Other than knowing that Keith would be there to perform we knew nothing else that was to happen that day. As we got closer to the Ryman we couldn't believe how long the line to get in was. It started at the Ryman front doors, stretched the whole length of the parking lot, down Broadway to the corner of 4th Ave. and on.
The weather was sunny, hot and muggy already that morning and standing in line to get in would have been unbearable had it not have been for knowing what was at the end of our wait. Finally reaching the inside of the Ryman the fan club had provided us all with a nice boxed breakfast and beverage.
Up stairs a table had been set up with items to be silently auctioned off with all the proceeds going to St. Judes, one of a handful of charities Keith passionately works with. A merchandise table was also set up with some new items for us to purchase. We also could purchase raffle tickets to upgrade our seat to a first or second row center stage seat.
Finally making way to our seats we sat down anticipating the events to begin. Sharon Eaves, the president of Keith's fan club (which by the way is called Monkeyville) took the stage. Being warmly welcomed by the crowd, she began by thanking us all for so passionately supporting Keith. She also introduced two ladies from the St. Judes foundation that also thanked us for helping to raise over $250,000 on Keith's behalf for St. Judes.
Next up was the raffle winners and as the screams from the winners echoed through the Ryman the twenty empty seats sooned filled and finally the moment arrived when Keith was introduced and took the stage. Keith had a little surprise for all of us Monkonians. The first song played was called "Monkeyville," which was sang to the tune of Jimmy Buffet's, "Margaritaville." It took all of us off guard and for the life of me I wish I could remember all the words but I can't. I do remember the part that he sang that went something like, "Some people claim that there's a monkey to blame, But I know, It's my own damn fault." It was very special to all of us knowing that Keith did this just for us. It was his own special little greeting and we all loved it.
After the first song, fan club members had their own little surprise for Keith. Most of us had participated in a Unity Sign which was to be held up at the end of the first song played. Plainly and simply put it was to read, "WE (heart) YOU."
Keith was visually very overwhelmed once he realized that so many of us had the same sign. Keith continued on playing an acoustic set that included, "Song for Dad," "Days Go By," "Better Half," "It's a Love Thing," "Making Memories of Us," "Who Wouldn't Wanna Be Me," and switching from the guitar to the Ganjo himself on "Somebody Like You." The last song played was one of my all time favorites, Hank Williams, "Lovesick Blues."
It was such an incredible treat to hear this old classic sung in only a way Keith Urban could do it. I was truly overwhelmed at the mans vocal ability. In between songs Keith read other signs that were displayed for him and called a few very lucky fans up to the stage for one of his famous hugs and a kiss. One little guy was brought to the stage to get his guitar autographed. Keith also posed with him for a picture and instructed the little guy to stick out his tongue at the camera all the while giving the thumbs up sign. What a pair they made and I'm sure its a day that little guy will not soon forget.
When the music ended, it was time for the picture with his fan club to be taken and high atop a large ladder at the back of the stage sat the photographer. Keith turned his back to us, looked up at the photographer, pulled a sign out that he so humbly held over top of his bottom that read, "Shame on Y'all" The crowd roared with laugher for what I know was a good minute or two. His zany personality being shared with us yet again.
And so it was, a little after noon the party ended. It was a very intimate setting at the Ryman and the laughter and good times will be treasured by me for years to come. Seeing him perform in such a relaxed state confirmed for me that somewhere among Keith's personal belongings must be a sign for us, his fans, that reads, "I (heart) U 2.
