Hanson Mania

It was early on a hot, sticky, and humid Saturday morning as I anxiously stood in line by myself as my two other girlfriends, and our moms were sporadically placed throughout the thousands of teeny-bopper girls. We knew the game and knew how to play it well. You see, Ticketmaster does a lottery whenever tickets go on sale at the Orlando Arena. When you arrive, you take a ticket and stand in line. Whose ever number is called is first in line and everyone in front of them goes to the end of the line. If we did our probability correctly, (as we always did), we would end up receiving decent seats to the Hanson concerts. That was 1997-2000.

Jumping eight years, Grammy nominated, owning their own record label and two albums later I saw Hanson again. Tickets for their shows were always reasonable compared to the other "boy bands" during their time however this time I could just walk into the Ticketmaster at work and not worry about seating because it was general admission. Without further ado, here's my adventure...

Amanda was reluctant to tag along with me, even though by the end of the night she did confess she had an amazing time. Hampton Beach, NH is only about an hour north from here just along the coast. The two of us grabbed a nutritious meal that consisted of a quarter pounder with cheese and drove on up.

The directions did tell us to go along 95, however we crossed the border by driving on back roads which completely confused us. One minute we're in a quinte little town, the next we had ended up on Bob's road along the trailer park. We finally had to stop because first I was laughing so hard, and secondly, the road ended right at the beach when we're supposed to be looking for a casino.

We assumed a casino looked likes a casino. Vegas baby. We forgot we were in New Hampshire. Sure, enough we drive right by a place with little blue print that says "Casino Beach". This place had a skating rink, hot dog stand, and one of those bowling games where you can win a stuff animal. It was really like a fair. It was a beach town. So we parked and when I mean park, we literally just turned off the car and prayed to God we wouldn't be towed.

During our waiting period we met some other girls who ironically all live in the Northshore vicinity. We all exchanged numbers, gabbed about Hanson and talked about school.

The opening act was fantastic. Stephen Kellogg has a talent for piano playing. That guy can work those fingers. It was amazing. The group was so good Amanda purchased their CD and there was a time where we could meet them after the show.

Hanson came on and we all felt like we were fourteen all over again. Quite frankly it was a little refreshing. For two hours we could just scream, dance and wave our hands and have not a care in the world because 2,000 other girls our age were doing the same thing. I had forgotten how much fun concerts were. I've been to small indie ones here and there but nothing major. Plus we had a fantastic view.

So now I'm back to reality. Fortunately all of us girls are getting together Saturday night. I'll be able to act care free one more time.

I find hope and it gives me rest
I find hope in a beating chest
I find hope in what eyes don't see
I find hope in your hate for me
Have no fear when the waters rise
We can conquer this great divide