OPEN ARMS, NEVER, and I Want You to Want Me (Journey, Heart, & Cheap Trick)

Kai's FIRST real concert!
OOOH, on a school / work night, we attended a concert at the Sleep Pavilion in Concord to see Journey, Cheap Trick and Heart. Kai was also curious to know what this was all about, stating "I'm scared!" when he saw all the traffic of cars and people rushing to get into the pavilion.


Although we were already 30+ minutes late, we had just seen Cheap Trick for a very short stint (meaning we heard a few lyrics, and then they walked off the stage) when we found a small patch of grass to lay out our blanket. This place was jam-packed! Kai was wide-eyed with this event and even participated in dancing a little and mimicking the guitarist. Greg was a concerned parent and even brough ear protection for Kai as he knew the music would be loud.

Soon Heart came on and unlike Cheap Trick, the fans brought out their lighters for an encore-and they did just that, sing a few more songs to please the crowd.

Then at last! Journey appeared, and not with the original singer, Steve Perry, (whose voice I fell in love with when I first heard him at age 13)- but Arnel Pineda- straight from the Philippines!and nevertheless, the same songs and lyrics sung by Arnel brought back childhood memories of highschool.

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Now this is a big moment for the Filipinos, and there were several in attendance there, some waving their native flag. Although I am only part Filipino, I could not help but feel a bit proud of Arnel - well heck, you never hear about the Filipinos in the Olympics or anything great ( unless about some devastating news- poverty, prostitution, guerillas, etc.), so this was a good time.

And there is a story about the return of Journey-the lead singer Steve Perry ended up with hip surgery, and when the other musicians had to talk to his attorneys, gave me the impression that he was not doing this gig anymore, left those wanting to regroup restless. So guitarist Neil did the www search and found their singer on YOU TUBE! And guess what? Arnel sounds EXACTLY like Steve Perry, and also somewhat resembles him with that long hair.

There's a nice ending to this story though, Arnel once lived on the streets and fighting for his survival, making money doing singing gigs here and there to help his siblings/family. And can you imagine? He is now living his dream!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89_2UivtEhs

or do a search on this title on You Tube- "Arnel Pineda Journey CBS News Sunday Morning Interview"... AND Don't Stop Believing!