My first Elton Expo: Day 1

Yes, Virginia, there is an Elton Expo.

As they say, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, but I’ll make an exception here. My sister Lisa and I attended the Elton John Expo in Las Vegas, October 4-6, 2013 – the first one for both of us – and what an experience it was!

First of all, I must give a big shout out and thank you to Lisa, who accompanied me on this trip. I can’t imagine what she must have thought, knowing she would be surrounded by a bunch of freaky Elton fans like me. I do think she enjoyed herself (perhaps I can get her to guest blog).

Back to the Expo.

You know, I really wasn’t sure what to expect, and I don’t do schmooozing very well, so to say I had a bit of trepidation would be an understatement. But I am so glad I went for so many reasons. Two days of unapologetic Elton love!

We arrived in Vegas Friday morning (which meant we left South Florida really, really early!), checked into our hotel and headed over to the Expo. After registering, we were just waiting around for the doors to open and struck up a conversation with a few Eltonites.  What’s your favorite song that he doesn’t play in concert? How many Expos have you been to? How many times have you seen him in concert? Have you ever met him? When did you first become a fan?

Debbie and John, a couple from Colorado, were part of these discussions, and Lisa and I ended up sitting next to them through the Expo on Friday and Saturday. What a great couple! Loved every minute of the time we spent together. As someone once said, “Friends are found on every road.” I hope we stay in touch.

I was also able to meet some of my Eltonite Facebook friends, including Richard (one of the funniest people you’ll ever meet), Missy and Carrie, as well as make some new friends like Jerred and Beth.

Here’s a short run down on the Expo, Day 1:

Friday, October 4

Keith Hayward (Author of Tin Pan Alley – The Rise of Elton John)

I was enthralled with Keith’s story telling in the book, and I was even more enthralled with his story telling at the Expo. (Plus he has a really nice accent). It was really cool to hear Elton’s back story, especially how the music business worked back then (in the day, I might add). Through all the questions and interaction with the attendees, it  became quite clear that my knowledge of Elton pales in comparison to Keith’s (of course) and so many of the other Eltonites there. Can’t wait for Volume 2!

Note to self: I need to get a copy of the Dick James demos.

The Elton Rohn Band

Funny, when I saw the agenda for the Expo, I actually thought about skipping out on this part, but we decided to stay. What fun! They’re great musicians, and Elton Rohn does look, sound and even make some of those funny facial expressions like our Elton does. And he even wore the Adidas track pants!

Elton R commented on my bedazzled Elton John iPhone case – he thought it was very cool.

That brings us to the end of the Expo Day 1.  Lisa and I then headed to the Elton store at Caesars Palace (of course) and enjoyed a wonderful dinner at Mesa (Bobby Flay’s restaurant).  It was a very long day, but well worth it! Looking forward to Day 2 (The Band!) and wondering if the rumors that you-know-who might stop in were true.