Close Encounters of the MLE Kind

I began my seven hour journey Thursday August 31st, 2001 to the Chicago Theatre, my first Melissa concert, one of 12 I would attend on her "Live...And Alone" Tour and another 15 on the "Summer Skin" Tour... Listening and watching Melissa perform on tv with great passion, emotion, and soul, if she could move me the way she did through television, I could only imagine her live, in person. But, I wasn't prepared for the impact. I've been to concerts, two I considered the "Ultimate Concerts": Legendary Crosby, Stills, & Nash and Simon & Garfunkel(Akron Rubber Bowl 83'). No-one could top these concerts, that is, until Melissa took the stage. I realized this concert was an "experience", all the other concerts were "events". Finding the words to describe the experience is difficult, I was left in awe, speechless, energized, invigorated, wanting more...Melissa is one of a kind, I haven't seen or heard anyone who can hold a candle to her, nor will I ever...That may sound extreme, biased, but its true just attend a Melissa concert, every concert is different, standing out in its own uniqueness, the exchange of energy between Melissa and the crowd, for a brief moment we are connected, blending together as one...The power surging, electrifying, the energy of the crowd was a oneness, unity, a feeling of community, acceptance, understanding, support, humanity, respect, kindness, love, equality, you'd never have to feel alone, everyone is welcome with arms wide open...very, very powerful. I didn't see a crowd of lesbian, gay, straight, black, white, etc. only beautiful souls, shining their brillant light, sharing and experiencing an unforgettable real moment. This may anger many but I'll say it anyway, Melissa will never know the power she possesses or understand the impact, reactions of people to her. She is not to blame how could she know, she's never stood where I stand. To some degree she is a aware of her power because, she does "ooze with sexuality", is playful, chatty, and knows how to "work the crowd", just a glance, a pause in a song, her guitar playing, a smile, those eyes, hitting that high note on "I'm The Only One", and (saving the best for last "LIKE THE WAY I DO") sends the crowd into a frenzy, wild, exhausted, exploding with delight, leaving a hunger, an appetite never truly satisfied...She doesn't flirt or tease because that is too personal, too intimate only for Tammy to experience (the way it should be)....When ask the meaning of some songs, she avoids "speaking true" mysteriously choosing to avoid revealing the experience that created the song, leaving the listener perplexed, curious wondering why? At least I am, I don't want to interpret a song that has a specific meaning, that would compromise the intergrity of the song. I want Melissa to speak of who or what created the joy, pain, etc. of her songs, leaving the intergrity of the song intact...People say Melissa's music speaks to them, that they know her through her music and lyrics. Her pain, desire, happiness is imprinted on her cd's standing still in time. But we don't know her, sad but true. She is a "celebrity" "rock star" who beats a different drum, people listen when she speaks, she's validated, accepted, honored, adored, loved, privileged, elevated to a higher status, a place where I am not welcome. We are labeled "fans" I'm not a fan, I don't care for labels, if you took the time to truly look at me you would see a kind soul. The word "fan" has a negative connotation: "fanatic". I would rather speak to the spiritual being, not the "celebrity", "rock star", etc., treating them as an equal with respect and kindness, no hidden agenda or motives...Back to Melissa...Watching her on stage, sometimes if you're paying attention she will reveal her true self. I've noticed when someone shouts "I Love You" most stars respond "I Love You Too", not Melissa her body language displays her discomfort with those words (once again too personal, too intimate, words reserved for a select few) and she responds "I'm fond of you too" or "You know how I feel". But, on rare occasions she will say "I Love You", when a child shouts it out, on her dvd. I find her response refreshing, honest, and truthful. Also, at a meet & greet observing her as she entered the room, (before she said a word or I shook her hand, and why was my heart pounding), she radiates a quiet, cautious, guarded, reserved soul...Or catching a tender moment shared between her and Tammy, when Tammy helped Melissa put on her boot between songs at a concert. Tammy showing for the first time her shy, nervous side, to which Melissa responds softly: "its ok honey, you're fine" gently touching Tammy's shoulder, stroking her hair, as she slipped on Melissa boot...To finessing her fingers with power, skill, rhythm, and ease over the guitar strings...To gently, gracefully, softly, tickling the ivory's on her piano...To that beautiful, powerful, soulful, passionate voice...To those piercing, beautiful, sparkling brown eyes, full of light...To that infectious, delightful laugh...To your words that heal and speak true.........Thank You Melissa, God Bless & Godspeed to you...Peace, Love, and Light to you.. .Patty