This was one fun month for those following Tears for Fears online as well as for our new friends from Hong Kong (i.e. Po Po and Mr. Wong to name a few). The band was a hit at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in HK. Thanks to Mr. Wong we were able to get a cool glimpse behind the scenes as well as great photos from the show. The FCC’s charity is one to be proud of as they aim to take good care of students and see them on their way. As tuition prices hike and life becomes increasingly expensive, it’s awesome to see such a prestigious group looking out for others. Read more about their work on our 2015/2016 Givings post.
Roland tweeted that he arrived first and the others came in not long after. Looks like their hotel may have been the Park Hyatt (and yes we kept that speculation under wraps until long after they were gone). The view of the harbour was outstanding from Curt’s pictures. The band also spent some time with local kids…so nice to see Lady T, Mr. B,, Charlton, Drummer Genius Jamie, Carina…everyone! How awesome!
What a lovely dinner setting …Awesome gift bags for attendees! Hello Kitty at the center. So Kawaii!
The dinner was first and the concert followed. There was a silent auction featuring many amazing pieces of art. This was certainly a red carpet affair with everyone dressed to the nines. Enjoy this link featuring a full array of pictures from the event including the stunning attire of the guests and the presence of many brands plus sponsors.
Photo by H. WongPhoto by H. WongPhoto from FCC’s publicatonsThis guy is awesome! Mr. H. Wong everyone! ::applause:: Thank you!Cute photo of the Good Sir and the Good Man rockin’ out on stage. #GoodTimesTweets by the FCC were flowing before and after the event. Great way to follow the show for those that couldn’t go.
Be sure to check out the video on the “Tears for Fears and Kooks” Facebook page – video by Po Po xox
This was the 3rd show that we live tweeted since our inception some years ago. The first one was from Brasil thanks to Marcio, the second was KROQ. Thanks to all who make these events possible and to those who hook us up remotely so fans can be there not just in spirit but online as the concerts take place. While nothing beats Travel Fan life, it’s also nice to know you can get online and follow local concert attendees who Periscope, tweet video and other things for fellow fans if you just *can’t* go. With that said, let’s be respectful of these watermarked (pink winged butterfly) items as well as those noted FCC. If you’re sharing on your wall, note the photographer’s name. They spent their resources to be there and for some of them photography and reporting is their life’s work. Most of their content is protected by law. Be sure to give credit where credit is due.
Po Po on the front row snapping close ups 🙂Po Po grabs a quick pic of the Good Sir
Thanks for reading! Have a great rest of the year!
TFF Travel Fan Team
*Dedicated to Travel Fans Bob Ramos (Maestro), Silver Kitty, Lady Carolyn and Lax M. ~ thank you for making the journey!
*pardon my mixed English…I don’t use this language much except online and in professional settings.
THIS TFF SHOW WAS EPIC!
So… as we head eastward toward Red Bank we get a text from Deb, “Hold that ticket! Don’t give it away just yet.” After checking into the hotel, Deb sends another text stating that she’s turned that car around and is going to be able to make it to the show! Her third one of this leg of the TFF Tour. Haha! Now that’s a travel fan! We cheered as she came upstairs. The gang was all there. Time for more Tears for Fears Travel Fan fun (or pure majestic music madness)!
By 6:30pm we were driving around looking for parking and were fortunate to find a spot outside some really cool shoppes two blocks from the Count Basie Theater. The night prior I remember being rather calm (which is not my norm). Tonight I was back to my usual Tears for Fears pre-show jitters and they were in full force. Again, I couldn’t walk, I was pausing a lot on the side walk and could barely stand up straight. The butterflies were hardcore having it out inside my soul. I managed to crawl to the venue where we were met by a slew of fellow travel fans who were detailing all of the things that had happened to us, they had been following along via social media (Twitter, FB, Periscope).
Listening to Stand or Fall in the Hall…
We wasted no time and went right into hugs and photos. Then we all floated into that majestic venue as Stand or Fall began to play. We were decked out in our concert clothes, dancing around; me in a tiara to represent the fact this band is Rock Royalty and Carolyn in her Roland T-shirt and tattoo. I sat in the center, four rows from the stage and much closer to it. Lax from San Fran was right beside me. I have to tell you, Lax is an uber-dedicated fan who cares not just about other travellers but about the comfort of the band. Just listening to him speak gave me chills as his care and concern for their well-being took precedence over asking for a meet and greet and other things that I’ve come to learn are the first things people ask about during meetups. He’s met them before and will see them again. Lax’ first priority was hoping that TFF were well rested and feeling good for the show. Kudos to you Lax! You are too cool!
Kris and AA heading inside for the show
Peace all around…
Just like the night prior, Carina comes out and does her cool song set. This time she added a different tune that was a bit edgier. I think it was a suggestion by Bill of the TFF crew. Then the band came out and did what they do best, this time to a very eager and excited crowd. When Falling Down began to play, my hands shook a little because I was afraid people would sit down as they had the night before in Morristown…but they didn’t. The majority stayed on their feet, swayed and sang along.
Here’s what was on the list…
Mega Marvelous Moments Admist Amazing Music
Again, the entire show was much more energetic audience-wise than that of Morristown NJ. And of course, the band is ALWAYS animated and fun. They are great showmen and women. They’ve got this! But the energy was powered by a much more diverse group of people…slews of fans from New York. The crowd included notable folks like one of the leaders of Brown Girls Burlesque, an entertainment producer from the D.C. area and financial grinders from Wall Street. All were totally ELECTRIC! The people in the three rows ahead of me/on the front row were jumping around, women on the second row were dancing like crazy (as seen in many videos) and people were genuinely courteous to each other…even those who asked if I would give them my seat. They didn’t get upset with me when I refused…they later understood.
Video Moment – Change
There was a very tiny blooper where Roland seemed to forget a verse of ELAHE. And it was actually quite awesome. Here’s why…that’s one of many songs with complicated lines I’ve memorised to the very end. So… myself and others who knew it kept right on singing …LOUD. I could hear myself over the few seconds of silence. I quickly piped down but it was too late. Some people turned around and looked at me as if they were trying to figure out the rest of the song. Some people were sitting at this point so I was this lone person in the center of this venue (here we go again). I could feel Roland’s spotlight hitting my back making a shadow on the seats in front of me because I was directly in front of him four rows back. “It’s okay!” I yelled and started hand gesturing the rest of the lyrics. Roland hopped right back into the verse like a pro and we all sang along. It was so much fun. I almost wish he’d pause on purpose and let the audience fill in just for kicks…but anyway…
Bobby cut the song off just before the blooper happened…and that’s perhaps for the best…
It’ll be a moment only G-d and I will remember. I’m sure the Good Sir has washed it from his memory and rightly so, it wasn’t that big of a deal but darn that was fun for those of us who love that song. I enjoyed acting out the words as ridiculous as I may have looked in that Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter coordinate and tiara. That spotlight was so bright it was impossible to avoid being a spectacle standing there animated, wiggling around to the beat but hey…You only live once… YO-EFFIN-LO.
Another outstanding moment was Curt wearing a very special Ben Sherman shirt and walking over to Silver Kitty so she could see he was wearing her gift. I about died…I was so happy. I’ve yet to have seen that on any of the videos, so again, that’s between us and G-d Almighty.
But two things did get on camera thanks to Mr. Ramos and SK, The Good Man came over just after Head Over Heels and gave Travel Fan, Queen of Kooks, Silver K the coolest of hugs! If any other hugs occurred on the planet that night, they didn’t compare to the one she got. It was so sweet and so caring. Boy did that soothe my soul. We as fans love Curt and his family. G-d bless them. Very sweet Smith Family Rockers…a gentle family with big hearts.
Blessed be the name…
Amen!
In case that’s not clear, we’ll play it for you…
Let me not forget another moment of joy and glory when The Good Sir let me sing again with Lady Cams on Shout… 😉 that’s like the second time (first time was 2011) and I swear when I die I will have that put on my tombstone, “Sir Roland Orzabal let me sing…twice.”
*Thanks SK for prompting me to come stand with you. Thanks to the people next to you who ushered me right on in.
Lax got to sing too!
Sowing the Seeds …For Real
So…the show ends, the lights go up and suddenly all these shiny (drenched) happy people turn around and look at their fellow concert goers that they’ve been dancing and singing next to all evening. “I’ve got pictures of you, let me send them to you,” one began. Then others chimed in showing each other their pictures and immediately texting these perfect strangers all of their photos.
Our new pal Mr. Ramos hanging out with Carina
One person in particular was Bob Ramos, a music guru with a long history in music education…yeah, he was there too! Isn’t that the coolest?! “I’ve got pictures of you, and you…and you, too!” he said as he pointed to each person near the stage. We exchanged email addresses and chatted for a few minutes (very briefly because security was trying to clear that place out). But then something odd happened…people started hugging…and kissing…and smooching each other goodbye. People that had never even met before…even I was gently kissed by strangers a few times and not a pop kiss on the cheek either, a full on frontal smack on the lips. In our not so tidy states of joy THAT happened…and you know what ::whispering:: I liked it! #TFFUtopia
I remember turning back around to one of the rather skilled darlings (he clearly had a PhD from the University of Pucker-Up and shall remain nameless) to give him a compliment on his kindness. I dropped a loving line and walked away for fear I might be so bold and ask for another. For shame, indeed. That’s perhaps an overshare. But we’re all friends now. It was all in the name of love. Still rarely a dull moment in this crew, eh? Speaking of moments, did I mention Kris slid Roland some chocolate in the middle of the show! LOL! He leaned right over and loved it! #ChocolateTennisRacket for the win! So cute!!
Kris slid Roland his chocolate tennis racket!! #TwitterWinGenerous Drummer Genius Jamie Wollam
Drummer Genius Jamie Wollam was very generous with drum sticks this tour. He not only gave out the pair he played with that night but also brand new ones to various people. He threw a drum stick toward Bobby (who already had a pair from the Tulsa Oklahoma show) and Bobby caught it…and gave it to a sweet man who happened to be in a wheelchair in front of him. Made that man’s night! Huge thanks to Jamie for being so accommodating to many of the dears and giving encouraging and kind words throughout their time with the band.
Catching the Good and Cool, Uber Cute man Curt before he catches a flight home xoxooxoxox
We finally left the concert area, well some of us anyway… Bobby went backstage and had a long chat with Roland about music, song meanings and other stuff. Several Travel Fans hung out near Carina, our man Mr. Ramos got some drum sticks and a set list signed…and as he put it, had his “expectations met like a MOFO.”
We had entirely too much fun not only with the band but with fellow fans. We played and chatted like kids and teens with new and old fan family as they came out from backstage. Curt had to jet but when I checked my phone I found he had left me a really nice note. I cherish things like that. He didn’t have to say anything at all but he did…he did a lot of things. Gestures are everything. To finish up our outstanding evening we went over to the best, authentic Mexican Restaurant on the planet before heading back to the hotel. It’s called North of the Border and it’s not far from the train. Go eat there! It’s incredible!
!!!IT WAS SUCH AN AWESOME NIGHT!!! Sadly words and these descriptions can’t really sum up the event. It was one of those, “you had to be there” occasions. There are so many people to thank including the Angels of Mercy that got us there. What more can we say? Muchisimas Gracias, Dalu, Salamat, Merci and THANK YOU!
Loving Lax and his signed set list 🙂Our new friend from DC – hard core fan from 1979! Got his Graduate cover signed! “Hey hey hey heyyyy…”
More pictures from the show… Thanks Mr. Ramos! 😉
Hanging out in the hallway at Count Basie TheatreLegendary Count Basie!
Drum sticks of Drummer Genius Jamie Wollam
Love this silhouette… rock on Good Sir… heck yes! #RolandAndCurtForever #TearsForFearsForLife
*These photos are the property of Bob (we’re nicknaming “Maestro” …everybody on the travel fan team gets a nickaname). Please respect that he was the photographer. We appreciate his gifts and they should be credited as such.
Thanks for reading!
Cheers
AA
Please follow Steve VitalIdol and Donna NJ on YouTube (great videos)… *Leave them a thank you note.
*The Travel fans would like to dedicate this to Mr. Gormont. Husbands in fan clubs play a special role in many lives. Thanks for your support! Enjoy Melissa’s amazing memories…
The concert at Mayo was the best time ever. I couldn’t sleep for days leading up to the concert due to the anticipation of seeing my favorite band. My kids were so excited as well. My youngest, Rachel is 7. She kept counting the days down. Sam was hoping they would sing his favorite song, “Advice for the Young at Heart”. Daniel, my son who has cerebral palsy can not talk. We know his likes and dislikes by facial reactions. His absolute favorite song is “Sowing the Seeds of Love”. We have the DVD for it. Any time we travel we have to play it. When it comes to that song, he goes crazy and smiles from ear to ear.
Daniel loves watching TFF on his road trips
On the day of the concert, we started our 4 hour drive. The other kids wanted to watch a movie. Daniel pouted and was agitated until we put his TFF DVD in and turned it on. He knows what he wants. We were ecstatic when we found out we were going to be able to meet the band. I jumped up and down like a school girl on the cheerleading squad. My kids thought I was crazy. My husband just laughed. He knows how much this trip meant to us.
We loved every second of the concert. I had fun watching my children get to experience the TFF Magic. When they started Seeds of Love, I had to videotape Daniel. He just sat there like wow where is this coming from. He was completely amazed.
That night during his sleep he kept laughing. He would even open his eyes and giggle a little and fall back asleep. We knew what he was thinking about. When they sang Advice Sam got up and danced. He never dances but the music moved him. Rachel loved it all. She started to fall asleep at one point since she woke up super early to get there, but when monkey monkey monkey, her nickname for Head Over Heels, came on; she woke right up and started dancing. The only thing that could have made the night better was Woman In Chains. That is my favorite song. I would have loved to have heard it. I can’t complain though.
TFF touches my heart and soul. Their mesmerizing melodies and thought-provoking lyrics can not be beat. I couldn’t sleep that night after the concert. Dare I say my excitement after meeting Roland kept me in such ecstasy that words fail to describe it. He is such a compassionate man. He spoke to my husband, Rachel, Samuel and even Daniel. Some people are intimidated by special needs children. Not Roland. He was and still is one of the sweetest men I know. I will be forever grateful to him. He made the dreams of my children, my husband, and myself come true. He is truly an inspiration. He should be the role model that all new artists regard as the one to be.
Pre-Show cool settings at TFF shows…
Starting them off right, Gormont Kids know, Sunflowers are the way to go!The Good Sir & the Gormont Family
*Moderator Notes*
We were unable to download the videos of Daniel and the kids enjoying the show. We do not usually feature “children” in our blog for their safety because the world is “mad.” However, we’re going to make an exception and work hard to get the videos uploaded. I must attempt to paint a picture of Daniel’s face. It was just priceless…like every dream had come true. His expression was just beautiful. Thank you Lady Mel for answering the roll call bonus, driving down with your family and spending time with us! Welcome to the Travel Fan family!
*Dedicated to Bobby – King of the Road* and Daniel G. & our Lady Cindy of New York, the Duchess of Fandom done right! 5am we straggle (yes, straggle – stagger & drag our sleepy selves) into Morristown New Jersey after one wild ride up the east coast through mountains and past some very interesting people, historic monuments and locations, eating interesting road food not to mention coincidental signage and vehicles…and the New Jersey Turnpike. Need we say more?
Little Logistics for the Win
Waking up at 9am, I spent most of my morning checking email, interacting with fellow TFF fans on social and trying to convince myself I should be sleeping because it would certainly be a very long day. Fans were trickling in from the TFF Capitol Theater concert in Port Chester, New York. Heaven knows if they got any sleep either. By 1pm Silver Kitty is up freakin’ out cause I let her lie-in/sleep in. I figured, heck…she deserves a few more winks after that 18 hour ride up but I forgot we had our normal ritual stuff to do like eating so we don’t pass out. We need time before/between shows to say the least.
Eventually Lady Mel and the Gormont Family arrive down the hall in their suite, Deb gets in from the prior show and is laying on the bed, I’m sitting on the bed and Bobby is on the phone while I continue to wipe Noxema cold cream on my face in my odd pajamas. Bobby was patient and took good care of us, he and Carolyn. They took food orders and went out and got a ridiculous amount of stuff from Panera, Starbucks double shots, orange juice and more. Big thanks to the Hyatt for making sure we were well accommodated given our very large party. It pays to be a member of that hotel chain.
Silver K and Lady Mel at Strawberry Fields
Travel Fan Meet Up
Once everyone was present and people had checked in, we got ready to head over to the show for the first of two more meetups, the last ones before the band heads off to Hong Kong where other gatherings would take place between our fellow travel fans in that area. We got to the Mayo Performing Arts Center right at 7pm and were fortunate to get a great spot in their designated parking lot, very convenient. I think we paid about $10? Maybe $5? Either way, it was cheap compared to Atlanta and Los Angeles. As we walked, I saw that this part of town had a very “historic” feel to it. Small shoppes, historic homes and well manicured spaces lined the street. It looked like a scene from a painting or a doll house. After picking up our tickets we went to a sweet spot adjacent to MPAC called Strawberry Fields. There we made ice cream sundaes and yogurt/ice cream milkshakes. After an hour, several Travel Fans were comfy inside eating yogurt and candy, getting jolted for the show. Because we don’t get to see each other except on tours, we held conversation right up til time to go inside the venue.
Hugs and Kisses with a Side of Nostalgia
Rushing out of the humid air we find our way inside MPAC but not before snapping group pictures and one of the sign featuring the band’s arrival. The theater is very nice inside and looks just like the pictures online. We had really great seats but because of the way that the Golden Circle is positioned you’re not as close to the stage as many travel fans are accustomed, even on the 5th row. So it was a little odd. But big shout out to the MPAC staff for assisting us with the seats and making sure we got great spots up close and near each other.
Great seats thanks to MPAC staff!
Before show time, I went around smooching on my fellow Travel Fan members like Cindy, a mega fan who follows Duran Duran, The Cure and a ton of other amazing bands. She has a great blog, takes great pictures and is credited for the majority of the video snippets in this post. She looked awesome as always and had friends in tow. We were all on the same row with an aisle between us. While waiting, Stand or Fall by The Fixx comes on and everybody that travels to TFF shows knows that’s a gift from the band…it’s almost like a big hug from Curt as I know I beg for that song to be featured before every show just like the day we rekindled the idea of travelling to every TFF event. That particular mix that they play includes Ashes to Ashes (the original by David Bowie) as well. With all due respect to royal rocker DB, several feel that Roland’s version is just as good as Bowie’s if not better…and I agree.
The Golden Circle seating – photo courtesy the Gormont Family
The Show
Carina Round opened the event and did a great job. She wore her lovely black dress with the scalloped sleeves. Ms. Round sang Backseat and some of her other cool songs from her opening sets of tours past (2012, 2014 and Part I of 2015).
Then…Lorde’s cover of Everybody Want to Rule The World came on. There was a dead silence minus the Travel Fans and other die-hards screaming and squealing. I finally yelled, due to lack of control, “This is it!! They’re Coming Out!!” and people beside me stood up as did a few others looking like newcomers to a cult ceremony. Soon Doug, Carina, Charlton and Jamie began to appear faintly in the blue light and mad applause began. The Rock Royals stood near their microphones and the concert was in full force with the wonderful energy even more prominent than tours past…and that’s saying a lot. They were SPARKLING!
Selections from the Set List
EWTRTW
Sowing the Seeds by John Sheehan
Secret World
BIDA
Change
MAD WORLD
Memories Fade
Creep
ADVICE
HOH
SHOUT
Then suddenly… *I should perhaps leave this out but we did discuss it on Twitter so I’ll detail what occurred…
The weirdest thing happened…something I have not seen at this particular magnitude. Falling Down’s first chords began to play and people start sitting down?! I was later told that people do this out of respect to an artist’s more subdued songs. Well, I’ve rarely seen such behaviour at a Tears for Fears show minus the few that sat down during FDAR in Orange County 2012 because they were unfamiliar with the song. So, needless to say I remained standing. There’s no way in hell I was going to “sit” at a Tears for Fears concert. Whether Roland wants to lead us in prayer or Curt wants to do a 30 min fashion show for Ben Sherman and Doc Martens between songs, I’m going to remain standing as long as they are on that stage. Well, soon I was like…one of 10 people (mostly Travel Fans) standing in my section. Fresh. hell. broke. loose.
Some guy starts yelling at me to sit down. I don’t know if it was fatigue or just sheer dedication to this band (maybe both) but I turned around and gave him the wrath of an exhausted superfan who had ridden over 18 hours to see this band…this was coupled with a “2doigts-salute.” Fans in other rows chimed in with me in support and told me to stand my ground. I remained standing, faced the stage and swayed to Falling Down, ignoring the horrible things the man said…something about the war was over? What does that even mean?
As he yelled and I didn’t understand much of what he was saying to even detail it further. Instead I thought how horrible and distracting this was for Roland to watch…and you know he saw it because I’m the only one in the center fifth row from the stage, in clear view of the Rock Royals, still standing. Then I had to remember who I represented. I am a fan of an amazing band that deserves our respect and a trouble free concert. I also represent my parents’ nation, my culture and so much more. Above all, I have a responsibility to behave appropriately on behalf of this band because we don’t want to be “bad fans.” I sat down briefly for the sake of that. But thank goodness Curt eventually asked that everyone stand up. It was perfect timing as others in the crowd hassled Cindy to sit down too though she refused. Curt delivered the Karma so to speak. Because of Curt’s prompt, the venue got up from their seats and remained standing for the show. I wanted to turn around and thumb my nose at that miserable drunk jerk who yelled at us but I was too busy dancing and having a good time to bother.
San Francisco & Oklahoma -Travel Fans from around the nation
After the show a few folks went backstage, while some went outside to do Periscopes and photos. Then we rode around in circles in a super sober mad stupor rehashing every inch of the show, encountered a family of deer which calmed our post-concert nerves and is now our new symbol. Our official animal is now the white spotted deer. Whenever we get too excited, we’re just going to hold up the sign of the white deer and refocus. Yeah, a little strange but It was a long day and we were tired.
Deb in the bed
We couldn’t stay out late because we had to be up and ready to head out for the next show (something you get used to when following the band). A short post-show travel fan chat took place back at the hotel and Melissa joined, bringing snacks and other offerings. She even had gifts! We stayed up til perhaps 3am and then went to bed. On Wednesday we checked out by 1pm and wished Deb goodbye as she had to go back to being an adult (though we joked with her to ask her boss if she could stay away a little longer).
Huge thanks to the Good Sir for making the Gormont family’s show so memorable!
The Good Sir & the Gormonts
The band was attentive to fans and people left the venue in good spirits. Very grateful to Cindy for coming down from New York to be there with us all. Huge thanks to Melissa and Deb for coming and staying with us in the designated suites. Awesome to see our Lady Colleen and meet all of the fans that flew in from abroad. We thankfully had extra tickets for the next day’s show and were able to hand those out to those who wanted to move up and be close to the stage. It’s all about teamwork!
*more to come from the craaazzyyy fun TFF Show at Count Basie Theatre where love literally reigned among Rock Royalty fans
The Tears for Fears Travel Fan team members made an epic journey and effort to have representation at each of the shows on both coasts for Part II. Lax made it to the Vina Robles Show, another went to TBD Fest as shown in the previous “Tour Recaps” and then several including Lax headed east for the Sterling Michigan, Canada and New York Show at the Capitol Theater (plus both New Jersey concerts).
The Midwest Travel Fans, led this time by Bobby, got the mini-tour bus treatment and went through Oklahoma, Atlanta and several other states to get to New Jersey for the Morristown and Red Bank concerts…Bobby clocked approx. 4,500 miles taking fans from their homes to the shows and back again. He is definitely TFF Travel Fan MVP.
While some were making their way up the historic highways, taking quick snaps at the nation’s capital and learning about New Jersey tolls, many others were lining up at the Capitol Theater. Lax, a dedicated Travel Fan from the San Francisco area was one of those people. He and others in our loving circle piled into that venue tightly among a very animated crowd that, according to reports, included two drunk women who wickedly made their way through the crowd sloshing their drinks. They ended up spilling them on several. They were thankfully removed from the venue. Still the fans remained focus and were able to enjoy a good show. Kudos to those who flew in long distances (from the West Coast, South & Central America) to be at shows.
Set List
Courtesy Travel Fan
Here are videos from fans who attended the show:
EWTRTW – courtesy Cyberace27
Change by R Palomba
Mad World
Memories Fade
Advice for the Young at Heart
Badman’s Song by Kurt B.
Head Over Heels by xxsusannycxx
WIC by Ronald R
Shout by R. Palomba
Big Thanks to Lax, Lady CM and Cams NYC for the pictures as well as Deb, our fellow Travel Fans (i.e. Lady JP & more) for their wonderful shares, reports and contributions. Be sure to leave a kind word on their videos and a “like.”
Inside the TheaterCarina, Roland Capitol Theatre by Lax
Roland at Capitol Theater courtesy of LaxROCS at Capitol Theater by Lax
Lovely note from Maceo’s mum – 2014 Team CS Givings… standwithmaceo.com
Every year, around September (just after Lady Diva Smith’s birthday) for the past 4 years, we’ve highlighted a charity or group. This originated with the Team CS Kooks (@papasfans on Twitter). That list has grown. This year we are featuring new causes and modern artists/musicians that are not related directly to Tears for Fears but share some of the same qualities we’ve found in Curt Smith’s giving efforts and success.
Kenna Songs for Flight
This campaign is aimed at clean water, health and humanity. It highlights people around the globe without stereotypes, a glimpse into current day and how we can improve life abroad and at home. It’s almost a self-reflection that is like nothing many have ever seen before. Check out what Kenna is doing and consider donating to his efforts and goal of clean water and much more. http://www.kenna.com
Short degree of separation to TFF: Please remember we first heard about Kenna through Michael Roland Magno, a long time Tears fan and lead singer in a few bands plus solo artist. His brother DJMadFlip shares a birthday with Roland’s brother Mr. C Orzabal and decided to not accept birthday presents but instead collect money for the clean water campaign. In addition, they are ManU supporters and connected to this band in a different way as they promote TFF’s music and support many of the same causes coincidentally. We’re happy to support the clean water campaign alongside these outstanding musicians and TFF fans.
Learn More about Kenna’s efforts via this video…
PABLove
Earlier this year, Good Man Curt Smith was involved with this organisation that helps kids with cancer “live a love filled life today and a cancer free life tomorrow.” That alone is enough to make us want to donate and we’re asking you to join in by sending what you can to their efforts. http://www.pablove.org
Tory Burch Foundation
This goes beyond an appreciation for Curt’s wife and her career, this has to do with the mission of the foundation. Ruling one’s own world/being one’s own boss and having the skills to be an entrepreneur are not always encouraged. With respect to both sexes and all genders, the term businessman was at one time more common than businesswoman. Sure you can get an MBA or go to business school but let’s face it, these things were only heavily emphasised in recent years. Women, like men, deserve the knowledge and skills needed to create their own companies. We like this foundation because its mission is to “empower women entrepreneurs.” Please take some time to read about the organisation and give as your heart leads: http://www.toryburchfoundation.org
Angel Tree
This is a national organisation that provides requested items for children who need assistance. The children fill out their needs, they are listed on an angel that is placed on a holiday/Christmas tree. Good Samaritans stop by the tree, pick up an angel and buy the items listed. The organisation delivers the items to the children at an organised gathering (usually around the stateside holidays/Christmas). You can learn more about this helpful operation through The Salvation Army. Blog.SalvationArmyUSA.org
The Foreign Correspondents’ Club
This particular branch is based in Hong Kong. Their efforts go above and beyond to help young people. According to the FCC, 13 years ago they started a scholarship fund to support young people from the PLK system. FCC “provided ancillary financial support to the children while they pursued a university degree of their choice.” Learn more about this org and find out how you can donate via http://www.fcchk.org – This is the same club that is hosting Tears for Fears at their Charity Ball in a few days (info available on this blog site)
2014 Charity Ball – Rock for Charity
There are so many great causes and groups working to make life better for others. If you have one that you’d like to see highlighted let us know about it. Thanks in advance for giving your time, resources and assistance. Life isn’t easy for all. When we can find the time to help each other through big or small efforts we are working for the greater good.
We literally overheard this announcement standing around in the wings prior to the Tulsa show. We didn’t receive confirmation on this concert’s “open to ALL” notification until two weeks ago. The info below was confirmed to us this morning. We do our best to publish accurate information. The last thing we want to do is announce a show then suddenly fans find out (after airfare purchases) that they can’t even buy tickets. Our intention was to wait until the band spoke on it officially/in print. There was a brief tweet, so here’s the official Travel Fan notice that yes, the Charity Ball 2015 hosted by the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Hong Kong is open to all and will feature Tears for Fears.
Buying Tickets
There are two options it seems. Tables and individual seats. You can use this link to get in touch with the producers/organisers of the event to better understand the seating choices. All ticket purchases include dinner and drinks.
– Individual – $2,888HKD/ approx $373 USD (please see form below and list with whom you want to sit when filling out the form)
If plan to go, you may want to contact The FCC by emailing charityball at fcchk dot org .
If you are buying a table, making a purchase of any sort or donating, please fill out the forms and send them in. Use the link to help you navigate your purchase and reservation. If you have trouble downloading the form, email us so we can send it to you directly.
Location/Venue
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong (phone: 85225828888)
Suggested Accommodations (our opinion)
-Grand Hyatt Hong Kong (www.hyatt.com) – our Travel Fan favourite hotel
-Renaissance Harbour View Hotel
If you need other options, please feel free to contact us directly. Room prices vary but both listed are 5 star with comfortable pricing – about the same prices as we paid in New Jersey for a large suite. You’ll want to be comfortable there after that long flight.
Airfare & Ground Transportation: (for US based fans)
Delta has flights with only 1 stop (Seattle or Los Angeles layover) starting around $1670.00. Taxis and Uber are both available in Hong Kong.
Meet & Greets
Yes, you flew all the way there but that does not guarantee you will meet the band. If it’s that crucial, please notify the club of your circumstance to see if there are any options.
That’s all we’ve got for now. Please let us know if you need more info. Leave a message in the comments or email us directly via the Tears for Fears and Kooks Facebook page. Take some time to read about The Foreign Correspondent’s Club and all that they do. We’ll be listing them on the 2015/2016 Givings as well.
Roland tweeted that he arrived first and the others came in not long after. Looks like their hotel may have been the Park Hyatt (and yes we kept that speculation under wraps until long after they were gone). The view of the harbour was outstanding from Curt’s pictures. The band also spent some time with local kids…so nice to see Lady T, Mr. B,, Charlton, Drummer Genius Jamie, Carina…everyone! How awesome!
Tears for Fears Travel Fans 