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Dear Johnny Reid... (25 photos)

Tuesday, May 01, 2012   by: Donna Hopper

Dear Johnny Reid;

We at SooToday.com, along with the 4,000 fans that attended your show last evening at the Essar Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, were more than impressed with your charisma, stamina and showmanship.

That fact the you love performing is obvious, and your devotion to your fans is refreshing.

Especially heartwarming was the moment when you invited the wee birthday boy on stage.

And then another child.

And another.

And another.

And then you sang happy birthday to the lad, making an already incredible experience truly unforgettable.

Just watching you run through the audience, not missing a beat for almost two full songs as you leapt over stands, shook hands and sang to fans, brought a massive smile to our face.

We admittedly got a tad jealous when you took the hand of one particular female fan and danced with her at the side of the stage.

And we were dumbfounded when you mysteriously popped up on a tiny stage under a giant disco ball at the back of the arena to perform Right Where I Belong and Dance With Me.

The pyrotechnics during Fire It Up were a welcome surprise, as was the vast number of autographs you signed throughout your performance.

Yes, it was a stellar performance full of little gems and awesome moments for everyone involved.

Also, your horn section kicks some serious butt.

However, we at SooToday.com have one tiny request.

If you could somehow manage to squeeze all this awesomeness into the first three songs, we would really appreciate it.

That way, the media photographers that work tirelessly to capture the true essence of your live performance can share it with the rest of the world.

Thanks so much for your consideration in this matter, and we look forward to a whirlwind, three-song show next time you're through the Sault.

You promised to come back.

We never forget.

Respectfully yours,

A photographer that missed 99 percent of your best photo ops.

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Comments
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blkpanther 5/1/2012 6:02:23 PM Report

That was a hell of a show and I,m sorry but your pictures as well as mine don't even begin to show the class this dude has. I was not expecting to be entertained like that. Awsome job Johnny. Other entertainers could learn a thing or two from you.
biaaatch 5/1/2012 7:57:13 PM Report

I agree with blkpanther, Mr Reid put on one hell of a performance lastnight...He certainly FIRED IT UP thats for sure!!!I'd personally like to thank Mr. Reid for spending the time to sign autographs after his phenomenal performances and taking time to make that special phone call to my mom...She'll be saving that msg for the rest of her life <3. We WILL definitely be seeing you again the next time you are here. Just as you promised us. As for the photographers just my opinion but if you wanted more photographs of Johnny, you should have taken less of everything else that was taken. WE LOVE YOU JOHNNY REID <3<3<3
ssmikey75 5/1/2012 8:15:56 PM Report

Very well said Donna...and Yes what a frickin performer...and the pics u have posted says it all...I personally have access to most events yet still look forward to your close-ups and background you provide...pls keep it up...:)
slackhopper 5/1/2012 10:40:19 PM Report

@biaaaaatch - I would have loved to have gotten more shots of Mr. Reid. Unfortunately we were only allowed to photograph the first three songs. For one of those songs, he wasn't even on stage. Plus, I think it's important to get shots of an artist's band. They work just as hard as the main attraction and deserve some recognition, no?
Archie 5/2/2012 9:07:29 AM Report

Was at the Johnny Reid Concert and must comment on how spectacular HE was... .. Those comments have already been posted on this site...
My concern is the way they run the events..

Little things can mean so much... I am sorry I missed the talent of Carolyn Dawn Johnson's first few songs. Just her and her guitar...

The lights went down, she started to sing and then countless people had to try to find their seats in the dark, climb through and over patrons... I was at the very top of the aisle at sec 120.. and listened to the usher loudly tell the patrons how to find their seats.


Same thing after the intermission..

Attending theatre in Toronto with huge crowds as well, I did not experience this problem.. They simply announce a 5 minute warning that patrons need to be in their seats. SIMPLE..

Arrive on time and be in your seats within 5 minutes of the lights going down.

Ushers... can you not direct patrons to their seats without having to drown out the performer?

Kudos to Johnny Reid.. his passion for his craft and his fans is evident.


Most enjoyable..
saa98 5/2/2012 12:04:18 PM Report

Mr. Reid put on an amazing show. Each time I see him he keeps getting better and better. Making everyone feel as if they are an important part of his show by running through the arena definatly makes people feel like he cares. And he truely does. My mother-in-law had the opportunity to meet him backstage. My grandmother also had a chanvce to meet him as well, unfortunatly she was hospitalized on thusday and was unable to attend. But Mr. Reid, with all his love and generosity, placed a ten minute phone call to her in the Timmins hospital. It made her day. She couldnt believe he was calling her. We thank you again for coming back to the Saut and we can't wait to see you again! Till we meet again :)
zelda 5/2/2012 1:25:36 PM Report

Your article put into the right words, it was the most awesome show and I've seen many big names and Johnny Reid is by far the most personable entertainer. It is wonderful how he goes into crowd and hugs them , that just makes those people feel special. This was the second time we have seen him and wait for his return. Totally Awesome!!
Sandra
biaaatch 5/3/2012 3:51:27 AM Report

Slackhopper,My apologies, I was not aware that, that was all you were allowed to take. Yes I do agree the other performers should get just as much recognition & I don't agree that you should only be allowed to take pictures of the first 3 songs, that would be very disappointing. That being said with Carolyn Dawn Johnson opening for Mr. Reid, Where was her recognition, were you not allowed to take any of her?
slackhopper 5/5/2012 1:49:15 PM Report

@ biaaatch - It's the norm for media to only be allowed to shoot the first three songs of a performance. Sometimes we're not even permitted that much. Sometimes none at all, as was the case with Bob Dylan. As for Carolyn Dawn Johnson, I actually wasn't aware that she was opening for Johnny Reid until I arrived at the venue near the end of her performance. In many cases, however, media is limited to photographing the headlining act only. It's always up to artist management to make those calls, and has nothing to do with the venue. Joe Public often believes that media photographers have free reign during concert events, when we're in fact quite restricted at what we can and can't do. Back stage or meet-and-greet access is rarely permitted, and our camera gear must be locked up in the main office if we're sticking around to review the show. And, no, I can't get you into a concert for free or get you back stage access. LOL (I get asked that ALL THE TIME)
Comments
9
Please sign in to post a response
Note: Comments that appear on the site are not the opinion of SooToday.com. Keep discussions civil and on topic. Refrain from obscenity and don't post anything that your grandmother would be ashamed to read. Those who do not abide by these guidelines will have their membership revoked without notice. If you see an abusive post, please click the link beside the post to report it.
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