Read to the end for CD giveaways.
Last night, Foreigner declared it “party night in NJ” at The Wellmont Theatre, and the crowd of concert fans boisterously approved. Amongst the audience were four lucky Baristanet readers who won tickets to the show, including Montclair’s Doug Elam — a longtime Foreigner fan and Montclair High School alumnus. Doug also won our grand prize, and got to meet the musicians before the show (pictured here with his wife, Ivelisse on his left, the band and Baristanet Editor, Erika Bleiberg).
“Seeing Foreigner at the Wellmont Theater is a really big deal to us,” Elam told Baristanet this morning. “I was a member of the Montclair High School chorus when this band’s first album came out, in 1977. I still have it — it’s a vinyl 33 1/3 rpm record, from 33 1/3 years ago!”
Elam remembers that he bought the album when Star Wars was playing at the Wellmont, back when it was a movie theater. “Having lived down the street from this theater for the past 20 years, it’s very exciting to see them booking big shows and events so close to home.”
In addition to an incredible stage light show, lots of front-man rock moves by lead singer Kelly Hansen, and classic guitar licks by founder Mick Jones, last night’s concert included a marriage proposal in the audience (she said yes!), back up singing by Barsitaville teenagers and the raffle of a signed Foreigner guitar (proceeds to Save the Music Foundation).
If you couldn’t attend the show, we’ve got you covered. Our own Melody Kettle (with assistance from John Kettle) got backstage to chat with Hansen and then recorded some of the concert’s highlights. To see footage of the high schoolers performing and talking about the experience, go to BaristaKids. Your really have to see these super star kids do their thing…
Oh, and did we mention that we still have copies of Foreigner’s latest CD, Can’t Slow Down to give away? They’ll go to the first four responses — no tricky questions this time. Send an email here, with your full name and address.
Photo credit to: Walter S. Oliver, Photography
Sorry to be picky but Mr Elam is an “alumnus” of Montclair High not an “alumni”. Alumni is the plural form of the word. Hope you all had a fun evening.
Thanks for making the correction.
Sure, Monty. I truly appreciate you pointing out my mistake. It’s helpful to have more than 9,000 proofreaders a day! I look forward to my occasional slip ups getting caught (seriously, I mean that). Still have a couple of CDs left, if anyone still wants one. It’s a triple album with all their old hits as well as new material. Send an email to tips@Baristanet.com.
The show was great. We were one of the winners from your trivia question. Thank you for such great seats. Love your trivia questions, keep them coming. Eve
Eve, I’m so glad you had a good time (and great seats). Thanks for letting us know. More trivia and prizes ahead so stay tuned…