Memorial Day concert - Washington DC - 29 May '11

[martindn]

Thanks for that Dave. It somehow puts it into perspective.

I too had thought that that was not Hayley's greatest performance, or an ideal choice of song, but it worked, and in the end that story, and the poignancy of Hayley's performance were very powerful.

Martin D

[mlb]

I honestly liked her 15-year old version of this song better....but I think I have a theory why that maybe you guys can verify for my classical music novice self...

This song seems like it would be best sung by someone young and with a straight tone like those boy sopranos. Just from watching youtube videos, Hayley's voice seems to have matured. It's fuller and has more vibrato. She also seemed to have trouble hitting the high notes here. So maybe now she can't do as well with songs like this and "Dark Waltz" but is better with songs like that "For the Fallen" song or even the "Amalia" one on her album that seem to require more power?

[Libby]

Michelle also said:

we will b grabbing up that album asap when its out!! Can't wait!

Could she have requested Hayley? Or is it just coincidence she happened to be a Hayley fan?!
Either way, I'm so pleased to see that she and her family like Hayley!

Michelle also mentioned visiting the Vietnam Memorial wall... and Hayley mentioned possibly visiting it in one of the articles... could they have met each other there?

MLB, I didn't notice that she had very much trouble hitting the high notes. It may be harder for her than it used to be, but it still sounded beautiful. Much more beautiful than a boy's, that's for sure (no offense). And at the very least, it was better because it gave Hayley some exposure on the US scene, even if it was just one fairly small thing. However, I think of all the older veterans I saw in that audience, and all the men in general, since it is a fact that a large majority of Hayley's fans seem to be men, and somewhat older men at that. I could see that Chuck Gregoire seemed to be enjoying the performance very much, in between being overcome with emotion. And apparently he was, since Michelle said "we" would be grabbing up her new album!

[Steve H]

Jun 2, 2011 1:30:52 GMT Dave said:

Hi everyone,

I made some photos of Hayley from the HD video of her performance

Cheers, Dave

Hi Dave,

Just a little post to say that the screen shots were wonderful if you had not said they were screen shots I would have thought they were stills taken at the concert, well done

Steve

[grant]

Hi Dave

Just watched the Vietnam segment of the show in full and it really does put the whole thing into perspective particularly the relevance and importance of Hayley's contribution. If she was indeed a little shakey at the beginning, I'm sure it would have been the emotional impact of what had gone before and entirely appropriate as it indicated to everyone that she was feeling what they were feeling.

I also particularly liked the bit where A.J. and Gary came down to greet Chuck and Michelle, that was very moving.

Libby, it's not clear whether or not Michelle was a fan of Hayley's before the concert or became one as a result of it but I suspect they met during the rehearsals but it is clear from their exchange of tweets that Hayley joined her for a visit to the Vietnam Wall.

Best wishes
Grant

[Dave]

Hi Grant,

Yes indeed, Hayley's performance was much more important to the concert than I had realised before I watched it. I notice that A J Cook herself found it hard to speak Michelle's words at times, and she, an experienced actress, had to struggle to keep it together at one point - she became very emotional. Little surprise then if Hayley too found it hard.

Cheers, Dave

[Libby]

Just as I suspected.

I posted the link to the video Dave made on Twitter, and Michelle thanked me very much for posting it.

[Libby]

Hey, I think Hayley might have noticed Michelle on Twitter, because of me (well, partly). When I saw Michelle's first tweets to Hayley, I retweeted them, and sent my own special message her way. I also posted the link to the video of her story and Hayley's performance at the end, and a few others retweeted it. Michelle thanked me this morning, just about the same time Hayley tweeted to Michelle! So, it's quite possible that it was me who helped Hayley find Michelle. Of course, she probably would have seen Michelle's original tweets eventually, anyway, but I think the re-tweets, plus my video link, helped even more.

And yes, Hayley is now following Michelle on Twitter, and vice versa. Michelle and I are also now following each other!

[Libby]

Okay, so I couldn't resist. i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif Here's my most recent exchange with Michelle:

Me: "So you & Hayley were able to meet at the Wall? That's great! Just curious, did you request for Hayley to perform at the show?"

Michelle (meshell975): "she asked 2 visit the wall before the concert, and no, the producers planned everything, I'd never even heard of her til then!! "

So now we know!

[Richard]

Hello Libby!

Many thanks for your contribution to such a wonderful and moving story.

Best wishes,

Richard

[tonyw]

Hi

We must remember that New Zealand armed forces took an active part in the Vietnam War. Some 3,500 in total, of which 37 died. Did this also influence Haley's wish to visit the Vietnam Wall?

Tony

[Martin]

Having just watched this very moving video it certainly does put Hayley's performance into perspective. Her involvement at the Christchurch memorial concert back in March was extremely personal and emotional but this appearance in Washington must have been the bravest and most difficult performance ever asked of Hayley.

Martin

[grant]

Hi Dave

Jun 4, 2011 20:52:54 GMT Dave said:

Hi Grant,

Yes indeed, Hayley's performance was much more important to the concert than I had realised before I watched it. I notice that A J Cook herself found it hard to speak Michelle's words at times, and she, an experienced actress, had to struggle to keep it together at one point - she became very emotional. Little surprise then if Hayley too found it hard.

Cheers, Dave

Yes Dave, I noticed A.J. Cook becoming a little emotional at times but I felt it added poignancy to the story - for me, it wouldn't have worked had Hayley and the actors given a "cold" performance.

There's a time and a place for emotion and that particular segment of the Memorial Day concert couldn't have been more appropriate.

Best wishes
Grant

[grant]

Hi Libby

Jun 5, 2011 4:31:16 GMT Libby said:

Hey, I think Hayley might have noticed Michelle on Twitter, because of me

Yes, I think you're right i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif I noticed your exchange of tweets before you posted them and I've also had a look at Michelle's tweets - I think she may have joined Twitter in order to be able to thank the people involved.

I've also tweeted her to ask if she would like to post about her memories of meeting Hayley - it would be nice if she were to join us here

Best wishes
Grant

[Libby]

Does anyone know what the music is when they're showing the Wall? It starts around 10:38. I really liked that music. It was very beautiful, and fit perfectly with the part about the organization she discovered, and the washing of the wall especially. It has a sad, yet uplifting effect, which is just right. I was almost wondering if it was a hymn, but if it is, it isn't one that I know.

I did have a little trouble getting the video to advance to find that part, so I waited through it. But then after that part, I tried rewinding it, and then I was able to move it back and forth.
So if anyone could try to find that part and listen to it, I'd appreciate it. Unless you remember it.