An All American Affection

As a kid the musical world was not something I was well involved in.  I only had 5 Cd's.  2 of which were from the Spice girls, 2 of NSync’s, and Chumbawamba (a 10yr old listening to a song about drinking…in my defense I had no idea I was 10!)  It's safe to say that I was living under a rock.

In 2003 I started high school and met some really cool people I am still close to today. One of the people I befriended was Landon who was nice enough to give me some musical education.  knew I was clueless about music so they burned me 3 Cd's 2 of them consisted of Audio Adrenaline, Simple Plan, Good Charlotte, and Switchfoot.  I had heard of those bands in middle school because the popular kids were obsessed with them, but the last CD was a band I had never heard of…they were called The All American Rejects (aka AAR). 

This First song off the album was “My Paper Heart” (sung by a gorgeous man named Tyson Ritter) and oh my gosh it was the perfect song for an emo 14yr old girl.

 

   Tyson Ritter and Emma Stone featured in the movie "House Bunny"

4 years ago on my 21’st birthday I was given 4 tickets to see them along with Blink 182, and fallout boy live in Virginia Beach. While on the way to the show on the passengers in the car half way into the journey they decided to tell me that AAR would not be performing. I was devastated and very upset.  Don’t get me wrong seeing Blink and Fallout Boy was pretty awesome…but since AAR was a no show, the concert was a little bit of a downer.

                                                       Fall Out Boy

Blink 182

On December 19, 2011 The All American Rejects announced their new album “Kids in the Street” which would be available in stores March 26, 2012.  Needless to say I was stoked to hear they were still alive and kicking!

Then a few months later I got another email on February 23, 2012 stating that they would be playing at The National on May 1st! When I read this I was in class when I got it so I had to strongly fight the urge to scream like a little girl; however, as soon as I got in the car I let it out.

Being a broke college kid I had to figure out how I was going to pay for tickets and who I would be taking.  Both situations ended up being rather discouraging with two tickets being a total of $50 and no one really that into going.  As time grew nearer and nearer, I felt hope was lost, until one of my friends who came with me to the show in VA Beach asked me this random question…

“What would you say I knew someone who could get you into that show for free?” 

Excuse… The man wasn’t kidding! Ok now I just had to find someone to go with….that ended up being a pipe dream.  No one I asked either wanted to go but couldn’t or could go but didn’t really want to.  I didn’t want to drag someone to this show.  I decided to do what any desperate Christian would do…pray. Yes I prayed to God asking if I could have the opportunity to see a non-Christian band.

I went on with my day, going to my college worship night.  I couldn’t help but to look at the clock seeing the hands move closer and closer to 7pm which was when the show started.  I went to the dinner (that happens before the worship) and caught up with friends.  I sat down at a table with one of the girls that rejected my offer (yes I purposefully used the word rejected) and she asked “So no one wanted to go?” and then…..

Her sister Kelly said she wanted to go, but had to ask for permission…those brief seconds felt like forever!

                                                        Kelly the Saint

We got the ok and headed off to find an amazing parking spot right near the venue, and then were kindly let in by the security who was informed about my sad show story. 

At this point I was approaching the top of my metaphorical roller coaster….and then “my song” was being sung by my favorite singer! And the rush of speeding down the hill came and I screamed like a little girl, and then was smacked into reality by Kelly (thank you Kelly).

I love Tyson's voice!

The show was AMAZING, and the people also attending were super nice! With every song we got to move closer and closer to the stage (it helps when you are 5’3)

What I got to hear them play (not in order):

• My Paper Heart
• Move Along
• I for You
• Swing, Swing
• Why Worry
• Affection
• Someday's Gone
• Kids In The Street
• Ends Tonight
• Fast & Slow
• Walk Over Me
• Gives You Hell
• I Wanna

When I thought the show was over I headed to the merch table to get a shirt. This random merch guy started fanning me with a giant sign, and said if I buy their new CD I could meet them. *sad face* “I already bought it”, I said….then he said….”If you buy a shirt, I’ll let you and your friend meet them.”  I was speechless, but managed squeak out an “ok” and buy a shirt (with a little financial help from Kelly).  

 He hands me two glorious bands and says we can see them after their next 3 songs.  Wait 3 more songs?!? JACKPOT! 

After their set we stayed behind with the few other lucky people who were given the same opportunity to meet the band.

sneaking a shot of Tyson at the table (we weren’t supposed to take pics)

after 10 years of obsessing.... I was face to face with Tyson Ritter

He sees me smiles and I said,
Me: “Can I ask you a dumb question?”
Tyson: “There’s no such thing as a dumb question, what’s up?”
Me: “Can I get a hug?”
Tyson: “Sure!”

I was surprisingly composed! I went through the line to get everyone’s autograph and almost passed up meeting nick wheeler! Nick was so sweet and asked, “what about me?”  Uh those guys are so nice and hilarious!

Fully Autographed shirt by Tyson Ritter, Nick Wheeler, Chris Gaylor, and Mike Kennerty


I’ve been questioning if this really happened, but my wrists have bands that prove it wasn’t, and I also have a picture…so I guess it wasn’t.

The moral of this rather long story I would have to say is this:
You would be surprised with God if you actually trusted that He hears your every word.
“Whatever you ask for in prayer believe that you have received it and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24