Friday, August 27, 2010

Michael Buble in Vancouver

Last weekend we had the opportunity to see Michael Buble perform at Rogers Arena (alternatively known as The Phone Box and formerly known as GM Place).  It was the 2nd of two important dates here in the city, with Vancouver being his home town.

He still has strong connections to the city with much family living here, he is now a majority owner of the Vancouver Giants hockey team and makes frequent visits to BC Childrens Hospital, some being formal engagements there others just unannounced surprise visits. 

On the first of the two dates he held in Vancouver (both completely sold out) he announced that the entire proceeds of the nights ticket sales were going to be donated to BC Childrens. He still has very strong roots in the city and is much loved for staying in touch here.

We found meter parking a couple of blocks from the arena and walked down.  On the way we passed someone creating street art on a big piece of wall.

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Once in the arena the support group were a band we had not heard of called Naturally 7.  They were unique is so much as they did not play any instruments.  They performed a number of cover songs and sounded like a regular band, but all the instrument sounds were created by the band members.  Umm.  Anyway, they were only the support group and out of the way before long.

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By around 9pm Michael came on stage.

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We were seated on floor level, near the back.  However we still have had a pretty good view of the stage, arena and big screens.

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A wider view of the stage.

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He performed all of his major tracks and in-between lots of cocky banter.

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Resounding ‘boos’ when he announced he had got engaged ! (it was a predominately female and gay-male audience !).  Unfortunately his bride-to-be turned out to be in the audience too.  Not sure what she thought of the public reaction to their engagement ?!

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About halfway through a small mini-stage was brought into middle-rear section of the floor, about 15ft or so away from us and Michael then came down off of the main stage and performed his big original hit ‘Home’.  It was particularly poignant being performed in his home of Vancouver which is why he made a big deal with this song.

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They illuminated the whole arena for the chorus as the audience joined in.

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It was terrific having him perform one of his big tracks only feet away.

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Then he returned to the main stage for the remainder of he show.  It was an excellent performance and we would definitely go back to see him again next time he returns to Vancouver.

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