I saw a note from Kari that they were working on VIPs for the Sandy and Orem shows, but had lost hope as the dates were almost here. Then an email came saying that David had added another show! I got all excited, but found it was the Saturday night Sandy show. I often get notices of new shows that I already have tickets for so I just deleted and went to bed.
After midnight, half asleep, I thought “VIP”! I was pretty sure I had seen VIP on that notice. Fired up the computer and went to David Archuleta, went on to Tickets, and there was Sandy VIP on the list. Could not remember how long ago that email came. Was devastated to think I might be too late. Gave it a shot and the next thing I knew I had a ticket for my first VIP since pre-mission. No sleeping for me after that.
Having never been to that venue, I arrived for the 6:00 pm M&G at 2:30. Always my biggest fear at a new place is not being able to park. I was lucky. The parking lot was almost empty. However, I was not the first to get in line. Kari came out and gave us paper to write questions for David.
When 5 o’clock came Kari and Amber ushered us in and we saw an empty stage from the first row seats. The band came out immediately and played some music and talked about the heat. David soon joined us and gave us greetings. His face lit up and he had a big smile as he waved at a newcomer. The band all joined in with the waving. David shared with us that they were waving at Brady’s baby girl. David sang 2 songs and answered some of the questions written by fans.
We stood in line by the back door of the stage and went inside in groups of 3 or 4 for picture taking. We handed our cellphones to Kari and then came the magical moment of standing next to David. There is an overwhelming feeling that everything in this space is good. David’s aura is an extreme comfort. There is no looking on the dark side with David.
The Monday night M&G in Orem was even better. Shelley of video fame had told me she wouldn’t be able to go, but it was not a surprise to see her arrive with her granddaughter and camera. There were only 13 of us. One fellow had come from Boston. Great to have Tawna and Ron. Such a shame that it was so hot. So hot that we all had to squeeze into a small room with David and the band and Bri practically sitting on our laps. The drummer was next to me and I could see his hands in constant motion. Sometimes with sticks, sometimes just his hands playing a beat.
“Mirrors” was the first song and Bri joined in for that and then excused herself. Really liked her. David sang “Who I Am” and again answered fan questions and added a “Happy Birthday” song.
We all hung out with the band while waiting our turn for pics with David. My friend had quite a crush on Chad and he posed for pictures with her. We were the last ones to take pics with David. He was in a tiny area, standing in front of a cinderblock wall. An unglamorous setting, but shake a little David dust on there and it becomes marble and gold. A dark little corner, but David was glowing.
I thanked him for giving me all these friends I met at VIPs. He said, “Yes. We have lots of good people.”
All videos by Shelley FOD
All photographs courtesy of Dayzee