So I went a little nuts this summer ...

So, what ELSE did you do this summer, you ask. Well, I spent a few fun weekends going to concerts. Now, I realize that I haven't been in touch with some of you for yearsss. One thing I can tell about myself, much to the chagrin of my 2 big brothers, is that I am a heeeeuuuugggge Bon Jovi fan. They have been my favorite band since I was 11 years old. I'll just wait a minute or two here until you finish laughing. Got it out of your system? Ok, moving on then.

Any time Bon Jovi comes to MA, I go to their show(s). They don't come to Maine anymore, so I have no choice. I really don't. I have braved ridiculous snowstorms, oppressive heat, and ice storms to see these guys. Last summer, they came to TD Banknorth Garden in Boston. They have done two-night shows the last couple of times they have been in MA. So, of course, I go to both shows. Hey, I'm already there, right?

The Downeaster (Amtrak) train has become my friend. It drops you off right in North Station, which is directly under TD Banknorth Garden. No way in heck I'm going to actually drive in Boston. Do you think I'm nuts?!

Despite dropping my Ticketfast ticket into a puddle, I had a great time at both shows. Although the second night seemed better somehow. It was near Richie Sambora's birthday, so a biggole cake was wheeled out. We got to sing Happy Birthday to him. It was fantastic.

I also seem to have gotten myself a little (ok, a LOT) wrapped up in this little TV show called American Idol. I watch every season and I always have my favorites. I never much cared about following any of the contestants, after the show was over. I enjoy Daughtry and Kelly Clarkson, but that's about it. This season was a little different for me (ok, a LOT).

See the guy smack-dab in the middle there? The one with the dreadlocks? That's Jason Castro. He is the one with the real talent. He took on songs like "Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen and "Mr. Tambourine Man" by Bob Dylan. When forced to sing Mariah Carey and Dolly Parton songs, he was able to make the music his own. And he was able to make it sound good. Really good.

He never let the producers of the show turn him into something he wasn't. And when they realized that, they decided to cut him free. He handled the bull crap, that the producers and judges flung his way, with quiet dignity. Anyway, he made it to the Top 10 (4th place finisher), which means he went on the American Idol summer tour (with the other 9).

So yup, I had to go to the show(s). As you may have figured, I am now a HUGE fan of this musician. I went to the Worcester, MA, Manchester, NH, and Providence, RI shows. The tour usually stops in Maine, each season, but they left Portland off the roster this year. Of course. I got a chance to meet all of the Idols. And so I did.

No, I'm not the only one who followed the tour around. And trust me, 3 concerts is a comparatively low number. Ok, the important thing to remember here is that I, a self-professed NON traveler, traveled! And enjoyed it!

You can judge for yourself if you think Jason Castro is talented. (And if you don't, I'd rather not hear about it. hahaha)

(Note: This video was taken AFTER the end of the American Idol Tour. This was his own show at the Flytrap Music Hall in Tulsa, Oklahoma)