SVS VANCITY.

I had the chance to check out Alicia Keys in Manila while I was in the Philippines last summer.
For the price of nosebleed ticket here in Vancouver, we were able to sit in the 2nd row in Manila.
The concert was supposed to take place in the outdoor theatre of Mall of Asia, but the rainy season caused a change of venue to the SMX Convention Centre (still an awesome venue).

The Philippines definitely loves Ms.Keys, as the convention center was filled from front to back (people paid $10 CAD to stand the whole night in the verrrrry back room where you could only see Alicia Keys through TV Monitors).

Her performance was great (save for a few questionable dance moves and head twirls) and it was truly an unrealistic experience to be so close to her.

In recent years the “Concert Vacation” has become an increasingly popular destination for me, despite the lack of funds most times. Having grown up in Edmonton, Alberta, few concerts found their way to us. You always had to find them.

Although I live in Vancouver now where there is a definite increase of concert availability, I still find myself travelling to distant places to enjoy some great live music. For me, buying concert tickets has been equivalent to buying food. I just can’t help it. Amel Larrieux in Seattle. Rock the Bells in San Francisco. Common in Las Vegas. Mariah Carey in Edmonton. Kanye West in Toronto. John Legend in Vancouver. Oscar D’Leon in Calgary. Sonora Carruseles in Montreal.

For nearly 4 months last year I carefully planned a trip to Las Vegas in May for the sole purpose of finally seeing Miss Alicia Keys perform live at the MGM Grand Arena for her “As I Am” tour. I was desperate to see her....