I saw a bio. on Cher the other night and it brought back great memories. When I was in 9th grade, my best friend and I attended a Shindig Concert that came to the Bushnell in Hartford, Ct. My Dad dropped us off with strict instructions on when he would pick us up. We were in 9th grade. We arrived in Hartford early and got in line with other concert goers. We had tickets for the 2nd balcony which we won in a radio contest. While we were waiting, we wandered around the outside of the Bushnell and noticed that the back stage door was wide open. Being quite curious, we ventured in and started to explore. We went back stage and up several flights of stairs and decided to try our luck hiding amid a huge pile of stage curtains. We stayed there about 3 hours and when the bands started to set up and rehearse, we wandered down the stairs and attempted to blend it. At least 30 minute prior to the show, Sonny and Cher arrived.
We were two very excited 9th grade girls who couldn't believe our eyes. It was our first brush with "celebrity". We went up, introduced ourselves and told our story of hiding in stage curtains. Cher was so gracious. She said that she couldn't believe that we would do that "just to see them". On TV she looked larger than life. In person I was struck by how petite she was. While she seemed to be a bit taller than me, she was small boned in every way. She had the thinnest, longest fingers that I had ever seen. Even though she had makeup on, she had gorgeous skin. Absolutely flawless. She was warm and friendly, as was Sonny. We never imagined that we would encounter anyone, so I had them sign my purse for their autographs.
Our back stage vantage point wasn't to last very long however. The manager of the Bushnell approached us and told us that we had to take our seats. Both Sonny and Cher spoke up and said, "these are our friends, please seat them in the front row". We were given two seats, front and center. They also made arrangements to meet us at the stage door after the show. I was shocked when I discovered that they were actually there, waiting. We went back stage, met other performers; The Gaucho's are the only name that I can recall. The Bono's invited us to an after show party at the Sonesta Hotel. My dad was picking us up and I declined. My best friend was horrified. She couldn't believe that I wouldn't go and she threatened to go by herself. I told her that if she did, she could count on my father calling her mother the minute we got home. We didn't go, but still, after all these years I have fond memories of Sonny and Cher. I felt terrible when he died. They were nice to their fans, even the 'younger ones'.
We were two very excited 9th grade girls who couldn't believe our eyes. It was our first brush with "celebrity". We went up, introduced ourselves and told our story of hiding in stage curtains. Cher was so gracious. She said that she couldn't believe that we would do that "just to see them". On TV she looked larger than life. In person I was struck by how petite she was. While she seemed to be a bit taller than me, she was small boned in every way. She had the thinnest, longest fingers that I had ever seen. Even though she had makeup on, she had gorgeous skin. Absolutely flawless. She was warm and friendly, as was Sonny. We never imagined that we would encounter anyone, so I had them sign my purse for their autographs.
Our back stage vantage point wasn't to last very long however. The manager of the Bushnell approached us and told us that we had to take our seats. Both Sonny and Cher spoke up and said, "these are our friends, please seat them in the front row". We were given two seats, front and center. They also made arrangements to meet us at the stage door after the show. I was shocked when I discovered that they were actually there, waiting. We went back stage, met other performers; The Gaucho's are the only name that I can recall. The Bono's invited us to an after show party at the Sonesta Hotel. My dad was picking us up and I declined. My best friend was horrified. She couldn't believe that I wouldn't go and she threatened to go by herself. I told her that if she did, she could count on my father calling her mother the minute we got home. We didn't go, but still, after all these years I have fond memories of Sonny and Cher. I felt terrible when he died. They were nice to their fans, even the 'younger ones'.
Cher is an awesome Woman, and I love how she Supports her DD/DS Chasity....
