Craig On The Road - The Florida Tour, Part deux

I remember Ft. Myers from years ago when we used to travel across Alligator Alley for a weekend away from our crazy life in Ft. Lauderdale. And here I was, day 2 of Craig's Florida tour, driving from Tallahassee to make this 8PM show in a neighborhood that looks somewhat familiar. Getting a feel for life on the road. It's great to be at (your venue's name) (in your region). :)
Craig stayed on the beach in Naples. I know that place, it's really sweet. Did you see the photos? I stayed five minutes from the Barbara Mann. And my hotel was very cool. With a random upgrade to the private floor, I felt pampered. But all concentration was on getting to the show.
Once I arrived at the Mann, it was already time to take my seat. I met people at the hotel who were in town just to see Craig. Those people were there, but there was were plenty of locals too. John Patrick from WZVN-TV posted some great pics! https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.325082414173675.98636.220565714625346&type=3  And there were some older people who were surprised that Craig didn't have a little "tootsiefrootsie" pop up in front of his face when he said a curse word. I wish I'd had that "warning" flyer from the high school show in Bucks County. Really.
One of the things I loved most about this evening was the very beginning, before Craig's opening act Joe Matarese came out. No spoilers because there's a show tonight.   Joe was hilarious! I saw him in Red Bank. He is very funny, a really nice guy, and he has a CD out. http://twitpic.com/7h2pxo Check him out here - http://joematarese.com
Then it was time for Craig, dressed in a fresh white shirt, suit jacket and jeans, looking relaxed (like he'd been at the beach!). This was his night. The night before had been so much about the FSU event. Tonight there was time for more of the material I've come to know and love. The crowd was enthusiastic with plenty of whistles and outbursts (positive ones).  The one person I couldn't see or hear from my 6th row seat was down in front and seemed to have a running commentary on everything Craig said. He used great restraint in not really going after her. In spite of the distraction, Craig put on a fantastic show, even getting to the family stories. ♥ Kudos to Craig for great concentration and a standing-O worthy show!
I met Joe Matarese in the lobby after the show, bought his CD, talked with him a bit. Then he had to run for the bus. Craig and the tour bus bring back great memories of last year in Florida. I waved to them as they drove away. One more night! The Hard Rock. Will I get to say hello to the Chief before this is all over? Wish me luck!