During my recent attendance at SXSW Interactive, I received an email from Sarah Solomon Bykrit, who works for Fleishman-Hillard out of Dallas. She indicated that she was working on behalf of Chevy, who had identified me as "someone they want to meet while in Austin" based on my Twitter stream and following.
How cool is that?
Sarah invited me to the VIP area for a Cheap Trick/Bodeans concert at Auditorium Shores. My wife and I got a sitter for the evening, and we were excited about seeing Cheap Trick play "live". Believe me, we were not disappointed. My wife said it was the best concert experience she ever had. I would definitely rank it at or near the top of my own list.
We got there a bit later than we had expected, so we missed most of the Bodeans' part, and the VIP seating on the left side of the stage was utterly packed, so we wandered back into the crowd. We still had a great view of the show, and we managed to get on the stage seating for the last 10-15 minutes of the encore.
I was astounded at how good those guys sound, especially considering that they range in age from 58-63 years old. Robin Zander's voice was vintage and well-preserved, and Rick Nielsen (guitarist) is just as crazy as he ever was. Frankly, they seemed to have more energy than most bands half their age. As with the Eagles concert we attended about 15 years ago, it sounded like we were listening to a CD through most of the night.
I had heard a rumor beforehand that they no longer played "The Flame" live, but this was not the case when we saw them. In fact, it felt like they did an extended version! They did pretty much every song that I knew in their repertoire, including "Surrender", "Dream Police", "I Want You to Want Me", "Tonight It's You", and the theme song from "That 70's Show".
I'm not sure if my iPhone pictures really do the event justice, but I didn't have an actual camera on hand that night.
The VIP area also had an open bar and free sodas, along with nicer restrooms, which makes sense, I suppose. My wife mentioned that the only thing that could have made it any better was meeting the band, but you can't always get what you want, huh? Wait...wasn't there another band that sang about that once?
Overall, it was an awesome and memorable night, and I'm thankful to Sarah and to Chevy for inviting me to attend and for making me feel important. For a big company, they clearly understand the importance of forming relationships.
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If you're looking for a home in the Austin area, you can also visit my primary Austin real estate website at www.austintexashomes.com. If you're interested in social media training, visit 210 Consulting. Thanks!
Wow, that was indeed an honor. Obviously you are doing something right.
Very Cool! Sounds like a wonderful time: Rock on!
What a great night out !!!
Jason, How cool is that! It is wonderful to get recognized for all your efforts online. Keep Tweeting!
Jason,
A wonderful story. It speaks to the fact that there are people watching. You're doing a fantastic job!
Jason, Way cool sounds like these were great privileges for a neat experience. and night to remember.
Hi Jason-
How exciting to be "on the list". It sound like you two had a wonderful time! It's frightening, how familiar all those songs are to me...
--Sara
Hi Jason...Wow! VIP tickets for one of our very own VIPs. Being a member of Active Rain is like rubbing shoulders with the cream of the crop. What fun for the rest of us.
You've worked hard and have done a great job. I'm so happy you are getting recognized for all you bring to our profession.
Kate
Hi Jason, we were lounging in the grass in the cheap seats and it was still really a great show!
Hi Jason... what a great experience. I saw Cheap Trick live in 1981 and it was a GREAT concert. Glad to hear they still "have it"!
Wow! The power of the internet. Glad you enjoyed the concert.
Jason, That's really cool and a great example of the "Power of the Tweet."
Well Done Jason! All those hours on Twitter do pay off, in unexpected ways.
Bill
How fun! I saw Cheap Trick years ago at the Astrodome in Houston!
Jason
Those guys are still tight; not to date my self but Cheap Trick is from Rockford IL and they used to play in a bolwing alley bar in Waukesha and I went to school with Sammy Lanas of the Bodeans; which they are from Waukesha. Happy Easter to you and your family.
cool! Thanks for illustrating another example of social marketing value. Best regards,
Jeremy Butts
FlipsInFocus.net
Jason, it's amazing to think that these rockers are getting older just like the rest of us. And isn't it amazing what you can do with an I-Phone.
Negotiation time Jason. They feel that you are a pipeline to the masses in your area. Another advertising vehicle.
Wow, you are sure doing things right. How cool was the VIP treatment???
I love the comments -- each one of us reliving a special memory at a Cheap Trick concert during some evening in our misspent youth. Mine was when they played at my school, UCLA, in some sort of a special benefit gig. Fun, fun night. Who knew I'd relive that moment reading a real estate blog!
Wow, I guess that "Twitter stuff" does work! Congrats!
Too bad you missed the Bodeans... I just downloaded their latest album "Sad Clown"... and it ROCKs! Sounds like you had a great time tho! Kathy
I loved Cheap Trick back in the day, but haven't thought about them in forever -- what a blast! Guess I've been missing out.
I agree, Cheap Trick puts on one heck of a show. There was a few years they didn't play the flame, but they finally realized their fans didn't care they didn't write it and they loved the song. Tell your wife they are just as cool in person as she expected, I have met them and have their autographs on my wall of fame.
Jason,
Too, cool! Can't wait to see what next year's SX has to offer!