First I would like to start by saying thank you to Janie O’Keefe for the opportunity to give the presentation on travel at the monthly Disability Connections meeting on the coast.  It was great getting to meet new people and to be able to network.  Hopefully I was able to share some good information and also become another resource for the disabled community of the Gulf Coast.  I look forward to contacting those that email me.  Hopefully I will get to return and talk with the group again.

The Keith Urban ‘Get Closer’ opening tour night concert was without a doubt one of the top ten concerts I have EVER been to, and I have been going to shows for 30+ years.  While I am not a country music afficiand0 by genre, my wife is and I wanted to do something nice for her.  Lord knows she puts up with, and does enough for me, so I thought she would enjoy it.   She had a blast!  So did I.   Keith Urban was the complete performer, working the crowd nonstop for over two hours.  His skill as a songwriter and vocalist surprised me, but nowhere near as much as his actual ability as a guitarist.  This guy can PLAY!  He is legitimate folks.  If you get the chance to see him on this tour jump on it.  It is a definite must see!

The Gulf Coast Coliseum was a better venue than I expected.  Having lived in the Atlanta area for many years I am use to venues like the Fox, Piedmont Park and the old Coca Cola amphitheater.  The GCC reminded me of a smaller version of the old Omni.  It is not the best acoustic venue, but it is a multipurpose site.  Wheelchair seating was good.  The only drawback was one of the two elevators being out of service.  A special shout out to the bartender with dreadlocks, and the other bar employees outside of section 23.  He got me ice water to take a pill and went out of his way to do do it.  I do not know if he was an Aramark employee or a GCC employee, but thanks again.  There are still nice people in the world.