I’ve always loved to watch my mom transform from sweatpants clad mommy into sequined super star, so it’s always a treat to see my mom on stage. With mom’s latest tour, I was lucky enough to get to see two shows (New York and LA) and both were FABULOUS!
RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL, NEW YORK:
I had some business to attend to in New York and since I knew mom had an upcoming show at Radio City, I planned my trip around it. I also talked Joshua (my boyfriend who is NOT a fan of flying) into making the trip. He has NEVER been to New York (can you believe it?!?), so we planned an action packed trip full of site seeing, visiting friends, spending time with my sister and nephew, meetings with my lawyer and editor and of course seeing mom on stage.
From the moment we touched down in the Big Apple, we were non-stop on the go. I showed Joshua Central Park, Columbus Circle, Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Time Square and that was all in the first day. We took the train from Grand Central Station to Connecticut to send time with my mom, sister, brother and nephew. We partied till the wee hours of the morning with my friends from college. I had my meetings. We went shopping, explored Wall Street and visited Ground Zero. Basically, after 3 days, we were exhausted, but in the middle of all the craziness, we got to see mom perform at Radio City.
It was Joshua’s first time seeing my mom on stage and I think it’s always fun to share this experience with someone for the first time. For me, it seems so normal to see my mom perform, but for Joshua and my friends who I brought along it was a wild experience to see the woman they know as my momma in sparkling gowns entertaining crowds of awed fans. I think it was also pretty crazy for Joshua to see how many of my mom’s fans know me (and have known me for my whole life). I was so happy to see so many of you (my blog readers and myspace friends) and take so many photographs. We could definitely feel the love that night and I know my mom could feel it too.
The show was great! The new band was awesome, the addition of the video footage and photos in the background (many photos taken by my brother Ross who is an amazing photographer) were a hit. You could tell mom was having fun and enjoying herself as much as the crowd and it was beautiful that the tour was dedicated to the tragic loss of Michael Jackson. I know people have been upset that my mom hasn’t made more comment on his passing, but loss of a friend is a private matter and to celebrate in the form of music seems so much more fitting… I think.
NOKIA THEATER, LOS ANGELES:
A couple of weeks later, my mom arrived back on the West Coast for her show at the Nokia Theater. My siblings and I were each allotted a few comp tickets, so I invited some friends and we made a fun night of it. We had a car pick us up from my house and drop us at the backstage door where we were shuffled into the green room. To my surprise there were a couple of little faces that I recognized, but have never met before. Paris, Prince and Blanket (Michael’s kids) where hanging backstage excited to see the show. I introduced myself with a quick hug before I was summoned to mom’s dressing room.
Mom asked if I could help with a video they were making. This was one of the last stops on the tour and so she wanted to interview the band for a tour video. Oh well, I wasn’t really prepared, but I do enjoy hosting. So, I embraced the opportunity and got to work. I headed to the woman’s dressing room first, but the singers and band members were busy doing their make up and preparing for the show. I hopped next door to the men’s dressing room where I interviewed many old and new members of the band on their experience with this tour, highlights and funny stories. I got most of the men and a couple of the ladies before, I headed back to grab my friends just in time to head out to the audience.
We made our way through the crowd to our seats. I’ve never been to the Nokia before and it felt big. It was filled to the brim with fans from all walks of life. I even spotted a couple Diana Ross drag queens, which is always a treat (and which my friends got a kick out of). Soon after we sat, the lights dimmed and the show began. Again, the band rocked the house. Mom sounded great and seemed to be happily singing and dancing in her glittering gowns. We danced and sang along and had a great time. Everyone loved the show and enjoyed the experience of seeing mom on stage. This time after the show, we rushed right out and backstage as to not be mobbed by the crowd. We got Michael’s kids safely to their car, bid our farewells and headed to the W Hollywood to continue the fun (with food and cocktails). Another FABULOUS evening!
For those of you who got to see one (or many of the shows), I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did. What a treat! And, sorry we weren’t all able to meet up, but I was happy to see some of your smiling faces in the crowd!
21 comments:
I always wondered how you felt about the Diana Ross fans. How they treated you and members of your family. I was hoping it was never an intrusion because there is a spritual connection with the fans of Diana Ross. Not many stars have children that are as well known by their fans as you and your siblings are. I'm glad your family is treated with the utmost respect. Thank you for sharing.
Sweetie, I was hoping we'd see you in Bethesda in close proximity to your Alma Mater GTown! We had a blast - you all are such a great family. Thanks for this blog...it's nice and fun and we all enjoy reading your thoughts!
Hey Chudney! I saw your mom in Atlantic City. I've seen her many times but this was the first time my mom had seen her (it was a Mom's Day gift from me to her). We had a *wonderful* time!! The intimate venue was fantastic. Mom and I had a great "girls weekend" in A.C. . . . even won a little $$$ after the show. Mom was so excited I had to drag *her* from the casino in the wee hours of the morning after the show was over, haha!! Now if only your mom remembered that I the kid who danced with her back in the early 90's in Wilkes-Barre, PA ;-)
Unfortunately in A.C. it's difficult to get front row tix if you aren't a high roller or have connections. Still 7th row center wasn't too shabby. Back in the old days in Wilkes-Barre I got them fair and square . . I slept out overnight in front of the box office. So long for now . . .
This year I decided to follow your mother's tour a bit. I live in Detroit and always see her hear and I went to NYC and to LA this time.
I saw Tracee in the audience two rows in front of me and I wanted to approach her so badly but wanted to give her privacy even through people were taking pictures and approaching.
One thing I will NEVER EVER forget that Tracee said on a talk show many years ago was this:
"I believe my mother put a little light in me and taught me how to make that light brighter as an adult".
That brought tears to my eyes. I love your mother as a fan and can tell that mothering was her number one love. You are one of the luck children in this world.
Thanks for sharing your experience at the shows.
May your mother continue touring and recording for MANY years to come.
Chudney, I too was there. I sat across the aisle and down one on aisle from u and your guy. Saw you,waved,u waved back and loved seeing you and your friends party to your mom's music.Having followed Diana's career for many many years since mid 60's it has always been such a wonderful thing to see and listen and enjoy that famous Ross smile.
Often wondered how you 3 girls felt about seong mom onstage,being mobbed and all of us crazy fans..To my delight you and your friends were having a great time.
Love your Mom and take care of her. Be there and listen. She has lived for you and placed you all above all else.
Many regards, Jade La rosa
Chudney,
I saw you at the L.A show. Sat across aisle and down one row at aisle. I waved to say hello and a right on. You guy were having such fun..wonderful to see. I wondered how you girls might feel having such an incredible and historical mother. wondered if you understood what Diana has given us for so many years. It is so much and it goes deep. the healing of Diana. Glad to see you guys partying it up and rooting for such an amzing person. Love your Mom. Take care of her and listen for she knows. She placed all of you before herself and above all else. Appreciate when they are with us. The best to you and yours, Jade La Rosa
Hi Chudney,
I had a BLAST at Mom's LA concert. She is the DIVA with a capital D! No one does it better. I loved the video clips of Diana playing ping pong with Mary and Florence (those must have been the greatest of times...sigh...!) I also loved the picture of Mom wearing that mink stole standing outside in that group photo of the Motown acts.
Most exciting was when Mom sang "Take Me Higher"--I LOVE that song and the video with the beach shots is great.
NOW...when is the next Diana album being recorded? We need another hit! YES WE CAN! YES WE CAN!
I was at LA LIVE at the Nokia Theater on June 9,2010. I enjoyed the show from my fabulous seat in Row C Seat 307. I stood up and danced throughout the show. Yes I was tempted to turn around and say hello to you Chudney but before I could get up the nerve the show started and at the end you disappeared. I was tickled when Tracee ran to you dancing in the aisle while your mom was singing her heart out. I felt so good seeing Diana Ross perform. I remember my first Diana Ross and the Supremes concert I attended was at the NYC Waldorf Astoria Empire Room. That was before you were born. I believe you were real young at the Palace Theater in NYC Remember? "Do I have girls. I have girls in my closet,girls wearing my clothes, girls sleeping with my husband!" Westbury Music Fair and then every opportunity to see her in LA. I will always love her. Andrew
Hello Chudney,
I had such a great time at your Mom's Cleveland, Ohio show at The State Theatre. I took my oldest brother David and his wife with my wife and me. They were so in awe of your Mom. It was their first time seeing her in concert. At 66, she looks incredibly beautiful and full of energy. I was so proud of her that night. Please tell Mom that I said hello and send my love.
I absolutely love your blogs. You are a talented writer with a wonderful sense of humor. You take care of yourself and have a fun and safe summer!
Friend,
Dick
Alliance, Ohio
Hi Chudney,
I attended 5 shows and all I can say is FANTASTIC !!!!
I have seen your mom so many times but this show was a hit.
Next time we gonna see your mom in Canada in Casino Rama in September and than here in Europe ( hopefully here in Germany :)) )
I want to thank you for the pic of you and me and looking forward seeing you again.
Take care and all the best
Carolin
what a very pleasing report on your moms concerts,i have been a fan of your moms since "stop in the name of love" and been there with her to this day,even now in my late fifties i still buy her music ,books ,and anything else with reference to her, her concerts here in uk have always been top class and it as always been a honour to sit in the audience, im no your mom must be so proud of you children you are all a credit to her
god bless you and your family
I saw your mother in Atlanta on 6/5. Like NYC and LA, it was fabulous! I had to have surgery the Monday before the show (Memorial Day), but was determined to make the 4 hour trek from Charlotte, NC to see her! Tell her that she blew me away! Best show I've ever seen!
Thank you for sharing her with us!
W. Shannon Hale
Wshale@yahoo.com
Dear Chudney,
Thank you very much for sharing your thoughts and "REFLECTIONS" regarding your mother's recent tour with us! I really enjoyed reading all that you had to say about the shows that you attended! (I often wonder what you think about your mother's amazing career and what it is like to have "Diana Ross" as your mom.) As you know I have been a fan for many years (since I was a little kid), and after all of these years, I really see a wonderful sense family that is very loving and supportive with strong values in your family. This really comes across in the "Ross Family"! I have been seeing you and your siblings at so many shows of your mother's shows over the years since we all have been little, and it is really nice that all of you support your mom in this way. I also think that it is great that you interact with the fans (say hi, take pics, wave, etc.) at these shows! These little things go a long way and speak volumes about your character! Your mother, Miss Ross, is such a very special person, and I thank you for sharing her with the world! Your mother has a wonderful gift, and I can tell that she loves doing what she does (she is so happy on that stage), and no one, I mean no one, does it better! Miss Ross is a first-class act and person in every way!
I had a fabulous time with my family at your mother's shows on this tour! I was at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ with my parents and brother. The next night I went to Radio City with my parents and aunt. I was then very fortunate to see a third show at Caesar's Atlantic City with just my parents. It was so much fun to be a part of this tour! I really, really enjoyed it, and I am happy that I was able to go to all 3 shows in my area. I am still thinking about them, and one words sums it all up, and that is FABULOUS!!!! Miss Ross is "The Boss" and always will be!!!!
I am glad that you had a great time in NY and LA! It sounds like your NY trip was very busy, and it is great that you were able to show Joshua the "Big Apple" and share in the experience of having him see your mother in concert for the first time. That is so nice! It is also very exciting that you were able to be a part of the "Tour Video" at the LA show! If there is ever a DVD released of this tour (I am keeping my fingers crossed), it would be so cool to see your work in it interviewing the band, crew, etc! Your family is so very talented, and the photos by Ross were just absolutely beautiful - he has some great photography skills!
Anyway, thanks again for sharing your thoughts with us! Your blog is the best, and I appreciate all that you do with it! I am really proud and honored to say that I know you and to be a part of your blog each week.
Respectfully,
Mark :)
P.S. Thanks again for the great photo at Radio City! You are the best!
I cannot agree more with the comments on this blog. This tour of your mother's is the best I have seen since her days in Vegas! She worked very hard and has a awesome band. The horn section was dynamite. She is the top Diva in the world so much class and Wow what a entertainer. Her voice is perfection and she is so beautiful. She gets better and better with age!! As someone said like fine wine!!I was at the Nokia LA show but like you said it was sold out I heard over 7,000 people. I regret not being able to say hello to you. Way too many people I could not move once we got to our seats.. I also was able to attend Humphrey's Concert's by the Bay in San Diego much differnt show and venue than Nokia. In fact it is a jazz club on the grass along the water. Really cool place and intimate. We had so much fun with your mother that night. In fact she was singing Reach Out and Touch and was trying to touch my hand we just ended up waving as there were no stairs to go down from the stage. She loves performing and we love her so much. I have loved her music like Mark since I was 11 years old. Diana Ross is a fabric in everyone's life we grew up with her. We had so much fun singing and dancing at her shows. She is such a great person she was having as much fun as we were. It was a blast. Yu and your sibblingsare all such great people. I am so grateful for having Diana Ross in my life and knowing you is a real pleasure. I have out most respect for you and your family. You have worked hard to achieve where you are at today. I am sure you know there is no one like your momma and the world was waitng for her. This tribute was awesome and very touching. Your mother is one Class Act!! I would love to tell her if I get the chance what she means to me and all her fans. She is a breath of fresh air and we are blessed to have her in this world. Please take care of her so she can continue to bless the world with her presence!! Thanks and your thoughts and the others are right on for me!!
It's Father's Day please introduce us to your Dad next time. Thanks Chudney.
Hello Chudney- You mention that you helped out with a tour video. Please Please Please tell me that you mother will release this concert/tour on DVD. If she has no plans on doing so, tell her that many fans are waiting for a new live concert DVD from her.
Hey Chudney!! Loved your comments about your mom's performances!! I was there as well.. But I was In Saratoga as it is only about an hour from my home. I took my mom and my daughter.. 3 generations of MY family were there. Plus I took my 2 best friends and one best friend's son. We met up with my "Ross Friends" from all over the world.. We have sort of formed this group and we meet up at the shows, Have a few drinks and exchange stories. I even got to meet Amera. I've always wondered if your mom realizes how many people she has brought together as friends? Does she realize that she is an ambassador of a sort?
I saw your brother there. I was hoping I could have seen you!!! To say the least, it was a wonderful show although it ended way too soon. I came early for the Winery Dinner and even had the pleasure of watching your mom do a little rehearsal. You're right, she is just as fab if not more so in sweat pants.
I am glad to see that you and your siblings enjoy your mom's preformances as much as her fans.!!!
Belinda
Dear Chudney:
Attended the show at Saratoga...richly blessed to have been in the presence of MISS ROSS once again!!!!
The venue was breathtaking...befitting...an absolutely breathtaking perfomer!!!!
As the concert began...and the sun went down over the mountain landscape...MISS ROSS shone brighter than the starlit sky...
I actually felt sorry for the stars ...trying hard...however... failing to match her BRILLIANCE!!!!
MISS ROSS voice...stronger than ever...seemingly gets better with age!
The energy on stage....ELECTRIFYING...once again weaving her MAGIC!!!!
A warm embrace surrounds you...the entire venue flowing...glowing with LITE...and LOVE.
MISS ROSS radiantly beaming...smiling the entire show...proving to us once more why MISS ROSS IS STILL THE BOSS!!!!
GRACEFUL...GLAMOROUS...GLORIOUSLY GIFTED...GOD certainly has blessed MISS ROSS...with a GIFT...I am more than honored...that MISS ROSS has chosen to share this GIFT with the world!!!!
The energy flowing from MISS ROSS...to the audience...back to her...in all likelihood is enough to lite the ENTIRE GALAXY!!!!
Never before have I experinced such feeling ...with any other perfomer!!!
Beyond...beyond...it's actually month's sometimes longer...if we ever get down from this high...as MISS ROSS then...simply..."TAKES ME HIGHER"!!!!
The gowns...one more GLORIOUSLY breathtaking than the next...that only MISS ROSS COULD POSSIBLY DO JUSTICE TO!!!
With each note of each song...we fall in love with her...all over again!
A love affair ...that for me has lasted over 45 years ...my marriage only lasted 7 years...[a lucky number..ha!]
As for MISS ROSS...and all her perfomances...they are never long enough...that is how she "KEEPS ME HANGING ON"...[coincidentally...playing as we speak]
I look forward to many more years with MISS ROSS....GOD WILLING seeing all of those FABULOUS people I have met again...and especially look forward to all of those wonderful people...I have yet to meet!!!!
Will post [2] two poems I had written...quite some time ago...within the next few days...if allowed.
They sum up all of my feelings and thoughts on how I feel!!!!
Wishing MISS ROSS continued HEALTH...SUCCESS...and many more tours... for many many more years to come!!!!
Regards
amera
Special "HELLO" to Belinda...and who could forget LOLA!!!
Hey Chudney sorry so long for me to comment back I have been so busy working. Now that I have a day off to let you know about my experience of your mom concert. I caught the show in Atlanta. I was so mesmerize by Diana Beauty and Style. Her voice sets my heart on fire. I guess I feel this way because I love me some Diana Ross. If I had one chance in my lifetime to talk face to face to your mom before something prevent it from happen I would be the most happiest woman in the world. I haven't had a chance to get close enough to touch her but I can say I got the chance to finally see her in concert. There are a lot of words to say about your mom when she sings those songs and one comes to my mind WONDERFUL! I don't know how she is behind the scenes but I feel in my heart that she is deep and a loving person. You can tell that much through you guys. Chudney I think you are a beautiful person inside and out and that is the reason I value your friendship. I got to go now tell Joshua Hi and keep the good work on making you happy. With lots of love from me to you Lena!!!!!
I was in NYC during your mom's performance and took some pictures in front of Radio City Music Hall.. I ran my butt off from Time Square to get a picture of us together..lol My sister thought I was nuts after all these years dragging her with me and making her take lots of photos of me and Diana's poster but my devotion to Diana will never fade.. Nor will my voice as I hit those lovely keys off key to her songs... Loved your stories of seeing both shows in two different cities...I'll catch one of her next shows in Los Angeles.... Your new boyfriend is one lucky fellow... You tell him he better be good to you or else I'll kick his butt.. ha ha ha
I'm from Spain and I flew from Madrid to New York to see your mom, the lady, singing at the Radio City. It was probably one of the most exciting, amazing and remarkable thing I've ever done. Congratulations!!!!! Jose
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