Atlantic City NJ Reviews and Discusion

[adam_eve]

I can't wait to read Tracy's review, as well as all the others. Maybe cause it's July 4th she'll play Refugee or a Springsteen cover, or something patriotic or anthemic. Maybe the national anthem?

[TSO]

The concert opened with Philip on the stage by himself playing the national anthem on his guitar. It was awesome. When the band and Melissa came on stage, they went into All American Girl. Terrific way to start the night. I didn't write down the set list but I am sure someone has it. They did all the songs they have been doing at all the other concerts - the ones that make up the regular set list songs. Mercy was one of the not regular set list songs. Melissa and the band closed with Not Tonight into Piece of My Heart.

Fabulous concert. The crowd mostly was standing up in the whole front section which was great. Two thirds of the way into the concert, the fans rushed the front and the security guards couldn't hold them back so it was standing room only by the stage. Great energy.

A great way to spend the Fourth of July!!!

A personal thank you is sent out to two wonderful women sitting in front of me. I brought my mom to her first MLE concert (she loved it and wants to know when we can go to another one, LOL). The women in front of me shared their glow in the dark light up bracelets with my mom and me. That was very sweet and kind. I enjoyed our brief conversation. Thank you again.

I took some pictures. I'll try to upload a few tomorrow.

[Tracy]

WOW! What a show! First off, my seats were front row, center about 3 feet to the left of Melissa. (Thank you MEIN Messenger contest!)

The show opened up with Philip's AWESOME rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. That boy is MAD SICK! He is so incredible, I could watch him play all night! The band went directly into All American Girl which is when Melissa came out and the crowd went wild! She looks AMAZING! Happy! Healthy! Beautiful! And sang her ass off! She chatted a bit - love it! She talked about riding the Jitney bus in A/C. Very funny. She talked about how she "did it, and never needs to do it again" LOL. The just about slow down and then you have to JUMP off the bus...LOL. Very funny.

About halfway through the show, in the middle of "If I Wanted To", Melissa stopped singing but the band kept playing. She turned to the band and said, "I'm thinking, do you know what I'm thinking?" Then she went on to ask the audience if there was anybody in the audience who had a birthday on July 4th, WITH a driver's license who can prove it. A couple of people tried to hand her licenses for July 2nd but she wouldn't accept it. Finally a lucky person made it down to the front with her July 4th license and Melissa invited her and 3 friends to sit in the 4 EMPTY seats in teh front row! How awesome!

The set list went like this:

Star Spangled Banner (WOW!!!!)
All American Girl
Into the Dark
California
Brave and Crazy (YAY!!!)
Unexpected Rain
Bring Me Some Water
I Want to Come Over
Let Me Go (AWESOME!)
I'm the Only One
If I Wanted To
Down To One
I Want to Be In Love/Mercy
I Run For Life
2001/i Need to Wake Up
Message to Myself/Come to My Window
All we can Really Do
Kingdom of Heaven
Open Your Mind
Universe Listened
Imagine That
What Happens Tomorrow
Not Tonight/Piece of My Heart

Hugsy2k, Ladybugkris and her husband, myself and my girlfriend ended up in the same section during the stage rush. We all had really great seats right near each other so it was awesome that we all got to be right at the stage together for the end of the show. Melissa's handed Ladybugkris her pick after What Happens Tomorrow - the look on her face was completely priceless! She was in complete shock. I am so happy for her! Congratulations Kris!

We left the casino at about 1:30 am and got home at about 4 am...so, I just woke up...LOL. I have some pictures I will post a link to later.

What a totally amazing show! I cannot wait until Wednesday!

[TSO]

Thanks for posting the set list Tracy! Great concert!

Here are some pictures:

[TSO]

Some more pictures:

[TSO]

And the band...









Everyone together...

[sevenwonders81]

These setlists are great. I only think that there shouldn't be so many new songs at the end of the show. She should mix it up so that some of the older stuff is played around that time and leave the middle section for the bulk of the new material. I hope to hear The Boy Feels Strange when she plays Canada.

Matt

[NJ Firedancers]

Soooo sad.....

Yesterday was the last show for us unless we can quit our jobs and go on tour

4 shows in 8 days! Was pleasantly surprised at the great audience at the casino.

Melissa is the greatest female rock & roll performer in the history of mankind.

Great seeing everybody.

[jenhrdir]

Another amazing concert. We feel your pain NJ Firedancers. Unless we sell our business or start selling crack to support our Melissa habit, Atlantic City was probably our last show. 3 shows in 7 days. I'm holding on to the though we might make it to NYC on the 10th, but my partner's sister is going to have her first child ANY moment so at this point we've seen our last show for this tour. The AC show was fantastic! The crowd was pretty good, a lot of drama around us, but they finally moved on. All American Girl was the perfect start to a 4th of July concert. Keep rockin everyone!

[HugsY2K]

I just thought of something else, at the beginning of the show that Linda Tam (Hugsy2k) held up and sign that said "U R NOT SHORT!" Melissa chuckled and said "Where you on the phone,oh....no, you're just telling me I'm not short...ok..) So, LEA! She does remember you and she will definitely remember! Make sure you make the sign BIG and in BOLD letters! Cause as Melissa noted "momma's eyes are goin'...." LOL Very funny!

Just returned from vacationing in Cape May as well as Atlantic City with a very happy ending.

WOW, last night was one of the best July 4ths --MLE, our All American Girl, is the way to go!!
Ladybugkris and Tracy summarized many of the highlights, so I won't repeat. You gals make my life easy. :*
http://digest.fanasylum.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=433
My gf and I had excellent seats and ended up sitting in center section (300) on the fourth row of Fritz's side. Thanks MEIN!
Just in case I was close enough, I decided to bring writing material. I ended up making several exchanges & eye contact with MLE, so that was pretty cool. As noted earlier, one of the signs said "U R NOT SHORT" followed by another sign that read "Lea says Hello" --so that MLE didn't think I was her (meaning Lea). (LOL) Speaking of signs, the last time I made them (two summers ago and coincidentally at Borgata), MLE made a comment that they were made by Kinkos -which was not so. Therefore, I am not surprised by what she said to Ladybugkris. (LOL) Moving along, when it was time for the stage rush, the athlete in me did the "Olympic" thing and sprinted up three rows and met up with Tracy, her gf, Ladybugkris, and her hubby for the rest of the night. Awesome that Kris got the pick. I was preoccupied taking pics and wondered, for a moment, if that could've been me. (hehe) Maybe next time --4 more shows for this tour! Yet, I managed to walk out with a pick and the setlist. Sorry NJ Firedancers to hear that it's your last show as the fun has just begun for a many of us. :p

Next stop, NYC!! Whooohooo ...

Cheers,
Linda

[Tracy]

Yes, definitely a HUGE thank you to MEIN! That MEIN Messenger idea is an EXCELLENT way to get the word out and allow members the opportunity to win upgrades or meet and greets! I had such a blast from the front row! Thank you SO much!

[ladybugkris]

TSO your photos are great!! They look exactly like my view of her all night - you must have been nearby

Hey Tracy - forgot to mention that MLE was talking about how we all should be drinking more water to hydrate ourselves, we are made of water not Diet Coke so drink more water. She just finishes her speech and not 2 seconds Linda (Tracy's GF) comes back to her seat with a water and Diet Coke!! Did you notice that? I nearly burst out laughing at the timing and was thinking "lucky MLE didn't see you" - lol

[Tracy]

I DID notice that and I almost wanted to grab it and hide it or smack it out of her hand...instead I quickly reiterated that whole thing back to Linda and she smiled almost slightly embarrassed and said "Oh, I missed that lecture." and proceeded to drink her diet coke. LOL

Thank God I had water.

[dogrescuergirl]

MLE was talking about how we all should be drinking more water to hydrate ourselves, we are made of water not Diet Coke so drink more water.

I am an absolute diet cola junkie...I drink at least 2-3 cans a day but it's funny, every time I drink it now I hear MLE talking about acid...acid...acid...and I keep saying I'm going to stop drinking it but I'm so addicted. It's my guilty pleasure and it's even a calorie-free guilty pleasure which makes it even harder to give up! I have to do it though...I seem to recall Tammy saying once she was a Diet Coke addict...I wonder if she gave it up?

[Tracy]

LOL, I drink a lot of water. I like an occasional soda, Diet Dr. Pepper is my choice, but Linda really dislikes water unless it is ICE ICE cold. So, she is going to try to drink more. We just have to chill some really well for her.

[TSO]

Tracy - I was in section 200, aisle seats. Terrific view. I loved my seats. My mom did too. We both got to get up close to the stage when the fans rushed the stage area. We both were able to do "hands" with Melissa as well. I believe my mom is officially a Melissa fan. Yesterday she peppered me with Melissa questions. She wants my CDs now too. LOL

[Tracy]

TSO - that is awesome! I took my mom to a Melissa show and she LOVED her! She climbed over chairs to get to the pit, saw a bra get flung up on the stage, and got to do hands with Melissa at the end of the show.

Glad your mom enjoyed the show. Next she'll be joining the fan club too

[nybabe58]

MLE was talking about how we all should be drinking more water to hydrate ourselves, we are made of water not Diet Coke so drink more water.

I am an absolute diet cola junkie...I drink at least 2-3 cans a day but it's funny, every time I drink it now I hear MLE talking about acid...acid...acid...and I keep saying I'm going to stop drinking it but I'm so addicted. It's my guilty pleasure and it's even a calorie-free guilty pleasure which makes it even harder to give up! I have to do it though...I seem to recall Tammy saying once she was a Diet Coke addict...I wonder if she gave it up?

Kat
Even though the can may say its calorie free its really not. Experts say that drinking diet coke is even worse that regular coke for a lot so reasons and puts pounds on you each and every year you drink it. They say its better if you are going to drink coke to drink Regular coke. Its not good to drink any soda at this stage and water is definitely the way to go. Just so you know.


And to Linda for her fun signs shown to Melissa...at least you got her remembering and now on to the NY shows. Lets see if I can get her to remember more

[dogrescuergirl]

Even though the can may say its calorie free its really not. Experts say that drinking diet coke is even worse that regular coke for a lot so reasons and puts pounds on you each and every year you drink it.[/b][/color]

What I've heard is that it's not that there's calories in it, it's the aspartame, that supposedly the aspartame triggers the same senses in your brain that trigger when you are hungry so it makes you want to eat...and that's how you gain weight. Either way...it's the fact that it's full of things I can't pronounce and IS very acidic that concerns me more. It also causes acid erosion in your teeth which isn't good either.

[TSO]

Tracy,

After the show my mom said that you can tell that Melissa is a warm and genuinely kind person. My mom could tell that her spirit and her way of being were all coming from a place of goodness. My mom said that Melissa's smile lights up her face and she also loved Melissa's eyes. She said they were very expressive. Yesterday, my mom watched some youtube videos of Melissa and my mom was especially happy that Melissa has found love with Tammy. I loaned my mom my Lucky and Live and Alone DVDs. I'll save the Awakening HRC DVD for her to watch next week. My mom has had enough spoiling for one weekend. LOL

[hippie]

TSO,
Thanks for posting the pics; those are AWESOME!! The tour sounds and looks SO AMAZING! I can't wait . . . September 9 seems ssooo . . . ffaaarrrr . . . aawwwaaaayyy . . . oh so far away!

[Tracy]

TSO, SPOIL HER MORE! Moms ROCK! We are lucky to have cool moms that have seen Melissa and love her

My mom is an obsessed fan of Neil Diamond's and we were raised listening to Neil and Pink Floyd...my dad has cool taste in music as well So, it was bound to happen that I have a healthy obsession with a Rock Star
Anyway, I would so love to take mom to another show sometime soon, but it's not going to happen for this tour.

[ladybugkris]

So, it was bound to happen that I have a healthy obsession with a Rock Star

Oh, I am glad that it's a "healthy obsession" - I was starting to wonder about all of us

[Tracy]

Kris,

It only consumes me when she tours...and I don't stalk...that makes it healthy, right? RIGHT??? LOL

3 sleeps til Melissa.

[dianesgirl]

TSO,

Pics are the greatest, and the reviews and such. I just love MLE. I know everyone else does too, it is so obivious here! I am goin to the Dallas show in Aug. wish I could affort Houston and Austin as well. I dont know how yall afford so many shows, but, I am HAPPY for ya. Best wishes.

Dianesgirl

[ladybugkris]

Dianesgirl - that's what credit cards are for - lol.

I started out with only one show too, but then it gets addicting. Enjoy Dallas!!

[HugsY2K]

Dianesgirl - that's what credit cards are for - lol.

I started out with only one show too, but then it gets addicting. Enjoy Dallas!!

Cheers,
Linda

[TSO]

Hippie & Diane'sgirl: You are welcome. I just bought this camera. I am glad it takes good pictures because I am pretty clueless aout cameras. This camera does the work for me. LOL

Hippie - I wish I was going to the September 9th show. Last year I visited Lawrence, Kansas twice and had a great time. I would have loved going back for another visit and the concert but unfortunately it interferes with my work schedule. If the concert was on the weekend I would have considered it. The last night of the tour will be a great show.

Diane'sGirl - It is very addicting. One show is not enough. You'll want to go to those other two Texas concerts.

I became a fan only a couple of years ago. I am concerned about the number of touring years left. I worry that it won't be enough.

Tracy - I ordered a few Melissa CDs for my mom today. She is worth spoiling and then some. I am glad that she had such a great time. You'll have to treat your mom on the next tour.

[HugsY2K]

My coworker posted selected pictures that I took onto his website.

Here they are: http://misovibrations.com/2008/07/melissa-etheridge-the-borgata-hotel/

Enjoy,
Linda

[Kristen]

My girlfriend and I had the priveledge of meeting Melissa before the show at The Borgata! What a incredibly sweet and gracious woman she is! She took her time and signed EVERYTHING we had and was nice enough to take a photo with us. She spoke with us for quite a bit... We couldn't have asked for more. We would like to thank everyone at M.E.I.N. for making this happen. You made that evening so special for us. We had a blast and of course, Melissa rocked the house, as always! We were 2nd row.

[Tracy]

I started out with 1 or 2 shows and am up to 5 for this tour...LOL Talk about peer presssure. Thanks to Ladybugkris & HUGSY2k, I scored a ticketmaster ticket for the Poughkeepsie show!!! Row 9 in the front...who'da thunk it?!? So my final show for the tour will be with my buds Kris and Linda. WOOHOO!!! I have the Reading show the night before with my boxing buddy Luvher1973. WOOHOO!!! SO can't wait for them to come back from vacation so we can make plans for that day!!!

[HugsY2K]

I started out with 1 or 2 shows and am up to 5 for this tour...LOL Talk about peer presssure. Thanks to Ladybugkris & HUGSY2k, I scored a ticketmaster ticket for the Poughkeepsie show!!! Row 9 in the front...who'da thunk it?!? So my final show for the tour will be with my buds Kris and Linda. WOOHOO!!! I have the Reading show the night before with my boxing buddy Luvher1973. WOOHOO!!! SO can't wait for them to come back from vacation so we can make plans for that day!!!

Ha! Your ticket says 9th row, but is that where you (we) will really be?

Peer pressure?!?! Uhm, Kris -did we tie Tracy up & threaten her in some fashion that I don't recall?

My dearest Tracy -now that I have your attention, update the signature area (I think that's what it's called) by adding 7/16 because it only states four shows still--let's officially change that!

Cheers,
Linda

[Tracy]

HA! I was in the middle of updating it with you posted Check it out! I love you guys.

Oh and I never said the peer pressure wasn't welcomed...LOL.

[HugsY2K]

HA! I was in the middle of updating it with you posted Check it out! I love you guys.

Oh and I never said the peer pressure wasn't welcomed...LOL.

What are friends for!! ... I am already going through Tracy/Kris/Sal/MLE/MLE fans withdrawal already ... Thank God I have the children to occupy me this weekend; Bon Jovi on Mon & Tue; and MLE on Wednesday!!

Speaking of Bon Jovi, I gave away my 4 FREE tickets today to tomorrows All Star Concert at Central Park --what was I thinking?!?!

Later gator,
Linda

[Tracy]

Here are some of my photos from this show:

[TSO]

Tracy - Excellent pictures! I especially love the sixth one down - tthe one of both Melissa and Philip laughing. It really shows how great of a time they have feeding off of each other's guitar playing. A lot of fun for them and for the audience. Thanks for sharing!

(I read on the NYC thread that your brother enjoyed the show. We are converting our family members into MLE fans one by one. )

TSO

[nybabe58]

Now this is a long shot and I figure if the fan was a boardie we would have heard from her already but I will throw this out there.

Im looking for the fan who had her bday this night and Melissa gave her front row seats(those that were empty) along with 3 of her friends. I heard that it was 6 of them but she could only ask 3 to join her. What a nice thing for Melissa to do and I know the first fan that ran up there had a license that said July 2nd..now why would they even go up there Dont they think Mama can read Anyway Id love to get in touch with this fan so if anyone has any ideas please get in touch with me...I think I have something she might like ...as an additional bday gift