The Mountain Winery in Saratoga is one of our favorite venues to see concerts. It is very intimate with only about 2500 seats so almost any spot is a good one. We have been going there since about 2006-ish and lately we have seen at least four shows a year so that we can maintain our “Loyalty Status” which gives us special access to the pre-sales before each season starts. Pre-sales is key here because that’s how I am able to get the up close and personal seats for the shows we want. Up close and personal leads to all kinds of magic! You may remember the time I was next to Foreigner lead singer Kelly Hansen as he strolled through the crowd, or that time my husband got a fist bump from Neil Giraldo. While it is true that not every show holds those high standards, and sometimes we sit farther back than others, there is always that potential for interaction with the band.
Our first concert this year was Daughtry, a band we have seen before but one that puts on a very good show. It turns out it was actually the first show for the Winery this season as well since the group for the night before had to cancel due to one of the band members breaking his arm. Ouch!
We were not sure about the weather as some rain was in the forecast but as it got closer to show time, the weather cleared a bit and we actually had a rainbow appear. Still, it was freezing cold (in the 50’s) so we bundled up with hats, coats and blankets. Our seats were in the fourth row from the stage, almost dead center. Not too shabby.
Chris and the boys did not disappoint. Even though they were cold too and left the stage occasionally to warm their hands or add some layers of clothing, there was no lack of energy.
Daughtry has a great stage presence and did a lot of interacting with the crowd, even coming down to the edge of the stage and “dancing” or taking selfies with the lucky ladies that were in the front row.
My special moment came after the show was over when Josh Steely stayed behind to hand out some picks and take some selfie’s too. Thanks to my hubby for telling me to hang around. Josh is very friendly and took that “one last” minute for me.
Cage to Rattle is their latest album and that’s the name of the tour. I got some neat pictures on my camera that I haven’t downloaded yet and did get a couple videos too. This is “Backbone.”
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Janet's Smiles 
So cool! You and your husband always seem to have so much fun at the concerts you attend. I remember Daughtry from his American Idol days. He was a standout. I can imagine he put on a great show.
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He does. So engaging with the audience too.
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Hi Janet, I have liked Daughtry since his Idol days. It is great that he still does not disappoint. Just the name “Mountain Winery” already sounds like a fun venue. A fun, positive post! š
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Thanks! It’s even better when the weather is warmer!
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I still remember, all these years ago, Chris Daughtry singing Hemmorrhage (in my Hands) on American Idol, which I think was one of the top performances of any in the several years I watched the show. I don’t go to that many concerts for various reasons but you obviously enjoy them and you posted some awesome pictures! (Enjoyed the video too.) The closest I came to an “up close and personal” was winning VIP tickets to a Kansas concert and my husband got sick so neither of us ended up going.
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Funny, I never watched American Idol so I had no idea about him until I started hearing his music on the radio and saw him the first time when he opened for Bon Jovi. Bummer about the Kansas concert. Yes, we do love our concerts. We have 5 more this year!
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Girl, I’m jealous…over the amazing concert experiences you have and the tremendous photos you capture but I’m more jealous that you all were actually cold and had to bundle up!! OMG,I want some cold air!!! I’m already bitching out here, it’s so stinkin’ hot! I take 2-3 showers a day, it’s so sticky and gross! I miss hanging outside like I used to back when I lived in New York. From May through October here, you pretty much have to live inside in the AC.
Anyway, I clicked on your links and refreshed on your cool concert posts. Those were all such cool experiences. And the fist-pump was very evident in the photo. You get amazing shots. I love it.
So cool to see you here at Monday’s Music Moves Me!
Can’t wait to hear about the Foreigner concert. I LOVE Foreigner. That’s some “crank it up” music… reminds me of my 8-track days… š
Hope you’re having a good week Janet.
Michele at Angels Bark
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Thanks Michele! I have to thank Cathy for adding my link to the MMMM gang. I’m looking forward to Foreigner too. I forget where you live that it is so hot. Here we don’t really get our hot weather until September and October. Today it looks like rain again.
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So cool – your smile says it all. Way to warm up the room with your enthusiasm. Looks like a lovely winery to have venues at. Enjoy Foreigner, that sounds fun! No close-ups for me to share a tale about! I’ll live through your adventures instead!
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Thanks Shelley. This was totally unexpected as usually the band is off the stage and out of there ASAP!
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You’re one lucky gal!
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Looks like a fabulous time was had by all, despite the cold. š Those “up close and personal” seats are the best! ā¤ We love Daughtry too, but he doesn't come around here often, so we haven't had the chance to see him yet.
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Once all the people came and the music started it got warmer. They had some heaters going on stage for the guys. At least it didn’t rain!
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I fell in love with Chris Daughtry during his American Idol days. He was the reason the judges were given one “save”. No one could believe Chris was cut. In retrospect, it was probably the best thing that could happen to him (and several others in later years). He had exposure and it did him well.
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He made a joke about that at one of his shows. Like “I didn’t win but here I am” kind of thing. I never watched AI so the only way I found out about him was when his songs started playing on the radio. I saw him as an opening act for Bon Jovi years ago too and I’ve been a fan since then.
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Looks like you had an amazing time!
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It was a lot of fun even if it was a bit colder than we usually experience there.
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Janet,
pAwesome! How cool is that to get your picture made with one Chris Daughtry’s band members and to get a guitar pick. š I went ahead added this link to the Monday’s Mewsic Moves Me dance party. I hope you don’t mind. I say if you have mewsic to share then you may as well boogie with us. š Have a furtastic week, my friend!
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Thanks Cathy! That was so nice of you. It was a fun night for sure.
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šš
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Awesome, and great to get a picture! š
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Right? I love when the bands are accommodating like that. Brings them more down to earth.
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