Matt and his wife, Christina, performed last night at West Point Military Academy in New York, and it was an evening not soon to be forgotten!
The performance was originally scheduled for Saturday, but it had to be postponed due to the threat of inclement weather. We left early Saturday morning and drove up to secure a place, and then we found out a few hours later that it had been pushed to Sunday, so we left and went home, determined to come back again the next day. West Point is nestled in the mountains overlooking the Hudson River (an area steeped in tradition and history). Trophy Point Amphitheater was located at the base of a hill that was literally covered with people by the time the show began. The Jazz Knights performed first, followed by the Concert Band--both groups were outstanding! Then the guest vocalists were introduced. Christina came out in a stunning teal-colored gown, and Matt followed, looking suave in a tux. They alternated singing a variety of show tunes, sometimes solo and sometimes together. In between the songs, they traded some cute banter back and forth. The concert concluded with the traditional 1812 Overture (Tchaikowsky - did I spell that right?), set to cannon and fireworks. The fireworks were incredible--we had such a view that you felt like you were sitting inside them, watching inside out.
We sat front and center in the area for 'regular folks' just behind the cordoned off VIP section. During the start of the concert, I commented to my partner in crime that I saw Grace and Emma. They had been escorted over to sit in the VIP section with someone from the place, and they were probably about 20 or so feet away from us. They sat there through the concert until after Mom & Dad performed, and then they were escorted out to join them for the festivities at the end.
At the conclusion of the concert, the lights went up and people began to scatter. I need to make one stop before the drive home
and as my husband and I were heading out in that direction, he suddenly grabbed
me and said he could see Matt up at the stage. I had thought they'd left by then, but next thing I know, Dan is taking off in that direction, and I'm
hurrying to keep up with him. And there was the Ashford family alongside the stage, greeting people. Matt looked over and saw us and got a big smile, and
then he came over and gave me a really nice hug to greet me. We chatted a moment, but then he got called away, so I waited to talk to Christina.
She saw me standing there and smiled and said 'hi' so I went to introduce myself to her. She introduced me to the girls, and I said I had met Grace in Pittsburgh (Grace smiled and said she thought I looked familiar). I told Christina what a treat it was to have been able to hear them both perform together. I asked if they had any other upcoming projects, but there were none she could call to mind. I said that I hoped they'd be back at this event, as it was wonderful. She was so pleasant and gracious. I chatted a few moments, and then she and the girls moved on (Grace said they had to be up at 6 AM to leave...ugh) Matt came back over and I talked to him for another moment and collected one last hug as I wished him safe travels and he returned the sentiment.
I should have a little bit more to share, when I have time to get it together, but here's something for now:
Matt, post performance (never let 'em see you sweat...)
The performance was originally scheduled for Saturday, but it had to be postponed due to the threat of inclement weather. We left early Saturday morning and drove up to secure a place, and then we found out a few hours later that it had been pushed to Sunday, so we left and went home, determined to come back again the next day. West Point is nestled in the mountains overlooking the Hudson River (an area steeped in tradition and history). Trophy Point Amphitheater was located at the base of a hill that was literally covered with people by the time the show began. The Jazz Knights performed first, followed by the Concert Band--both groups were outstanding! Then the guest vocalists were introduced. Christina came out in a stunning teal-colored gown, and Matt followed, looking suave in a tux. They alternated singing a variety of show tunes, sometimes solo and sometimes together. In between the songs, they traded some cute banter back and forth. The concert concluded with the traditional 1812 Overture (Tchaikowsky - did I spell that right?), set to cannon and fireworks. The fireworks were incredible--we had such a view that you felt like you were sitting inside them, watching inside out.
We sat front and center in the area for 'regular folks' just behind the cordoned off VIP section. During the start of the concert, I commented to my partner in crime that I saw Grace and Emma. They had been escorted over to sit in the VIP section with someone from the place, and they were probably about 20 or so feet away from us. They sat there through the concert until after Mom & Dad performed, and then they were escorted out to join them for the festivities at the end.
At the conclusion of the concert, the lights went up and people began to scatter. I need to make one stop before the drive home
and as my husband and I were heading out in that direction, he suddenly grabbed
me and said he could see Matt up at the stage. I had thought they'd left by then, but next thing I know, Dan is taking off in that direction, and I'm
hurrying to keep up with him. And there was the Ashford family alongside the stage, greeting people. Matt looked over and saw us and got a big smile, and
then he came over and gave me a really nice hug to greet me. We chatted a moment, but then he got called away, so I waited to talk to Christina.
She saw me standing there and smiled and said 'hi' so I went to introduce myself to her. She introduced me to the girls, and I said I had met Grace in Pittsburgh (Grace smiled and said she thought I looked familiar). I told Christina what a treat it was to have been able to hear them both perform together. I asked if they had any other upcoming projects, but there were none she could call to mind. I said that I hoped they'd be back at this event, as it was wonderful. She was so pleasant and gracious. I chatted a few moments, and then she and the girls moved on (Grace said they had to be up at 6 AM to leave...ugh) Matt came back over and I talked to him for another moment and collected one last hug as I wished him safe travels and he returned the sentiment.
I should have a little bit more to share, when I have time to get it together, but here's something for now:
Matt, post performance (never let 'em see you sweat...)
The Ashford family - Matt, Grace, Christina and Emma
