Special Moments

Last night I attended the Josh Groban concert at the Benedum Theater, in the company of two of my daughters.  They purchased the tickets back in May, informing me that the show was my combination Mother's Day/Birthday gift.  My birthday falls at the end of next week, so the timing was perfect!

Since the Benedum is in Pittsburgh,  this event obviously involved cross-state driving for myself and Stacey, but my youngest daughter, Amy, opened her doors to both of us, and I can't say when I've had a more enjoyable visit with just these two to spend Wednesday and Thursday night with!

I could liken it to a slumber party, except that all of us actually managed to go to bed at a decent hour and get some sleep!  Since both daughters had their jobs during the day, I arranged a luncheon meeting with one of my husband's cousins who lives nearby, and she welcomed me into her home and treated me to an absolutely delightful afternoon.  

I have had the opportunity to see Josh Groban perform live on several occasions, each in a different venue,  and last evening, although far different than previous performances, was just as entertaining. 

I honestly don't think that there is a bad seat in the house, except that I will admit that the seats in the "pit" were probably a dream come true for those guests.

But I was perfectly happy with our location, and so were the girls.

Amy, who is the pro at selfies, took this very lovely photo of the three of us.  (Is that bragging?  Well....too bad it if is!) 

If you've never been to the Benedum, then you are missing a real treat.

Glass chandeliers and sconces, with gold gilding throughout all,  enhance the beauty of this venue.  

This concert featured the new album, Stages, which is based on favorite musical melodies that Josh Groban picked himself.  Because it was based on many Broadway songs, the theater environment was quite appropriate.  The performance was sold out, particularly since there is far less seating in this theater than in Consul Stadium where we had seen his last concert. 

I was able to get just a couple of shots of Josh's performance as there seemed to be a question as to whether or not cameras were permitted, particularly when we watched an "older" lady usher hobble down the staircase to inform a patron to put her phone away.  

I was perfectly content to just sit back and enjoy the performance, but when the lights came on at the end, and everyone stood, demanding an encore,  I pulled my camera out, zoomed in, and got one last shot, just before we all settled down to hear him sing, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".

In the past, Josh would sing several encore melodies, but, despite the audience wanting more, it was obvious that the performance was over when the curtain was dropped and the onstage lights were dimmed.  

We managed to exit along with the throng of spectators and were on the road and back in Amy's apartment in short time, enjoying a delectable treat from Oakmont Bakery, compliments of Stacey, prior to heading off to bed. 

The evening was delightful, and one,  I'm certain,  I will treasure for a lifetime.   

Thanks girls!