Memorial Day concert - Washington DC - 29 May '11

[Libby]

Thanks so much for sharing your account, fusilier. So glad you both got to meet Hayley! But... did she mean you're her #1 US fans, period, or just the #1 fans that were present? Those of us who don't attend her rare US concerts certainly aren't missing out on purpose. It's not because we're not avid fans, that's for sure. I'd go if I could!

The event staff lady sounds so rude, I'm so disgusted at her. I hate to think of Hayley not feeling welcome here because of rude people like that.

But I liked the part about the Capitol Police officer wanting a photo with Hayley!

[jimg]

A copy of an article in Glitterazzi a Washington DC publication.

Q & A: Hayley Westenra, UNICEF Ambassador &

Monday, May 30, 2011 at 6:53PM | Gregory Blakey

This weekend, Team Glittarazzi caught up with New Zealand's Hayley Westenra -- UNICEF Ambassador and one of the world's most exciting singing sensations.

She was in town to perform in the Memorial Day concert on the National Mall and was kind enough to sit down with us and answer some questions we've been burning to ask. ...

I overheard you saying before that this is your third time in DC.
"Yeh." (laughs)

What would you say that some of your favorite spots are in the city?
"Well ... on previous two trips, well, those were kind of whirlwind trips so this time around I think I'll see the city. I think this afternoon I'm going to go to the Vietnam war memorial and ummm ... we've eaten at some great restaurants.

Are there any that you could name off the top of your head?
"We've had a great sushi place and also Cafe Milano. Wow! I didn't expect it to be this hot here. I had to throw on a dress today. ... My jeans aren't going to cut it.

So, Hayley, are there any social causes that are particularly close to your heart?
"Social causes. I guess this would be one of them. I mean ... I'm now based in London and I do a lot with the Royal British Legion, which is an organization that supports those serving and the veterans. That would be one. And also I work a lot with UNICEF. Those are the organizations that I support. But ... its just great to be in a position to give something back ... I mean singing's my number one. It's my passion and I hope that I can help people with my music. It's great to be able to help out these other causes."

Great! Are you familiar at all with the television series Glee?
"Yes, I am." (laughs)

So my next question is about that. If the cast of "Glee" wanted to do one of your songs, how would that make you feel?
"Oh! I'd be thrilled! Yeh! I'd love that. (laughs) I'd love to be on that show. That'd be so much fun. You know what I'm saying?!? (laughs) It's one of those shows that everyone just wants to be a part of, ya know.

And, my last question is if there was any artist that you could collaborate with who would that be?
"Umm...hmm...ooh...ummm...there are so many artists. I'm gonna go with Michael Buble. I mean ... I quite like the fusion. I like the idea of working with other artists. I quite like it when two different styles come together. You often manage to come up with something quite unique and beautiful."

Link to the article goo.gl/4FlHT as posted on Twitter by Kelly Ann Colins a founder member of Glitterazzi.

[Richard]

Hello Fusilier!

Many thanks for your detailed account and the link to your photographs. I'm going to post a link to your report on our Facebook page.

Best wishes,

Richard

[graemek]

Thanks everyone for your really great coverage !!!!

She's definitely the voice of the century

Graeme

[Jillian]

Hi fusilier23,

Thank you so much for your amazing report and photos! Sounds like you had an incredible couple of days! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif

Cheers,
Jillian

[jimg]

Hi Fusilier23,

Many thanks for a great report.

[Richard]

Here's a short interview with Hayley from We Love DC:

National Memorial Day Concert: Behind the Scenes


Pictured: Hayley Westenra // Photo by Rachel Levitin

24 year-old Hayley Westenra of New Zealand was also humbled by being able to participate in this particular program. She had previously been a performer for the Fourth of July concert also hosted on the National Mall but Westenra agreed that the 9/11 commemoration would be a little different.

“I think that this is definitely going to be a more emotional night for everyone,” Westenra said. “Everyone has sort of a connection to the troops, you know, be it a friend or a family member and so I think this concert will be touching everyone.”

Westenra’s not being American did not distract her from the task at hand. To her, the intimate nature of Washington and the seriousness of the singing task in front of her was of dire importance. “It’s just a great honor to be invited,” she said. “To sing [...] I hope that I can [...] help people connect [...] or relate some emotions with the performance [as a thank you to the soldiers].”

Full article: www.welovedc.com/2011/05/31/national-memorial-day-concert-behind-the-scenes/

Richard

[Libby]

Thanks for those articles! It's nice to know that the US media is still interested in her!

The second one called her a "word renowned classical vocalist". That wasn't the only typo throughout the article, though. Well, at least they both provide a link to Hayley's official website, and the first one also has a link to her Wikipedia page!

Here's the photo that appeared below the article that Jim posted:

[Libby]

I also found this photo from the same website, in the Behind the Scenes section:



There were only 2 photos of Hayley, the other being the one I posted above. Yet there were 17 of Kris Allen and his band! Yes, he's very good looking, but... not even Pia, Daniel, or Yolanda? Or even Gary Sinise, or anybody like that? I know... the photographer must have been a lady!

[fusilier23]

Hi all,

Just to answer your question, Libby, I think Hayley was being a bit tongue-in-cheek when she described Tim and myself as her number one fans. I have met her about a dozen times and Tim many also, and both of us made a point of standing in the pouring rain after everyone else was long gone in Easton PA to say hello to her. I think if she had to pick her fave US fan the nod would probably go to Natasha or someone like that.

Jillian, yep, it was an interesting couple of days. I had no idea it would end with anything quite that spectacular.

Dave, question. Will the link to the fb album do, or shall I post more pictures here? Anyone is of course free to help themselves to any of the pics in the album, I claim no proprietary interest in them, and that goes also for HWI, though I don't know if many of them are much use. I'll fool with them a bit more at home and see what I get.

[Libby]

Well, I'm not sure I'd believe that Hayley really has a "favorite" fan, anywhere. Of course it helps if she sees you a lot, especially if you travel a very long way to see her, more than once too (Tim and Larry!). I'm sure she feels very flattered and pleased by all that, but I think she's too nice to like certain fans over others.

I'll look forward to your photos, fusilier.

[fusilier23]

No need to look ahead, just click on the link at the bottom of my review and there they will be.

[Dave]

Jun 1, 2011 0:16:43 GMT fusilier23 said:

Dave, question. Will the link to the fb album do, or shall I post more pictures here? Anyone is of course free to help themselves to any of the pics in the album, I claim no proprietary interest in them, and that goes also for HWI, though I don't know if many of them are much use. I'll fool with them a bit more at home and see what I get.

Hi Steven,

First, it's good to see you back again and I'm glad that you and Tim had such a great time, well done the both of you!

It would be nice to see some of your photos here in the forum if you don't mind posting a few, but of course the Facebook link is important as that's where most of them are/will be. We can post one or two on the website too, that will be good so thanks!

Cheers, Dave
now back to bed again...

[Joe]

Jun 1, 2011 1:14:34 GMT Libby said:

Well, I'm not sure I'd believe that Hayley really has a "favorite" fan, anywhere.

I quite agree. "Favorite" and indeed "Fan" has many connotations, whether it means being blessed to meet Hayley, attending concerts, buying a decade's worth of imported and domestic CD's, or supporting her in various ways online for seven or eight years.

So we'll try to steer away from this, and reflect upon what we have.

Thanks Steven for your generous use of your photos!

[Richard]

Hello Steven!

I tried to share your album on our Facebook page, but it didn't work. I suspect Facebook has gone wrong again, so I'll try again later.

Best wishes,

Richard