The After Effect: That One Time We Met Taylor Swift - Part 6

THE AFTER EFFECT

We were all relatively calm as we walked away from Club Red. Still in shock from what had just happened. We walked through the backstage area to an elevator. They loaded quite a few of us into that elevator and we headed back to the main floor of the arena. 

As soon as we got to the main floor and safely exited the area all of us let out a scream!! It was one of those I cannot believe what just happened screams! :)  WE HAD JUST MET TAYLOR SWIFT!!!!!!! Even though we had never met, and will probably never see the people who were in Club Red with us again, we had been instantly bonded by our experience. 

We got outside and went to take a picture of our group and realized we had left our letter "L" inside. So Krystal made an L shape with her arms. :) None of us wanted the night to end so we slowly ended up all sitting on the ground of the arena. We sat and just soaked in the experience. We reminisced and talked about our favorite parts of the night. 

It was then that our "friendimony" began. We realized that each of us had been brought into the group by another person. Karli brought Matt, TeAnna brought Paisley and Krystal brought me. Each of our lives have been changed by the friendships we have created. We had just experienced an unforgettable night together and those friendships had grown even stronger. It is amazing how much our lives can change by the people we have in them. I will forever be grateful for the day I met these friends. My life will never be the same because of them. They are the best friends a girl could ask for. 

We slowly walked around the arena to look at the tour busses before we headed home. We also ran into a small group of fans hoping Taylor would come out and sign autographs. They noticed our wristbands and asked us about Club Red. It was so fun getting to talk to them a little about how dreams do really come true! 

It has been over a month since this night and just thinking or talking about this experience still brings a smile to my face. Thank you to Karli, Matt, TeAnna, Krystal, Taylor, Andrea, and everyone who made this night a reality. It was truly a night that will remain in my memory and heart for the rest of my life. 

The Red Room: That One Time We Met Taylor Swift - Part 5

THE RED ROOM

We weren't sure exactly when & where to meet after the concert so we waited around for a couple minutes and then headed over to the top of Portal U. Our (ok maybe just my) fears of not being in the right place at the right time were calmed when other fans invited to Club Red started to join us. Our group wanted something to give Taylor so we quickly signed the heart hands we had made. Luckily Karli was SUPER prepared and had brought a permanent marker in her RED backpack, along with a notebook and CD's for Taylor to sign. 

It didn't take long before we were asked to go and sit in the rows right next to the stage. The crew member who had given us our wristbands came and met us. She counted us, not once, not twice but three times. They were very strict and it was clear that this was an exclusive experience.

Our instructions were very specific. We could take as many pictures as we wanted when we first entered Club Red, but as soon as Taylor walked in the room we were to stop immediately and put away all cameras except the group photo one. If we did not follow those instructions we would be asked to leave. We were also told we could have Taylor sign one thing for each of us. No more, no less. We were to get in a single file line and follow the crew member back stage.

After instructions were explained and another count of the group was completed we got in line and headed backstage! It has ALWAYS been a dream of mine to see what it is like backstage at a concert. I think the unknown is always fascinating. It was like a construction zone. There were beeping machines, heavy metal objects flying through the air and people yelling, "watch your heads!"

We didn't have to walk very far before we made it to Club Red. It was like a little circus Tent set up in the middle of this crazy commotion. We walked in and it was Red and Taylor everywhere. There were 4 boxes of pizza, water and cokes for us to enjoy while we waited. There was also a photo booth, and 4 of Taylor's dresses from the Speak Now tour were on display.

It was only a few minutes before the lady came back to tell us Taylor was coming and that we needed to put away our cameras. She had us spread out in a semi circle throughout the room. I could be mistaken but I think there were approximately 15 people in the room with us. 

Taylor came in and said hello to the group. It was such a surreal feeling knowing that we were within 10 feet of such a superstar. We were on the far left side and she started with the right so we knew we had a couple minutes before she came over to our group. 

Joel Crause came in to talk to everyone along with Taylor. He signed all of our letters for us, and we talked to him a little bit about twitter. He was so kind and gracious and it was so great meeting him! We were a little bummed that Ed didn't come back, but were more than thrilled with those that we did get to meet.

Andrea came in after Taylor and seriously walked straight up to Matt and gave him a hug! She then proceeded to hug all of us and thank us for coming to the concert. We decided since it would be a while before Taylor got to our group to go and talk to Andrea. She was one of the kindest people I have ever met. She talked about how impressed she was by our signs, and how we held them the entire concert! She asked us if we had been to a concert before. When we replied in the affirmative she said she wasn't surprised. She said more often than not the people she selects have been to a concert before. She complimented us on the fact that we had obviously enjoyed the concert. She loved that we danced with our signs the entire time and instead of swarming her enjoyed the production her daughter had created. She thanked us for our enthusiasm and for teaching the young girls behind us how a concert should be enjoyed. I loved getting to talk to her, and felt so honored to have been hand picked out of thousands to meet Taylor. 

After talking to her a couple dancers came in and she introduced us to them. Paisley knew the second they walked in that the tall, dark and handsome one was Romeo!! Could you believe our luck! :) The one dancer Paisley had thought was attractive was the one who came and talked with us in Club Red. They told us a little bit about what it is like dancing for Taylor. It was obvious that they loved their jobs and were so grateful to have the opportunity. After a minute Andrea asked if we would like a picture with them and of course we said yes! We hoped we wouldn't get kicked out because she was taking the picture. :) We also got one with her and then realized that our group was next so we got back in our line to meet Taylor.

The first thing Taylor did was to go down our line and give each of us a hug. She also thanked us for our enthusiasm and remarked that the tinfoil was a brilliant idea. She asked who it was that came up with it and we all pointed to  Krystal who she then high-fived! As she signed our autographs she took the time to look each one of us in the eye, ask our names and then signed whatever we had brought. TeAnna asked Taylor if she should sign her hat or her purse. She ended up signing her hat which was pretty sweet if you ask me! :) She also told Karli that she had gorgeous big beautiful eyes. I'm sure it is a compliment that Karli won't soon forget! 

After she had signed everything it was clear she was going to leave so Krystal mentioned a tweet she had sent that remarked that a lot of her clothes were striped. She then looked at her shirt and said, "Was I wearing this in the tweet?!" She replied no and Matt said stripes flattered her. I believe she then told Matt she was a "steller" man, but I can't remember if that was the exact word she used. She definitely complimented him for being so kind. We also bonded on the fact that when we go through our closets we are all surprised by how many things we have that are similar. For Taylor it was gray cardigans and stripes. :) She spent about 10 minutes talking to us, and it was amazing! 

After she left we snapped a couple more photos, took pictures in the photo booth, ate some pizza and drank some water. I think they were hurrying to clean up so we didn't have much time in the room after Taylor left. It was slightly sad leaving because it meant that this magical moment was over.

The Magic: That One Time We Met Taylor Swift - Part 4

THE MAGIC

This is what we looked like
from across the Arena! :)

Words are seriously inadequate when it comes to describing a Taylor Swift concert, but I will do my best! I think the best way to share this experience will be a song by song breakdown. Pictures and video will, of course, be included along with some of my thoughts. If you were lucky enough to be there to experience it with us, maybe it will bring back some great memories you have. If you have yet to see Taylor maybe it will convince you that next time she is in town you should go. Whatever happens know that I am loving reliving this experience! (I'll warn you now that this post is not short!!)

Taylor started the show with State of Grace! It was an adrenaline pumping, scream inducing entrance! I absolutely loved how the RED sign slowly raised as a strong beat pulsed through the crowd, and then all of a sudden her silhouette appeared as the intro began. She moved so gracefully and purposefully and then the Red curtains split and and were sucked into the ceiling. The beginning of concerts are always one of my favorite parts so of course I have video! 

After opening Taylor took the time to talk to the audience. I think artists who simply sing often miss the power that can come from connecting to the audience through a few simple sentences. I loved how Taylor talked about how grateful she was that all 15,000 of us were there to listen to her sing about her life for the next two hours. She is so gracious and humble. It is simply amazing to me that someone that successful can stay so grounded and genuinely thankful for everything she is able to do and for her fans!

The next song was Holy Ground, which is now one of my absolute favorite songs! I love the drums and beat in this song! The number included a ton of flashing drums and a new drum solo section. It was seriously spectacular!

The name sake for the Red Tour, Red, was up next! She talked about how she feels like emotions are like colors and her favorite is Red because it is a powerful and passionate color. Of course the arena was instantly red all over! She had dancers running with Red flags and spectacular choreography.

For You Belong with Me the Red sign became a stage on top! Taylor joined with 4 backup singers turned the song into a more Dream Girls like version. It was seriously so cool! I loved the original song, but thought this rendition took it to a completely different level. I loved the new vibe! 

The Lucky One is one number that clearly comes to my mind every time I hear the song now. We were taken back in time to the 20s with classy costumes and a period set. The dancers were paparazzi that followed Taylor around taking pictures while she sang. The song really portrays how difficult it must be to have everyone know your name and to be famous. 

THE MOMENT

After the lucky one Taylor took to the stage to sit and talk about her next song. She plucked on a banjo as she sat on a chest and talked to the audience. I will be honest when I say I have no idea what she said. It was at this moment that a crew member came up to Matt and started talking to him. I was in the process of turning on one of my cameras when I glanced over to see her talking to him. I almost died. She asked him if we were having a good time and he responded with a resounding "heck yes!" She then asked if he'd like to meet Taylor after the concert. Of course he responded in the affirmative and she started putting a RED wristband on his hand. I could not believe what was happening. I thought to myself "oh my gosh! Matt is going to Club Red!!!" Why I didn't think we all would be going was beyond me, but you can imagine my shock and joy as she started moving down the row putting wristbands on all of our group!!!!! 

It was one of those moments you see happing on TV, or to other people. Always dreaming that it could be you, but never thinking it would ever happen to you. The moment we had dreamed about was happening. It was a very out of body experience. WE WERE INVITED TO CLUB RED!!!!!! It has been a month and still just thinking about this moment gives me chills, and brings a smile to my face. I still cannot believe it happened to us. Complete shock, joy, happiness, and more. There just aren't words to describe the feeling. It is such an honor to be selected for Club Red. All of our efforts paid off. 

Somehow during the crew member moving down the rows my camera turned on. Below is the video that was captured. You can hear our shock and crying. Krystal and Karli were literally sobbing. All of us were crying, but their reaction was the strongest. They are the biggest Taylor Swift fans, and have been dreaming of that moment for over 10 years. At one point Krystal was so overwhelmed that she hit the floor. Of course it was during a semi quiet part because Taylor was just talking, and the people around us thought something might be wrong, but we quickily explained to them what had happened. They were so happy for us, and were just as surprised.

As Taylor started to sing Mean, the crew member finished putting our wrist bands on and, I'm guessing because I was in the middle and the most composed, handed me a piece of paper. She said showed it to me and said meet me in Portal U after the show. Do not loose this paper. You need it and the wrist band to get in. As quickly as she came she left. Of course the first thing in my mind was, "oh no! I'm going to loose this paper!"  

The shock continued well into the next couple of numbers. We all hugged and cried together and then tried our best to recompose ourselves so we could fully enjoy the concert. Every time I looked at Taylor after I would think to myself, "after this concert I am going to meet you!" I could not believe it. I still cannot believe how lucky we were to be selected. I couldn't even sing along, like I normally do because I would just get overwhelmed by that warm, chills like feeling that just made me have the biggest smile on my face. It is a feeling I will never forget, and just typing this now brings it back.

The shock makes it hard to remember exactly what the next numbers were like. I do vividly remember the moment I was able to comprehend what was going on again. It was during Stay Stay Stay / Ho Hey. I had just hugged Krystal and she reinforced that we couldn't stay in shock and that we had to enjoy the rest of the concert. I glanced back at the stage and Taylor was at the center of the stage with her bass player and they were moving back and forth on the raised stairs in the middle of the stage incorporating Ho Hey into the song! Two of my favorite songs combined in such a cool fashion! :) I've had to watch YouTube videos of the last two numbers to remind myself what they were like. When I do the feelings I felt come rushing back and my brain connects the video to my live experience!

The next number is pretty much this summer's theme song! 22 is a song our group of friends signs frequently. It just perfectly describes what this age is like! Taylor and her friends were all dressed like hipsters during this number and it was in the middle of this song when Taylor moved from the front stage to the smaller stage in the back! While she was moving our friends, who were on the other side of the arena, got to touch her hands! 

They were pretty excited about that! Taylor spent the next three numbers Our Song, Everything Has Changed and Begin Again, on this smaller stage. Taylor selected Our Song to sing because a couple had mentioned it during the meet and greet that day. Then during Everything Has Changed, Ed came back out and together they sang on the stage as it raised into the air and rotated. I love artists that truly want each of their fans to have a "front row" experience so they move around the arena. Begin Again was the last full song Taylor sang on this smaller stage. 

Next up came Sparks Fly which I loved because it reminded me of the first time we saw Taylor in concert. It was her opener for the Speak Now and I still vividly remember that moment as well! Taylor traveled back to the main stage during this number and she walked right next to where we were. Matt, Paisley and I ran down to touch her hand. I stopped pushing to get closer when I remembered that we were going to Club Red. Matt got to touch her hand though! :D

I Knew You Were Trouble opened up with a crazy cool violin solo! The stage was transformed into a cathedral/castle like set and the dancers had victorian era costumes. Taylor wore a fancy white dress and quick changed in the middle of the song to edgier black and gold number. The choreography during this number was sick! I remember at one point the entire ensamble was moving back to the main stage and they were all walking in sync to the song. It was so cool!!!

The most emotional part of the concert was All Too Well. As she played a melody on the piano Taylor explained how song writing is her way of dealing with the emotions that she experiences. She then talked about how with this particular song she struggled with not knowing how she felt because of the myriad of emotions. Instead of writing about the emotions she felt she wrote exactly what happend from beginning to end. You could see the passion and sadness in her eyes and she sang. It was the one song we sat down during because it was such a powerfully emotional performance.

The next song started with two ballet dancers ballet at the top of the stage and then a music box with the dancers coming out one at a time. I love how Taylor incorporates so many styles of dance into her concerts! Love Story was of course a Romeo and Juliet themed piece and Paisley absolutely loved Romeo. :)  Taylor emerged last out of the box in a gorgeous white dress.

I think my favorite song of the night had to be Treacherous. During the song the middle of the stage slowly rose so that Taylor was high above the audience on a small 2 ft wide piece of stage. She slowly walked down the stage like she was on top of a tight rope. It was such a stunning visual representation of the song.

The concert ended with the circus themed party for We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together. I have never seen so much confetti in my life. It was seriously pouring into the arena for a good 3 minutes!! The same section of stage that rose during treacherous now circled around the arena giving those who were higher up a better view. It was definitely a high energy way to end a spectacular concert.

From the moment she started to the second she walked off stage for the last time it was an unforgettable night of entertainment. Taylor is honestly the best entertainer and performer I have had the chance to see. She puts so much thought and detail into the portrayal of each and every single one of her songs. It is obvious that a lot of time, though and effort goes into making her concert an memorable experience for everyone.