Wed Nov 15, 2006 11:50 pm

Left Abilene about 1pm Fri. the 10th, headed to Dallas, TX. 180 miles later, I arrived at my brothers apartment in Dallas, at about 3:45pm. My bro. arrived from work, 5 min later.

We did the 3 S's(sh_t, shower, shave) but not together, nor at the same time(LOL). We left to grab a bite to eat at a local drive through. Headed to the DART train park and ride station, NE of Dallas. Got ride tickys. Hopped aboard, and headed to downtown Big D.

Arrived downtown near American Airlines Center about 6:45pm. Had concert tickys scanned at entrance of same, and headed for the "will call" booth. Passed the merch table area, but just those selling Dierks merch were present, but Ran's stuff was highly visable. There was a small line at the will call area. Finally got the Meet And Greet envelope. Headed for the group gathering area stated inside envelope as the Jack Daniels #7 Club.

My bro. headed to his seat to catch the rodeo, while I hung around waiting for time to go.

Met and talked with Beth Moore from Oklahoma, who was to celebrate her 21st birthday the next day. She came down with her mom. She showed me the pistols belt buckle she was going to give to Ran, just like the one she was wearing. Spotted Cody from Ok., as well. He ventured over to where we were and exchanged "Howdy's"!

The Jack Daniels Bar had a booth in front of thier establishment, and was giving passers by a chance to sign up for prizes of sorts, and a sort of yatzee roll chance to spell JACK in 3 rolls to win a small boot key chain with their logo on it, if you won. I didn't.

Went back over to where Cody and Beth were hanging, and Met Jeff(Crazy about Ran), who showed us the big belt buckle he was presenting to Ran for her birthday.

Someone had brought a large 6 foot home-made birthday card for fans to sign, but while waiting in line to sign it, we were called for the roundup of her fans to head for the meet and greet.

We headed two flights of stairs down from the main floor area, and down the hall, back of the stage area. There were probably 50 of us gathered for our chance at a pic with Ran and and signature on something we had brought.

I hung in line with Beth till my turn came. The backstage area was where the concert guards / staff and probably artists came to eat a buffet type meal. (On a side note: I actually hung with Beth, because she was kinda cute to look at, fun to talk to, and seemed really excited, as I was, just to be there.)

My time had come. Ran recognized me from previous shows. Handed the guy taking pics my camera, and the result is the pic below.

I turned around to face Ran and handed her my gift of a blue paraiba and fire opal bracelet, and had her sign a Jack Daniels card. As I was leaving for Beth's turn, Ran opened the box and noticed what I had given her, and thanked me for it.

I smiled at her as I headed back down the hall to go back up the stairs.

Here, I forgot how many flights I needed to go up, stopped, and noticed Beth coming up the stairs. We went up one more flight, tried the door, it was locked, went back down and tried that one, it also was locked. One more flight down, and finally freedom. Beth was to go to the floor only area for the concert, and I had seats in the stadium with my brother, so she waved and said her good-byes, as we headed in opposite directions.

The rodeo was well under way as I reached my seat. Actually, I wasn't in my assigned seat as others had placed themselves near my bro, till the usher/guard, had them to move as others had come to take the seat I presently held. Now in my correct seat, I got my program book from my brother and checked to see who was up next to beat the clock. In it's 6th year, The Texas Stampede, part of The Pro Rodeo Tour helps support the Children's Medical Center of Dallas. Up at this time was Bareback Riding.

Other events included Steer Wrestling, Team Roping, Saddle Bronc Riding, Tie Down Roping, Barrel Racing, and Bull Riding, Of course the Rodeo clowns were out during the Bull Riding event. An exhibition of a great team of horses showing how they are handled while the wagon was backed next to the edge of the arena. And there was a pretty good run around the arena, as well as moving the horses while doing a complete circle with one rear wheel of the wagon made a 360.

Well that's it!

Well nearly...

There was a mini wagon race with 3 teams of 3 children who had to pull a wagon to 3 equal distant positions around the arena, and make the trip twice. One would run one leg of the race to the next position, then exhange pullers, while wearing a large foam cowboy hat. The winning team, got their choice of prairie dumplings left on the floor of the arena (jk).

Then we went home.



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But before we did... there's was this little matter of a concert.

Nothing speacial.

Just some girl from somewhere in Texas who

"PUT ON ONE HELL OF A SHOW!!!"


The dirt floor was raked clear of leftover rodeo debree(you know what I'm talkin' about)
The floor was then opened to those who had obtained standing room only floor level tickets,
to get closer to the stage area, previously containing horses and cattle. [/size]

This now, 23 year old, CMA Horizon Award Nominee, played to a crowd of approximately 9000 enthusiastic fans,
who wowed them, starting out this 40 min. set, beginning at 10PM with,
"What About Georgia", then continuing with
"Me And Charlie Talking".

Then one for the ladies with a diddy of
"??? No Time". > (i didn't catch the title)

Proceeding next into
"Bring Me Down", then
"New Strings".

Next up was a little number
"Travelin' Band".

Then with her currently released single
"Crazy EX Girlfriend".

Followed up next with
"Hillbilly Highway"

Then finishing her set with the much anticipated
"Kerosene".

It was an amazing performance


What happened next, you ask???

Well.......

It depended on whether you were part of the crowd, a member of the band,
or part of the road crew who set up and broke down an artists set.
I for one, opted for a bathroom break.

At 11PM, the lights were dimmed again, as Dierks Bentley appeared on stage
singing his songs, which have made him this concerts headliner for his, "Locked and Loaded" tour.

But, as this is Miranda's board, I won't bore you with any of the relevant details of this artists ramblings.(LOL)

As me and my bro had to catch the next bus to the DART rail, we opted out of his set at about 11:45PM,
in order to get back to my bro's apartment.

TA DA!!!