We’ve had more triple digit days than not these past few weeks. I might talk about weeks 26, 27, and 28 but let’s start with Saturday night. Nope, it’s just about Saturday night…
HARD ROCK LIVE SACRAMENTO – The Event 2024
We headed to Wheatland and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino for Tyler Rich‘s show. We had booked a room so once we entered the hotel, we didn’t go outside until we left the next morning. It was our first time there and as we approached the hotel, I was surprised how close the Toyota Amphitheatre was. I smiled at the memory of our first time there– we had seen soulDecision, Destiny’s Child, and Christina Aguilera there.
We checked in and headed to our room on the 6th floor. The room was nice and clean with a very decent view. We could see the pool as well as our vehicle in the parking lot. We checked out the casino and scoped out the entrance of the venue. We had a drink at the Center Stage bar before heading back to our room.
After a bit of a rest, we headed back downstairs to the venue. There was a bit of a line but we all got in in good time. The venue is pretty cool! It was nice and cool and the seats were comfortable enough. We had a decent view of the stage but there were also huge displays on either side of the stage for better views of the stage.
Before the start of the show, we stood in the lobby hoping to see our friends. We were apparently on the side that led to backstage because I saw Tyler’s mom when she passed by. She glanced at me long enough for me to have a chance to say hello but I was shy. Later, I saw one of the teachers from work and I smiled at her and she said, “How do I know you?” I laughed and told her that I worked at the district office. She laughed and we hugged. I told her that I’ve been a fan of Tyler’s since 2015 and she said, “He’s my cousin!” I knew this and we chatted a little before she had to leave to go meet the rest of the family.
The opener was Dawson Anderson. I thought that we didn’t know him but as he went through his set, he mentioned having opened for Tyler before and that he’d been in a band. Halfway through his set, we realized that we had seen him when he was with Temecula Road! Mystery solved!
Dawson had a very good set. He was energetic throughout and very personable. His band was good too. I really liked the guitarist. He was great! After his set, I went over to say hello to one of my friends and Dawson was just a bit aways from us. My friend called him over and he chatted with her and then they took a picture. I took advantage and introduced myself and we took a picture together as well.
Dawson had a great energy and he was adorable. I’ll have to keep an ear out for his music.
Tyler put on a great show! I love going to his shows when they’re in and around the Sacramento area because it means his family and friends are in attendance and there’s something more intimate in the atmosphere. Everyone is there because they already adore him and it’s a wonderful feeling being part of that kind of audience. He played for about an hour or so. I too video of every song but I haven’t gotten around to making that list yet. I loved hearing “California Grown” because even though I’ve heard it so many times, it always elicits good feelings.
After the show ended, Tyler hung around to autograph and take photos with the fans. I found my friends at the one end and we waited for him. He sort of saved us for near the end. I gave him his letter and we took a picture together. There’s also a group shot on someone’s phone. The venue crew started encouraging us out and we all headed to the Center Stage bar, where Tyler was likely to appear.
Besides seeing Tyler, the best part of the night was hanging out with friends we haven’t seen in a long while. Tyler brought us together and I just love that getting into his music meant meeting such cool people. It was great catching up with one another and just having a good time. Tyler eventually appeared and he mingled with the people there and it looked like a lot of them were people he already knew.
I look so tiny next to Festus Ezeli! He was super sweet.
All and all, it was such a fun night. Loved the show and loved hanging out at the bar. I ended up feeling my drinks but it was just part of the fun. 😉 It was a good thing we were staying in the hotel.
Well, I’ll end this here because it’s almost time for bed. Maybe I’ll have sweet dreams of music and good times…
