Mystery of the moment: What do Steven Tyler & Tom Hamilton of Aerosmith, Aaron Carter and Mike Modano have in common?  Basically nothing except that they were all in the Dallas Metroplex this weekend and spotted by this particular BSBAttorney.

While my companion and I did not have the pleasure of seeing any BSB, Karma dictates that seeing these other four more than made up for it.  For everything bad or frustrating that happened, Karma seemed to make up for it with something good.  By Saturday morning when we realized how quickly the good and bad were following it actually was a little scary.  But like all good BSB fans, we decided not to question and just take things as they come.  I don't take great notes like *Alex* does so there won't be a play-by-play.  I will however hit the highlights, lowlights and some observations in between.

My companion and I departed her sprawling estate outside of Dallas and headed for the brand spankin' new American Airlines Center.  She needed to pick up the 10th ROW TICKETS she managed to snag on Ticketmaster the previous afternoon.  We'll refer to this as Karmic deposit #1.  This stop also provided us with a preview of how to exit the arena very quickly, a big bonus in our book.

On to the hotel where we were certain that the boys were waiting with bated breath for our arrival (Yeah, right, lmao).  When we got to the hotel it was way too quiet.  Granted it was early, but it was quiet enough that we were beginning to worry whether or not the boys were actually staying there.  No buses, no tough security measures and no teenies scattered in the lobby.  It was early, we didn't want to panic yet so we didn't.  We did however, have to wait about an hour until our room was ready.  Given the fact that were a little tired and had plans to leave for the venue early to avoid traffic we considered this a Karmic debit.

The hour wait was spent in the lobby looking for signs of BSB.  We wanted confirmation were at the right hotel.  After having a drink to calm our nerves, we spotted Marcus.  Either it was a tipsy hallucination, or the boys were there.  We made friends with some other lobby residents and confirmed that they were there, along with some other interesting hotel guests - Aerosmith!  Don't get me wrong, I am a die hard BSB fan but in the grand scheme of stardom, Aerosmith is a few steps above them, simply by virtue of longevity if nothing else.  Karmic deposit #2.

After some frustrating and failed attempts to sell the other tickets we had for the show (Karmic debit) we finally got our room. Sensing a disturbance in the force, we quickly dropped off bags and freshened up to get back to the lobby.  Security seemed to tighten and we braced ourselves for the first BSB sighting of the weekend.  It was quite a shock when Steven Tyler walked through the lobby and out the front door.  Karmic deposit #3.  It happened so fast that we really didn't have time to react except for my companion whom I will now reveal as the lovely, talented and classy lady who runs the fabulous Felicity Fiction site; none other than DJ Riley herself (you can all be jealous now :)  DJ practically had a heart attack right in the lobby.  Five minutes of verbal CPR and we were on our way to change for the show.

Dressed for fun and adventure but running an hour late as usual we were off to the venue.  Very little traffic and an easy trip didn't make up for the fact that it was raining when we got there.  Concert attire is rarely suited for bad weather and this instance was no exception.  (Karmic debit)  The doors hadn't actually opened and people were lined up outside so we waited a few minutes before venturing out into the rain.  We finally gave up and got in line with everyone else.  The venue was checking for cameras - eeks!  I hid mine deep in a small purse and smuggled it in - whew!

It had been a very long day so far, frustrating things and people etc but when we got to our seats all of that seemed irrelevant.  Ten rows back, center stage and the bridge was going to come down on top of us (no imagery there eh?)  I was scared because I only had 5 rolls of film and was going to have to pace myself, lmao!  We chatted, waited, had a blast through Krystal's amazing set.  If you don't have her CD yet, you're missing out.  When Sisqo came out I went to smoke, he's just not that appealing to me.  I didn't make it back for Thong Song - can't decide if that was a Karmic debit or deposit?

Turn the lights down low. . .let's get on with the show!

The concert was a blur but I'm sure most of you were watching the webcast so you know that.  It was an exciting adrenaline rush of smiles, energy and relief.  From the moment they rose through the smoke until the last BSB had left the stage, it was magic.  Forgive the poetic sappiness but my gut instincts told me this would be my last concert for quite a while, if not for good.  Don't get me wrong, I want things to keep getting better but like everyone else I was worried that it was just too much for them to handle and things would change for the worse.  My fears were partially allayed because I'll be damned if they didn't convince me that they were having fun again.  

The show was very laid back.  It wasn't slick and smooth and perfectly benign like the first couple legs.  They were doing their jobs but they were enjoying it again.  There were gaps and screw-ups but that just made it seem even more real.   Sadly enough, only about half of the pics came out - huge karmic debit.  The ones that did come out were pretty good and I hope you enjoy them.

After the show we hightailed it back to the hotel and as we rush into the lobby we see a crowd.  Of course, we thought that one of the boys was there - nope, heart attack no. 2 for DJ - Steven Tyler is there signing autographs and having pictures taken.  Tom Hamilton was hanging around and was gracious enough to take pictures as well.

Later that evening after a couple drinks and no BSB sightings Aaron comes, and I quote "bee-bopping" through the lobby.  He is so much like Nick it's scary and too adorable for his own good.  Very sweet and polite with everyone.  We watched while two older fans took a picture with him.  Imagine him between two grown, well endowed, fairly tall women - eye level with their. . .well, you get the picture.  He kept looking to the left, then the right and had a 'kid in a candy store' grin on his face.  Nick Jr.

Finally about 1am we decide to go and find some late night food.  We cruised by Cool River, the bar we ended up last year in Dallas (See the March 2000 Dallas review for details) and spot a white hotel van.  We smelled a BSB.  Howie was in fact in the bar but was in the back area, behind glass and velvet ropes.  (I'm sure *Sabrina* is having a moment right now)  We saw him and hung out for a drink but other than that, nada exciting.  Side note though, apparently my cell phone dials pretty easy and *Sabrina's* number is easily dialed because she has a five minute answering machine message of us sitting in the bar and talking.  No clue what happened except that maybe my phone knew she would like to be there with Howie :)  By the way, Jack In the Box is the only thing open at 2am in Las Colinas, Texas.

To make a boring story short, nothing much happened after that except a few animated discussions, an outbreak of sexual tourette's and finally sleep about 5am.  To complete our Karmic transactions for the weekend we were devastated that only half of the pictures came out but as we filled up the car with gas on the way back to the hotel we ran into Mike Modano who plays for the Dallas Stars.  He's hot, we'll leave it at that.

All in all it was a great weekend.  Good friends, a few drinks, a great show and complete karmic randomness - to me, these are what keeps life interesting.  Hope you all enjoy the pics and KTBSPA!

*Jill*

CONCERT PICTURES:

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