A Tale of Two Concerts
By Bill Budris

Fan Bill Budris with Linda

Over the past nine years, I have been privileged to see Linda Eder in concert over 50 times. On the rare occasion, I was able to make a Linda Weekend, seeing two performances at the same theater, or traveling to two close-by cities with a performance per night. After a long time, the latter occurred again over Halloween weekend in 2008 (Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1). However, this weekend was a “first” for me. It was the first time I was seeing two Linda performances of two different concert styles. On Halloween night in Connecticut, Linda performed “The Other Side Of Me” with the new band, and on Saturday evening, “An Evening With Linda Eder” was performed in Tarrytown, NY.

It was unusual for me to be out and about on a Halloween night, particularly a Friday. Witnessing the birth of the new music at North Salem, NY at Easter time, I repeated “The Other Side Of Me” when it played at Marlton, NJ in September, and again at The Blender in New York earlier in October. Enjoying the new side of Linda couldn’t keep me away on Halloween, plus have a bonus of the Standards concert on Saturday. I am so in love with the new album and the new sound. Most of the fall, I was wearing out my CD. “The Other Side Of Me” is probably my favorite new music album released in 2008, regardless if it was a Linda release. It is so well done. The translation of the album to the stage is just as remarkable. Billy Stein’s contributions are amazing, as are the rest of the performers. This new direction also introduced me to the talents of Shaun Barker and Allison Cornell in their own right, as well as being part of Linda’s new band.

At the Halloween performance, I ended up with a front row seat, but on the side (stage left). How this particular theater is set up, I didn’t realize how far to stage left I would be. It looked as I was cooped into a corner with my feet on top of wires for the stage, plus my knees practically to my chest. From a standpoint in the aisle or somewhere further back, it looked like I was sent to a time out. When Linda noticed me from the stage, she even looked at me a little strangely. The good thing was I was in front of Shaun and Allison’s section on stage. As Allison was prepping, I introduced myself and stated I ordered her CD from CD Baby, but it hadn’t arrived. Allison was kind enough to offer me another copy she had with her so I didn’t have to wait, and she would give it to me and sign it after the show. During the performance, her strings were “smokin’ ”. Not sure if that was from the rosin on the bow, or just playing some real hot licks. Other fans mentioned they saw the smoke as well after the show was over.

Linda was in top form enjoying performing all the new tunes and throwing in some favorites in the new style. During one song, on went the Mardi Gras masks for Halloween.

Tarrytown’s Town Hall is a very old theater from the late 1800s. It is being refurbished as a concert venue and for theater productions. Linda was opening their new season with the Standards show. After seeing it so many times, I stopped seeing it for a while, but thought it would be interesting seeing again after the previous night with TOSOM. It was a great grand evening. Linda was again in great form and offered a strong fun performance. The Garland tunes, Broadway and vocals from previous albums all sounded fresh and revived. I was glad to have made this choice. Linda did see fans after this performance. Those of us waiting outside were invited in after a group that arrived first from inside the theater. Being another chilly night, Linda was nice enough to be sure we got out of the cold. Linda had family in from overseas, so lots of people were about. I’ve also come to adore her sister, Margaret, who said I could call her Margie. While outside, I kept hearing about “cake”. Once inside, Linda said “Hi”. My reply is “I’m just here for the cake”, which got a big laugh while I’m shivering. Included with the group waiting outside was a fan from France. This gentleman performs Broadway songs in cabaret in Paris. As this was a special treat for him to meet Linda for the first time, and from so far away, we diehards gave him most of the time. Never got his name, even walking part of the way from the theater to our cars, and he to Metro North to go back to Manhattan.

I finished my weekend traveling to Long Island to see family and sharing my experiences. I am hoping to see more TOSOM concerts during 2009.

Oklahoma Gives a Warm Welcome to Linda!
By Christi Simpson

Fan Christi Simpson with Linda

To say that April 10, 2009 was one of the greatest experiences of my life (thus far) would be a complete understatement! Not only did I get to see the Oklahoma City Philharmonic (or any orchestra for that matter) for the first time ever, but I got to see the amazing Linda Eder for the first time as well! What's funny is I found out she was coming to Oklahoma by accident. Lord knows I never expected that! After all, I've been waiting a good ten years... ever since I heard of her and heard the gorgeous song “ Vienna.” As far as I was concerned, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity. Luckily, my husband agreed and immediately got tickets for my friend and I so we wouldn't miss out.

The moment Linda started to sing, I was in awe. I had waited so long to see her live, and I was not disappointed by any means! Linda has such a wonderful voice, but to hear that voice live and in person is such a wonderful experience! If I had my way (no pun intended), I would have gone back to see Linda for the second night. Unfortunately, it just wasn't in the cards for me. My husband had been in the hospital for a week at that time. Luckily, he was doing much better and insisted that I still go. He knew how special and important it was to me. After the week I had, I certainly needed the break. If anyone can help you relax and enjoy yourself, it is Linda! To top it off, I didn't simply see a musical act but also a comedic act. Who knew Linda was so humorous?! Not to embarrass Linda, but everyone certainly got a good laugh out of the situation. In the middle of one of her songs, Linda somehow knocked over her water and proceeded to squeal a bit. Once the song was over, Joel Levine (the orchestra conductor) said that since he was dressed like a butler, he would go get a towel and more water for Linda. As Linda talked and stalled, Joel just wasn't coming back. Then suddenly, Linda asked if he had gone to Cleveland and said, “That's near here, isn't it?” Finally, Joel returned with more water and the towel draped over his arm just like a butler or waiter. He tossed the towel on the floor and left it. Linda then said this is “women's work” and proceeded to clean up the mess. What a gal! She could have been embarrassed by the situation, but she turned it into something fun and entertaining instead. 

Aside from the comedy side of things, Linda sang a nice variety of songs including “Almost Like Being In Love/This Can't Be Love,” “Someone Like You,” “A Song For You,” “It's All For You,” “Don't Rain On My Parade,” “If I Could,” “The Impossible Dream,” “Vienna,” and “Man Of La Mancha.” Of course, we could never forget to pay homage to the reason behind Linda's career choice, the legendary Judy Garland (a favorite of mine also). In honor of Judy, Linda sang “By Myself,” “I'm Always Chasing Rainbows/Over The Rainbow,” and “Zing! Went The Strings Of My Heart/The Trolley Song.” I was especially happy to hear “Zing! Went The Strings of My Heart” because, like Linda's “It's No Secret Anymore,” that was one of my wedding songs a couple of years ago. As I'm sure any of Linda's fans would do, Oklahoma City Philharmonic couldn't let her go without an encore... which was “If I Had My Way.” What a great way to go out!

As if it were possible to make the evening even better, I managed to get through the outside stage door and make my way to where Linda was. I have to admit, I was skeptical that this would work when I read the suggestions on the message board. I truly expected security to stop me! Luckily, that didn't happen! My friend and I made our way to the stage door, and a nice gentleman from the orchestra held it open for us. We wandered around for a few minutes and finally found one of Linda's crew members, who then introduced me to Linda. I can honestly say she was not at all what I expected. Although the meeting was “short and sweet,” Linda was making conversation as if we'd known each other for years. She is very friendly and down to earth, unlike so many other celebrities! I really believe I was in shock because I was pretty much speechless! What a kind, beautiful soul!

Needless to say, I am so grateful to have finally seen Linda in concert! She is such an amazing singer and a gracious, humble person! I am also appreciative that Linda took a moment to meet me backstage. Thank you, Linda, for your wonderful music and your sweet disposition! May we meet again, preferably before another ten years go by! Although the wait would certainly be worth it!  :-)

Photos by Christi Simpson