U2 - a delayed post

Wow. U2 coming to C-Ville?! It was a surprise to Michael this Spring when he got tickets not knowing whether or not we would be living here. We have learned that this town is very small. So hosting a group, like U2, shuts the place down. Scott Stadium has only been used for concerts two other times; for Dave Matthews and The Rolling Stones. We heard people recalling the terrible traffic it caused. This was likely no different. But, it was incredible to take part in. There was an aura in the city on Thursday; everyone abuzz. Everyone was preparing for the unavoidable parking issues. People that lived near the stadium were even renting out parking spots in their front yards. Posters hung outside college houses. The Rugby Rd. bridge was painted like a billboard. They were the cover of "The Hook," our local paper.

Michael and I were in disbelief that we were going; our first datenight in Charlottesville. Only the day before did we find someone to watch the boys. A dear friend from nursing school, Lisa Cotten Hetherington, had just contacted me through facebook saying that she and her husband had just moved here too. She also offered to babysit sometime (being very qualified as a pediatric nurse!) and had Thursday night free, despite having to wake-up early for work the next day! Wow. That's a servant. (Thanks again, Lisa!)

We parked at Venable, Michael's school, and walked about a half hour to get to the stadium. It was a beautifully clear, crisp fall night. We could hear the concert going on already. We decided to miss most of the opener, MUSE, so that we could put Noah to sleep first. We were sitting with some of Michael's new co-workers, Laura and Carol, and it was nice to get to know them while we waited for U2 to come out. It was also nice to run into one of my nursing school professors, Dr. Hulton! She and her daughter were sitting a few rows behind us.

I didn't really have a category to put the whole experience into - the set, lights, and multi-media were unlike anything I've ever seen. Michael could only compare it to the last time he saw them, 13 years ago, but it was nothing like this. In describing the actual concert, I want to link to a blog that I read the night before going to see them. It showed a lot of insight and helped me enjoy the concert so much more. Here is the article. The crowd that attended ranged in age, from elementary schoolers (some in Michael's classes) to those appearing to be in their 60s. What's not to like about these guys? They have brought Gospel themes into pop culture in a way that speaks to and captivates their audience. An unforgettable experience.