Washington DC Review

Joni, Carol Ann, Cheryl, Christy, Sandra, Marcia, Amy, Shirley, and Pat & John Ross

Well, just got home from WETA in DC. What can I say? We had over 40 volunteers so we were able rotate answering phones and sitting in the studio just watching. Michael was very tired tonight, but hid it well from the cameras. Apparently, he and Phil and the camera crew went around DC today touring and filming the video that Jaime told us about. We asked him what he saw and he said "Everything!" Phil, the interviewer, said something about the English coming and that we can show them anything and they won't know what they're looking at. Michael laughed and said, "There's a building.", pointing as if admiring some structure that was standing in the studio. He and Phil hit it off okay, but the atmosphere was totally different than it was at Maryland Public Television, much more formal. They sat at a desk of sorts on stools and didn't interact with us at all. In fact they discouraged our reacting to Michael's statements. We did get to clap when Phil FINALLY got around to mentioning that we were members of Michael's fan club. Of course we owe that mention to Michael as he mentioned that "the ladies here behind me learned of me through PBS's showings of my previous works". By the way, before I'm asked, Michael was wearing a dark gray suit with PINK shirt. GRRRRR!!!!! (Douglas-style, Jackie). No tie.

Problems arose when there was a long blackout when the video was supposed to be playing, but they quickly pulled Michael, Phil and the woman interviewer (didn't catch her name) back into the studio and Phil commenced to interview Michael for a long while which was fun. They talked about Michael meeting Cameron Mac. and how he helped get Michael's career off the ground.

They also talked about Michael "test marketing" here in America. Michael talked about wanting to do concerts here in America, but "I didn't know if anyone would come". I couldn't help but snort a laugh at that statement. If he only knew. . .but I guess now he DOES know. If people come to MD and DC all the way from Florida, Toronto, and Seattle just to answer phones at a PBS station while he was there then people will go to any degree of sacrifice to see him perform.

Anyway, most of the live segments after the concert finally aired were spend begging for money. Michael was there and they talked with him some, but spent A LOT of time plugging the "special gifts for your donation". Those of us who were in MD were very disappointed at the way things were handled, but then if we hadn't been in MD we wouldn't have known how good it could have been. They didn't allow Michael's, well, Michaelness to shine much at all. No in studio singing. I'm currently watching the tape I taped of the broadcast so if I see anything else I need to share I'll type it in another message. This one is long enough as it is.

I just watched a part I thought you guys might want to know about. Phil: You said you weren't trained vocally officially, although you sound pretty good I have to say. What do you do to kind of take care of your throat? MB: (makes a bit of guilty grinning grimace) Well, I tell you what I have done and I've . . .I shouldn't really say it, well, yes I should. . .I gave up smoking. (this led to a round of applause and cheers from us which led to Phil frowning). It was hard. It's been five months now and, uh, it's gone now. That was the biggest move I made, it was the stupidest thing I ever did to start. He went on to explain that he's not fanatical about it, but he does try not to strain it and they talked about R&R leading to rest on an island somewhere. Michael added "with a notepad around you're neck" and demonstrated writing on the pad and showing it to someone. He looked so proud when he said he had quit smoking I had to share that with you all. I'll stop now, I promise. Can't wait to hear about the rest of the PBS stops. Joni

P. S. Okay, I know I promised to stop, but I just realized that the interviewer's name wasn't Phil. In fact, I don't know that I ever found out his name. Sorry for the confusion. Joni

Joni has relayed most of the evening activities from WETA! The interviewer was Paul Anthony. Years ago he was a weather man on one of the major D.C. stations. I talked with him for a good while about OUR Michael! He wanted to know what makes him special. Needless to say he got an earful. He's a very congenial guy.

I think we were kind of disappointed in the organization of the station. They had Michael sitting while they constantly repeated the pledge pitch. I was surprised they really didn't want any reaction from the volunteers. In other words it was very structured with very little energy. I think Michael thrives on fan reaction. I'm sure that keeps him upbeat as he is very jet-lagged!

He signed everything that was put in front of him. He was all smiles
for the huge number of photos taken. He had to have one taken with the
girls in the Blue Ball shirts!!!!! There were gigantic smiles all around.

I questioned one of the gentleman in charge of the inmates (us) about
the reasoning for keeping Michael seated on the interview stool while the pledge pitches were on screen. It seemed like WETA displayed them quite a bit more than MPT. The gentleman replied, "That's a good question." It seems to work better when the pitch is given, and then Michael makes an appearance. Phil didn't look as pleased tonight as he did on MPT.

When Michael came in tonight he looked us over with his ever present
smile and said, "I see my ladies are here again tonight." I'm sure each
and everyone felt he was speaking just to them.

My Michael experience is now at an end! I wouldn't have missed it for the world! I hope everyone in NY, Conn., and Detroit will have the same unique Michael Ball experience that those of us at MPT and WETA enjoyed. He looks great, his smile lights up the room, he smells wonderful, and has the softest lips!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We were joined by a group from Canada tonight! They asked him when he was coming to their part of the world. He didn't have an answer as yet. I asked him about Linda Eder. There is no plan to record together, BUT he did bring up Frank Wildhorn, Hm-m-m!

It's 2:35A.M. and I'm in dire need of shut-eye! I've been on the road with Michael Ball! Actually, I've completed 10-12 hours of driving
in the last 24 hours!

I just wanted to add some thoughts about Michael's appearances. Jaime and Joni did a super job replaying our two nights with the "ONE" we all hold so dear!

What you see is what you get! Michael is outgoing, friendly, caring, and above all he is attentive to everyone. "Just One Look" and he's got you!

He's a celebrity that shares his time. He knows how special his fans are, and makes every effort to show his appreciation!

My two days of the "Michael experience" have come to an end. I hope that everyone in NY, Conn., and Detroit will be able to enjoy the unique experience that Michael provided for all of us at MPT and WETA.

At WETA he entered and took a look around and said, "I see my ladies are all here." He thanked us again for being there.

I've had a few days to digest the experience of seeing and meeting our favorite guy! Many times one is disappointed when you meet a celebrity. This certainly doesn't apply to Michael Ball! He is gracious and appreciates HIS fans. Those eyes connect with you and you know he cares about your feelings. He aims to please, and the 2 stations I answered phones for the callers were most impressed with his talent and personality. I missed a lot of his interviews because I was on the phone. Luckily, I taped the MPT show and now have, in beautiful color, my kiss from Michael.

I had royal blue shirts made with a rose design that said, "Have a Ball at PBS." I gave them to the NYC Ballfesters as a reminder of these very precious days. None of us will need reminders because every time I put on one of his CD's I see him entering the studio in his pinstripe suit with a baby blue shirt and silk tie. He turns and "flashes" that perfect smile and you know that all is right with the world!

Hello Everyone, I meant to post earlier, but it's taken a while for the events of the past weekend to really sink in ! Shame on all of you who have seen Michael in person for not warning us of the lingering and potentially harmful effects of standing beside him....I can still smell the tantalizing smell of the Gucci on my shoulder ! Nothing prepared me for being in his presence for a whole evening--was that really Michael walking among us, smiling our way when our phones rang and making amusing comments ? It couldn't be...THAT Michael was a STAR...this vision of perfection was much more gorgeous and kept talking to us, rubbing shoulders and even laughing at my feeble attempts to take a simple Polaroid photo..."take your thing out first!" he said to me when I forgot the basic rules of photography !! I knew he was funny, but I was not ready for his spontaneous replies and the accompanying mischievous grin . When I told him I had to go through Immigration and Customs just to see him, he laughed and cheekily said, "well, I had to go through the same in order to see you also !" He then constantly joked about the 3 of us being "Canadiana"--is there a story here Michael ? For someone who had never been in his consuming presence, I was totally mesmerized by the sheer awe of his effect . It was almost as though he was no longer the unattainable idol, but rather a best friend who genuinely seemed to enjoy being with us all . His charm was overpowering and that infectious smile and inviting eyes set the tone for a truly memorable evening for me . Was I not hooked before all this? I'm not quite sure how exactly my perspective has changed, but I do know that I will look at his videos and listen to his music a little differently now . For me, he no longer fits the typical "celebrity" image--he is beyond that, but at the same time he seems more "normal" to me than any celebrity I have ever had the privilege to meet . Thank you Michael for a night I'll always remember !

To all those from far away places who made me feel welcome and part of this great family of friends, I thank you for your friendship and look forward to sharing similar moments with you all in October .

To Michael's British fans, I thank you for sharing him briefly with us and for being so understanding when we rant and rave over "your guy" . However, after this week,

I think I speak for many when I say that he's become "our guy" also! Take Care, Cheryl

I just wanted to post my experience with Michael in Washington DC.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make it out the night he was up in Maryland; however, I watched the telecast though and it was a LOT wilder than the studio in Washington DC. You guys seemed to have so much fun and a much better interviewer! Michael also did not sing for us live like he did for the Maryland telecast. But I am not saying I regretted my experience in Washington DC for one single second:

So, we had a break shortly before 8pm, when Michael's show was scheduled to begin. He had not yet arrived to the studio. I took the opportunity (along with a lot of the other ladies) to go on a break to the restroom. Needless to say, there was a long line outside the ladies room - so another woman and I decided to cheat a little and use the men's bathroom instead, and guard each other. So, here I am - guarding the outside of the men's bathroom for my new found "friend". Just then, guess who walks by. RIGHT!!! Michael and I just looked at each other, I tried to play it cool but in reality I was speechless and just nodded. He gave me the BIGGEST warm smile and said (goodness, I LOVE English accents!) "Hello there". I was also so embarrassed to be standing in front of the men's bathroom of all places!!

Michael came with a very small "entourage", which included a two-person video crew documenting his trip to the USA. Yet again, I got VERY lucky. Still standing outside the men's bathroom, a fellow in a pink shirt came up to me. I think it may have been Phil, his manager. He asked me a few questions, "Where are you from, How do you know about Michael, etc.) He then called over the video crew and asked them to tape me for the video of the trip!

So, I went back in the studio and reported to the people around my area that Michael had arrived, what he was wearing, etc. I was still in a little shock that seconds ago, I was only inches away from him.

My mom came with me (someone had to take the pictures!!), and I had the video crew film both of us. We just stated our names and where we lived, and welcomed Michael to Washington DC - begging him to come again soon and perform for America! The lady made us sign some release, so who knows?? We could be on Michael's next video!!!

All in all, Michael was incredible. The friendliest man alive, especially given how tired he was. I was fortunate enough to get a couple of pictures hugging him and his autograph a couple of times, including my "Aspects of Love" Playbill that I had been saving for the past ten years!!!

Anyway, have fun tonight in New York! Moral of the story: using the men's bathroom can be a good thing :)

love,
Christy

Hello Everyone! I just got back from Washington earlier this evening, tired with this dazed expression on my face. LOL Never did I think in a million years that I would have the opportunity to meet Michael, let alone be in the same room as him.

He just lit up the studio. He looked and sounded wonderful. He was very approachable and sweet to everyone, and made all the volunteers feel very at ease and content. Not surprisingly, he was charming and funny. I must add that he is SOOO much better looking in person. He's in great shape for the tour. Although I was a nervous wreck, during a break, I managed to gain the courage to ask him for a picture, and also a great big hug! :o)))))))) It couldn't get any better than this! I must also add that I met a lot of many very friendly fans from all across the U.S. and Canada. It was great meeting all of you, and I hope that you keep in touch! Special thanks to my travel buddies ( and you know who you are!! ;o))-- THE "CANADIANA" CONTINGENT (LOL) You two were the greatest! :o) It was very worth the trip from Canada to come down to Washington. I will never forget it, and it makes me look even more forward to the October concerts. Take care everyone, and good luck to those volunteering in NY, CON, and Detroit. You will not regret it. Sandra :o)

I don't even know where to begin to describe our time with Michael in MD and DC. He was VERY accommodating and I believe a bit overwhelmed at the response from this bunch of crazy American women (and one or two men). I am very tired so this will not be a full review, however I just want you all to know that Michael is a wonderful person, even writing a personal note to my daughter as he signed an autograph for her! Our time was too short, but will be remembered forever. Even though I hurt my foot on the way to the Sunday brunch, I managed to have a good time! It was wonderful to finally put faces to names and e-mail addresses and I can't wait until we meet again in the fall for the concerts!!! New York, Detroit and Connecticut volunteers, just wait, you will love it (if the studio isn't "stuffy")! Have a good time, I wish I could be at each of those as well! Have a Ball,

Wow. It's 12:00am and I just got home. I need to be up and packed by 7:00am, so I'll try to tell you everything quickly.

After some arguing in the car, my parents and I finally found the WETA station (I'm 17 so they took me. We'd never driven to Washington before). I was looking around puzzled since the station is located in such a slum when I spotted some ladies wearing "Have a Ball on PBS" T-shirts. This must be the place!

We went in and I got to meet the other volunteers. -You were SO nice!- They took pity on me for not having anything for Mikey to sign and gave me a photo. I also received a "Have a Ball" magnet and pin with his picture on. -Thanks Marie!- So we waited until the station people had everything set up and went into a room with some snack foods and sodas. There were TVs around with the current programming on, Andrea Bocelli (however you spell it). We were questioned on where everyone was from and told that Michael wasn't there yet. We were also introduced to the man who would interview him, who asked what questions we wanted him to ask. We finally went into the studio. Mikey still wasn't there. They told us how to answer the phones and handle situations. We did our first pledge break during the opera guy's show, so it was my turn to sit out one then.

I was sitting on the side chairs talking to another fan when the room burst into applause and I was overwhelmed with a wonderful smell. You British fans never told us how nice Michael smells! He came in and got his makeup, then it was time for a pledge break. Everyone was taking pictures but I didn't start taking any yet because my hands were too shaky. No one ran up to him.

Then, there was an emergency. We had just gone into the beginning of the concert when the station's signals went out (meaning the TV programming was dead) due to a storm. We were all rushed back to our phones and they put Mikey on again. He talked for the entire delay and made some jokes about breaking the TV and sending bicyclers out with the video to everyone's house! The program was finally restored and Michael left the room to go sign the thank you gift CDs. We didn't get to see him for photos and autographs until later.

From what I have read from the e-mails of you who have met or seen him before, I imagine you are jealous. I got to spend all that time with him!

Michael said he'd seen all the sites in Washington and looked tired. He also said in response to the US tour question that he was doing PBS to test out his popularity. We told Phil he needs to bring him back sometime!

There are many more little things, but I need to get to bed. It's after 12:30! Oh, by the way, there might be an increase in the fan club and mailing list population because we were telling callers about this, too! "With Love", Amy

I'm pretty much a lurker on this list but thought I'd make an exception tonight and add my thoughts to the PBS reviews. I live about an hour outside of Toronto, Canada and drove down to the Washington DC area to see Michael. It really was a vacation for me...a very scenic, though long, drive and some sightseeing in DC...but Michael was certainly the main attraction :-) My first impression of Michael was by way of voice. I was headed for the washroom before the first pledge break and only had minutes to spare, so knew I had to hurry. I turned down one corridor and thought I heard a familiar voice floating down the hall. Though I was in a rush, I had to stop and turn around. Sure enough, Michael walked by. Just catching a glimpse of him was enough to set my heart pounding and only then did it finally sink in that yes, I would actually be seeing him in person, with my very own eyes. I was incredibly happy just to be in the same room with the man, and getting a photo with him made it even more special. I left feeling a little disappointed that he was whisked away before he could sign anything for me, but I thought I'd get a second chance in Detroit.

As a new member of the fan club (though certainly not a new fan), I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Patricia (Pat) Ross, and my husband John and I live in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I was lucky enough to be a pledge volunteer at Maryland and Arlington. There is nothing I can say about Michael that has not already been said better! However, I would like to say a big "thanks" to the members of the Michael Ball Fan Club for encouraging me to join. At 65, I was probably the oldest fan there, but I was assured that one is never too old to be a member, so I have sent in my fee, and am eagerly awaiting my packet! There is a favor I would like to ask: I'm trying to collect all of the CD's and videos, and have been dealing with Dee and Paul (aren't they great?) I have 8 CD's and the RAH video. I also have the Musicals and More video of the Glasgow concert. If there are more than 8 CD's and/or more videos, can someone let me know? Thanks. Again, I'm happy to be a part of such a great group of people! Pat Ross

Hi everyone - I just got home from the best weekend I have had in a long time. I got to meet, kiss and get photographed with Michael Ball. Not only that, but he sang to me. I was just in the right place at the right time. It was wonderful. I wish I could go to all the PBS stations. The people I met were all so friendly and we all just had a great time. Hopefully it won't be long until he comes back to do concerts. Love, Maria