Howard Dean at House of Blues

[wtmusic]

It was a lot of dough, but I realized last week when I got the invitation from DeanForAmerica it may be my last chance to see Dean in any kind of semi-social situation (and it goes to a good cause, of course). So I went for it.

I arrived at House of Blues last night at about 6:30P for the 7:15 host reception, and there were already supporters waving signs outside on Sunset Blvd.

and about 150 people in line. Everybody was very enthusiastic and friendly. We were let in about 7P and I had a drink and chatted with some of the local fundraising staff. 7:15...7:30...still waiting (it seems the nature of campaigning makes it nearly impossible for a candidate to be anywhere on time). Then suddenly Dean walks in to applause, and the crush is on:

It's a wonder the poor guy was able to move. I realized I would probably have no personal interaction with him; I wasn't about to push my way into the throng but lo and behold he starts heading in my general direction and before I know it I'm shaking his hand and congratulating him on the Gore endorsement (Dean is the one who looks presidential):

Then it's back into the crowd. I have to say it must have been very uncomfortable, but Dean never betrayed any lack of graciousness and always obliged requests for autographs and pictures, time after time. He stayed about 20 minutes at our reception before heading backstage, while the Bangles entertained in the main room. As we joined the club crowd emcee Rob Reiner came out and introduced the legendary Folksmen of "A Mighty Wind" fame (Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer dressed appropriately in drag):

They did a short set featuring the songs "Old Joe's Place", "Loco Man", and "Never Did No Wanderin'". Then Reiner introduced the guest of honor, who spoke for about 1/2 hour to a wildly enthusiastic crowd of about 1000:

The themes were all familiar, except he did take a moment to comment on the Saddam capture and how nothing has changed in his stance that the war was WRONG (wild applause). Afterward Dean signed autographs from the stage for nearly ten minutes:

then wtmusic retired to the host bar where I joined in animated political conversation with two lovely women named Stacey and Georgia (Disclaimer: though 'lovely', they don't hold a candle to Mrs. Wtmusic):


A thoroughly enjoyable evening, during which I gained considerable respect for Dean. He never once tired of an overadoring crowd and seemed genuinely humbled. In person his honest and steadfast commitment shines through, and any lack of polish in his speech only endeared him to the crowd more.

P.S. joefree1--looked for you--I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

[slinkerwink]

1. sounds like you had a great time!

:-)

[realFedUp]

2. Love the eyewitness reporting!

Thanks, and you are very cute. :-)

[AP]

3. So you didn't get to ask him any of those questions?

?

[wtmusic]

6. Nah, it was nuts

Thanks for the questions anyway. I met several well-versed staffers who probably could answer those questions and I will pursue.

[moosedog]

4. Why didn't he dress up more?

i think you look more presidential with your suit and tie. He looks good, but not as dignified as you do. Congrats and I hope you will run for President as you look good. Mrs. Moose (teasing)

[mzmolly]

5. Wow, sounds amazing!

Thanks for sharing. :)

[Le Taz Hot]

7. I just love first-hand

reports. And pictures too! There was a fundraiser in San Francisco (same day, I think) I wanted to go to but, alas, our pre-endorsement caucus was the same day. I understand Bonnie Raitt sang.

Oh, and those "Mighty Wind" cast members. Priceless! :hi:

[HFishbine]

8. Any freepers?

Did the freepers show up as they were planning to?

[wtmusic]

9. Don't know

I didn't see any but I went in pretty early

[Rose Siding]

10. Those are great pictures

Thanks. He snagged endorsements yesterday from the reps for the Hollywood area and for metro LA/Westwood. What a terrific day! And that event just looks like it crackled with energy.

Did anyone ask Dean to play?

[wtmusic]

11. No one asked him to play

though I wish someone had. By the time he got done speaking people didn't have music on the brain anymore. Oh well...

[Cooley Hurd]

12. The Folksmen!!! Excellent!

Anyone who hasn't seen the movie, "A Mighty Wind," should run out and rent or buy it. Excellent parody (and the music, despite being campy-folksy, is actually quite good!)

P.S. Did you see a wedding ring on either Stacey or Georgia? Let me know if you didn't - Rrrrrrrrrrrowl!

[joefree1]

13. Down in the worker bee mosh pit

Wow, wtmusic, you're great. I've yet to upload my images to the web. I agree the event last night was fun as well as inspiring. Dean is not JFK but in a strange way it feels like he is talking right at you. I've rarely seen a bunch of Hollywood types looking so attentative (i.e. no one talking on their cel phones, all eyes and ears on Dean).

I have this strange inner giggle whenever I think how Bush and the media are underestimating Dean. My pictures soon.


Dean Rocks The House of Blues
If you went check in here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=106&topic_id=4536

[TLM]

14. HA I'm in one of your pictures...

[wtmusic]

15. I thought that was you...

trying to steal the show!! ;-)

[TLM]

16. And I took a picture from that spot....