Tommy Emmanuel concert...

If you are a guitar player, you probably know who Tommy Emmanuel is; his musical wizardry on the guitar is beyond compare.  If you aren't a guitar player, you will still be amazed at his playing, how he makes what he does look easy.

The concert was at the Tobin Center in downtown San Antonio...

A beautiful, multi-purpose facility - there were other events going on there at the same time.

Not sure about the city traffic, we allowed ourselves plenty of time to get there and park.  There was a short wait at the door, where we were second in line.  We had VIP seating, which included a meet & greet and guaranteed seating in the first two rows (no assigned seating).  We were given our meet & greet passes and allowed in early to pick our seats...

Yes, front row center.  Nice acoustics in an intimate performance setting; guessing this theater held around 250.

Exactly on time, Tommy came in for the meet and greet.  In an orderly fashion, he signed autographs and posed for photos...

While waiting for the show to start, we visited with the couple next to us - both guitar players, she also teaches guitar.  She reminded me a bit of Cheri Oteri (from the cheerleader bit with Will Farrell on Saturday Night Live)... no, she did not break into a cheerleading routine.

Right on time, Tommy came out and started the show...

Mostly a guy and a guitar, he did sing on a few songs.  I have never seen another player like this - his fingers are all over the neck, often sounding like 3 guitarists at once!  He knows how to work the crowd, moving from a kick-ass guitar boogie to a soft rendition of the Beatles' Michelle that sounded like a symphony with a harp.

He played for about an hour and 20 minutes, then took a 20 minute intermission.  The first half of the show was Tommy solo.  The second half of the show was Tommy with 2 other guitar players and a female singer, doing mostly Christmas music...

The moved through solos, duos, trio, and all four, with each player being featured.  Again, all nicely arranged.  Having front row seats and no stage, it felt intimate, like being entertained with friends in the living room... OK, on a really grand scale.

As each person was featured, the others gave him the stage.  Tommy played originals and some Christmas classics, all done with an amazing guitar flair.  There was a "back and forth" with Tommy on the guitar and Mike on harmonica that blew us away...

The second half was about an hour and a half, with a standing ovation (several throughout the evening).

This was the main reason for our trip to San Antonio, and definitely the highlight.  As we walked back to the car, Joan said, "That is one of the best concerts I've seen, and how nice to be leaving without my ears ringing."

Oh, yeah.

:-)