Billy Gilman performs, October 24, 2000
Marley Station Mall, Glen Burnie, MD, just outside of Baltimore
by Max
I just got back from going to see Billy Gilman perform live, and what an
experience! Billy was incredible, amazing, I could not believe my eyes
nd ears.
The performance took place inside the mall in a triangular area that is
sort of like a huge conversation pit. Several steps led down from the
main level of the mall, making for great seating. The second level of the
mall is open above the "pit" so there was plenty of room for folks to
view from above. There was no stage, and Billy performed in front of an
autumnal set the mall had arranged for the fall season. The set included
a barn and scarecrow.
Let me say by way of contrast to the Aaron Carter show which was attended
almost exclusively by screaming teeny-bopper girls, that Billy's audience
was filled with many kids, boys and girls alike, kids in their school
uniforms, moms with youngsters in strollers, old folks, and many entire
families. I was sitting next to a family of five; mom, dad, 2 teen girls
and a 6 year old boy named Ricky. And the big Billy Gilman fan of the
bunch is the little boy Ricky! Ricky could probably pass for Billy
Gilman at 6 years old, a tow-headed blond with bright blue eyes, who
sings "One Voice" around his house - he knows every word!
Billy arrived at the show by taking the glass elevator just behind his
"stage" down from the second floor. He was wearing a bright red Tommy
Hilfiger sweater, black jeans and black hiking boots. He started his
performance at about 4:30.
He opened with "Little Bitty Pretty One" which got the crowd (and me)
very excited and then went into "I Think She Likes Me". Next on the set
list was "Oklahoma" which he did to perfection.
Billy then took some time out from singing to sit on a stool and answer
questions from the audience. (The written questions were submitted by
kids prior to the show). There were many of the typical questions and
no real surprises.
Next Billy launched into a rousing rendition of "I Wanna Get To Ya" and
pretended he was finished singing. Then he sang "One Voice" which was a
wonderful experience. The crowd sang along, the voices of hundreds of
kids joining Billy for the song. A couple of times Billy stopped singing
and held the mic towards the crowd. It was beautiful, almost like
hearing a hymn.
Billy ended his show with his latest single "Warm and Fuzzy". At the end
of the sond, after he sings the "Shoo-doops" and sang the "WOOOO" at the
end of the song, I guess he figured that since he did not have to sing
any more he'd just belt it out. He improvised and let loose with one of
the highest notes I think I ever heard come out of a boy's mouth, and I
imagine that dogs all around the Glen Burnie area were perked up hearing
it! Wow, it was great!
After the show Billy signed autographs. When he signed my Classic
Christmas CD and I was telling him how incredible he is, he looked
directly into my eyes and said "Thank you, thank you so much". The way
he looked at me, and the way he said it, was as though it was the first
time I ever heard him say those words!
Be sure to check out Max's galleries for some fabulous pictures!
© 2000 Max, All Rights Reserved (10/25/00)
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