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REVIEW
Hanging
out with Hayley
Ever since I attended Hayley's concert at Joe's Pub, I have
been looking forward to seeing her again. Unfortunately however,
my Mom & Dad although very sold on Hayley, were not at all
sold at the location of the event, where I might add during
the New York Music Festival we were supposed to sing at, but
my parents had refused to let us sing there.
I understood the environment was not the best thing for a girl
of my age, and so I was eagerly hoping to find something else
I could attend. Steven told me about the Bryant’s Park, event
and I immediately decided I had to be there.
I was eagerly looking forward to seeing Alena, Stevo, Steven
& of course Hayley again. Some things came up, and I very
nearly did not go to the park...
We left home at 5:08, and practically flew into the city. As
we were walking towards the park a young woman, giving out CD's
handed one to me. I was surprised to see Hayley's 2-track, "Pure,"
disc. (Which on the I-Squad, where 5000 points! lol) I got a
copy and a program, and then we found our way through the crowds
of people to the front.
The first thing I did was set up my video camera and then, when
I was finished, I looked in front and saw, Stevo! I was just
about to go over and say hi, when my dad said, "Aren't
those the people from last time?" I looked and right across
from Stevo was Alena and her husband Josh! I was quite surprised
we had found each other so quickly!
We exchanged pleasantries, and then Stevo and Alena saw our
CD and immediately asked where we'd got it. In a few minutes
Alena, Stevo and my Dad went back. When they returned Alena
had three copies, Stevo had 1 or 2, and my Dad had another one
for me.
We talked about the possibilities of meeting Hayley, but Alena
said they were very slim, probably we'd never see her. However,
I was not willing to give up. I kept asking if we could try
behind the stage, where the artists seemed to be coming from.
Alena said we should try either way.
A few minutes before the concert began, Steven showed up. Alena
and everyone pretty much talked through the first few songs.
I saw a young woman in a blue outfit and thought it could be
Hayley. I pointed it out to Alena, and she suggested we go and
see how close we could get. And there were no barriers; we got
to Hayley with no problem.
We stared at her for a second, and I snapped a picture. Then
Hayley saw us and came over. "Hi!" she said. "I'm
Alena and this is Natasha," Alena began. "Oh yes,
I remember you too." she said with a smile.
We chatted with Hayley, although Alena did most of the chatting.
I managed to ask her a couple questions, first of I told her
how lovely she looked. I felt sorry for her; she was tired but
just as bubbly and friendly as ever.
I asked her if she liked my CD and she said, "Yes, you
too have gorgeous voice!" Needless to say, I was quite
flattered. I mean yes, I know, Hayley would never tell me that
I had a horrible voice, even if I were the worst singer in the
world, but just because she said, it made it very special for
me.
Next, I asked her a question I had had for a long time, which
was if she would like to sing with Josh Groban, and she said
she would love to. That, so far, she had only seen him on TV
and on pictures but she'd love to meet him and sing with him.
Alena mentioned how she had met Josh, and they chatted about
it.
I then asked about Isaac & Sophie, and Hayley said they
were fine and that they were currently in NZ. I then asked her
if it was true that Sophie was going to record an album and
Hayley said that she was recording more of a demo, like my sister
and I did.
Then these people started waving and Hayley recognized them
as some friends from Universal Music, so she asked to be excused
and went to see them. Afterwards she came back and a woman walked
up off the street and, without even a hello, asked Hayley directions
to a restaurant or something. I was a little surprised. Obviously,
the woman had no idea that Hayley was a celebrity. But Hayley
didn’t seem to mind, she told the woman she didn't know but
she'd get directions...and she did. Which shows just how down
to earth Hayley is.
I then poked Alena and I asked Hayley if she could sign some
things for us after she sang and she said sure. Hayley said,
"Are you going to yell my name when I get out there?"
in a joking tone. Alena said, "You wouldn't mind?"
"No, no." said Hayley. Then we went back to the others.
During the intermission we all took pictures and talked about
what Hayley had told us. We joked that now I could say, Hayley
Westenra said I had a glorious voice, and generally just joked
around.
Then the conductor came on stage, and talked for a few minutes
about NZ and how privileged he'd be to work with orchestras
there. He spoke of the unique sound of the choirs there, and
said that he felt Hayley captured the whole feel and sound of
NZ.
Hayley came on and Alena jumped up and Stevo, Alena, Steven,
& I all yelled "Hayley." Hayley began with her
signature, "Pokarekare Ana," which was followed by
a magical, "In Trutina," and in closing a touching
rendition of, "Amazing Grace." Hayley bowed twice
and left the stage to the loud applause of the audience. (Our
group and quite a few others gave Hayley a standing ovation)
Then it was time to go backstage. We saw Hayley and she was
just as calm and sweet as ever. I got her to sign a big picture
of the last time we were with her for me, and two other small
copies for my friends. I grew a bit bold by her confidence and
said, "You know if you ever need anyone to sing with you..."
She looked up and said, "Yeah sure, you've got a gorgeous
voice." I thanked her again, and then gave her a collage
I had made of her in my computer classes.
Finally, I posed for a picture with her. This time I wasn't
too shy to give her a hug & kiss, then Stevo said, "You
know you two have something in common...you're both vegetarians!"
Hayley said, "Wow, really!" and gave me a big hug.
I then said good-bye to everyone and went home.
I left more impressed with Hayley than ever, that despite her
tiredness she pulled off an amazing performance, and was overly
nice to her fans. How long she stayed after I left, I don't
know, but knowing Hayley she stayed till the last request for
an autograph and picture were taken.
Hayley not only has the voice of an angel, but the heart of
one too. She treated me like a friend, and I'll always remember
it. Hayley is a professional in every sense of the word. It
was truly amazing, hanging out with Hayley....
To Hayley (If you're reading this): Keep up the good work girl!
You’re simply amazing! Don't change a bit!
Love,
Natasha M. Poholka
Yahoo! Groups Links
To
visit the HWI group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hayleywestenragroup/
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