Pre-Show Hospitality Reception & Soundcheck?
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Can those of you that have attended one of these before please fill me in on what this reception includes and how long it lasts? I bought two HOT VIP tickets yesterday for Albany so this and the "soundcheck" are included. Never been to one of these either so any info you can share would be greatly appreciated!
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Erik in NJ:
Can those of you that have attended one of these before please fill me in on what this reception includes and how long it lasts? I bought two HOT VIP tickets yesterday for Albany so this and the "soundcheck" are included. Never been to one of these either so any info you can share would be greatly appreciated!
After the soundcheck we're led to the room for the buffet style vegetarian dinner. The last soundcheck I did we got our free gift on the way in. (nice embroidered backpack) By the time we're done eating the doors have been opened for everyone else and you can head to your seats. The only "reception" is meeting Shelley Lazar prior to soundcheck and hearing the rules.
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Thanks for the info! For the money I would hope it's a really good meal...how is it? Is booze included (at least beer and wine?) And who is Shelley Lazar? How does the "soundcheck" work and is there any interaction between Paul and the soundcheck crowd at this point?? I know the chances are slim to none of at least shaking his hand or getting a word with him which is a shame really. Most of the jazz venues I attend no matter how big the artist they will usually do a meet and greet which is a nice touch. Even when I saw Al Stewart last fall at the New Hope Winery in PA he made himself available for a meet and greet and he was huge in the 70s rock scene. It was fun meeting and talking to him there.
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Shelley is the FABULOUS person that is in charge of the SC. She is so kind to the fans and sings and dances right along with us!! There is interaction btw Paul and fans, but they will remind you that he is working, so the interaction is up to Paul. You are encouraged to sing, dance, scream loudly (when appropriate) SC is usually an hour-so you really get 2 concerts in one night. He does some songs that are not done in concert. There are sometimes when fans are chosen to go onstage and meet Paul, but not at every SC. That is where I met him-in Detroit, 2011!!!!! DO NOT TAKE VIDEO ON YOUR PHONE I saw people escorted out of SC in Tulsa. You can take pics, but no professional lenses are allowed. The only terrible thing about SC is that you will never want a regular ticket again...it6's a BLAST AND VERY ADDICTING!!!!!
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Erik...as previous fans have indicated, Paul's soundchecks are amazing! I've had great experiences at every one that I've attended...especially Philadelphia!! The fans around you are fantastic, and Shelley is the best! The whole atmosphere around the event is what you would imagine a "private Paul party" would be like. And it is addicting...go once, and you're looking to go again, and again... You're in for a real treat...enjoy!
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Thanks for all of the invaluable information guys! I really appreciate it and am already looking forward to the show immensely! I will most likely have several more questions about the pre-show events which I'll post here or maybe PM you. But thanks again for everything you've shared so far!!
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pood for paul:
Shelley is the FABULOUS person that is in charge of the SC. She is so kind to the fans and sings and dances right along with us!! There is interaction btw Paul and fans, but they will remind you that he is working, so the interaction is up to Paul. You are encouraged to sing, dance, scream loudly (when appropriate) SC is usually an hour-so you really get 2 concerts in one night. He does some songs that are not done in concert. There are sometimes when fans are chosen to go onstage and meet Paul, but not at every SC. That is where I met him-in Detroit, 2011!!!!! DO NOT TAKE VIDEO ON YOUR PHONE I saw people escorted out of SC in Tulsa. You can take pics, but no professional lenses are allowed. The only terrible thing about SC is that you will never want a regular ticket again...it6's a BLAST AND VERY ADDICTING!!!!!
You nailed the sound check experience perfectly!!! Shelley is a real treat ! I have been to sound checks without Shelley and their great, but not as good as when Shelley is there! When you walk into the arena and she is there you know it's going to be that much more special!! If you go to sound check once... you have to go again and again etc..... You're hooked! Mr. Gannon what's your opinion?
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So how do you know that Shelley will be attending the Albany soundcheck? Is she an MPL employee? Thanks for any additional info.
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We don't know usually until we get to SC if Shelley will be there. She hasn't been to a couple I have gone to, due to other commitments. She is not an employee of MPL, but owns her own company. I honestly don't know who has more fun at a SC, the fans, Shelley or Paul!!
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Shelley has been in the music and concert business for a long time, which is why I think Paul trusts her. She runs the company that sets up the VIP packages. As to the "reception," that is the veggie buffet that happens after soundcheck. The quality varies depending on the venue. Sometimes the food is quite good and sometimes all you get are appetizers (if you are lucky!). You will be seated back by the soundboard during soundcheck, not up front. Paul does talk and interact with the group from the stage, especially if it is a lively bunch. However, even tho some people have been lucky enough to get called up to meet Paul at a soundcheck, do not expect it to happen. It is not the norm. Just expect to have a ton of fun and an extra hour of Paul playing live for you!
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The food in Memphis last year was excellent (and I am not a vegetarian) I loved the "make your own sundae" bar! And Erik, you do get 2 free either wine or beer. I gave my tickets to someone else and just got a couple cokes (free)
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Nancy R:
The food in Memphis last year was excellent (and I am not a vegetarian) I loved the "make your own sundae" bar! And Erik, you do get 2 free either wine or beer. I gave my tickets to someone else and just got a couple cokes (free)
Memphis had one of the better buffets.
Another factor with the receptions is the location. Milwaukee's was horrible - it was 90+ degrees and HUMID that day, but there was apparently no indoor stadium club or restaurant they could use for the buffet. (I think Paul was using it ;)) so they just stuck us in an area *outside* near the bullpen. 
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I'm a foodie--I hope the fare is good up in Albany. It's the capital of NY so you would think they have some pretty decent veggie caterers. Hey if I dress up like an asparagus stalk do you think that would get Paul's attention
Does anyone have any contact info for Shelley then? It might be interesting to reach out to her sometime before the show. I'm sure someone here must have her contact info if she's a contractor that runs an independent business. Feel free to PM me if you'd like. Thanks! -
Any fan worth their weight in gold will not give out Shelley's contact info. (I hope)
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pood for paul:
Any fan worth their weight in gold will not give out Shelley's contact info. (I hope)
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pood for paul:
Any fan worth their weight in gold will not give out Shelley's contact info. (I hope)
Why would she not want to have her business contact info revealed?
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Not saying she wouldn't, I'm saying a Paul fan shouldn't reveal her business contact to the public. Seriously, would a fan contact her regarding business or to try to find a way to get to meet Paul, or at least get close to him?
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IDK, you tell me. I suppose it wouldn't really matter since she is a professional she would know how to filter that stuff out, no? I guess having bought the VIP package I should be receiving her company's contact info sometime in the near future anyway since she's running these packages. You can go to just about any business on the internet and there's a "Contact Us" link as a de facto standard.
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I know that the 2 highest packages have the sound checks as well as the dinner. But back in 2011 when I saw Paul at Yankee Stadium, I purchased the $650 Gold Hot Seat VIP package and was invited to a pre show all inclusive dinner. It wasn't vegetarian, but it was a buffet style dinner. Do the Gold and Silver packages still include the dinner before the show? It doesn't say it's included in the package for the upcoming shows. I don't remember what it said for the Yankee Stadium On The Run package exactly, but we obviously went to the dinner before the show that was included and the packages are still the same
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Hi - There was no mention of a "hospitality reception" in the Gold and Silver VIP packages. No soundcheck included either. They were only included in the $2000 Front Row VIP pack and the $1500 Hot Sound VIP pack.
