Going on a first date can be stressful, there are many things you must do when preparing. You should have an idea of what you are going to do and where you are going to go, what type of clothing you are going to wear, what type of cologne you are going to put on…

Try to come up with an original date idea, this should be something that the person probably has never done on a date before. This should be something that your date will enjoy doing.

Here is a list of things you can do and places you can go when you’re going on your first date.

1. Going to a casino

This can be a good idea if the person is not opposed to gambling. Going to a casino and playing some games with your date, can be a great way to get to know each other better.

2. Going to the highest point in the city

Imagine looking down on the city while enjoying a quite evening with your date. This is a great idea which will win you a few points from the get go.

3. Going to a live concert

This can be a great alternative to going on a traditional date, assuming that your favorite band or her favorite band is coming to town on the same night. It will be a great experience to take your date to the concert.

4. Having a picnic on the beach

All good dates do not involve spending a large amount of your money. This is an inexpensive date which will give you some quality time to engage in a stimulating conversation.

5. Go for a ride in a hummer limousine

This is a great idea if you’re trying to impress your date, this will give you the ability to sit back and unwind while taking a tour around the city.

6. Go to Disney World

Although amusement parks generally cater to the needs of little children, adults can have fun participating in different rides and activities as well. This can be a great way to relive your childhood.

7. Go to a live sporting event

It may be football, basketball, baseball, or any other sport if the person you’re going on a date with is a sport fan. You can use this as an opportunity to bring the both of you closer together.

You should try to be creative when planning your date, before going on a date you can ask the person what types of things they enjoy doing in their free time. This will make it easier for you to come up with a good dating idea which will be enjoyable for the both of you.

If you are anything like me, I am sure you have spent more then you care to admit on concert tickets during your earlier formative years. Many of you reading this article may still spend more on concert events then you may care to admit to yourself or your significant other. Unfortunately, concerts nowadays are becoming more and more costly. Most college students and many young professionals are finding it increasingly difficult these days to pay for these tickets, or have to starve the week prior to the event to save up the money required (Ramen Noodles anyone?).

Well listen up young people, this article is for you. Just don’t tell your parents. Why should music be so expensive? Well, if you sneak into the concert, it’s not. By splitting the cost of concert tickets between the valid ticket holders and those sneaking in, you can lower your cost per person significantly.

Here are the best 5 ways I have found to sneak into a concert, explore them at your own risk:

1. The Stamp – Lots of smaller venues across the country still use the hand stamp to prove that you have paid to get into a concert. Once your hand is stamped you can come and go as many times as you like during the concert. When you are getting your hand stamped always put it on the ticket stand or table that you are getting stamped at. This way the stamp will be clear and have more ink on it than if you had held your hand out in the air. Once your hand it stamped wait 15 to 20 minutes before leaving the venue. Once outside wet the stamp, spit works well, and then press your hand against your friends hand to transfer the stamp. Walk back in casually together and waive your hands in front of the door person to prove you have a valid stamp.

2. Wristbands – Many concerts have decided that wrist bands are an easier way to keep track of groupies. They come in two types, plastic and smooth paper, both are stretchable. This trick, however, requires at least two ticket holders. Once the two valid ticket holders are inside, stretch the band so that it will slide off over your hand. The other person can then take the band outside and give it to the person waiting to sneak in. If the band has stretched so large that it will be obvious, bring tape or a safety pin to hook it under your wrist and walk in with your fingers in your pockets so that the wristband is still showing.

3. Ticket Stubs – Some concerts still rip your ticket when you enter and let you keep half of the ticket. This is the one of the easiest ways to get in. Most people, once they are in a concert do not leave, therefore their tickets stubs get dropped on the floor or in the nearest garbage can. Once in the stadium, look for extra tickets stubs to take back out to your buddies so that they may enter. When returning to the stadium, go in groups of no more than 2 or 3, so as not to be obvious.

4. The Exit/Entrance – There are still quite a few venues out there that have exit doors along the sides or back of the stadium. Some of the older buildings have not yet been equipped with alarm sounding doors; therefore if your friends can coordinate with you and determine where the door on the inside of the stadium opens to the outside of the stadium, you can let them in. This is best done by scoping the concert halls out ahead of time or checking the stadium seating chart on the internet before going to the concert. Plan ahead, trying to coordinate the location from inside a large venue may be difficult,t and you would not want to be walking around the outside of the building so much that you would draw attention to yourself. I suggest doing this 1 person at a time with long intervals in between so as not to draw too much attention to the change of lighting caused by the open door.

5. The Stage Pass – To let in roadies, techies, and other backstage employees many concerts create stage passes so that they will not have to be bothered by security when they enter and exit multiple times during the set up for the concert. A stage pass can be created by purchasing standard laminate. Create your own stage pass by printing out the bands current album or tour logo and laminating it yourself. Check e-bay to see if anyone is selling their old passes for collector’s items to get an idea of what yours should look like. This pass works best if you arrive early for the concert when crews are still setting up and lots of people are coming and going. Wear plain clothing that does not stand out easily in a crowd, and carry any equipment sitting around to make yourself look like an employee.

The key to sneaking into a concert is attitude. If you believe you should be in there, then you should. If you look like you belong, you do. If you act like it’s no big deal, then it’s not. If you are nervous, try making a phone call, talking to friends, or looking at the concert program while entering the venue; this will help you to look more nonchalant.

Sneaking into a concert can certainly save you some bucks for the next event. Follow the above steps and save some money for what is most important to struggling college students everywhere…more Ramen Noodles!

Chris spheeris and his amazing music come to Arizona this November and the CloudNine team is so happy to spread the news!

Music from Chris has appeared in everything from commercials to the olympics and now Chris will be in town to share his music on November 7th, 2008 at 7:30 pm! Chris will perform with the Hellenic Greek Dancers to Help Benefit Higher Education for Hellenic Youth.

“Although my music is abstract in nature, and not intended to convey a particular message, i am very aware of the magical and powerful influence that music can have on the listener. for this reason, i carry with me the responsibility of what i communicate to my audience.”

Tickets are $27-$32! Visit the Mesa Arts Center or call the Box Office at 480-644-6500 for more info! We hope to see all of you there!

The biggest concert in my life deserves the best review I can give. The Doors music group aptly renamed The Doors 21st Century kicked off their 2004 tour on Friday in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

 The highly anticipated event was a month overdue because of a legal tangling with Ian Astbury, the frontman of this new group. The wait was well worth what we received from original Doors members Ray Mazarek (Keyboards), and Robby Krieger (Guitar). The only thing missing was of course Jim Morrison, the enigmatic and provocative lead singer that burned the history of Rock and Roll over 30 years ago.

To those born after The Doors died in 1971 with Jim, this was as close as anyone could get. Ian Astbury gave a phenomenal performance in Jim Morrison’s absence. Complete with tight jeans, dark sunglasses, long dark hair, and an uncanny resemblance to Jim he and the audience channeled the spirit of more than a band. I have attended many a Rock Concert, but this one ranks among the elite. One needs to wait a few days to really let the event seep into the pores of the mind. To those of us who believe in the myth of Rock music and believe in it like a religion, this was our Passion of the Christ.

When I arrived at the historic Orpheum Theater in Minneapolis I was awestruck by the interior. Perfect for a band that was established in the classic ballrooms of California in the late 1960s. Hanging chandeliers, enormous ceilings, and a great close view from where ever you sat… But very few people were sitting.

The anticipation from the crowd was electric. When the roadies were coming out to test the instruments the crowd lit up like a fire. Chanting for, “The Doors”, and rising to their feet. This scene was repeated several times.

 When the lights finally went down the deafening screams drowned out anything else in the room. Then a light appeared on the stage to show a juggler. After a few moments the light moved to a circus announcer at the side of the stage who announced, “From Los Angeles, California, THE DOORS!“.,

As the lights on the stage came on Ray Manzarek was seated at his organ, Robby Krieger had his classic Gibson SG electric guitar, and Ian Astbury was at the mic looking just like Jim Morrison. Persian rugs were on the floor below each member and they immediately began playing Break On Through. It sounded like a scene out of a Beatles movie from the screams of a very diversely aged crowd.

From then on the band played through the years picking several selections from different albums. (Set List Below) Ian Astbury mimicked the trademark revolutionary stage performance that Jim Morrison perfected many years ago. Although in today’s climate of bands the Doors would be a bit mild, the moves fit the music perfectly. There is a lot of discussion about having a replacement lead singer, but the crowd of over 10,000 was the actual replacement. The spirit of Jim Morrison was in everyone around, and the biggest example was the young kids who ran up next to the railing of the balcony.

 About ½ way through the show four 16 year old boys and girls ran up to the balcony railing and began dancing. When this happened awhile earlier guards came down quickly and escorted them back to their seats. Now they were here to stay.

Being so young one would assume that they had not even heard of an almost 40 year old band. But they knew every word and were dancing over the railing like Leonardo in Titanic! It was the epitome the evening. An older gentleman next to them was dancing with them and giving more high fives than the Super Bowl.

At the same moment a young man in his early 20s hopped up on stage and ran up to Ray Manzarek and put his arms up in the air cheering! The bouncers quickly wrangled him, but Jim Morrison was there that night. He was on T-Shirts, hats, minds, and souls The old trickster.

It should be noted that Ian Astbury even gives props to Jim when he sings, Not To Touch The Earth. He says, “Jim Morrison was the Lizard King, HE can do anything”. The other noticeable differences to 1967 were that Ray Manzarek’s keyboard was not his oldie. That didn’t stop him from playing with his feet and showing off. There were several times when Ray and Robby would point back and forth as they hit their cues in songs. The one person not pointing was John Densmore, the former drummer who was not in attendance.

 As the show was drawing to a close The Doors 21st Century played the hit, Light My Fire. The Doors greatest chart topping song, which was number one in the Summer of Love in 1967. The background was a liquid show, the theater was antique, and the music was what a group of Americans wrote many years ago in a turbulent time. Had Jim Morrison been there a riot surely would have erupted from the sexual and emotional energy that was in the theater.

Almost like a tribute to Jim the song The End, Jim’s and my own favorite was not played. I believe that this show was better than any concert I have ever scene. I think back to Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Paul McCartney, and other superstars’ shows I have attended. This one topped them all! Sure “the” Jim Morrison wasn’t there, but his spirit was in the music.

On a side note the local paper, The StarTribune had a guest writer do a review and it was the saddest thing I had ever read! The person was so disappointed that The Doors were playing without Jim Morrison he went to the length to say Ian Astbury stuffed his pants. It was a stupid article that should not have even been printed. I am ashamed and pray the Doors come back here! MINNESOTA LOVES YOU!!!

“I just gave a great concert. I thought I was on top of the world and yet, here I am, three days later, feeling sad and apathetic. Do I need a psychiatrist? Am I a freak?”

Of course you’re not. Let down feelings after a concert performance (even a successful one) are completely normal. How you deal with these feelings determine your level of emotional awareness and professionalism. Here’s how not to deal with let-down feelings from an isolated concert event that you have given:

“I worked so hard for my concert. What do I do now? I’m too lazy to start learning new stuff.”

The above quote deals with a professional’s worst enemy… laziness. Remember that you are not in a position to be lazy in your given profession. There’s too much out there to learn.

“Maybe I need a long vacation. I guess my inner child is crying out to me saying: ‘Stop pushing so hard.’ Poor, tired me… poor, poor tired me!”

If you are a professional that has just completed a huge tour, then you are probably in need of some babying and/or a vacation. However, a couple of concerts shouldn’t really exhaust you to the point of feeling that an all inclusive Hawaii vacation is your only resort for physical and mental recovery.

“I did make some mistakes in my concert, even though I played well. I wish I didn’t. I hate it when I’m not perfect. Perhaps that’s why I’m so sad”.

We are not machines. The word ‘perfect’ should be taken with a grain of salt. Trying your best is far healthier than seeking perfection. Worrying obsessively about mistakes of the past, or potential future difficulties, leads to a road of misery and non-productivity.

So how does a performer combat these negative feelings that occasionally surface in a post-concert situation? Here are some suggestions:

1. Immediately start a new project after a major event. True, you should enjoy the high of a post-concert event. Go for dinner or celebrate a good performance with family or friends. However, as soon as the high feeling is over, get to work.

2. Do not feel like you have worked harder than other concert pianists in preparing for a concert. Everyone is in the same boat. Occasionally, you will find performers who can learn and prepare for concerts quicker than you can. Big deal! Most of us have to work hard. It’s normal.

3. Do not over-worry about what went wrong. It’s silly to obsess about mistakes that are over and done with. Think of concerts as learning experiences. Apply those experiences to your next project. Whatever went wrong will be improved upon in your next concert.

4. When getting back to work, try remembering the basics such as goal setting, seeing small improvements as a source of inspiration, and collecting as much inner patience as possible in coping with the long process of learning new pieces.

No matter how well you play your instrument or how experienced you are on the concert circuit, you’re not totally immune to feelings of let-down. After all, it takes months and months to prepare a proper concert program. Then, in a blink of an eye, the whole event is over. This often leaves performers thinking: “That’s it… all that practice and that’s it?”

The trick is to catch yourself becoming emotionally stagnant or depressed and reversing your situation through some of the steps outlined in this article. Education and self-motivation are truly wonderful qualities in successful stage performers.