Soundcheck and last minute shopping
Next we had to run back downstairs for soundcheck! A bunch of us gathered at the closed doors to the venue to listen to the band. Their last show had been a couple of weeks ago, so it was a rehearsal too. They played an amazing jazzy version of "Come Sail Away," very loose and playful renditions of the opening medley and "Grand Illusion," and a killer country-western version of "Crystal Ball." We cheered and applauded for them from behind the door so they would know they were appreciated!
Okay, next on the agenda! There wasn't an official pre-show party as such, but a bunch of us had said that we'd try to meet at the buffet in the casino (oh yeah - there was a casino there) at 5:00. Well, the soundcheck/rehearsal wasn't over until about 5:30, so by the time we got down there, it was about 6:00. Our little gang plus Lori and Dennis ate together, then went back to our rooms; well, most of us. Debbie and the girls had decided before I got there that this show should be the new all-time champion for the title of "most underwear thrown onstage," so Debbie, Kelly, Jen and Tani went out on a last minute trip to buy more thongs. Kelly came back with at least a dozen new acquisitions, and while she got ready for the show, I took all the tags off. These things have to be stage-safe!