Uncasville, CT: Air supply returns to Mohegan Sun’s Cabaret Room. Nothing risked, nothing gained

Four Air Supply concerts in four days. I had every intention of staying the course and writing my first Air Supply review after the first show at the Cabaret Room on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, or fortunately, the fun sneaks in and there isn’t much time to sit back, reflect, and plan the words to describe the show and events. Now, back from Mohegan Sun, I can put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and produce what many have been asking me for this past week. But before I write my week’s programs (see next review), let me go back a year.

Last August, I began my journey with Air Supply at Mohegan Sun. It was the first time I had seen them since I was a teenager and I thought, ‘hey, I love Air Supply and what a chance to see them one more time!’ So I got my ticket to the show on August 4th (a birthday present for myself) and was able to sit right up front, just 2 feet away from the one and only Russell Hitchcock. I’m not sure I can describe how exciting it was to see Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock! I couldn’t believe I was actually SINGING with Russell! Well, okay, not really WITH him, but at the same time, just an arm’s length away. He was delighted. I didn’t expect it to be a great show and I certainly never expected to be sitting so close to my favorite band.

Who was more surprised than me when the couple walked offstage, onto the showroom floor and slowly made their way through the audience, singing, playing, smiling, posing and bringing to life the possibilities that so many had only seen before? dreamed of? He was amazed when Russell stopped by tables, took people’s cameras and handed them to others so they could take photos with their owners. He was in shock that so many stopped him and gave him hugs and kisses. And he was determined that as he headed toward me (well, not really toward me), as he ran onto the stage to finish the song, I would NOT let him go without my own once-in-a-lifetime experience. hug! The fastest hug in history turned into the longest hug in memory, and I was completely over the moon.

The show went on and Graham then mentioned signing autographs, but the way he said it made me question the truth. Would it really be possible for them to stay and meet the fans? He had never heard of such a thing. In order not to miss out on this great opportunity, I was in the showroom for about 15 minutes, but saw nothing to make me think they would stick around for this meeting. So I left the showroom and headed straight to the box office to try and get a ticket for the next night’s show. SOLD OUT. There were never two more depressing words in my life.

I drove home, reliving my Russell Hitchcock hug, calling out to anyone who might care even a little bit about the hug I’d just received. Thank God for not judging the sisters! On my way home 2 hours away in Boston, I went online and found out as much as I could about Air Supply because I had to try to see them again one day.

My dream of seeing Air Supply again ‘one day’ turned into a year full of concerts, taking every opportunity to see them, traveling to new destinations, meeting other ‘Airheads’ and making lifelong friendships. For those who would think that traveling from city to city to see a band is a bit crazy or ‘fan’, I assure you it’s not just about ‘the band’. The band is the community that unites us socially. We come to the shows, take photos and say hello during the Meet and Greet. We do this because we’re all having a good time, we’re having fun, and we’re making new memories. And last time I checked, Air Supply didn’t have a bad show, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that we want to come and have more fun with them and our friends!

The past year has taken me to 8 states plus Canada. I’ve seen places I never thought I’d visit, met people I might never have said hello to, and experienced ups and downs, all in the name of living life to the fullest. To say that I have had the time of my life is an understatement and I look forward to continuing this journey with friends old and new.

I must admit that the highlight of last year was my interview with Graham Russell when he was launching The Future. Many people have asked me how I was able to get the interview and the simple truth is that I asked him. I approached Graham and told him that I subscribe to the “nothing risked, nothing gained” theory. Sure, he looked at me a little weird as if I was going to ask him to grant me some weird request, but then I asked him if he would consider letting me interview him for The Future. It took about 2 seconds for him to say that he would absolutely do it and I had the amazing opportunity to interview him in Niagara Falls. I have since told this story to many people and am amazed that such a simple ‘theory’ can be so powerful in the hands and minds of others. It almost seems to be a mantra that people repeat, and through their own journeys many others have used these words to support their own courage and seek strength.

Air Supply has given us great gifts in life through their music, and today they share a little piece of themselves every time we come to a show. The one thing Air Supply does, and does well, is make every Air Supply experience as personal as possible. It really is about ‘you’. Air Supply sings of love, life and promise. They go out into the audience, just to be with you. And in the end, if you are lucky, you have the opportunity to meet them in a Meet & Greet, designed especially for you. Air Supply connects with the audience, but what they’re really doing is making a personal connection with you. It’s no wonder that those who go to Air Supply shows leave wanting more, and go out of their way to return to another one.

My journey with Air Supply has been one worth writing about. Some say I should write a book and I laugh and say you can read everything on the blogs I write! Russell, Graham, Jed, Jonni and Mike have been supportive and respectful and I have to thank them. Each show brings me new challenges, and creatively, it’s not always easy to write something new. I try to share my experiences with others by writing good reviews, taking new photos and posting quality video clips whenever I can. Some days I just want to sit back and enjoy the show, and then I’m like, ‘oh, I need to remember to put that in my review!’

In each of my reviews, I always make sure to thank Russell, Graham, Jed, Jonni, Mike, Sparky, Brett, Moe, Nate, and Mark. They are the reason we keep coming to concerts and they are the reason we tell our friends, colleagues and anyone who wants to listen why they should get a credit card and come to a concert. We all know that they are going to have a great time, and they never disappoint us.

Through the good and the bad, the ups and downs, this last year has been fabulous and I wouldn’t change it for the world. No regrets and no missed opportunities. Here are more shows, more good times and making new friends. And oh yes… go to a show!!!

Health!