When and where?
This story has to begin with the planning. Back in August and even before, we had all heard there were going to be shows again this fall to benefit the Port Authority Police Department WTC Survivors Fund, but no news on exactly where and when. There were rumors and some clues, but no one knew for sure. I knew I wouldn't be able to go if they were too far away to drive. Then the announcement was made in early September - one in New Jersey and one in Cleveland, with the proceeds of the Cleveland show also going to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Educational Fund. Cleveland was out, but New Jersey is driving distance for me - cool! Edith emailed me and asked, "Are you going? Want to share a ride?" Yes and yes! I made a hotel reservation and our haphazard plan was in place!
Now for tickets. The NJ show went on sale online on September 13th. I was at my computer trying for tickets the moment tickets were available. Up came row Q. I sometimes get pretty lucky getting close tickets through Ticketmaster, and actually I figured I had done pretty well this time. For a show like this, with so many bands, in such a big arena, row Q was better than I had expected. Of course I kept trying for a while just to see what would come up, and the closest I ever saw was row O. So I figured I'd just have to settle for 17th row (yes, I'm aware I'm a spoiled brat) and I was wildly excited just to be going!