I have been to concerts. Lots of concerts. My first was in ‘73 as a college freshman. I saw the (even then) legendary David Bowie, playing in-field at Dodger Stadium. I’ve seen Prince from the second row, and in a spontaneous small club appearance as well. I was a bit too young to see the Beatles, but have seen Paul and Ringo a few times. And The Boss many times. The last time I was at The Greek, I saw Neil Young. I’ve considered myself very lucky as concert attendance goes.
But, I have never even ever seen anything like what I saw last night! Nor have I ever felt anything like what I felt last night! It was a night like no other. And, I’m not sure I can expect a repeat of such a night ever again. That said, I expect many ‘firsts’ for the next 4-8 years, so I’m not ruling anything out!
What made the evening so incredibly special can only be attributed to the essence of Hillary’s campaign overall—it was big, broad, diverse, inclusive, friendly, kind, funny, smart, joyful and full of fun! And that was just the audience! The tremendous talent of the presenters and performers was just over the top. The night was full of surprises, and I’ll do my best to help you feel like you were there. [Caution: This is long, but with lots and lots of pictures. Feel free to skim the text. Summary links at the end. 😊]
I’ll start with what I’m sure Hillary thinks matters most: the Hillary supporters. Everyone was happy, just plain gleeful. The wait in security lines meant nothing; people used the time to tell stories or share ‘Hillary excitement’. Smiles and laughter were everywhere! Everyone was wonderful, but by far the most special person I met was a 10 year old girl. Her mother says she’s been very active in the campaign, loves Hillary and insisted her mother take her to this concert. Since I’ve just finally learned how to embed videos, you just have to check this out:
Infused further by her youthful enthusiasm, we continued to mingle as we headed towards our seats. I am always inspired by El Mito’s great pictures so, given it is election day, I looked for fun Hillary fashion. I was not disappointed.
The concert venue instructions said not to bring signs. It appears that many decided to just wear them instead!
I’m told these ‘Spoiler Alert’ shirts are available on Amazon. I’m guessing after last night, they will quickly sell out. They were a big hit!
People were so proud of their special shirts, and did I mention generous? When I took the picture of the group with the ‘VOTE DEMOCRATIC’ (sic) shirt, he was so excited he gave me one of his extras! That’s even better than getting the shirt off his back!
So much fun and we’re not even to the show yet!
I’m just going to take a bit to say what a beautiful setting we had for this event.
The historic Greek Theater is one of our more intimate outdoor amphitheaters.
It seats 5,900—and it was completely sold out—and yet it has the feel of a concert in your own backyard. Indeed, it is actually at the end of a residential street!
It is situated in Griffith Park, just prior to the entrance of the fabulous Griffith Observatory. For those who aren’t familiar with LA, this is the edge of the National Park that runs through the city to downtown LA. Here’s a link if anyone is interested in the history of this iconic venue: The Greek
It really is one of my favorite venues, so the ‘stage’ could literally not have been better set for this spectacular show!
Plus, more pictures of the party, er, concert enthusiasts….
The stage was set, the audience in place….time for the show! We could hardly be contained at that point. And we wouldn’t be left wanting!
First out, LA Mayor Eric Garcetti, followed by Congressman Adam Schiff. Both gave glowing reviews of Hillary’s work, why they supported her and emphasized the need to get out the vote! AP had just released the news of Clinton’s Clinch, so extra effort was made to tell everyone to vote regardless...’it’s just a story’, they said.
Mayor Garcetti encouraged us to take a few minutes to text and use our social media, declaring it the ‘largest phone bank effort’, to make sure everyone voted on Tuesday. Congressman Schiff led us in a rousing series of policy declarations: Do we want immigration reform? Do we support restructuring our criminal justice system? Do we want to expand opportunities in education? Do we want the most qualified person to oversee our National security? To each question we enthusiastically did our part, chanting ‘Hill Yes!’ every time.
Hillary’s “Little Bit of Hope and Love” ad was followed by Mary Steenburgen, a long-time friend of Hillary. She recounted stories of meeting in Arkansas and raising their children together. They’ve been friends ever since. She gave a solid review of Hillary’s history from law school to the present. It was very personal and very touching. The sincerity of her feelings were palpable.
Of course, having just seen the ad, we were in for a real treat when Andra Day took to the stage and belted out two great songs. We were off to a glorious start! Little did we know how much more remained….
We were in for a surprise treat when Jamie Foxx ran out on stage! He sang with Andra as she finished her last song, and then ‘did his thing’. Funny and serious at the same time, he had a message for us (paraphrased):
“Ladies, don’t let them take this opportunity from you! Don’t let ‘em steal this moment. My daughters got a chance to meet with Secretary Clinton. They’re right here with me. They need to know...I want them to know….This is for them. She’s ready on day one. Ladies, don’t let them steal this!”
He brought his daughters on stage with him. The eldest, Corinne, had just graduated from USC. He was absolutely bursting with joy.
The youngest was not without her claim to fame. He explained that they were from Texas, implying a strong faith background. He complained that he couldn’t even let his youngest watch the Republican debates due to inappropriate content. Other Republican rebukes followed with the typical Foxx humor!
As a rebuff and in a moment of extraordinary parental pride, he had Annalise recite all the books of the Bible. I must say, her speed and (apparent) accuracy was astounding.
Joking, cheering and engaging with the crowd, he teased that he had Beyonce up next, but wound up taking a selfie with the audience instead!
Side note: On the pictures with Foxx, please look at the man in the lower right corner in the smaller spot light. He is providing sign interpretation for the whole show...all the details are covered by this staff!
Who was really up next? A tag team duo like no other….
Chrissy Teigen! Seven weeks after delivering their first child, a daughter, she was a hoot! Known for speaking her mind and not holding back, she quickly parsed the Republican field.
She had some words—actually quite a lot of words—for Donald as well. Here are just a few (paraphrased):
“How did we end up with this nightmare? … John and I don’t use the word ‘racist’ lightly. But, if it walks like it, talks like it...Donald Trump, you are a racist!”
And:
“He accused Hillary of using the ‘woman card’. Yeah, ‘cause that’s worked out so well for us so far! Right ladies? I mean, look at how well it’s worked out for all our other female Presidents. And for equal pay. And for reproductive rights! Yeah, that’s worked out so well!”
She referenced her new role as a parent and expressed the terror she felt that government should have any say in whether a woman has a child or not. She did not mince words (as usual)!
“Politics is not just fun and games and twitter wars—it matters. You know, I’m known for being brutally honest. I would not, could not, vote for just any woman. … (Hillary) She’s the best qualified candidate!”
Lovingly mocking her husband, she then introduced the multiple award winning artist, ten-time Grammy winner (claiming he told her to say that), John Legend!
Words fail to describe the depth of talent in this man! I’ve never seen him play in person. It’s a true art. It’s effortless. He brought us to a whole other place. It was incredible!
Singing first, “What’s Goin’ On”, and then “I’m Gonna Love You”, he looked ready to end the set. Then, he just started playing the piano and talking, as if a song was writing itself. He talked about how he and Chrissy don’t do the husband/wife matchy dress thing, but that they had each emerged in green jackets, planned to change, and then neither did. So, he just decided to go with it and dedicated this song to Hillary: “Green Light”, ‘cause we’re ready to go right now!
He talked—just talked, while his fingers danced around on the keys—about the need for infrastructure, healthcare, access to education, better wages..who knew Hillary’s policies had been put to music? He sang “Taking It Slow” and followed that up with “All Of Me”.
We were enraptured! How could this be a political rally when it was so...so...so cool! So amazing! So awe-inspiring!
Then he said (paraphrased):
“When Secretary Clinton kicked off her campaign, she spoke about the injustice of mass incarceration. She didn’t have to. It’s wasn’t necessarily the best political move. She did it because it’s so critical. Hillary understands this is really a war on the poor and on people of color.”
Then...he just kept going. It didn’t look planned. It looked inspired! He talked more about the problems with mass incarceration. He spoke about how some issues were Federal, but many and most were local and State issues. He made a plea for everyone to vote and work to elect local and statewide officials who would make a difference...no matter what AP had declared.
”We need Justices and State Leaders who will support her! One day, when the glory comes, it will be ours!”
Of course, that was followed by the Oscar winning, and heart-moving song, “Glory”!
It. Was. Phenomenal! The night could have ended with Hillary and all would have been perfect. But, we were just getting started!
Kate Walsh came out next. Spunky and blunt, she cut to the quick of what mattered to her, climate change:
“Hey! I don’t have a piano and choir to back me up, so y’all just have to listen the F*** up!”
She listed Hillary’s policies and why they were important. She explained how Hillary would defend and build on the Paris agreement. She was excited about Hillary’s endorsements from the environmental groups, reading one in particular (paraphrased):
“Hillary Rodham Clinton has the most aggressive agenda for combating climate change… wait. Hold up. I didn’t write this. I need a minute. Ok… Hillary Rodham Clinton has the most PROgressive agenda...Ok, fixed that! Hey, everyone makes typos...it’s a busy campaign season!”
She was funny and fierce, and a perfect set up for the next presenter.
Eva Longoria emerged gleefully and then joked:
“I know, everyone says why are actors always talking about politics? I know, I say that too! But, today I’m not here as an actor, I’m here as an American.
I stand with Hillary because I’m a woman. I’m a small business owner. I stand with Hillary because of my sister [who has a mental health disability] and her healthcare costs are great. Before there was Obamacare, there was HillaryCare! And, I stand with her because I’m a human being! ...
And because I’m a Latina, 7th generation. I’m from here—but Donald Trump would tell you otherwise! Hillary’s story is our story and our story is Hillary’s story!”
She had us in laughter and tears, cheers and jeers. She was great. Her Latina groove really came out as she introduced the next performer: Ricky Martin!! She joked that she would be doing an interpretive dance as he performed...NOT!
Ricky! Oh my, oh my, oh my! Now, he knows how to take a party to the next level! The lights flashed, the music flared—horns, drums—the Latin beat was overpowering. No one escaped it’s capture!
We were clapping! We were singing along! And we were dancing everywhere we could. “We don’t care what people think!”, he shouted out. Move it, shake it...(oohhh, it’s been a while)! He sang “La Vida Loca”, “Prop Me Up” and “Desperado”.
“We just want to party! Wave your hands! This is the kind of energy we need to get out to vote! We need everyone to vote. I’m from Puerto Rico and we said we wanted Hillary, so go out and vote! I believe she will be President!”
Then, while we were joyously singing, ‘Boom, boom, boom,’ and ‘Ole, Ole, Ole’, Eva danced out on stage! She was adorable! At the same time, several phone alerts beeped. CNN had called it for Hillary to clinch the nomination!
There we were...booming and screaming...and Hillary was making history herstory! Right in that moment!
Suddenly, I didn’t care that it wasn’t the pledged delegates. I didn’t care that we hadn’t even voted yet—that wasn’t going to stop any of us!
So we did the only thing we could: We partied on!
A party that will continue through this evening as we count down the States, through Washington DC, through the convention and THROUGH THE NOVEMBER ELECTION!!
This Party will party on through January when we say, ‘Hill Yes, Madame President!’
And, right on cue, there she was!
She walked up the steps, and took her place at the podium. It was pandemonium at the podium!
It was HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON!!
Hillary expressed her gratitude to everyone, to the officials, to the volunteers and to the voters. She humbly acknowledged ‘the news stories’ but reminded us that it was far from over. More GOTV efforts—all day Tuesday!
Frankly, I was so overcome, I was just mesmerized by her presence!
It’s hard to believe, well maybe not so hard to believe, that this rather petite, ‘wicked smart’, policy-wonk, delightful, funny, charming and caring person out-shinned all the stars in the show! Put together! Yes, she’s just that great!
She didn’t spend a long time on stage. Honestly, I think everyone had been enjoying the fun so much that they almost all sang a song or two more than planned. Ricky Martin had to pull himself from the stage!
And then off she went. We knew she would be heading to New York, preparing for her wins tonight and her rightful claim to the nomination! We wished her well!
In the glow she left behind, I reflected on the crooning of John Legend and the dancing of Ricky Martin. Be still my heart! I was ready to float out of the theater and head home. But noooo…….
There was still more to come!
Shonda Rhimes came out next and showed the ad with ‘her women’. She talked about how she wrote female characters who were insanely accomplished in their roles. But Hillary, even if she had written Hillary’s role, well...Hillary was over-qualified for the role even she would have written! She had so many great lines, but my favorite is (paraphrased):
“Nobody who’s intelligent goes into politics on a whim! …
Hillary, she’s badass!”
Did you see what she did there? She made her thoughts about the GE choice very clear in the rest of her speech. She reminded us of Hillary’s strength, that she had been knocked down, got back up and then dared them to knock her down again.
Then we had another big surprise...CHER! Yes, Cher came on stage in a spunky white hat and full of life. She was hillarious!
“As you may know, I just turned 100. Ok, I turned 70, but it’s the same s**t!”
And:
“When I see Trump talking, I just want to blow my brains out!
Well, maybe not my brains!”
She said:
“I met Hillary years ago when they asked me to do the tea parties—no, not the crazy kind! The girl kind. We were going to have girl tea parties so the ladies could get to know her!”
She said when she was 11, she didn’t even know women could be President. Maybe it was even illegal...she didn’t know. She talked about the issues of gender and how important it was to her and her family.
“We are no good unless we are all equal!”
She also showed the “Olivia” ad. See it. It’s great!
And then Cher introduced Christina Aguilera, who was saucy in her red hair and sparkly pants. She came out with “Whole Lotta Love”, rocking it with meaning!
She brought out Alisan Porter—the recent winner of The Voice. Christina made clear this was the year of the woman, as she was the first female coach to win. Together, they were outrageously good!
Christina then did “Say Something”, and finished with a dedication to Hillary, “Fighter”.
We took a brief break, took a breath and were watching some of the Hillary videos. It was all good!
Surprise...it’s Magic Johnson! Yes, still another surprise. He talked about knowing Bill and Hillary for many years, told some stories and then said that he was looking forward to campaigning for her more this year. He said he didn’t want to stay on stage long...there was something big about to happen...really big...bigger than Magic! What could be bigger than Magic?
Stevie Wonder!
Shriek, holler, scream, jump, wave, clap...now do it all at once! That’s how we felt!
He started his set with the song “Hillary Clinton”...yeah, don’t bother looking for it on iTunes. I think he literally made it up. On. The. Spot!
Have I used the words fantastic, amazing, unbelievable? I’m running out of words! There are no words. He’s just….Stevie Wonder.
But, because ALL OF THAT just wasn’t enough, Stevie called John, the Legend, back out on to the stage. He asked John to help him out. He asked John to sit and jam with him.
STEVIE WONDER AND JOHN LEGEND DECIDED TO JUST HANG OUT AND JAM AND WE WERE THERE!!
My mind was blown! Hillary was our nominee and they were jamming like they had nothing better to do but blow our collective minds! It was a complete, wondrous, fantastical, unbelievable night!
Now we need to VOTE TODAY and get her through November.
We are charged up to do that!
So, for the TL;DR: Completely understand...just wanted to share it ‘live’, as it happened. Did I mention it was a long show? Here are some links:
She's With Us Concert--Hillary and some friends
CA Concert--with video of Hillary speaking
Cher--being Cher, but they left out some (not all) of the hits on Republicans!
And if you haven’t read anything else, no problem, but, you must watch and ENJOY the following, which are better quality than mine!
Stevie Wonder & John Legend, "Blowin' In The Wind"
Stevie Wonder & John Legend, "Superstitions"