it!

DC

SO DREAMY

Can you guess which one wrote Fat Bottomed Girls? 

Tale As Old As Time - Beauty and the Beast

The best thing about Disney for me is that so many of the movies they have done remain timeless and the music continues to resonate with people years after they were first written. Beaty and the Beast is one of those timeless movies with great songs and a solid story line. Disney's Beauty and the Beast is based on an early french story dating back to 1740. It was passed on throughout the centuries until it was picked up by disney and made into a feature film in 1991. The movie was hugely successful and the broadway musical opened in 1994. The musical has been on tour ever since and continues to be one of the most successful Disney movies/plays of all time. I'm not going to go over the plot since everyone probably knows the story but seeing the play five times reminded how good the songs and the characters really are.

This show tested the usher crew in a lot of ways. For one thing, we had five shows in 3 days. This included two straight 11 hour work-days. While I did get payed overtime, I was still dog tired by the end of each night and standing up for all that time really gets to you after a while. Along with that, all of the shows had a considerable amount of people on the lawn and a couple of them were pretty much full. Going along with this, there were a lot of children, as was expected, and while I enjoyed seeing all the young kids in costume, it  was just a lot to look after. Finally, Disney didn't want any photographs to be taken of the stage so most of my time was spent looking for iPhones and camera flashes. Luckily, no one really argued the policy but it was just a hassle overall and I'm sure we didn't catch everybody. Nonetheless, I did enjoy the play and as as always, I'm looking forward to more shows!

My favorite part of each show was "Be My Guest!" One of my favorite disney songs that translated very well on stage!

DC

I wonder how uncomfortable that beast costume is