Dudley Concert Hall - 26th September 2009

[Steve H]

Well done Grant and Karsten,

GREAT PICTURES!

Congratulations Grant on your 50 concerts!

Steve H

[BenCMitchell]

Sept 28, 2009 1:12:13 GMT comet said:

But Ben ! How could you ?
just how could you close your eyes when you were just a few feet away from Hayley when she was singing, much of Hayley's performance is also visual, the hand gestures, the eyes, the gentle swaying movements during instrumental sections, the serenity of her face is probably one of the most consistent things about her live performances, It imbues the audience with a sense of calm, peace and a feeling of wellbeing.

Hi Comet

I do it subconsciously!! I looked at Hayley occasionally when she wasn't singing, and the way she moves makes it looks like she is floating, drifting. It was magical!!

I feel slightly guilty that she was puzzled by what I was doing when I was moving my right arm to the beats of the music, like a conductor! She probably thought I was a little mad!

An unforgettable experience...

Cheers

Ben

[BenCMitchell]

Sept 28, 2009 3:15:11 GMT Ross said:

I'm sorry Ben but going by your symptoms at the concert I am afraid you are the latest victim of the disease Hayleyitis. Although there is no cure I suggest you go to more concerts to help keeping it under control.

Hi Ross!

Most definitely!! I will see if I can try and find a cure at the Banbury concert in November (possibly!)

Cheers

Ben

[grant]

Sept 28, 2009 10:41:44 GMT BenCMitchell said:

I feel slightly guilty that she was puzzled by what I was doing when I was moving my right arm to the beats of the music, like a conductor! She probably thought I was a little mad!

At least it gave you something to talk to Hayley about which can never be a bad thing! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

Best wishes
Grant

[Richard]

Hello Ben!

You could always get a job on the buses. On second thoughts, they don't have conductors any more!

Richard

[Karsten]

Hi all,

Wow, I was just able to read the brilliant reports in detail. Ben and Grant, thank you very much indeed - not to forget the pictures, of course. Good to had both of you as company there.

Ben, you shouldn't be too modest - I think your pictures are great, in particular having in mind that you used your new cam for the first time.


Obviously I had too much time during my journey home and therefore (and having in mind that the next concert in the UK is roughly one month away) you'll get another report after Ben's and Grant's in-depth coverage I apologise of course in advance for all the strange phrases and beg you to read it indulgently.

After the usual start at half five local time to get an early flight from Frankfurt I arrived at Manchester Airport at 9. No problem to catch the train and via Crewe and Wolverhampton I was at Dudley Port at noon as scheduled. According to googlemaps my hotel was 1.6 mi away and after a 30 minute walk (not knowing that the Black Country is a bit wavy) I was there - Dudley Castle just in sight.

[Karsten]

From 1 pm on even the BBC forecast of a sunny day became more and more true and after a bit wandering around through the small city centre just one hour later I met Ben and Grant at the venue at 2 pm.

[Karsten]

The announcement for the concert was large enough...

[Karsten]

As already said the usual search for the stage door was a bit difficult because for the first time I remember there was no sign at all.

So we waited in front of the main entrance and one hour later a suspicious van arrived.

[Karsten]

Only a few people were on location, so the very relaxed meet and greet beneath a blue sky lasted only a few minutes.

[Karsten]

At any rate time enough for Hayley to sign a few items ...or even some more...

[Karsten]

[Karsten]

[Karsten]

Ben wasn't really calmed down when he got made 'his' picture of Hayley, but I'm sure now he'll be. Of course the first concert is a very special moment, but I've to confess that there's something left even at the 24th one...

Well, the choir was already to hear with the sound-check and we had to say Good luck and Bye for the moment.

[Karsten]

The local Wetherspoons wasn't easy to find, at least for us, but eventually we succeeded. After changing my clothes I met up with Ben and Grant again. Ben had a USB stick at the ready and so I was able to give him the pictures of Hayley and him.

At 6 we were back at the venue. The members of the choir arrived and we had a few very nice chats. By now I have to underline that the members of the quire gave us a very warm welcome not to mention the great performance delivered by them a few moments later during the concert. Therefore I wish to express my thanks to the members of the choir, in particular to the members to whom I was able to speak personally.

As usually if the case arises that more than three people are gathering on the street in the U.K. a queue was formed and not surprisingly our group waiting there for a few moments already was in front.

At roughly 7 pm (with over hundred people queuing I think) the gates were opened and the friendly staff let us in - front row, both sides of the aisle occupied by HWI.

The stage was quite high, the expected mike for Hayley quite near and I had only the tele lens mounted, so as usual the concert pictures could be as always better, but I think the subject compensates for.

Well, for the first time even I (as the lad from Germany) was photographed by the official photographer of the choir (not knowing that Grant would attend his 50th concert the very same day) and after this strange experience I had a short chat with him.

At half seven the concert started with the announcement that flash photography would be not allowed and a few great pieces of the choir.

Just before 8 and just after Stephanie