I first heard of Michelle through Hanson! So I downloaded her songs off of Napster and became an instant fan. When I found out Michelle was going to be in Kentucky, I had to go! So my dad and I drove 2 and 1/2 hours all the way from Louisville to Paducah, KY to see Michelle! When we finally arrived at the Riverfront, I was so excited! After I ate some subway, we donated some money for listener appreciation night and went to the stage. We sat down a few rows back on some steps. There was an area in the middle closed off for VIP seating though! My dad and I sat in the hot sun for about two hours while the guys from 96.9 joked around with the crowd and threw out free t-shirts! Finally, someone announced it was Toya's time to take the stage, but you could tell everyone was there for Michelle :o) Toya was really energetic on stage, and I was into her songs, but everyone was anxious for Michelle! After that, a few listeners won VIP tickets to meet Toya and Michelle!

The sky was getting dark and it was raining on the river but it hadn't hit our side yet! One radio DJ announced it was time for Michelle and had everyone chant "WE WANT MICHELLE!!!" Then someone walked out onto stage. I didn't know it was Michelle until I saw her face! She picked up her guitar and was really into the crowd! She talked to us like we were best friends. Michelle explained the airlines in New York had lost her luggage today and two of her flights were delayed. We were all like "Awww"! Michelle said she had just found out she was going on tour with Lifehouse too, so we were all happy for her! She started out with a favorite of mine, "I'd Rather Be In Love". She then asked the crowd for a ponytail holder! The wind was blowin and messing up her hair..and someone on the side of the stage gave her one. "That's why I love musicians so much! They all have long hair." Hehe..(Of course I thought of Hanson then). After that she went into a new song one called, "All You Wanted". "Everywhere", her first international single, was after that. I sang along and waved a few times and she smiled. The rain started coming in harder and harder and Michelle asked us what she wanted us to sing. Michelle said she usually had a rock band behind her but they couldn't be here tonight and to go to www.michellebranch.net or www.michellebranch.com for more information! I was like "Haha, I love MichelleBranch.net!" Anyway, I called out "Sweet Misery!" but instead she surprised me with another favorite I love.."Goodbye To You". :o) She strummed the first few notes while a radio DJ on the side of the stage tried to tell her something. Michelle looked confused so she continued playing! It began lightening and the rain began to pour in the middle of the song! She stopped playing for a moment and invited everyone to get closer to the stage. I moved all the way to the front by the barricade and was snapping away my camera! Near the end of the song, she had to quit 'cause the rain was so bad and we all thought we might get electrocuted. Not cool! I remember one point in the concert she said, "I wish it wasn't raining 'cause I could sit here and play forever!" The way she communicated with the audience was amazing. She's a natural onstage!

The rain was pouring so hard that security took down the barricades and people were running to their cars. They hurried Michelle off stage for security reasons I guess and I waved to her! I think she may have saw me :o) She sat her guitar down and made a break for it to her trailer in the back! A few men put her guitar back in her case and they began lowering the roof. (My dad and I were on the stage). The roof was gonna cave in if they didn't lower it! Finally the rain let up though, and my dad and I walked back to the car. My dad was so impressed with Michelle and her performance. Her stage presence was so there, you could feel her without seeing her. He said Michelle had an amazing voice and hey, it's hard to impress my dad. (Same with any father). My dad and I both knew she put on her best show. Even though she was only able to sing 4 songs, the trip was well worth it!

Now I'm still waiting for my pictures from the concert to be developed. Michelle is coming to Murray, KY in September, and you can bet I'll be there, and bring all of my friends with me! I'm telling you, if you haven't seen her live yet then you are MISSING OUT GREATLY!!! If she comes to your town and you don't go see her, it'll be a sin. LoL..and Michelle, if you read this, thanks for inspiring me to play the guitar! I'm saving my money up for a Taylor and for now I'm playing my dad's 12 string. (Well, 11 strings cause one's broken off..lol) I love your music 'cause it's touching and the lyrics are really deep. MICHELLE RULES KENTUCKY!!! :O)

*~love always,
AshleY
Age 14
Louisville, Kentucky