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GINO VANNELLI & THE PORTLAND BAND LIVE IN NEW ORLEANS, USA:
 The very first TWO reactions about Gino Vannelli's concerts in New Orleans were in our e-mailbox this Monday morning the 19th of November 2007, we hope for more... e-mail us your reactions, feelings, emotions, musical opinions or everything (Almost everything! LOL!!!) about these 3 Gino Vannelli events... (1) An e-mail from MICHAEL AND SUANJA (The editors guess in the USA) dated Monday 19 November 2007 with the subject: The Gino Vannelli short stories web page...
11-18-07
Gotta tell you, as a fan and a front man I am impressed!! Reminds me why we do what we do. Thanks for the inspiration Geno.
Got to meet his lovely wife and brother Ross as well as all the band. Can we join the fan club? Would love to be a part of it. Geno mentioned you in the show so I know sort of- who you are. Keep up the good work (2) An e-mail from Ron M. in Montréal, Québec, Canada dated Monday 19 November 2007 with the subject: gino in new orleans.
Hello guys, (3) A second e-mail from MICHAEL AND SUANJA in the USA dated Monday 19 November 2007 with the subject: The Gino Vannelli short stories, PART 2.
Gino spoke frequently during the Saturday night performance 11/17/07 at New Orleans.
He said " there is one for you Barend and Trees". (4) A third e-mail from MICHAEL AND SUANJA in the United States of America dated Monday 19 November 2007 with the subject: The Gino Vannelli short stories, PART 3. The name is actually Mick and Suanja Atherton. Of course you can post us on the web site. We will be honored. I can tell you more about the event. We went on Friday the 16th as well. Before the show we waited outside the entrance to the theatre and up walks Ross. I called him Joe by mistake ( I did it all weekend) he was very gracious. We spoke for ten minutes and he went about his business of gettin the console set up for the show. The room filled up with about 500 people. Everyone was a big fan. The love in the room was like a drug. Geno was in great voice. He loves New Orleans and had to feel high himself from the vibe in the room. We sat five feet from him on the front row. we could have touched him and in fact he reached out to the people around us several times. I got the set list off of the monitor after the second show and one of the posters. Geno signed three CD's and my original Brother to Brother album. I had much champaign and I am sure I made and idiot out of myself telling him how much his music meant to my wife and I. Again he was gracious. Gotta go . . .get ready for work. We can talk again later. Have much to say and share. CARRY ON!!! Mick (5) A 4th e-mail from MICHAEL AND SUANJA in the USA dated Monday 19 November 2007 with the subject: Mick and Suanja, PART 4. I took several pictures at the show with my wife's Razor camera. Maybe I can download them for you that is, if I can figure out how. I have to get a cable and the software from my service provider. I will do so promtly. I only hope the photos ar decent Mick (6) A 5th e-mail from SUANJA (USA) dated Monday 19 November 2007 with the subject: Mick and Suanja, PART 5.
Hi Barend & Trees! In March when he played Vegas we planned to make the trip across country to see the show but something happened and by the time tickets went on sale, I had missed the opportunity and then couldn't get flights and so on. Unfortunately, my only brother and only sibling was killed tragically in a motorcycle accident on that weekend and I believe fate had it that I needed to be here. Through my months of sleepless nights of grief, I would just get up and log on to gino wesites and try to ease my pain. One night in the wee hours I saw flashing "Gino does benefit shows in New Orleans." I was so shocked and grateful because New Orleans is only 300 miles and my dream could really come true. I started calling everyday to buy tickets and when they finally went on sale, I had driven them crazy and thought something would go wrong until a sweet lady took my info and let me choose and book our seating. (front row, center stage) I have never anticipated anything so much. When we arrived in New Orleans I felt my heart beating inside my chest. As showtime neared, we were in front of the Harras showroom and Mick recognized Ross Vannelli walking near. We talked with him for a while and found him to be incredibly kind and friendly. He autographed my Brother to Brother 'ALBUM' and other CD's. Our seats were 5 feet from Gino and I was high on excitment. The show was Fabulous! He was in great voice and the band was excellent. He told funny little stories throughout both shows and yes he mentioned Barend & Trees and your website and about meeting you one time and something about you both wearing full leather attire. How great is that? After the show we met the band and Gino and in my excitment I asked for a hug and told him he was better than Santa Clause. I could'nt believe I said that (how silly of me) but I felt like a little girl on Christmas. He is a firecracker on stage but very shy and gentle in person. His wife was a kind and beautiful person and I felt happy Gino could travel so much and still be with her. The band members were very, very talented and friendly and seemed to genuinely love working with Gino. As to your question about what songs he played, I got Gino's song list that was taped to the stage floor after the show was over on Saturday. It read-- CRAZY LIFE -- BLACK CARS -- WHEELS OF LIFE -- WILD HORSES -- LIVING INSIDE MYSELF -- ITS ONLY LOVE -- CANTO -- APPALOOSA -- HURTS TO BE IN LOVE --VENUS ENVY -- I JUST WANNA STOP -- BROTHER TO BROTHER -- PEOPLE GOTTA MOVE (encore). The people in the crowd were all Gino fans for up to 30 years and even the Mayor of New Orleans was there. Gino donated his proceeds to the Katrina Fund of his own kind heart and that makes him even more special than I ever thought before. Sorry this is so long but there is so much I feel and I want to thank you for the work you do to honor Gino and keep information going. Much love, Suanja Atherton, Tupelo, Mississippi USA (p.s. my brother Eddie brought me great karma and was with me throughout my Gino experience) (7) A 6th e-mail from Mick and Suanja in Tupelo Mississippi, USA dated 20 November 2007 with the subject: Mick and Suanja, PART 6. Suanja actually was the one who got the set list. I got the poster. The pictures I took didn't turn out. They suck!! I used my wifes Razor Phone and it has an awful camera. I will send them anyway. We live in Tupelo Mississippi. Tupelo is the birthplace of Elvis. It is located 80 miles south of Memphis. I will take pictures of the concert poster and the set list and send them to you. It is a pleasure to meet others who are big Gino fans. Mick The editors B&T: We show 2 little pictures of mick and Suanja because those people did their very best and tried to share Gino pictures with us all, it's a pity that their pictures did not work out well! Thanks for trying Mick and Suanja.
(8) An e-mail from Mary Lou in the USA dated 21 November 2007 with the subject: GINO IN NEW ORLEANS!!!!!!
Hello Gino Fans, When the curtain opened GINO emerged from the fog singing Crazy Life. Lights,music and Gino took us right into Black Cars. Great start!!!! Wheels of Life and Wild Horses followed. Living Inside Myself always showcases the power of Gino. It's Only Love had us dancing in our seats. Canto was a beautiful rendition with Randy at the keyboard and Gino pouring his heart out. Appaloosa is beyond words. This live version gets everyones attention. Hurts to Be In Love goes right to the heart. Venus Envy rocks the theatre. I Just Wanna Stop had the audience singing along with the Master. Brother to Brother and People Gotta Move rounded out the shows. Gino and the Portland Band rocked the house every night. Three great shows for a very good cause. Fridays show was out of this world!!! Special Thanks to Allen,Randy,Sandin,Reinhardt and Patrick who are all fantastic musicians and great guys. Thank you to Ross and Nic.
Gino looks great and his voice is in top form.
Thank you Gino for caring and sharing your special talents. Your the BEST!!!!! (9) An e-mail from Mark in the USA dated 22 November 2007 with the subject: NEW ORLEANS
Hi (10) A message from the Gino Vannelli guestbook by Donna in New Orleans, LA, USA dated 21 November 2007 with the subject: Referred By: Search Engine
Just saw Gino at a benefit concert November 17th in New Orleans...... (11) An e-mail from Ross Vannelli in the United States of America dated 19 November 2007 with the subject: Ross Vannelli
Hi Barend, Trees, (12) A message in the Gino Vannelli guestbook from Marie in Waco, Texas in the United States of America dated 22 November 2007 with the subject: New Orleans Concert Impressions For 32 years I have loved Gino's music, and New Orleans 2007 was my first time to hear him in person. Having second row seats both Wednesday and Friday nights, it was a dream come true to hear Gino's EXQUISITE voice and see such a phenomenal performer with great energy and style so close. The band members have great rapport, and Sandin Wilson especially shows deep emotion as he plays. They all seem to be having such fun! After each concert I could not sleep and could not stop smiling from the excitement and joy in my heart. My souvenirs include a Gino T-shirt, DVD, and a concert ticket signed by the Master himself.
New Orleans is known for its food, so let me offer this analogy: (13) First a 'pre-fun' e-mail from Robert Birchmier in Texas, USA dated 1 October 2007:
Dear Barrend&Trees
My friend who had never seen Gino before was blown away of course. Gino is such an incredible performer, he just never ceases to amaze me how lucky we are to get to see him perform live. And what an awesome band those guys are! My brother took the pictures, I think some of them are pretty good. The one he zoomed in on was when he and Randy were doing Canto, Oh My God, what a performance!! It is so moving to get to see Gino sing that song like that. He told some great stories and it made me smile when he talked about you two. You must have a great realationship with Gino, how nice for you two. Any way I'll send you the pictures I have. It was great to talk to Ross and some of the band. I got to see DJ when I was standing in line to get an autograph, he is such a nice man. And it was only an 8 hour drive, nice to not have to fly. The drive home was great considering we were still on the Gino high. It was great to hear from you, keep up the great work.
PS: The two photos where there are a bunch of little pictures, we're not sure what happened there. The camera belongs to my brother's daughter and he wasn't that familiar with it. Thought you might get a kick out of them.
(14) An e-mail from Gina (Birmingham, AL) USA dated 25 November 2007 with the subject: From the New Orleans web page...
Hi Barend and Trees, Ross was right when he said the show was “Perfect”. I think everyone there would agree! I’ll see what I can do about sending pictures soon. Take care, Gina (Birmingham, AL) (15) A second e-mail from Robert Birchmier in Texas, USA dated 26 November 2007 with the subject: Gino Vannelli signed sun-glasses...
Hi B&T And, oh yea, What an Incredible Band!!!!! To say the least!!! I think it was sat night after the 2nd song, Gino looked back and pointed, and said, "Great band, huh? You know that's an understatement!!!! On the drive back, and that was 8 hrs, we didn't even listen to music, there was no need to!!!! The bonus of seeing Gino, is it stays with me for so long!!! Hard to describe!!! Was REALLY EXCITED about seeing the pictures I took posted on your website. That was really fun to see!!!! Definately a first for me!!! I know Sherry will love seeing her pic! The girl that gave her the sun glasses to put on Gino, she didn't even know. I was in line with here when he autographed them, So Cool!!!!! So Much Fun!!! Just an incredible weekend!!!!! Now I can only look forward to seeing him the next time!!! Don't know when that will be, but that's ok! I'm still high from New Orleans!!!! Hope it never stops!!!!! What a great website!!! Keep up the great work!!! Or should I say fun??? Reed (17)
Here are a few pictures number 2 and number 3 from New Orleans that you may be able to put online.
How sad the best picture I have with Gino is Gino on a poster. (18) A second e-mail from Reed in the USA dated 28 November 2007 with the subject: Thanks for putting my message (16) on line...
Hi B&T (19) An e-mail from Patti Batista in New York, USA dated 29 November 2007 with the subject: Gino
Hi to you both, I stayed at Harrah's and even though the hotel was VERY expensive, I'm glad I did. It made it a lot easier to run back to the room for camera gear, batteries, etc. I was allowed to take pictures ( after signing a release) so I can't send any but I did tell Ross that I normally send some to you to post and he said he would forward some once he went through them all. I took a lot of pictures and I am really pleased with how they came out. I did forward 2 of a couple that I saw in the hotel lobby. They looked so cute in those shirts that I thought it would be nice to recognize them on your site.
The shows didn't feature any new songs but some were tweaked a little and sounded great. The lighting was off some on Wednesday but the audience didn't know since they just kept screaming. It was a great show on Friday and Gino and the band were really into it. It was a great crowd and they were standing and dancing and singing along and the energy in the room was really exciting. When they announced that Gino would be out to sign after the show the crowd went wild. I had a lady offer me a lot of money for my pictures and said she would pay a good price for them. I didn't expect that. They had a table of merchandise for sale that seemed to do really well. Many people bought shirts and CD's. I was suprised with how many people didn't know about "these are the days". I took pictures of Gino signing things and the girls especially were so excited in line. A few kept trying to go as close as possible and the security had to escort them away.
The band sounded really good and I am always impressed with Sandin and his great personality on stage, as well as off. I also noticed that Reinhardt is feeling so comfortable and his groove is solid. He really has settled in nicely and adds some great depth to the music. This is the first time I saw Patrick Lamb on horns and he was a nice addition to the band. Randy was solid as usual and Allen had some great solos and sounded great. I tried to focus on the other guys for phtos other than Gino this time. Now don't take that the worng way....out of every 100 photos, there were at least 90 of Gino so you do the math....I took over 3000 pictures in 5 days. My hands are very tired. It was a blast and I can't wait to go to another show. Not sure if I can make Las Vegas in February but I will look into air fare, etc. I met some new fans that are loyal B & T's fans as well. They enjoy the sites an information they find on it so hats off to you for keeping your devotion to Gino.
Hope all is well and take care,
Patti
I hope you guys will come to some of these shows because I'd love to see you again. Keep up the good work and I hope yo get some pictures soon.
Patti
Dear B & T I had a wonderful time watching Gino teach at NOCCA and the woman who founded the school took us all around the school afterwards. It is an amazing school. I have a picture I could send you though it isn’t very good. P.J.
I played with one of the pictures so you can use them both for your
website if you like.
The concert was fantastic!!!
The Band was great and clicking on all cylinders!
I also had the pleasure of catching Randy Porter's (Gino's Keyboardist) at Snug Harbor, a Jazz Club in New Orleans, on Sunday Night with his Piano Trio.
Great stuff Randy.....
Let's hope it is not another 12 years before Gino returns to a city that truly adores his music!!!
Joe,
New Orleans, LA
Thanks for all you do with the Website.
The Concert sounded Fantastic.
Well here we are again.
I’m finally getting pictures to you.
(24) An e-mail from R. Ted in the USA dated 5 January 2008 with the subject: Re: GINO VANNELLI
B and T, The show was even better that the Detroit show (Portland band was great and the addition of the horn player was a great idea) and the lighting was much better and more impactful than the Detroit Theater. He needs to get to Atlanta and the Fox Theater. What magic his sound and that Theater would bring. Thank you for helping to re-introduce and in many cases introduce for the first time so many people to this truly magical musical inspiration. Any new auctions coming up? R. Ted H. (25) More e-mails from Gino in Birmingham, AL, USA dated 5 January 2008 with the subject: Re: New Orleans Pictures
Hello Barend & Trees, About these 2 pictures. These were taken after the concert on Friday night. We were able to meet a lot of Gino’s crowd that night. Ross and John are extremely nice guys. It was really a pleasure to meet them both. Ross was right there making sure that the concert was perfect and then he mingled with the fans. It was great!! Wish I could go to Vegas but it’s just not going to happen this time. I’ll keep looking for more concert dates in the U.S.A. I did meet a very nice couple in New Orleans who are planning to visit Holland. They will try to work a Gino concert in along with their vacation plans. I think that makes for a pretty spectacular vacation!! Don’t you think? Have a Great Day! Gina (26) Another e-mail from R. Ted in the USA dated 6 January 2008 with the subject: Re: GINO VANNELLI
B and T, The shirt my wife is wearing is one I purchased when I saw Gino in Charlotte in 1978 during the Brother To Brother Tour. Unfortunately it is abit too small for me now. I have to consider myself a most fortunate Gino fan. My wife and I have traveled from Atlanta to Detroit (April 2006) and now New Orleans (November 2007) to see Gino and BOTH times we have had a chance to shake his hand and say hello. I was on cloud 9 the rest of the weekend.
The show was even better that the Detroit show (Portland band was great and the addition of the horn player was a great idea) and the lighting was much better and more impactful than the Detroit Theater.
He needs to get to Atlanta and the Fox Theater. What magic his sound and that Theater would bring.
Thank you for helping to re-introduce and in many cases introduce for the first time so many people to this truly magical musical inspiration. (27)  An e-mail from Jeanne in the USA dated 31 January 2008 with the subject: From the New Orleans web page...
Sorry this is coming to you kind of late ... We also really appreciate the help for our beautiful city. We are going to visit Holland in late April to see the tulips and hopefully we'll get to check out your levee system too. Would you happen to know if Gino has any performances scheduled there at the end of April? I would love to surprise my husband with tickets. Thanks, Jeanne
An e-mail from Patti B. in New York dated 1 October 2007 with the subject: Tickets for New Orleans.
Hey B&T! A second e-mail from Patti B. in New York dated 18 October 2007 with the subject: 1 month to go...
Hey there! An e-mail from KC in Washington State 15 November 2007 with the subject: Jealous Wonderful! And what a great photo of Gino on the SJU Utrecht page. I am so jealous that I am not in New Orleans. My friend called Tuesday night during rehearsals. All was going well; and the hotel beautiful; the hotel employees friendly and gracious. I AM SO JEALOUS!!!
Things going well.
 New Orleans Area Events: Weekend Starting November 14, 2007. Written by: Margarita Bergen.
Darling friends, Are you ready for another exciting weekend? I am! Tickets for the Gino Vannelli Fundraiser Concerts will can be purchased at the Harrah’s box office at 504-533-6600 and at Ticketmaster.com beginning October 1. Vannelli’s hits include “I Just Wanna Stop”, “Living Inside Myself”, “People Gotta Move”, “Black Cars”, “Hurts to Be in Love”, “Wild Horses” and “Brother to Brother”. New Orleans holds a special place in Vannelli's heart. Shortly after the release of his hit single "People Gotta Move" in 1974, Gino played his first headline concert in New Orleans at the Municipal Auditorium on July 13, 1975. Two years later, Endymion asked him to be a celebrity grand marshal in their Mardi Gras parade and he was presented with a key to the city. The key remains one of his proudest possessions. "I feel incredibly privileged to have the opportunity to give back to the city that has shown me so much love and support over the decades," Vannelli said. He will be returning to New Orleans for a very limited engagement to perform all of his soulful hits for the Crescent City. FROM THE YAHAMA WEB SITE: New Orleans Makes Yamaha Artist Gino Vannelli Just Wanna Give — The singer/songwriter will play his S90 ES at three charity concerts in November —
"We are proud to have such a well-respected artist on our roster who dedicates his time and talent to a good cause," comments Chris Gero, vice president of Yamaha Corporate Artist Affairs, Inc. The special fundraising concerts will support two local organizations, the Greater New Orleans chapter of United Way Women's Leadership Initiative and the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (Music Department). NOCCA is a world-class educational institution that has been changing the lives of young people since 1973. Every year, this professional arts training center provides intensive instruction in dance, media arts, music (classical, jazz, vocal), theatre arts (drama, musical theatre, theatre design), visual arts, and creative writing, to students from public, private, and parochial schools across Louisiana through school day, after-school, weekend, and summer sessions. The Women's Leadership Initiative is an organization within the United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area that was founded by a group of corporate, civic, and community leaders who are working together to improve the quality of life for women and children in the New Orleans region through leadership, philanthropy, and advocacy. Canadian born artist Vannelli made a name for himself at a young age, despite bucking the industry trends of the '70s by producing sophisticated jazz-inflected pop during a time of glam, punk, new wave disco and funk. He was signed by his first label RCA Records in Canada at the age of 16, and his first American record deal came shortly after that. His most recent album These Are The Days (Universal Music) features seven of his earlier hits and seven new songs, showcasing his metamorphosis as an artist and his ability to continue to write mature pop music with hints of jazz. Tickets for the New Orleans concerts are $35 and available through www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (504) 533-6600. Vannelli will also be performing in Las Vegas on Feb. 22 and 23, 2008 at Flamingo Las Vegas. To purchase tickets for these shows, call (702) 733-3333.
B A C K to the links to all concert reviews... Copyright (c) 2007 - 2008 Barend and Trees in Holland
COMING NEXT IN THE USA:
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This is Suanja and I wanted to tell you we had the most amazing experience in New Orleans. First, let me tell you that my husband is a musician and upon meeting him he wooed me by playing Gino music for me. I fell in love with them both in different ways. That was in 1980 and I have been trying to see him live ever since.
Barend & Treesm
The girl's name was Sherry, she got to put those glasses on Gino during the show.
A second e-mail from Mary Lou in the USA dated 6 December 2007 with the subject: New Orleans Pictures
Hi,
I hope you are both well. I know you are carrying on the tradition of promoting Geno.(Our Hero). Best wishes and happy holidays. If you ever vist the birthplace of Elvis in Tupelo, call upon us for some southern Hospitality.
Sincerely
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 27, 2007) — Known for hits such as "I Just Wanna Stop," "People Gotta Move" and "Black Cars," Yamaha artist Gino Vannelli has been making his mark in the music business since the '70s, but this time he's making his mark in a slightly different way – by raising money for New Orleans charities. Vannelli will be playing his S90ES at three charity concerts on Nov. 14, 16 and 17 at The Theatre in Harrah's New Orleans Casino. The concerts will take place at 8 p.m.
