We were there Saturday night. My friends and I flew down from Portland and Seattle just for this concert. We figured since the Maestro rarely tours, especially in our corner of the country, that we had best just bite the bullet and fly down. How right we were in our decision to do so! My friend and I wanted to try to get JW's autograph and we were told that before the concert was the best time to do so. We asked around and discovered the "artist entrance" door so we waited there with about 8 other people, hoping JW would have time to stop and talk to us. No such luck as a car carrying the Maestro scurried into the underground parking garage. After the concert we saw a number of people at that same location being escorted backstage. One of these days I'll have to find out how to get backstage passes to a JW concert. I loved every single minute of the concert. Waxman, Hermann, etc. was a real treat to hear. The violinist solo during the "Fiddler" piece was breathtaking. However, I think the real treat for me was the second half of the concert. Hearing all of those wonderful themes that Williams has crafted (and I have played throughout my life countless times) was nearly indescribable. The audience was absolutely hillarious and it was impossible to not get caught up with everyone around you and start swaying to Imperial March. My absolute favorite part of the concert, though, was the encore when Williams announced a song from the second film, ESB. I knew so many were expecting Imperial March, but I was really, REALLY hoping for Yoda's Theme, my all time favorite piece. Then he annouced "Yoda's Theme." I've heard that track so many times on my cd player, but to hear it live was extraordinary. Truly one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life, as was the rest of the concert. Venue really plays an importance and while I'm not thrilled about the fact that JW never tours in the Pacific NW, I must admit that NOTHING would have been better than seeing my first JW concert at the Hollywood Bowl. I had the time of my life. So, I've read that some people recorded this. Any idea if there is or will be an actual video release of the concert? I figured that with so many Bowl cameras on the orchestra that it was possible. Anyone here catch a home video of the concert that they are willing to duplicate? If I could find a recording of the Saturday night concert, that'd be awesome. I'll willing to pay cost for manufacturing and shipping.
