WEDNESDAY 6^TH FEBRUARY

BOUND FOR HOBART TOWN

Flew Virgin- and as it was very windy in Hobart apparently- they asked for 6 people to volunteer to be offloaded for the 4.00pm flight to make the plane lighter!

NOT this wood duck!  Places to go – people to see! But they had hordes of people volunteer- when they were offered a free flight!

Arrived in Hobart and shuttled from the airport. It was a scenic route as we dropped people off hither and yon.

The driver talked about his convict ancestor who’d been sent out or snow-dropping- and ended up owning a string of successful bakeries.

I mentioned mine who’d been transported for stealing lead off a church roof- and ended up at Norfolk island for hitting a guard.

I’m not sure who wins that contest- the snowdropping reformed baker- or the lead thief who was sent to hell island.

He must have reformed somewhere along the line- as he ended up in Victoria with me as a descendant 4 generations later.

I stayed at the Wrest Point Hotel and Casino- which was also the concert venue- Bonus!!

And I’d expect Rufus’ abode for the night as well! 

Took some pics in and from my room. Wondered if Rufus’s room was like mine.

I plugged in the laptop, logged on and  checked my e mail.

Oh look- one says  “Rufus Wainwright BML Winner Adelaide 2/7 “

Oh My God- I got the gig!!

Subject:

Date: Wednesday, February 06, 2008 4:10 PM

 Congratulations!

You have been selected to join Rufus Wainwright on stage to perform the

spoken word portion of 'Between My Legs. Thank you for submitting your

audition tape and being part of this very exciting contest.

We will need a cell phone number that you will have with you the night of

the show, as well as your email address and full name.

Rufus' tour manager, will be in contact with you the day before the show to arrange meeting. You will need to be available for sound check the day of the show between 3pm and 4:30pm. Please note that the time is subject to change – Ali  will discuss with you the confirmed time to arrive. His cell phone

number is ……………… Please be prepared with the lyrics and your

best stage outfit.

We can't wait to see you at the show!!

Best,

MCT Management

Rang and organized the meet for the sound check.

Rang melampus and told her the news- and that I’d asked if I could bring a friend to sound check – so we would both be going!

I think we were both doing a happy dance when we hung up the phones!

I may have done a couple of circuits of the room as I began to fully understand what a momentous thrill was laying ahead of me!

.

Walked down/floated down to the lobby  then hung out on one of my favourite terraces and watched the river flow by and the wildlife.

The large ship was called ‘Sapphire Princess’

 It sailed away at around 5.00pm. Too bad for any Rufy fans on board-eh!

Got ready for the concert- met melampus- and as we waited to go in- we saw Ali- and I told him I was the BML winner  and that my confirmation email to MCT wasn’t going through. He said it was all  sorted and we’d just meet up tomorrow!

Back in my room- which I may add- I can officially state is under the same roof as Rufus tonight!

I'm sleeping under the same roof as Rufus!!!!

The concert was just blissful! Bliss Bliss Bliss!

The set list  posted above varies with Rufy not doing Zebulon- but singing 'Complainte de la Butte" (Excuse any mispelt French). he said the harbour precinct reminded him of Montreal. And he said "Bonsoir and au revoir" as he walked off the stage and blew a kiss.

I'll leave it to Melampus to fill you all in on the patter between songs as she does it so well. Then I'll fill in any gaps if needs be.
The couple I sat next to- had come on the strength of hearing Rufus's 'Hallelujah' on The Shrek soundtrack- and when they saw Rufus was coming- got tickets. They are entertainers/musicians- so was interested to hear what they thought afterwards.

The guy was absolutely blown away by Rufus's talent- his singing- his guitar playing and his compositions.

I felt like I was in MUM mode - just so proud that My/Our Boy had collected some more fans.

Rather a blah venue- the stage was OK- just that we sat in rows of chairs like we were at a school speech night.

Rufus was on stage for about 80 minutes. He looked stunning- in off white/beige chinos and a brown and white medium striped shirt.

Think he may have had a haircut as well. He looked gorgeous- and was wearing flip flops- my favourite Rufus footwear!

I was sitting front row in front of the piano stool (yay- first time I could see him in full view at the piano.)

Melampus was 2 seats up in front of Rufus at the mike- so we had him well covered!

To jump to the afterwards-
we waited for ages where we thought the only exit was- eventually everyone else left- then Rufus came out.
Melampus and I gave him a little gift. I told him I was going to be doing BML in Adelaide tomorrow- he said that's great.
We sort of tried to explain we weren't stalking- then said well- maybe - a little- and melampus said- you could be stalking us because you're going where we are.

We walked with him from the venue to the hotel lobby- about 100 metres. Asked if Rufus liked Melbourne- said yes- and that he liked Sydney. Asked about the chocolates I'd left and that someone said he didn't like chocolate. He said yes he did- but probably shouldn't eat it. And he did get them and they were nice.(Strawberry freddos- Caramello koalas and Cherry ripes and Belgian chocs)
He asked if we were staying in the hotel- I said yes and melampus said she lived here- 'not here-not in the hotel- in Hobart.' He asked if I was going to do some gambling- and I said no- and observed that I worked in chidcare and all the musical toys these days sund like poker machines so we're priming the next generation. he laughed. I told him that I had to pass on a message from the board that we really wanted him to come back and do some solo gigs and he said he'd like to come back and do some solos and some with an orchestra. I'm not sure if that would mean MSO or one of the other symphony orchestras or he means as in 'band'.
But the word he used was 'orchestra.'

He said see you in Adelaide tomorrow- and went to the lifts- while melampus and I sort of walked around in circles trying to come to terms with the fact that we'd just done a walk and talk with Rufus. I could see the burly casino security guys looking a bit bemused at us- as we were like bats who'd lost their radar and would crash into the walls at any moment.
We finally recovered and worked out that the coffee shop we wanted was back along where we'd come from- and mustered as much dignity as you can when you're nearly delirious with happy hormones.

We think we may be on the same flight as Rufus to Adelaide tomorrow.
Put it this way- it's the only plane out of town going to Adelaide.
So unless Rufy is going via Melbourne - I'm afraid we'll be sharing the same space. This time we'll give a discreet wave if we make eye contact and keep a respectful distance.

THURSDAY  7^TH FEBRUARY

IT’S THE DAY- AND I’M ADELAIDE BOUND!

Awoke with excitement  before the alarm and watched the sunrise.

Had breakfast then wandered down in the gardens- with the geese- 

And watched the ducklings being herded across the lawn to the pond at the top of the waterfall.

Took a snap as I waited for the shuttle at the hotel.

Saw the hotel's private shuttle stood there- and thought it was probably for Rufus et al.

By the time we picked up and drove to the airport- sure enough- who pulled in behind us but Rufus et al.

Gave a nod hello as we all piled out of the vans- and ended up behind Ali in the check in queue- as Rufus wandered around and sat waiting. He is so unassuming and self effacing that no-one would know or even imagine he is a world famous talent.

Off we sailed/flew to

Adelaide.

And after going to the loo- and making my way to the luggage collection- who's standing next to melampus waiting for my bag- but Rufus.

This was becoming a tad embarassing. Another small smile of recognition and it was off to my hotel. Melampus only had a backpack- and we didn't want to run out of time to go to the sound check.

I found a music store where I wanted to buy something special for my 4 minutes of go go dancing on stage! Perfect- found 2 plastic shakers that looked like mandarins.

So off we went to the sound check at the Norwood Concert Hall. Caught a taxi- and so glad we did..because that google map almost got me again. It was MILES away!

Had coffee and chatted to a local who said the Adelaide fringe Festival was starting that weekend. Arrived and waited at the stage door- was introduced to Tim- the stage manager- and I commented while walking up a long flight of stairs that I hoped they had a lift to move their equipment. He said no they didn't- and he'd had to hire a crane- to get the grand piano in- and didn't want to talk about it!


Got to the green room/chill out space? and Gerry said he'd come and get me in about 15 minutes for my sound check- we waited for the time- then wandered up to the side of the stage. Cannot begin to describe how much equipment was there backstage! A sea of large black boxes- behind Rufus's huge stage backdrop of the flag. Two huge towers of dials and digital readouts and fuses that wouldn't have looked out of place in an intensive care ward. Mega lights and spots overhead. Watched as the band played a bit of a few numbers- sort of jamming really- sounded nothing like what I'd heard on the night(s). (Rufus wasn't there.. I rather hoped he was having a nana nap to revitalise...but turned out he was at a wildlife park patting a koala.. same thing I guess.. both calming and centre-ing)

Then it was time for me to make my entrance- walk across the stage and as they - "played from the break OK "(said Gerry) and then I would come in- he had the mike on his music stand - said I'd step forward take it- make sure I held it up to my mouth- and importantly- don't try to rush.

So.. they played from the break.. played what???? Nothing that sounded remotely familiar to me- Gerry nodded- I moved forward- kept looking over my shoulder - miming- "Now?" "Now?" Had no clue!

Gerry said it would sound different when Rufus was singing. Said I planned to sing along- and as long as I could hear him I'd be fine for my cues. He assured me I'd be fine - and off we went. But not before getting our very precious VIP Passes for backstage after the show.

Went back to the hotel- and organised for melampus and PP to meet me at my hotel and taxi to Norwood .

We had a meal at a restaurant opposite the venue. Saw Rufus arrive and have a photo with one fan waiting- who we met and talked with later- Liz- who managed to get her way backstage somehow- and glad she did- because she took the photo of me and Rufus.

THE CONCERT:

When we saw Rufus at the airport the day after the Hobart gig I thought he was looking tired- and wondered how he was doing- and how he'd be at the Adelaide concert. Hoped he would have a nana nap in the afternoon.

But out he bounced on stage full of energy and talked about visiting a wildlife park and patting a koala.

And backstage he was so relaxed and looked great..and looked like he was really quite happy just chilling out there.

So I'm wondering if some of that lovely vibe was the result of patting and cuddling the koala.

They say pets are great for people's wellbeing...

And maybe he's really looking forward to going home... after tomorrow night's concert.

AND SOON MY BIG MOMENT ARRIVES

I wait at the side door as instructed during the first half- and soon I'm ushered to the side of the stage and wait.

Lots happening off stage- all the guitars being tuned by the stage hands- knobs being checked and re-checked.

I 'm standing off to the right of the Horny Boys and slightly to the left of Rufus's back as he sits at the piano. I watch him play as he sings "The Art Teacher- with Louis adding his beautiful French Horn playing- just magical.

Next is "Tiergarten"- and I move forward slightly- so I can watch Rufus sing.

Not nervous- just enjoying each moment.

Next it's back to the piano for "Leaving for Paris'. This is one of the songs where I forget to breathe! Must breathe- need to stay oxygenated! Breathe! Breathe!

As the song builds- and the horn section plays their discordant part- I can feel the vibrations through the floor- as well as hear it- and I suddenly have a fleeting "I think I might vomit" moment.

But it's gone- the song is over- and Rufus is talking about the competition.

He says "The winner for Adelaide is Bev- "

and I walk across the stage - as Rufus says- "Bev's been on the tour with the band- she's been to all the shows!"


I sort of half wave as Rufus looks over and smiles.

The song begins- and I do the little jiggy thing that I do when I'm hearing music- and even when I stand in a queue and all I can hear is the music in my head! I sing along with Rufus as the song gets to the spoken word part.

This is the pic taken by Rufus’ assistant and posted on his myspace page.

Thanks to mspalonka for the rest of the pics.

 Then I step forward- take the mike- and say my bit- timing it so that I speak the last of the four lines as Rufus sings it.

I'd decided to say it as if I was telling a story to my little guys at work- because that's what I do- and it felt comfortable..

I have no idea how it sounded- there's no video of it.. but I hope it sounded OK.
Folks tell me it was great- but hey- we all get swept up in the moment!

The song ends- I do the big flourish- and then it's across to Rufus for the kissy thing and we exit the stage!

On the way backstage- I give Gerry my mandarin shaker for his little girl.
( I did buy 2 - so have one for my little guys as work..)

And it's all over!

I go back out front- and there's a real buzz as I meet up with the usual suspects.

More brilliant pictures –courtesy of mspalonka on the boards:

After the show- brilliant as always- we ( me- melampus and PP) wait at the side door-  with our backstage passes-

to go backstage. Not long and we go into the giant green/chill out space.

I see Rufus standing by himself- so walk up and thank him. I ask how he knew I was at all the concerts- had I told him? He sweetly said- "No! I saw you !" I gave him Rufy Ted- and he awwed a couple of times- and thanked me sweetly.

I love this piece melampus posted on the board:

Quote:

melampus said:
Bev gave Rufus a Ruf-ed-up teddy and he was *absolutely delighted*. He studied it very, very carefully, picking over its numerous brooches, sequins, and necklace, and the grin on his face was just magic. It was genuine and warm and sustained. He proceeded to hold the teddy on his hip, and then it showed up in some photos... and now it's travelling the world... He loved that little bear.

I wandered off and started talking to Cameron about their travels- going home- then was talking to Gerry about the band, going home and their plans. I think we were there for about 20 minutes.

Looked up and saw Rufus talking to someone- and walked over as I'd always wanted to thank him for introducing me to Grey Gardens. The other person wandered off and we talked about how amazing The Edies were. I mentioned the concert dvd and told him there was a huge body of fans waiting to get it- and he said "We're working on it." Thanked him again and was heading out when Liz asked for my email for the photo. By the time I got outside Rufus was there with some fans. Someone who may have known his family ( his aunt- Anna?) was there- and he seemed very regretful that they'd not made themselves known and come backstage to see him.

He hugged them then hopped in the van and off they went.

We had a photo in the street with the Radelaide Rufettes-

then melampus,pp and I finished the evening at a cafe just up the street from my hotel. It was a lovely end to a truly fantastic night! I know that pp and melampus enjoyed their time backstage- and it was just fantastic that 3 seriously devoted fans managed to share that small moment in time with the people who have given us more joy with their music than they could ever realise.

And here’s my One – My Only- REVIEW OF MY STAGE DEBUT !

It was on www.news.com.au/adelaidenow

HE CAME, he sang, he conquered. Read BELINDA JACKSON's exclusive review of Rufus Wainright's performance at the Norwood Concert Hall on Thursday.

STARS: 4.5
IN SHORT: Uplifting, poignant, camp.

THE WASH UP: ………………This is a performer with a strong taste for dramatics, as witnessed by the competition run beforehand where the audience was asked to send in their best rendition of the spoken word component of the song ‘Between My Legs’. The winner in Adelaide was Bev, a middle-aged fan who moved enthusiastically on stage and stepped up to perform with Rufus without a trace of stage fright.

(That was me!!!!)

And here’s the set list- with my name on it….

FRIDAY 9^th FEBRUARY

I'm at Melbourne airport- just left Adelaide- and waiting for the Perth connection.

Have to talk about the background to my gig last night - and try to explain how much it meant- because I woke up this morning with the overwhelming feeling that I was going to burst into a flood of tears- and that feeling has stayed with me still. Hoping writing this will be cathartic.

I have loved music all my life. As a 5+ year old child I would sing in the little talent shows we had at our camping grounds each year- and at my dad's work picnics. A friend of my Mum's said I should have singing lessons- but that never happened.
All my life I've felt the need to bop a bit to the music in my head- whether it was waiting at a bus stop- in the supermarket queue- in the bank...when they used to actually let a real person serve you!

I've always said in my next life I'm coming back as a backing singer- all the glorious music- and joy- none of the responsibility of pleasing that fickle audience that has paid out their heard earned to see you perform.
I don't think I can begin to describe the feelings I has while on stage. I wasn't nervous- although when the horny boys played those discordant notes in the final stages of Leaving for Paris- I had a momentary 'I'm going to vomit' feeling.

But being on stage- and bopping along just as I do in the queues-singing along with Rufus's glorious lyrics- looking over to see his beautiful smiling face- best feeling I think I've ever experienced.

I don't have to worry about the next life- because I think I've had my backup singer experience- and it was with the wondrous Rufus- who has to be the greatest lyricist/composer of our time.

Thank you so much for the powers that be for choosing me. You will never know how much this has meant to me.

Hopefully now- my feeling of the flood of tears will subside- but maybe I'll have a quiet weep on the plane to Perth- just to cap it all off.

More info when I get to Perth.
Sorry if I've bored the pants off everyone-...

special thanks to Gerry for being so nurturing and helpful. And Tim and Ali...

Later:

I did have a silent weep on the plane..listening to Rufus on my i pod thingy. And singing along with my eyes closed.

In the midst of Beautiful Child...with all the swaying in my seat (empty one between me and the next guy..so lots of room) and foot tapping.. I opened my eyes and the tall slender (gay?) blonde Adonis of a steward was standing there watching!

He said I like your singing. I asked if I was being too loud! He said No- I just love that your singing!

But he moved away before I could recruit him to the Ruvation Army or find out if he was already enlisted!

Whew!!! - I started to read just after brekkie, and now it's time for Tea!!!    Seriously though Bev, thank you so much for such a 'pictorial' in every sense of the word, of your Rufus experiences, what memories you must have!  

Thank you for sharingx

Hi pat

This is part two of my blog!  I tried to edit the typos on myspace- where I'd posted the whole thing- and the second half- this part- was deleted- and i never could get it back up.

So I had to start all over again and try to remember what I'd done and what pictures I had.

This was the first time I'd not posted my blog here for back up.

So I started posting here- and copied back to myspace.

I'd better go in here and post those piccies I didn't get to finish yesterday.

It tool me all day and night to re- write it!

Wow, you've certainly had quite the adventure Bev!

Sorry I missed all of this happening with being so otherwise engaged recently, but glad you enjoyed the concerts and your big moment on stage too! What an amazing treat for you