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image via US Magazine
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....
But Miss Keys and I have had a rocky relationship. In October 2004 I missed her concert by one day during her Asia tour when I arrived in the Philippines. By the time I got there the newspapers were plastered with rave concert reviews from the night before. That sucked. In March 2005 I had actually purchased my concert and plane ticket to see her perform in Toronto. Twelve days before my flight, the airline went bankrupt (I will forever hate you Jetsgo) and I was left stranded, ticketless, and Alicia-less. That sucked big time.

But this time was real. I made it to Las Vegas. I made it to the MGM Grand Arena. I had floor seats and was surrounded by my closest friends and fellow fans. And she was beautiful, raw, passionate, and perfect. The hypnotic sound of that exquisite piano echoed through the arena and hushed the crowd. But she could easily switch it up and get you dancing on your feet again. She completely maintained your attention with such deep sincerity and gratitude for her fans. And as soon as she sang “Diary,” it was over and the tears where rolling down my face. That song is so epic for me. So few artists have grabbed my soul and her music has proven its timeless quality while continuing to experiment and grow. This concert was a long time coming, I had practically been planning it for years, and was worth every American penny.

- Anna Mae Abia
 


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