******* UPDATE: Now with set list!*************

I became a fan of the Canadian musical comedy troupe the Arrogant Worms back in April, when my dear friend Lisa, aka, lemonee_wonder, introduced me to this wonderful video:





At once, I was in love the song. Upon watching it several times more, I also fell in love with the main singer, Trevor Strong (red bowtie), despite my oath of swearing off guys, for reals this time. No, for really. I mean it. Meant it. Whatever.

For months I pored over that video, my only connection to this amazing band, and, of course, Trevor. I scoured their website for tour dates, but none were forthcoming. I grew more and more disheartened that I would ever see them live. I grew to accept that I would only ever admire Trevor from afar.

Until one Saturday morning, whilst drinking my Tim Horton's steeped tea, I happened to peruse the stage schedule for Burlington's annual Sound of Music Festival. Now, I knew about this Festival. I even danced there a few years ago, as part of a showcase put on by my old school, the Shamrock Academy of Irish Dance. But I had never before considered attending.

However, as I sipped and read, something caught my eye.

The Arrogant Worms. They were doing a show.

A FREE show.

Well, I am not ashamed to say that I may have wet myself a little in my excitment. Only I didn't, because that would be gross. I immediately informed my mother that I WOULD be going to this show, regardless of it being Father's Day or not. She agreed, and plans were made. I emailed Lisa, but she was unfortunately not able to come. That put a slight damper on things.

That's when I had the idea:

I would FILM the concert. I knew we bought that camcorder last year for a reason!

The plans laid down, there was nothing to left to do but wait. Wait, and pray. So many things could go wrong! What if they cancelled? What if Trevor was stricken down with laryngitis and could not appear? What if it rained? What if I did not get a good seat?

The morning of the 15th dawned, and I needn't have worried: beautiful day. Needless to say, I was a ball of nervous energy all day. I went to church in the morning, and you can bet my only prayer was "Please God, please let me get a good seat!" Sacreligious, I know.

We went to the mall afterward. I needed a new tape for the camcorder, and I wanted to buy an iTunes card. Immediately, I downloaded the album "Semi-Conducted" which is a recording of a show they did with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra. I HIGHLY reccomend it. Big Fat Road Manager, Last Saskatchewan Pirate and Celine Dion are some of my favourites from that CD, but really, the whole thing is good.

I went downtown around 2:30 pm; the Worms were scheduled for 3:15. I quickly found the stage, and really needn't have worried. The seating was arranged in tables and chairs, and because I was by myself, I was able to get a decent seat not too far back from the stage.

The musician performing was Mike Ford. I had never heard of him, and while he was all right, he wasn't Trevor. However, he soon finished up, and it was time. There was about a 10-15 minute gap between acts, during which people got up and left. I spied a single chair at a table that was MUCH closer to the stage. You can bet I was in there so fast!

I quickly set up my video camera and got a few still pictures of the stage. Then I saw a guy in black walking beside the stage. It was Chris!! I tried to take a picture but he moved too fast. However, I soon got my chance, because he came up on the stage to start setting up! THEN I got a picture!




So I figured, where there was one Worm, there had to be another. I kept watching the stage, and then I saw him.

I saw Trevor.

My heart stopped, and the world fell away.

Then it came back, because he moved off backstage and out of my line of sight. I was grinning like a fool.

Then Trevor came onstage. I had to snap a pic.




And another




And ANOTHER!




Now, because I was filming, I did not take many pictures during the actual show. In retrospect, I should have brought my digital camera and used that to take pictures while filming. It would have more convenient, and the colour is better. However, I didn't, for two reasons:

1) I did not want the hassle of carrying two cameras around, and
2) The video camera has a better zoom function. I can get closer pictures without sacrificing clarity.

However, I did manage to get one picture.



I can't recount everything they said during the show, but it was HILARIOUS. I don't think I even stopped laughing once. They were MERCILESS, mocking everything from Jim Cuddy (playing on another stage) to Hamilton and the polluted bay. (Mike McCormick is from Hamilton.) I was excited to hear Rocks and Trees, however, because they used to play that during warm-up at my last dance school, and it was my first exposure to the Worms, even if I didn't know who they were at the time. They, alas, did NOT sing Last Saskatchewan Pirate, but they said they might during the second set, which I was not able to stay for.

So the set list for the first set was as follows:
1) We are the Beaver
2) Twins
3) Rocks and Trees
4) The Coffee Song
5) Rippy the Gator
6) Big Box Store
7) Mime Abduction
8) Pressure Washer
9) If I was Prime Minister

I was mildly annoyed to see that two girls in the front row had made signs more or less reading "We Love Trevor." I had toyed with the idea of making a sign that also said "I Love You Trevor," but ultimately decided not to. Now I wish I had. Whatever. There's always next time.

The show ended far too soon. I tried in vain to switch my camera to still mode to get a picture before they left the stage, but I was not fast enough. I contented myself with the knowledge that I had gotten some great photos before the show, and hey, the ENTIRE show on video! I knew I had to call for a pickup, but I wanted to buy a CD. I quickly changed my mind when I saw they had DVDs of the show they did with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra! Yes! The DVD companion to the CD I had downloaded from iTunes just that morning!

I looked around, just a little, to see if I could catch one more glimpse of my beloved Trevor backstage...maybe sneak a picture using my super-zoom. I saw Chris come out from backstage, and kind of headed over in the direction he had come from, clutching my freshly-bought DVD.

That was when I saw him.

Trevor.

Standing at the little gate that separated backstage from the audience area.

Talking to a fan. Signing an autograph.

I nearly ran over, but I didn't, because I would have looked like a dork. The Ticat mascot/announcer/offical douchebag, Pigskin Pete, was standing nearby, and just incase he was running security, and would try to stop me, I decided to ask him first. I held out my DVD and asked if there was any way I could get it autographed. He pointed to Trevor and told me I'd have to ask him. Thank you, that was just the invitation I needed. I was shaking like mad (what if he rejected me?!) I screwed up whatever courage I didn't know I had, and walked up to him. He looked at me (I almost died!) and I asked him if he would sign my DVD, fully expecting he would say no. Instead, he grinned and said "Yeah, sure!" I'm pretty sure I had THE dorkiest grin on my face, but whatever! I asked if I could take a picture, and he agreed again, and smiled for me. (For me!)





I thanked him profusely, and quickly made my exit, as a number of people were starting to wander over. I KNEW I had to leave then, as it was getting quite late. I would have loved to stay for the second set, but hey, it was Father's Day, and I had to go celebrate it :)

I met Trevor. I met him. I met him, and I did not make a fool of myself. I did not trip, fall, babble, giggle inappropriately, drool, throw up, cry, or pee myself. He knows who I am.

It was our first meeting. It will not be our last.*






(*Disclaimer: I am not a stalker and I know Trevor is married and has kids. Can I get a loud, resounding DAMMIT!! However, Trevor, if you are reading this and you ever need a traditional Irish Dancer with 9 years training, and tons of performance experience, then call me! :D)