GM Place, June 11

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The Gipsy Kings perform Bamboleo onstage.

The last of 5 came and went all too quickly for us. Tonight in Vancouver (we actually went to another country to see the GKs!) it was _____ (insert superlative of your choice).

The state-of-the-art Bose sound system was superb. It was an entirely different experience sitting out in the middle of the crowd. In retrospect we were glad we did. Since we already knew what it was to experience them from the "up close" vantage point, it was a treat to hear them from the audience's perspective with such a good sound system. The venue was nicely set-up. GM place is a sports arena. In front of the stage, which was 5' high, was a dance floor. To either side were tables, from which the views were limited. I estimated 1200 people on the dance floor (would have driven me crazy - I need space around me). Every note sung and played was crisp and clean and audible. Even the mix was good, except for the echo effect they put on Nicolas' voice for "Gitano Viejo." We were able to hear things we'd not been able to hear before, like Andre's voice, a whistle, keyboards, palmas, percussion instruments. And, not being right in front of their faces, I could actually take notes on things to remember:

I'm liking "Gitano Viejo" more and more. Parts of it reminded me of "Fandango," which I've given up hope of hearing them do live. Seems they tend more toward the dance-type music in concert. Guess it appeals to the ticket-buying crowd more than the serious, traditional music does. But that's what keeps them touring eh? (like that little Canadian flourish - eh?) The LaBatts on tap was awful, btw, in case anyone cares.

They did Mira la Gitana Mora in all 5 shows, but the lead-in was more like the beginning of Viento del Arena. Just a teaser. Wonderful arrangement, though, really mesmerising.

The slow song, from Seattle as well, was Noche de Suenos.

I never noticed this on the CD, and I need to listen to it tomorrow to be sure. At the end of Montana, Nicolas does a great flourish with his voice.

The best part was the complete absence of paya bimbos jumping up on stage to dance, rub, slither and shake.

And, at the end of the obligatory "Bamboleo" encore, Bob and I both felt sure that Paul noticed me and blew a kiss. I think it was our imaginations playing tricks. But the possibility will keep me smiling for a few days.

.........................LP

> The state-of-the-art Bose sound system was superb.  It was an entirely
> different experience sitting out in the middle of the crowd. 

We were in the 6th row in a section off the stage right corner. There were NO seats anywhere near the stage.

> GM place is a sports arena.  In front of the stage, which was 5' high,
> was a  dance floor.  To either side were tables, from which the views
> were limited.  I  estimated 1200 people on the dance floor (would have
> driven me crazy - I need  space around me).  

We both did math, but on different things. The dance floor was square, about 50 feet on a side. On each side of the dance floor were 25 tables with 10 chairs each. Imagine a hockey arena cut in half. The stage was in the middle of the halving point. The dance floor and tables were in the semicircle before the rows of seats start.

> And, at the end of the obligatory "Bamboleo" encore, Bob and I both felt
> sure  that Paul noticed me and blew a kiss. I think it was our
> imaginations playing  tricks.  But the possibility will keep me smiling
> for a few days. 

I swear it's true!!! I couldn't believe it myself. We were so distant from the stage compared to earlier shows. He couldn't possibly have recognized us from there, or could he? It sure as HELL looked like he did!

...Bob