Dawsonville Report

[BForm]

I just returned from the concert in Dawsonville. Awesome of course. I'm experiencing a very strange combination of emotions right now but I'll get to that later in another post.

I talked to the promoter this afternoon, Eddie Clarke, and was told that the doors would open at six. My family and I left Buford at about 5:15 and I immediately began to panic as we faught the Mall of Georgia traffic, traveling 5 miles in about 15 minutes. Shortly after that the traffic broke and we breezed our way to Dawsonville, arriving at about 6:30.

As we drove up, it was obvious something was up as there was a long line forming outside the door which did not open at 6. Within a few minutes we were allowed into the building but not into the main sanctuary.
Almost immediately upon entering I saw the Bread of Stone Merch table and just shook my head. As it turned out, it was good they were there to stall for more time.

While waiting in line I learned that John's plain was late and he was still on the road somewhere. Wayne made some comment about John not "catching" plains on time so I do not know for sure what really happened.

We were allowed in at about 7:30 and Bread of Stone did end up playing about 4 songs starting about 8 PM. I couldn't tell what I thought of them as I was in the first row and the sound seemed really muddy. I could not hear the lead singer so I had no idea what they were singing about most of the time. Maybe somebody from the back rows can weigh in on this one.

Finally, after Wayne gave a Food for The Hungry talk and about a ten minute break, Petra walked out. The wait was worth it. The sound was still a little muddy to me but I think that was because I was right in front of the subs and John was hard to hear at times. In the end, I thought they were all at the top of their game. In fact, I thought John sound better in the accoustic set than he did for the live CD, even singing Greg's songs. I would've paid for just that.

There was nothing new in the set list which was a little disappointing. I was so exhausted from standing, dancing, screaming and clapping the whole night, I don't know if I could've handled much more. They only did one encore including He Came He Saw, We Need Jesus and Show Your Power. I might be missing another but I'm not sure.

It was an awesome night. Since I came with my wife and three kids, and my son needed to be up for work at 6 a.m., we decided not to hang out afterwards. I know I missed out on a good time with the Petheads, but I'm thankful my family had the opportunity to see Petra one last time. Sorry I didn't get to hang out guys.

Have a great time in Murphy. I wish I could be there with you all.

[RediscoveredPetra]

Glad to hear you had a great time. We are leaving shortly for Murphy. It's a 9+hour drive.

[jeffreykbaker]

I was also in the front row in Dawsonville..right in front of Bob with my wife and 20 month old son. Words do no justice the the mix of feelings I felt that night. Petra has been my favorite band since the first time I listened to Never Say Die and More Power To Ya given to me by a friend in 1982. I can't even remember how many times I've seen them in concert. I don't think they ever released an album that didn't have a song that spoke to me at that point in my life. I'll never forget the the concert at Miami Sea Aquarium in Miami during the Beyond belief tour. It was the live taping of Armed and Dangerous right after their return from Peru. That was the first time I had my picture taken with John. 12/30/05 was probably the last. He always seemed so genuine even though he had to have been exhausted after the concert. He didn't turn anyone away who wanted and autograph or picture. Neither did Bob, Greg or Paul. It was such a happy night seeing the band one more time yet sad knowing it would be the last. But, like I told John after the concert. One day we'll all be in heaven and then we can have concerts that last millions of years and noone will get tired. Oh, I also got Bob's guitar pick and Paul's drumstick which was autographed by the 4 of them. My 20 month old son has a drum set and for some reason is fascinated by drums so I will probably give the drumstick to him one day. It was most definitely a night a will never forget and a memory I will cherish until the next Petra concert that I attend which will probably not be until we all get to Heaven. It was definitely worth the 22 hour drive (roundtrip).

[brothertom]

Hi Jeffrey! Glad to see we were able to talk you into posting something!!

I just got home from Murphy a couple of minutes ago. I am currently uploading pictures, and will post comments regarding the Dawsonville and Murphy shows in a bit. It was a fantabulous weekend!! Good company. Great music. New friends. Very little sleep. A range of emotions. I'll post more about it after I get a good night's sleep tonight.

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!!!

[sue d.]

A good night's sleep? WHAT's THAT?

The range of emotions... oh..... tell me. I'm all over the board right now and having a hard time holding it all in. I'm back at work, but my heart is far, far away.

The delay in starting the show was basically due to problems with the sound. Sound check took way longer than expected.

John's plane from Myrtle Beach to Atlanta was delayed, yes, so he arrived later than expected. But they were still working on the sound, so HIS delay didn't affect the concert start time.

[BForm]

I forgot one of the highlights of the night. Eddie introduced someone who may very well be the oldest Pethead. A 78 year old woman came all the way from California (I believe he said Oceanside) just to see Petra. I think he also said she came alone. I wish I could remember he name. We could have made her a placque or something.

Anyone know if she showed up in Murphy? I thought she might.

[brothertom]

My pics from Dawsonville can be seen by following these links.

Tom

http://home.comcast.net/~pethead/dawson ... /index.htm
http://home.comcast.net/~pethead/dawson ... /index.htm
http://home.comcast.net/~pethead/dawson ... /index.htm
http://home.comcast.net/~pethead/dawson ... /index.htm
http://home.comcast.net/~pethead/dawson ... /index.htm