2013 - Linda Ronstadt Appearances

Thread Summary

Posted by MJHSep 27, 2013 at 10:59am
Huge turnout last night at the Nourse Theatre for hometown Linda. Really good interview with musical clips of songs weaved throughout the interview. She did not sign books in person, there was a table with pre-signed books for sale which sold out. Also a paperback version in Spanish was available. Q&A from the audience was pretty standard, Linda mentioned that she did not enjoy her interview with Terry Gross on NPR and was "pissed" about it (her word). Gross apparently mentioned some weird thing about Janis Joplin getting so worked up on stage that she would have an orgasm and Linda was offended by this statement. Terry Gross can be a little aggressive in her interview technique. Overall a very nice evening with Linda.

Posted by JasonKloseSep 27, 2013 at 11:55am
I'm not sure where to start. This was an experience that was all new to me. This was my first time in San Francisco. What am I saying? This was my first time anywhere west of Ohio! I took a road trip from Pennsylvania to California to visit relatives, see the sights, check out some job opportunities......but the highlight of this trip was seeing and meeting the lovely Linda!

I must say I was overwhelmed being in the big city. I didn't realize how long it would take to get to the theater. I had to drive from my hotel out in Vacaville (about 30 minutes away) to the nearest train station. I then took the train into the city but got lost when I finally got there. I did eventually find the Nourse Theatre but got there late. Linda was already 15 minutes into the conversation. Unfortunately because I arrived there late, I had to sit right inside the door in the back row.......so as not to disturb Linda and the conversation. I had a seat in the sixth row. I would've had a good view. That was disappointing.

But when I finally sat down, I realized I was seeing Linda Ronstadt in person.....in the same building, just yards away. Wow! I didn't have the best view, but it was great just being there. It was a very good interview. Linda was as funny as ever, witty, insightful and oh so smart. The music clips that were played throughout the show were a nice touch.........did not expect that. I wondered what Linda was thinking while she heard her voice and music being played throughout the theater......being that she never liked her own singing voice (way too modest Linda). But that's one of the reasons I love this woman so much.

I knew that Linda would not be signing last night, as Mike (MJH) had told me on my way there. But when I got to the theater, a lady there told me that she might be signing.......depending on how she felt. But it wasn't to be. Before the question and answer session, the interviewer mentioned that signed copies of the memoir would be available for purchase in the lobby afterwards. So I thought to myself, "maybe this will work to my advantage since I'm sitting here in the back." I thought I could get in line more quickly. But everyone just rushed out the doors, and the line wasn't really a line at all. I was standing there waiting to get my book when I heard a guy say that the signed copies were sold out. Well that was just great! I had two copies that I brought along with me to be signed (one for me and one for my mom). So it wouldn't have done me any good. I did buy a paperback copy of the Spanish version. I thought maybe it would make a nice collector's item........maybe even help me to learn Spanish. Who knows?

The one positive thing that came from last night was the fact that I did indeed make a connection with Linda......even if it wasn't face-to-face. I had bought Linda a gift......an angel figurine with the words "Bringing a triumphant spirit, inspiration and courage." I bought it at a restaurant and gift shop where I used to work back home in PA. I wanted Linda to know how special she truly is and how much she means to me. I was fortunate enough to talk to a lady with the theater staff and asked her if Linda's assistant, Janet, was available. I gave her my business card and she went through a back door to check. She then came back and told me that Janet would call me. I then gave her the gift I had for Linda. I told her how much Linda meant to me, and because she had already given me so much........I wanted to give her something in return. She accepted it and said she would make sure Linda gets it. I appreciated it so much and thanked her.

So I guess I should feel good that I was able to get the gift to Linda and that I did sort of make a connection with her. But I'm not ruling out the possibility of still meeting her one day. I still believe it is going to happen. The dream has not yet been accomplished, but it will in time. I truly believe that with all of my heart.

Posted by musicaamatorSep 28, 2013 at 6:10am
Oh man, too bad about getting lost and being late to the event. I'd be in a very bummer state particularly if I had the 6th row ticket that you did. But I admire your positive outtake on it all, and reveling in the fact that, at least, you were in the same building as Ms. Ronstadt!

Empathize too on you not getting a signed book personally or or getting a pre-signed one either. Seems like this book tour you'd be very lucky if you even get to Ms. Ronstadt at all, if not getting an autograph as well. But just seeing her, hearing her is all that anyone could ask for, especially now!

Cool thing that you were able to hand Janet the gift you got for Linda. I'm very sure she got it and is probably most appreciative of the gesture.

Thanks for sharing the experience. Truly wonderful, wasn't it? Even I still can't believe I saw the Lovely Linda in person, which I thought wouldn't be possible at all. She just continues to knock me out!

Posted by charlottexOct 6, 2013 at 7:56am
This conversation is being broadcast on KQED public radio begining today (Sunday Oct. 6th). Check their on-line schedule under City Arts. Having trouble posting link. Thanx